Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Bella
Daisy and I had a wonderful lunch, and after we said goodbye, I decided to walk for a while instead of heading straight back to the penthouse.
It was too beautiful a fall day not to. The air had that perfect crispness.
The sun was shining, and every so often a breeze swept through, scattering fallen leaves across the sidewalk.
I was still trying to get used to the city and found my way around without constantly pulling out my phone.
The one thing I learned about New York City was that everyone moved fast. People walked like they had somewhere important to be, horns blared non-stop, and everyone except me seemed to know exactly where they were going. I didn’t. And for once, I didn’t care.
After a few blocks, I stumbled onto Park Avenue. I stopped at the corner and looked around. Everything looked polished and expensive. I started walking again and stopped when a name on the side of a tall glass building caught my attention.
MONTCLAIR DEVELOPMENT GROUP
“No way,” I said, staring up at the building.
The building was tall, sleek, and expensive-looking.
It practically screamed Simon. I’d bet Simon had rules there too.
And a lot more than ten of them. I should have kept walking.
I had absolutely no reason to go inside.
I’d just seen him at lunch. He didn’t look happy when he saw me, and would probably be even unhappier if I showed up at his work.
The thought made me smile, so I opened the large glass doors and stepped inside.
The lobby was enormous. Cream-colored stone covered the floors, with dark wood and metal throughout the space.
Everything was spotless and sophisticated.
A massive arrangement of white flowers sat on a table near the center, and several security guards stood behind a long reception desk.
I walked toward the reception desk, and one of them behind it smiled.
“Good afternoon. Can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Simon Montclair.”
“Do you have an appointment with Mr. Montclair?” he asked.
“No. I don’t.”
He stared at me, and I smiled. He just stood there and didn’t say a word. Apparently, smiling wasn’t enough to bypass billionaire-level security.
“Your name?” he asked.
“Bella Castle.”
His fingers typed on the keyboard.
“Company?”
“I don’t have one. I’m not here for business,” I said.
“I see. May I ask what this is regarding?”
“I’m a friend.” I smiled.
Were Simon and I actually friends? We’d insulted each other, argued about my life choices, and negotiated living arrangements. That had to qualify as some type of friendship, right?
The man behind the desk picked up the phone. “Have a seat, Ms. Castle. I’ll let Mr. Montclair’s office know you’re here.”
“Thank you.” I walked toward the seating area and sat on a ridiculously comfortable leather chair.
A couple of minutes had passed. Then three. Then five. I started wondering if Simon would actually tell them to send me away. My phone pinged inside my purse. Pulling it out, my brows furrowed when I saw a text message from Simon.
Why are you in my building?
How do you know I’m here?
Security just called.
Well now, that’s creepy. The man told me he was calling your office. Did you answer yourself?
Answer my question, Bella.
I was in the neighborhood.
And?
I thought I’d say hi.
You already said hi at lunch.
Why are you making this weird?
Because it is. I’m in a meeting.
My lips formed a pout. I really wanted to see where he spent his days away from his fancy penthouse.
Fine. I’ll leave.
I tossed my phone into my purse and stood up. I heard another ding.
I didn’t say leave.
You’re in a meeting, Simon.
It’ll be over in ten minutes.
I’ll wait then.
Someone will come down for you.
Wow. Very fancy.
Bella.
Simon.
A reply didn’t come, so I tossed my phone back into my purse and sat down again. As I was scrolling on my phone, I heard my name.
“Bella?”
I looked up and saw Simon’s father walking toward me with a leather portfolio tucked beneath his arm.
“Hi.” I smiled as I stood up.
“Well, this is a surprise. What are you doing here?”
“I was having lunch with Daisy and decided to walk around for a while afterward. I ended up on Park Avenue, saw your building, and thought I’d stop in and say hi to Simon.”
“You came to visit Simon at work?” His one brow arched.
“Yeah. Why not? I’m curious to see his office.” I smiled.
“Does Simon know you’re here?” he asked.
“Security called upstairs. He’s in a meeting.”
“Then why are you sitting down here?” His brows furrowed.
“They won’t let me up because I don’t have an appointment,” I said.
“Bella, you’re living in the man’s home. I think you can go up without an appointment.”
“Temporarily living in his home,” I said, gripping my purse strap.
“Right. October 31st. No exceptions,” he smirked. “Come on.”
He led me over to the reception desk.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Montclair,” the man behind the desk said.
“Good afternoon. I want you to memorize this woman’s face. Whenever she walks through those doors, she’s going straight to the elevator, no questions asked. She doesn’t need an appointment. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.” He nodded.
“Good. Now enter her name in our system with a note that she’s cleared to go up to the offices without an appointment. Come on, Bella.”
“Thank you, Mr. Montclair. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Of course I did,” he said as we stepped into the elevator. “I wasn’t going to leave you sitting in the lobby when you could wait in Simon’s office. And stop with the formalities. You can call me William.”