I admitted, pointing to the modern skyscraper closer to the beach.
“It’s one of the older buildings, but newly renovated.” He pulled open the outer glass door, waved a key card in front of the electronic reader, and opened the second door for me to walk through. “Very safe area… but no one can get in without this card key.” Pointing to the intercom panel attached to the reader beside it, he added, “Or you can buzz them in yourself.”
My eyes roved over the tasteful lobby. “Wow, I didn’t expect it to be so pretty.”
“The owners live here as well, which I love. They take pride in the place. You’ll get one underground parking spot. With the beach two blocks away, these streets get crowded on weekends.” He was so excited I didn’t have the heart to tell him I didn’t have a car. Damon then led me toward the elevators while pointing to our left. “There’s a gym, pool, and outdoor patio all the residents are entitled to use. And then there’s a rooftop space that you can rent out for parties.” Once we stepped into a waiting car, he punched the fifth floor. “I’m on the seventh floor, same side as this unit. The balcony each unit comes with is tiny, but our views are amazing.”
Knowing the price was a bit higher than I had planned to spend, I didn’t care. Location to Cooper and Ricky, to the beach, and even to the RMR corporate office where I’d be working eventually made it worth every penny. Hell, we had yet to see the place, and I could already imagine myself living there.
Just as the elevator dinged and the doors opened, I asked, “Is it too soon to say I’ll take it?”
He matched my grin before leading me out into the hall. “Nope. I had the exact same reaction.”
“How long have you lived here?”
“A few years. I moved out from Indiana to start my bar. Ricky found this place for me.”
When we stopped before unit 606, I gasped. “It’s an omen. My birthday is June sixth.”
“There you go. It’s destiny.” Damon unlocked the door for us. “The building manager is away and was nice enough to give me the key.”
I followed him in and just about died. “Sold.”
Damon chuckled with a nod. “I know. It’s really a nice condo. My unit is exact to this one.” He led me into a large open-concept kitchen living space. Natural light spilled in from the windows, and the view wasn’t just amazing; it was breathtaking. “Go on and explore.” He leaned against the island. “If you have questions, let me know.”
“Okay.” Like a kid in a candy store, I excitedly opened doors and cabinets along the way. That balcony Damon mentioned was off the living room and had enough space for a small table and two chairs. Perfect for having my morning coffee on.
The unit had its own laundry closet in the hall, and it also held a tiny guest room and bathroom. The main bedroom had the same view, an en suite bathroom, and plenty of closet space. The walls looked freshly painted and contrasted with the stunning dark hardwood.
Oh yes, I needed to live there.
Damon was scrolling on his phone when I reappeared. “So?” he asked. “Nice, right?”
“When can I move in?”
Another grin spread over his handsome face. “I’ll tell Reggie today so he can start the process. If all goes well, you can be here in a week or so.”
Impulsively, I hugged Damon before stepping back, worried that I’d overstepped. “I’m a little excited. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’ll be fun having you here.” The way he met my gaze and held it made it seem Damon wanted to be more than neighbors. Especially when he asked, “Can I take you to dinner once you move in… to celebrate?” Sensing my hesitancy, he shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. “I like you, Riana. It would be great to spend time with you.”
“Oh… thank you. That’s sweet. But I’m sorry, Damon. I have so much on my plate right now.”
His disappointment was obvious. “Okay, no worries. I’m here for you… as a friend. If you need anything.”
Even though I didn’t have a doubt any man would find the situation awkward once they knew of my situation, I’d worry about that later. For now, Damon was kind and easy to be with. As long as I didn’t send him the wrong message, it would be nice to develop a friendship with him.
“Thank