Page 58 of Evidence of Secrets

Hank stood. “Coming right up, milady.”

Laura laughed and put her feet up on the ottoman. Hank loved seeing her so relaxed.

In the kitchen, he poured orange juice and Prosecco into glasses for mimosas. He toasted the bagels, scrambled the eggs, put the food on plates, and grabbed some napkins. Laura loved cooking eggs but preferred hers scrambled or in an omelet. While he did cook for himself, he usually ordered food to be delivered or ate out. Cooking for one was dreary. Plus, he wasn’t the most sophisticated cook. Hamburgers or steak with a side were mainly what he cooked for himself.

Hank looked around the kitchen for a tray. Did he even have one? Yes, it was in a cabinet next to the stove. He placed their drinks and food on it and brought it all out to the balcony. Laura had her eyes closed, a small smile on her face.

He put the tray on the table and leaned over to kiss her cheek gently.

“Mmmm. Breakfast with a kiss. I could get used to this,” she murmured.

They ate in comfortable silence, watching the antics of several seagulls. After they finished, Hank collected the plates. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the place.”

“Great. I’m eager to see the rest of it.”

Laura followed Hank into the kitchen. Stopped and stared. “Oh my.”

Hank tried to imagine what Laura saw.

The kitchen designer had created a comfortable and functional kitchen. It was a lot of money but well-spent.

Laura rubbed her hand over the large island. “Marble?”

“No, soapstone.”

“The black countertops with the beige subway tile backsplash and white cabinets are visually pleasing.”

Hank looked around. “She did an impressive job. I like the big glass pendant lights over the island.”

“Oh, this brick range hood that looks like a fireplace is unique. And this stove, a four-burner professional stove? Plus double-wall ovens. Wow! Your designer didn’t miss a trick.”

“I guess you like it then?” he asked.

“More than. Show me the rest of the condo.”

He led her down the hallway to the last room. “This is my guest room. It has a private bath.”

“Hank, this is so nice. I love the subtle gray on the wall. And is this bed mid-century modern?”

He looked at the king-size bed. What the hell did he know about furniture? “I guess. I just liked the clean, wooden lines.”

Laura lightly slapped his shoulder. “Men. Come on, show me more.”

They walked into his office/exercise room and then past his bedroom.

“I’m not sure I saw everything in your bedroom last night,” Laura said, her eyes twinkling.

“Oh. My bad. Come on in.”

“I love the windows. Bonus that they open to the river. They let in so much light.” She rubbed her hand over the light wood. “And this wall-to-wall bookshelf with the TV is beautiful.”

She turned to look at him. “What I like best is this bed.”

“Really?”

Laura nodded. “I think I just have to try it out again and see if it’s as comfortable as last night.”

Hank reached over and pulled Laura into his chest. “I think I’ll join you. But the rule is you must be naked to be in it.”

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