Page 42 of His to Keep
“Uh huh, sure.” Sinead nodded. “Oh right, yeah she just walked…” Sinead’s head bobbed back, her eyes cut to Lana.
“I understand, Mr. Butler. Of course.”
Sinead set down the receiver, clearing her throat.
“Good news, Lana Craig. One of our landlords needs his apartment occupied immediately. He’s prepared to accept a low rental for the right tenant. Looks like it’s your lucky day, the luxury penthouse apartment is slap bang in the heart of the city.”
“Really?”
“Can you commit to a one-year lease?”
“How much are we talking?”
“One hundred pounds.”
“Per week?” Lana gasped.
“Per month, Lana.” Sinead smirked. “Bargain, huh?”
Lana’s hand fanned her breastbone. “And I can have it? Don’t you need to see references?”
Sinead fiddled with her pen. “If I was you, I’d take it. Offers like this don’t come around that often. My boss assures me it’s fully legit. He knows the owner very well.”
An unsettling feeling tingled through her body. “Who is the owner?”
“I’m bound by discretion, Lana. Do you want it or not?”
“Do I have time to think about it?”
“Sure. Call me before the end of the day.”
“And which building is the apartment in?”
“The penthouse in The Square.”
“The penthouse...”
* * *
Freddy threwhis long arms around Lana’s neck, pulling her into a tight hug. He was doused in fresh aftershave reminding her of a summer breeze at the north coast.
His slender legs were poured into a pair of stone grey skinny jeans with a snug pale pink tee clinging to his athletic physique.
“Honey, you look so much better, nothing a little concealer wouldn’t help with.” He cackled.
His honeyed eyes twinkled while he fiddled with strands of her tousled locks. Lana’s mouth curved upward, she had become very fond of the lovable Freddy and his cheeky chappy banter.
She grabbed his arm, tugging him into the small living space. “Amanda is out this evening, it’s just us. What’s your poison, sweet cheeks?”
Freddy tapped his mouth with his manicured fingernail and hummed. “I love it when you call me sweet cheeks. I’m very proud of my ultra-firm Gluteus Maximus. I brought a bottle of red and white. Let’s go for the white tonight.”
They settled into the sunken sofa that creaked suspiciously under their weight.
“Amanda hates this thing.” She patted the worn fabric. “She’s not sure how long it will last before someone gets a spring up the ass.” Lana waggled her brows.
Freddy rolled his eyes upwards. “Good Lord. Spare me! The last thing I need right now is to become a human kebab!”
She was thankful to let his happy vibes stamp over her anger. She was hurt and upset that even a blind man on a horse could have seen her blatant stupidity ride into town.
