“I live off of Sixty-Eighth, just around the corner. Green awning—if you are in the neighbourhood.” He stared at Bryan, praying the man would take him up on the offer.
The pair disappeared from his view, and he walked out of the garage and around the building to his place. Martin was at the door and let him in. He said nothing, just went to his private elevator and swiped his card. The ride to his floor was long and lonely, but Bryan and Nichole coming up here would have been a mistake, one he’d made way too often when it came to relationships. Quick fucks might give his body relief, but his soul craved a deeper connection.
The elevator came to a halt and Luke stepped out into his living area. He loved his apartment, his things. For the next two weeks he’d stay here and read, maybe watch some movies. The outside world could just go fuck itself until Nichole showed up at the park on Mondays. He couldn’t wait.
* * * *
Amy explained for the third time that she wasn’t going to submit to a drug test. She had rights and she knew them. The cops had taken her for a stupid bimbo, too dumb to know what was happening.
When she’d first seen the cops, her eyes had darted around the dance floor, searching for the cute girl in pink. God, she hoped the girl had got out. In the hour and a half since the raid, she’d not seen Pink, which was what she’d affectionately begun to call the girl in her mind.
The cops had let a few people go, but they were bringing in the paddy wagons to arrest a multitude. It was too bad her firm didn’t do criminal law—she’d be catching a ton of business. She’d already texted Robert, her boss, telling him what was what. He’d called and she’d answered, even with the cops shooting her dirty looks. Robert had had the gall to laugh when she’d explained the situation fully. When she’d told him how the cops had targeted her, he’d said very seriously that she needed to text him a picture, so, of course, she had. That was when his giggle fit had erupted. Five days a week she played the role of über-responsible adult, dressing in business suits, working twelve hours a day to pull down enough billable hours to get the partners to notice her efforts. Robert, a partner in the firm and her boss, had been impressed from day one, but weekend nights were her time. So what if she dolled up a bit when cutting loose? Before she’d hung up with him, she’d made him swear he wouldn’t hold this against her.
He’d made some comment about holding her and she’d reminded him that she played for the other team. All in all, it hadn’t been too bad because he’d sobered quickly, telling her that he would be deleting the picture and that the only time he’d ever mention it again would be once she made partner, which would happen sooner rather than later.
Amy had ended the phone call and had jumped up, shouting “Hell, yeah!”—which, of course, had drawn all eyes to her.
“Miss, take a seat,” the nearest cop had barked.
After twenty more minutes of haggling with the cops, she secured the release of three-quarters of the crowd and headed home. Julie had left the den a wreck, and the kitchen wasn’t much better. Dirty plates sat on the counter, nowhere near the sink, and Julie had left the milk out. Who the hell leaves the milk out? She needed to say something to the girl—anything to make the situation better.
Amy walked into her room and heard snores. She flicked on the light and gasped. Oh, hell no. Right then, as she stared at the huge guy asleep on her bed, she vowed to find a new place to live, and soon.
* * * *
By the time the cab had dropped Bryan off at his place, the sun was coming up. He’d thought he should have stayed at Luke’s. God, that man was beautiful.
Bryan had said goodbye to Nichole, but hadn’t set up a time to meet with her. She’d made it clear that she was interested in Luke before they’d even left his parking garage.
Bryan had slept most of the day away, waking a little after three. His new place was small, not at all like where he’d been living before, but he was close to some cool places. On his way down to the street to grab something to eat, he heard a dog bark and thought about Joey, then Nichole. He didn’t want to be a stalker. If he ran into her when she showed up to walk Joey, then fine. Otherwise, he wouldn’t force the issue.
On Sunday, he cleaned his apartment and prepped for work. He had the luxury of working from home. Sure, he had to travel at least once a month, but he loved the freedom of being able to wake late if he’d had a rough night or finish up early if he was tired.
His flexible schedule had come in handy more than once. Before his ex had left, he’d been able to help out with Michael, but these days he woke early and walked the streets.