Page 19 of Wrapped in Perfection

"About two percent."

He whistles. "That's a decent profit."

"I'm sure Vivian would know if it would add extra value for you."

He grins. "Well, let's go look at the roof, kotik."

I still don't know what kotik means, but the more he calls me it, the more special I feel.

He probably uses the term for all women.

We go up to the roof. It's not the highest building in Chicago, but it still has great views, and you can see Lake Michigan.

"What would you do up here?" he asks.

"You're targeting families, right?"

"Yes."

I glance around at the large space. "Create a park with artificial grass." I point. "Make that half a sporting area, the middle part a playground, and this area over here, put in grills, places to read, gather, etc. I'd add glass so the view of Lake Michigan isn't obstructed and it's still safe."

Dmitri studies the bare space. "I like it. Let me talk to my brothers and a few real estate agents, including Vivian, to get their opinions on what it would do to the value of the units."

I step over to the edge. "I don't see any parks around."

"No. There aren't in this neighborhood."

"Well, talk to your people. See what they think."

His eyes twinkle. "You have any other ideas?"

"Not right now."

"Fair enough. Let's go to my place and through the blueprints?"

Nervous flutters flit in my stomach. His place. "Sure."

4

Dmitri

Anna'ssmarter than I expected. I didn't think she was all looks and no brains, but she's already bringing fresh ideas to the table. I'm not sure if her roof idea will be profitable or not, but it's something my brothers and I never explored and our old designer never mentioned.

I wish she would tell me what the situation is with her ex-boyfriend—or tell me for sure he is her ex. My gut is saying she moved to Chicago to get away from him, but I can't be sure until she confirms it.

We get in the car, and she nervously twists her fingers in her lap.

"How old are you?" I ask.

"Thirty-two."

Good. She isn't as young as she looks.

I've dated my fair share of women in their twenties, but after a while, the difference in our maturity levels always shines through. So I made a pact with myself not to date any woman who isn't thirty or older, but I would have had to break it if she told me she was. I'm not sure what her boyfriend situation is, but I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure she dumps him so I get a fair shot.

"You look younger."

"Hmm," she mutters, as if she doesn't believe me.

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