My sister has been good to me. I couldn’t find another room to rent for five hundred dollars a month that offers a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, laundry in the apartment, and a stellar view of Manhattan.
We’ve gotten closer since our older brother, Dominick, moved to Italy six months ago. Gina and I miss him, so our bond has grown stronger in his absence.
Just as I’m about to send Gina a text asking if she’s at home so I can cook for her, the elevator doors spring open. My eye catches on something on the floor of the car.
I step forward and scoop it into my palm.
It looks like a black credit card.
No. It’s a keycard. The Garent logo is on the front. Underneath are the words Penthouse Two etched in raised gold lettering.
The elevator was on the penthouse floor until I pushed the call button. I know that for a fact because I kept watch from my desk to see if my boss would take a ride back down to his office. This keycard has to belong to Barrett.
I study the silver panel hanging on the wall in the lift. I can press any button other than PH and I’ll be taken directly to the corresponding floor. I know that because I’ve tried pressing the PH button and it’s never lit up.
I tap the card in my hand against the control panel and the PH button shines yellow.
That draws me back a step. I need to think this through. I can hold onto the card until tomorrow and return it to my boss when I see him in the morning, but what if he goes out tonight? He won’t have a keycard for the elevator.
Returning the card is the right thing to do, so I press the PH button and suck in a deep breath.
I’m a good employee. That’s all this is. I repeat that to myself over and over again as the elevator rises toward the penthouse where Barrett lives.
***
As soon as I step off the elevator, I’m greeted with a choice. To the left is a door marked Penthouse One. To the right is Penthouse Two.
Both are at opposite ends of a long corridor.
I’ve worked in this building for years and had no idea that this existed. I imagined undeveloped space with dust everywhere, but this is beautiful. The floor is dark stained wood. The walls are painted light gray and dotted with framed works of art. The design has Ivan Garent written all over it. He appreciates art more than anyone I’ve ever met.
My knowledge of the creative world is reserved to the colorful drawings my cousin’s kids give me when I see them at Calvetti’s or family gatherings.
I set off toward the door marked Penthouse Two. My mission is simple. I need to get this keycard back in the hand of my boss. As soon as I do that, I can head home to prepare a feast for my sister.
I stop just short of the door to Barrett’s apartment. I run a hand over my hair. Why do I care if I look nice and why the hell are there so many butterflies in my stomach?
I’m just here to drop off a keycard. This is not a date.
Sucking in a deep breath, I knock softly on the door. I wait in silence hoping that I’m not interrupting anything. I assume he’s done with his call by now, but what if he isn’t?
A flash of regret passes over me just as the door opens.
Holy hell.
Barrett leans his bare left shoulder against the doorjamb and flashes me a brilliant smile. “Isn’t this a surprise?”
I stare at his body, covered only in a pair of black sweatpants. It’s gorgeous unmarked skin and muscles.
Pushing the keycard at him, I mumble. “For you. It’s yours.”
His gaze falls to my hand before he locks eyes with me. “I must have dropped that.”
I nod my head up and down like a fool.
“You didn’t have to come up here to return it.” He takes a step back affording me a clear view into his apartment. “I’m glad you did. Come in, Isabella.”
I step forward once and then again until I hear the click of the door behind me.