Under Pressure(8)

“Holy crap…” Bella let slip as she looked around at what seemed to be anyone’s fantasy collection of cars, bikes, trucks, and other toys.

“They aren’t all mine.” He was amused by her reaction as he parked.

“Well, thank God. I thought I was going to have to kill you and drive off with that Vanquish,” she quipped, eying her dream car, hoping she wasn’t drooling.

“That Aston Martin”—Jason pointed to the sleek black car in question—“is mine.”

“I should have guessed,” she muttered, her cheeks slightly pink with embarrassment.

He found her blush endearing and quickly pulled the car into a spot and turned the car off.

She unbuckled her seat belt, and to her surprise Jason was already out of the car and coming around the side to open her door. She took a deep breath and put her small hand in his large waiting one as she allowed him to help her from the car.

Jason’s hand found its way onto her back again as he silently led her onto the elevator. Once the doors closed, he pressed his handprint on a panel to the right of the doors before pressing the top button.

Bella let out a nervous laugh and looked up at him, asking, “What in the world is that?”

“I own a security company.” He stepped up behind her, the front of his body brushing against her back as he leaned down and whispered softly in her ear, “I like my toys.”

Bella’s heart slammed into overdrive at the press of his body against her. She couldn’t decide if she should push him away or grab him close to her and hang on for dear life. Before she could decide, the doors opened on the top floor and they stepped out into a small lobby. Across from them was another set of elevators. That led to the main entrance, Jason told her as he led her to his apartment, slapped his palm onto the plate, and opened the door. Holding it open for her, Jason waited patiently as Bella took a deep breath and entered.

He led her down a hallway that opened into wide lofted space. It was an impressive room, but so empty that it made the space seem even larger. Bella was dazed at the Spartan layout.

“How long have you lived here?”

“About five years.”

He seemed puzzled at her laugh. She placed her purse on a side table as she walked to the far end of the room to the large windows overlooking the skyline of the city. She looked back and surveyed the room.

“I see you don’t like a lot of clutter.” It really was a large apartment, but the lack of items in it made it seem even larger. Some of the walls had been left with thick stone showing, but Bella thought the rough walls suited the man that lived here.

There were no items left out to grace the bleak space with any personal touches. The sitting area was substantial with a large stone fireplace that she could imagine was a pleasure to sit in front of during cold winter nights. Over the fireplace was an enormous plasma TV.

How predictably male.

There was barely any furniture, but what was there was modern and gray. Everything was just so…colorless.

She wandered over to the large open kitchen, and Bella had to hold back a cry of excitement at seeing it. Casting a quick glance at Jason, she had to fight the urge to run in and inspect the space.

It was absolutely perfect.

Deep, rich black granite countertops shot through with metallic specks contrasted with the light wood cabinetry and pale-golden marble that graced the floor. Silver chrome accents and handles matched the high-grade equipment. Bella’s fingers itched to create, to make use of this space like it was meant to be used.

Jason viewed her with veiled amusement.

“I used to…I cook. Sorry.” A blush formed on her cheeks. “I love kitchens. I can’t help myself.”

“By all means, look around.” He gestured her in. “I hardly use this room, but when it was designed, I enjoyed the efficiency.” He almost laughed at the pained expression on her face.

“Would you care for something to drink?” At her nod he bent to take a bottle of wine out of a wine refrigerator and opened it, handing her a glass. Bella all but gulped it down as an aid for her nervousness.

Bella walked over to the other side of the island in the middle of the kitchen. The extra space between them gave her room to breathe and to calm her nerves. Her head tilted to the side as she studied him and blurted out, “You know, I’m not really sure why I’m here. I mean…I’m not even sure if I really like you.”

Jason’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “Well, I hope I can change your mind about that. I’m glad you are here.” He picked up the bottle and walked over to where she stood, topping off her glass again.

“Come, there is more to see.”