They spent the bulk of dinner schooling us in good manners even though we were as polite as possible.
“I’m cooking dinner for a few people in my building,” I tell him. “You’re welcome to join us.”
He shrugs that off with a shake of his head. “I’m hitting the gym.”
“That’s going to take all night?”
He flexes his bicep under the sleeve of his suit jacket. “If you wanted to look like this, you’d know it takes commitment, Saint.”
“Go to hell.” I laugh as I turn to exit his office.
“Only if you lead the way,” he calls after me as I shut the door on my way out.
Chapter Twenty-One
Callie
My mom taught me to never show up to dinner at someone’s house without a gift in hand.
That’s why I’m carrying a potted cactus.
I had no idea what to bring to Sean’s apartment for dinner.
The man is rich, so it’s not as though he needs anything. I know that he pinned dessert duties on Mr. Durkman, so something as innocuous as a plant seemed fitting.
Sean doesn’t strike me as the type of person who has a green thumb, so I suspect the cactus will thrive in his presence. I’ve caught sight of a two-person cleaning crew exiting my neighbor’s apartment early every second Saturday, so I’m hopeful they’ll mind the cactus when they’re there.
I take one last look at my outfit. I opted for a yellow sundress and low-heeled sandals. I wanted to look casual yet respectful, given that most of the dinner guests were born more than eighty years ago.
I knock on Sean’s door.
I’m five minutes late. I felt that was acceptable since I didn’t want to be the first to arrive.
The door swing opens, bringing with it the scent of something mouth-watering, along with the image of something just as appetizing.
Sean has lost the suit jacket he was wearing earlier. The sleeves of his light blue dress shirt are pushed up to his elbows, and his tie is nowhere in sight.
The two undone buttons at the top of his shirt show the smooth skin that hides beneath the fabric.
“Champ,” he greets me with the nickname I’m growing fond of. “Welcome.”
I smile. “Thank you. I brought you something.”
His gaze drops to my hands and the gray clay pot that contains the small cactus. “How did you know?”
“Know what?” I ask as I shove it at him.
He takes it in his hands. “That I love these things.”
“Cactuses?” The word comes out muffled in a slight chuckle.
He steps aside and motions for me to enter his apartment.
The last time I was at his door, I caught a glimpse of the expansive space over his shoulder, but this is incredible.
The living area alone has to be twice the size of Grady’s entire apartment. The view of the city beyond the wall of windows is spectacular, as are the furnishings. I would have expected dark, intense tones from a man like him, but everything is crisp, white, and polished.
The warmth of vibrant potted plants everywhere sets it all off perfectly.
I lose count when I reach twelve. He must have at least double that just in this room alone.
“You have a green thumb?”
The question sends his gaze to mine. “Damn right I do. I’ll add your contribution to that table by the window.”
He sets off in his dress shoes, tapping a soft beat of his footsteps against the floor.
I glance to the left and then the right expecting to see the rest of his dinner party guests, but I come up empty.
When I look back at Sean, he’s smiling at me. “The rest of our crew is on the way. When you’ve lived as long as they have, you shouldn’t be in a rush to get anywhere.”
Nerves spark somewhere inside of me. I try to brush the feeling away by silently convincing myself that this is just a dinner party between neighbors. This isn’t the start of a date.
Sean walks toward me with his hands sunk in the front pockets of his pants. “In my excitement over the cactus, did I neglect to mention how goddamn beautiful you look tonight?”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “You smell great.”
Both of his brows pop. “Thanks, Champ. It’s the new Matiz cologne. It costs a fucking fortune, but it was worth every penny if you’re into it.”
A squeak of a giggle bubbles out of me. “I meant that the dinner smells great.”
He nods. “Sure you did. It’s a rack of lamb, risotto, and grilled asparagus. Durkman is bringing dessert. Don’t expect much. I’m betting on rice cereal treats.”
“I like rice cereal treats,” I admit.
He taps his forehead with the tip of his index finger. “I’m making a mental note of that.”
I glance around the living area again. “Your apartment is gorgeous.”
His eyes don’t leave my face. “It’s all right. You, on the other hand…”