Page 47 of Open for Negotiation
He steps forward and into my home, but not before pausing at my side and dropping down to place a soft kiss to the top of my head, and I swear, if it were physically possible, I would have melted into a puddle at his feet.
Once inside, with the door closed behind us, he stands in my living room, taking a look around.
“It smells really good in here,” he says. He takes a look at the gallery wall of photos that lines the long hallway that leads to my living room area.
“It’s a candle. Teakwood and mahogany.”
“It reminds me of a cologne I wear sometimes,” he continues.
“I bought it because the smell relaxes me, makes me feel calm and at ease. I really like it.”
“Is that the only reason you bought it?” He smirks.
“Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Duke.” I roll my eyes. “Would you like the grand tour?”
“Absolutely.” He offers his hand to me and I slide my fingers into his, yelping in surprise when he yanks me into his arms and into a kiss. He takes his time, exploring my mouth before pulling away to finish his sentence. “I’d love a tour.” He finishes with a kiss to the tip of my nose.
I could float away on a cloud of Maxwell Duke induced butterflies when he does things like that.
“Be prepared to have your socks knocked off by the expansiveness and scope of this apartment,” I joke.
I pull him back a few feet so we are standing right at the front door, looking down my long entry hallway.
I clear my throat, giving my best professional tour guide impression.
“As you can see,” I motion down to the floors, “we have undoubtedly fake, laminate wood flooring that does give the dark, homey feel of real hardwood floors for one third of the cost.”
“Stunning,” he adds with a laugh.
“If you look to your left, you’ll see my very quaint, shockingly spacious bathroom, complete with a steamer shower, which I appreciate, but no bathtub, which I do not appreciate, however, I’m in love with my sink and the mock black-and-white marble countertops.”
He peeks his head inside and nods. “Those are very nice.”
“And to your right, you’ll see large, double wooden doors painted a blueish gray color and behind those are various coats, jackets, boots, and things I generally don’t have a place for.”
He gives my hand a squeeze then brings it to his lips, kissing my knuckles. The move is so natural, like he wasn’t even thinking about it. He just wanted to have his lips on me somehow. He’s going to be the death of me.
I clear my throat and continue the tour, showing him the long hallway that leads to the open area kitchen, dining room, living room, but not before we pass my bedroom on the left.
“This is my bedroom. It’s small, but it gets the job done.”
This is my favorite room in the house. I took the most time and care decorating it and making it exactly the way that I wanted. With three white walls and one sea blue accent wall, that of course is the one behind my bed, it creates a wide, fresh vibe to the room and the floor-to-ceiling mirror to the right side of my bed makes it look even bigger. The bright orange comforter and matching oak headboard, dresser, and nightstand just bring it all together.
“Perhaps I can get a much more up close and personal tour of that room later,” he whispers into my ear then kisses just below my lobe.
“If you’re a good boy,” I add with a scrunch of my nose before pulling him back out into the hallway.
“I’m always a good boy,” he says, and we both know that’s just not true.
“Yeah, right.” I shake my head and lead him to the living area. “As you can see, this is where I spend a majority of my time. The open concept makes that very easy.” I wave my hand from left to right. “Kitchen, with black appliances and matching marble countertops, dining area with a small table for two, living room with my very cushy blue sofa and orange accent pillows, and finally, my TV.”
“Damn, that view is nice.” He steps forward and looks out the large, glass sliding doors that lead to my balcony. “You can see the city perfectly.”
“It was one of the reasons I signed the lease here. I loved it. It allows so much light in and it’s east facing, so I don’t get the sun shining in obnoxiously as it sets.” I lean against the counter in my kitchen, watching him take a look at my photos and pieces of art on the walls.
“You decorated the entire place yourself?”
“Mmm hmm. It was the first place I’ve ever had that I could actually do that. I’ll have to make a lot of changes when I decide to move so I get my deposit back, but I’m willing to do that.”
