The moment we stepped into the elevator, Lucas pulled a keycard from his pocket, inserted it, and pressed the button to the 82ndfloor.
“Oh, come on. Really?” I asked.
“I warned you, but don’t worry. Once you’re up there, you won’t even notice how high up we are unless you look over the railing on the terrace.”
“Well, I won’t be doing that.”
He let out a chuckle.
As soon as the doors opened, I stepped out into a beautifully decorated foyer with light oak flooring.
“Wow. Wow. Wow,” I said as I looked around the massive space. “How big is this place?”
“Almost five thousand square feet.”
“And it’s all one floor?” I asked as I followed him into the living area.
“Yes.”
The entire penthouse was practically all floor-to-ceiling windows. The cinematic skyline and river view were among the best I’d seen.
“What do you do for a living, Mr. Thorne?” I asked as I turned around, and he handed me a glass of scotch.
“I’m the CEO of Thorne Technology Group here in Manhattan. My father runs our European office.”
I swallowed hard. “Technology, eh?”
“Yes.”
“Why is a sexy, good-smelling, rich guy like you still single?”
“I prefer bachelorhood. I think it keeps life more interesting.”
“Interesting how?” I threw back my drink to try and make myself forget how high up we were.
“I don’t think you want to hear my answer to that question. I may risk getting kicked in the balls.”
“Tell me, and I promise I won’t harm your balls in any way.” I smirked.
“I feel a life-long commitment isn’t right for me. I like my freedom. Relationships are hard work, and I work hard enough as it is at my company. My work will always come before a woman, and most women can’t handle that. Plus, I want to avoid the emotional work necessary to sustain a fulfilling and intimate relationship.”
“Okay. Fair enough. So, basically, you’re a very selfish person who puts his needs before others.”
His brows furrowed at me.
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“But you just did.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Yes, you did.” I downed the rest of my drink and handed him my glass for a refill.
“What about you?” he asked as he walked over to his bar. “Why is a beautiful and sexy woman like yourself single?”
“You want the truth?”
“Of course.” He handed me my drink.