Chapter 1 #3
As we pull up to her building, I can’t help but stare.
The place towers above us, grand and imposing, like something straight out of an architectural magazine.
I half-expect it to adjust its tie and wink.
There’s even a doorman standing at the entrance, adding an extra layer of sophistication.
Inside, the lobby is sleek and stylish, with modern art on the walls, elegant furniture, everything polished to perfection.
The whole vibe feels effortlessly chic yet inviting.
“This is one of his buildings, by the way,” Abby says casually as we wait for the elevator. I fight the urge to open my mouth in shock once more, especially with how normal she made it seem.
“Stop, are you serious? That’s impressive!” I say as I glance around the lobby with fresh admiration.
We step into the elevator, and she inserts a key card before pressing a button.
Anticipation buzzes through me as we ascend to the forty-fourth floor.
When the elevator doors slide open, revealing a breathtaking penthouse, I’m speechless, completely taken aback by the sheer opulence surrounding us.
The view, the space, everything about it is stunning.
This is the kind of place where only the richest of the rich live, I’m sure of it.
“Holy shit,” I whisper. It feels like stepping into a dream.
The living room is enormous, but the centerpiece that draws my eye is the grand piano positioned near the floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer a stunning, panoramic view of the city.
The natural light pours in, illuminating the luxurious sofas and designer chairs arranged around a sleek, modern fireplace.
An elegant spiral staircase winds up to the second floor.
The room is a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, complete with a stylish entertainment center and unique art pieces.
Abigail grins, clearly satisfied with my reaction. “Pretty amazing, right? Come on, let me give you the tour,” she says, taking my hand and leading me through the lavish residence.
Each room she shows me only heightens my amazement.
The bedrooms are like sanctuaries, impeccably designed and exuding comfort.
The bathrooms are beyond extravagant, marble everywhere, state-of-the-art fixtures, the works.
And the kitchen is a chef’s paradise, with every top-of-the-line appliance you can imagine.
I feel like I shouldn’t even touch anything.
“This is insane, Abby,” I say, my voice filled with genuine awe. “I can’t believe you live in a place like this.”
Abigail smiles, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, baby. I’m grateful every day. And I’m so glad you’re here to share this with me. I knew you’d like it, too.”
We hear a noise coming from the family room, and Abigail’s excitement lights up the air.
“That must be Calvin. Come meet him,” she requests, clasping my hand tightly.
I don’t seem to have a say in what we do, but before we can take more than two steps, she stops abruptly, her grip tightening around mine.
“Oh, and one more thing,” she says, her voice suddenly serious. “Behave. He’s a little more… well, serious than the two of us.” I narrow my eyes at her. I can’t imagine Abby ever dating someone so serious, but apparently it’s happening.
“Oookay,” I reply, my tone light as she resumes pulling me toward the source of her anticipation. We only manage to take a few more steps before her fiancé himself appears in front of us.
“Darling, I thought you had already left for work. Hi,” Abigail greets, embracing Calvin and kissing his cheek.
“I wanted to meet your sister.” His voice resonates with a deep timbre, sending an unexpected thrill through me. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. My eyes widen in surprise.
When Abigail said he was a CEO, I imagined a bald, middle-aged man with an unremarkable figure.
How wrong I was. The man standing before me defies all expectations.
He is, quite simply, perfection. Towering over me with an almost intimidating height, his muscular frame is complemented by velvety, dark brown skin that practically glows in the light.
His thick, full beard looks impossibly soft, and the intensity of his captivating brown eyes leaves me momentarily stunned.
He has pierced ears and waves that look freshly cut. Every detail of him seems designed for maximum impact, from the tailored suit that hugs his physique to the commanding presence he exudes. I find myself drifting into a daze, completely captivated, until his voice snaps me back to reality.
“Nice to finally meet you, Blair,” he says, and the rich, masculine tone of his voice almost makes my knees buckle.
What’s going on with me? Never in my life has someone had an effect like this on me.
I desperately try to fight it and tell myself that it’s just the fact that I’m so caught off guard by him.
He extends his hand, and instinctively, I reach out to shake it.
But instead of a simple handshake, he tugs me gently forward, pulling me into a warm embrace.
The first breath of his cologne makes me involuntarily close my eyes for a brief second…
My God, he smells incredible, a blend of warm leather, something earthy, and subtle notes of cedarwood, all combining into something rich and sensuous.
Once he releases me, his eyes lock on me once more. “Make yourself at home. If you need anything, just ask, alright?” His kindness is clear, but I can barely muster a response, still overwhelmed by his presence. Abby nudges me, snapping me out of my daze.
“Thank… you,” I stammer.
He flashes a smile. He has the whitest teeth I’ve ever seen. “Alright, I’ll leave you ladies to it,” he says, grabbing his briefcase and heading toward the elevator. All I can think is one thing:
Fuck, I’m in trouble.
1 No, please, wait!
2 Thank you so much.