Page 38 of Unconventionally, Elle
"Oh, don't worry about your balcony, sweetheart. I've got a surprise for you." The corner of his mouth lifted. "And you're right, your bed is very comfortable."
Barrett parked his Porsche and let the valet take his keys. I knew Barrett was a luxurious guy, but his building took my breath away.
"They just finished building this a few months ago," he said as he saw me staring at the high-rise and its peculiar shape.
"Is this... a sail?" My forehead creased as I turned my head sideways and tried to understand the architectural design. Barrett laughed and reached for my hand, his fingers locked with mine.
"Actually, you're right. It's supposed to resemble a sailboat." He leaned down and kissed the top of my head.
My jaw hit the floor the second we stepped through the towering glass doors of the lobby. Magnificent crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and exquisite artwork adorned the walls. We strolled across the pristine marble floors so I could take in the opulence. Once inside the mirrored elevator, Barrett pressed the button for the top floor.
"Shut up, the penthouse?" I shrieked.
He flinched at my high tone but gave me a shy smile.
"Sorry, sorry, that was louder than I meant. But holy shit, Barrett."
He stayed quiet with pressed lips and took my hand in his as we ascended twenty-two floors.
"Are you ready for it, Elle?" he asked as we stepped off the elevator and walked to his door.
I glanced at him and tugged his arm. "I'm dying to see. Show me already."
As the door opened, I felt the breath leave my body. The immaculate beauty of his panoramic harbor view, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble, and--oh my God--his balcony.
"What do you think?" he asked nervously.
I gathered what was left of my thoughts and turned to look at him at my side. "I don't think Icanthink." I rubbed my eyes and opened them wide again. "Barrett, I have no words. Your condo is absolutely stunning. I..." As I was about to tell him I didn't need to go home tonight, or ever, something ran up from behind me and jumped onto the back of my right leg. Caught by surprise, I toppled forward, but Barrett caught my arm before I could truly fall.
Confused, I stood up straight and looked down at my feet.
"And this," Barrett announced with a grand gesture of his hand toward the bright white ball of fur, "is Louie. The number one, most important being in my life." His teasing grin could kill.
"Your most important... is a dog?" I couldn't help but smile. Barrett Henry was a dog dad to the cutest Frenchie I'd ever seen.
"Excuse me, miss." He knelt to Louie's level and picked up the playful pup. "He is purebred and only yells at me sometimes, okay?"
My laugh echoed throughout the condo, and Louie tilted his head to stare at me.
"Now, Louie, this is Elle. Okay?"
The dog just stared at Barrett with his tongue hanging out of his mouth.
"Right, well, she's going to be visiting us, and we have to be a good boy, yeah? Who's the goodest boy? Who's Daddy's baby boy?"
The dog began to pant and wagged his tail like a maniac.
Barrett snuggled him close and gave him kisses all over his head.
"Do you need a minute?" I said as he gave all the snuggles to Louie.
"Okay, buddy, go play. Go get your toy." Barrett put the dog back on the floor and pointed to the corner, where a small toy basket was overflowing with stuffed animals.
"You might be obsessed." I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him. I felt warmth radiate from my stomach down to my--oh boy. I didn't know I had a thing for men who adored their little dogs and spoke to them in baby talk. "You're also a pretty sexy dog dad."
"Yeah?" he answered in a low and husky voice. "Tell me what else is sexy." He stepped closer, his presence stealing my air.
I changed the subject even though my entire being wanted nothing more than for him to pick me up over his shoulder and throw me into his bed. "So, can I get the grand tour?" I broke eye contact and gestured around, stepping back slightly.
