“I’ve wanted this since your first day if not the interview. I hired you for your experience, Soledad. I knew that you’d be good for the team and you are. This is separate.” I kissed her again as she slipped her arms around my waist and pressed closer to me. I could feel how swollen her lips were as she leaned back against the wall, sucking in her breath. “Are you going to move in?” I watched as she stared at me. “It’s a legit offer, Soledad. I’ve sent a lot of people here to rent from her. Carly is doing just fine.” She was another trust fund baby and could charge nothing for these units and be fine. I told her to be generous with all the extra money I’d made for her over the years.
“I really like it,” she looked around at the furniture slowly as she stepped away from me. “Is it staged?”
“Some units come furnished and this is one of them. It’s easier for people that are new to town,” I told her as she took in the comfortable bed. “You can decorate to your tastes around all of this. I’d imagine that Lindsay might want a pink room or something along those lines?”
“Purple,” She replied as she walked over to the window and looked out. “I love it. I think I’ll take it. Lindsay… she deserves it. Thank you, Alex.”
“It wasn’t a problem.” I promised her, walking forward, and wrapping my arms around her waist. “Let’s go set up a date for you to move in.” I took her by the hand and locked the door before leading her downstairs and back to the office. Carly took in our joined hands and I was pretty sure she scowled at Soledad’s swollen lips.
She paid the deposit and arranged to move in the next weekend. Carly gave her all the required paperwork and we left with Soledad grinning about her move. “I can’t wait to tell Rosie and Lindsay!”
“Rosie?” I asked as she giggled and slipped into my car.
“She lives near us now and cares for Lindsay when I am at work and well… now. I asked her to move with us, so it would be easier for everyone.” Soledad explained as I leaned in to kiss her.
“You’re a good woman,” I whispered as she smiled.
“She’s all I have here. We came alone.” That thought made me sad and I wondered why she didn’t have family here. I walked to the driver’s side and asked where she lived now, driving her to the run-down hotel before I stopped in front of her door.
“Soledad,” I said as I looked around. It wasn’t the worst place in town nor was it somewhere I wanted her staying along with a little girl.
“I know. I didn’t have a lot of money when I moved here, and it worked for the time being.” She said as she turned to face me. “I’m getting a new place thanks to you, Alex. I can’t thank you enough.” We kissed like teenagers for a while before she pulled away and fixed her face.
“Can I pick you up for work on Monday?” I asked her as she opened the door to the car.
“Sure,” she agreed as I watched her walk up to a door, tapping on it gently. It was already close to nine and I played back the few hours we’d spent together. I was falling for her sweet nature and her determination to take care of her daughter. I watched as she waved before closing it, taking another look around the lot before backing out.
I was glad that she’d be out of here soon. It would be worth the shit that Carly was sure to give me and possibly Brent. It would out me to him, but he knew I felt something for Soledad. I hadn’t told him in any detail but growled every time he mentioned her in a way that made me want to punch him. I was showing my possessiveness and I knew that Brent was waiting to call me out on it.
So be it.
I drove home and walked into my loft, looking around the generous space. It had a large, open living room and chef kitchen with three large bedrooms. It was more than I needed now, but it was a great deal when I bought it. I figured I’d grow into it or sell later. I imagined a faceless girl in my mind before blinking. I was losing my fucking mind over a goddamn kiss. I hadn’t even slept with her and I might not. I dropped my keys on the counter and grabbed a beer from the fridge, settling down on the couch to stare at whatever scores were playing on the TV. I thought ahead to her move and how happy Soledad was about the apartment. I’d never let her know that I pulled more strings than she knew about. I’d pressured Carly about giving her this deal after overcharging a lot of new employees of mine. Soledad made close to what some of the others did but she was a single parent. She deserved to get ahead and feel safe all at once. She deserved to feel like she was giving a good life to her daughter.
I passed out on the couch, waking up to my phone chiming beside me. I blinked and rubbed my eyes before reaching for it, seeing Brent’s name on the screen. “What’s up?” I asked groggily as he laughed on the other end.
“Still sleeping at nine. Who are you?” Brent demanded as I rolled my eyes.
“I fell asleep on the couch. I don’t think it was the best sleep.” I murmured as I closed my eyes.
“Want to meet me at the gym and get a long workout in? Play some ball?” Brent asked as I sighed slowly. There was a big part of me that wanted to stay here like a sloth on my couch. I wasn’t feeling all that motivated yet. I knew that it would be better to go.
“Can we make it an hour? I need to wake up.” I told him, hearing my best friend agree and then end the call. I rose and went to the bathroom for a shower. It was quick, and I ran a hand through my damp hair before pulling on work out shorts and a muscle tank to wear to the gym. When I went there, fitness was my focus and I wanted to be ready for it. I would put in a few hours and work some of this confusion in my head. I poured some coffee, sipping it on the drive as I forced myself to concentrate on the present.
Brent was just inside as I checked in. He held his gym bag and grinned at me as I approached him. “Hey, sleeping beauty.” I glared at him. “Were you out late last night?”
“No, not at all. I guess I was just tired,” I replied, wondering if he knew what happened at the complex.
“Britt called me late last night. Carly is salty about you showing up to her building with another woman. What gives, Alex?” I rolled my eyes as I headed into the cardio room for a long run on the treadmill.
“I got Soledad a deal on a place there. She’s living in a hotel right now,” I explained as Brent took the machine beside me. “I’ve sent a lot of employees there.”
“Carly has never been this bent out of shape. Are you getting with her?” Brent asked as I considered my answer.
“I haven’t been with Carly in months. I don’t see why she even gives a shit.” I told him as we started on a brisk run. I loved these times at the gym when I could work out everything from the week. I worked out enough to stay in good shape and I stared forward as I felt motivation filling me.
“Maybe she sees something you don’t. Is something happening with you two?” Brent asked as I took a slow breath.
“I think it is. I don’t know what yet, but I like her.” I replied as I slowly turned to meet his eyes.