Page 51 of Capri

However, tidy, it is not.

Papers are tossed across every flat surface from the long nights I’ve been up working. Just from where I’m sitting, I can see sand from the island trip the other day dusted across the floor.

And suddenly, my thoughts go elsewhere, a smile ghosting my lips, thinking about Capri on her knees for me.

Fuck. That’ll help with my sour mood.

I really should hire someone to help, but I’ve already established with myself that I have a difficult time asking for it.

Shit, I have the money to do it.

I need to get my ass up and clean—do something to show some productivity around here.

After scarfing down my breakfast, I take my plate to the sink, preparing to wash the dishes, when the sound of my doorbell ringing stops me.

The voice of Enzo, the building’s doorman, projects through my intercom speakers.

“Mr. Archer. I have a Capri Meadows here to see you.”

Capri is in my building? How does she know where I live?

Fuck. I’m not in the right headspace to have company here, but hell if I’m gonna turn her away.

“Send her up, Enzo,” I tell him frantically. The disarray of my house is heavier now than before. Shit. There’s no way I can get this place cleaned up in the duration of an elevator ride.

Fuckkkkk. She’s gonna think I’m a disaster and call off the rest of the week. I wouldn’t blame her. I’ve pulled out all the stops: the charter sail, the chair lift, and the good fucking on the mountaintop.

Now, to this—a rich dose of chaos.

Without any time to prepare, the elevator doors open and the soft beeping alerts me of Capri’s arrival.

“Hey, Captain.”

I turn, finding Capri in the cutest little dress. Except it’s not a dress because it has shorts instead of a skirt. I don’t know what girls call those things, but whatever it is, it’s cute as hell on her.

Doing my best to appear happy, I smile and pull her in for a hug. “Hey yourself. How’d you find me?” I ask, leading her into the kitchen.

Capri’s focus is on everything but me. I figured that. She’s probably planning her escape. With her blue eyes wide, she draws out a response, “Romeo…gave…it to me. What happened in here?”

There’s no judgement in her tone, more like worry. Rightfully so. She almost just tripped over a laundry basket filled to the brim beside her…in my kitchen.

I grab two glasses from the cabinet to fill with water, anything to keep myself occupied. “I’ve been a little…busy,” I draw out.

“I’d say.” She laughs. “I guess inviting you to a wine tasting with me is out of the question. We’ve got some cleaning to do.”

We? What is she talking about?

I chuckle. “Absolutely not. This is nothing I can’t handle,” I say, handing her a glass. “I’ve been slammed this week, so tidying up hasn’t really been a priority.”

It’s as if a burst of energy comes over her. “Perfect. We can do it together.” I stand frozen, watching as Capri sets her glass on the counter and makes herself at home, searching through my hall closet for a vacuum and cleaning products.

Before I have a chance to speak up, she turns to me with the most beautiful smile on display. “Well, are you gonna just stand there or you gonna get a broom and start helping?”

It looks like Capri is helping me. Helping me tidy my house and clean up the mess I’ve made. The thoughtfulness behind that isn’t lost on me.

This is her vacation, for fuck’s sake.

“Capri, you’re not cleaning my house on vacation. It’s not happening.”

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