Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 by Karen Whiddon (good e books to read txt) 📗

Connie knew when they’d pulled up to the building, and again when he’d introduced her to the doorman, that the place was high-end. Now that they’d entered the foyer of his condo, she could confirm it. High-end, indeed.

She slowed when the space opened up to his living area, noticing tall ceilings and the gray bamboo-wood floors. She loved the hardwood and had gotten an estimate for her own house a few months ago.

The family room was to her right. The space resembled something straight out of House Beautiful. The walls were stark white and adorned with African artwork, offsetting a large black leather sectional that screamed “bachelor pad.” Floor-to-ceiling windows took up one wall, and in the distance, she knew there were mountains, even though the darkness of night hid them from view. What really distinguished the space was the shiny baby grand piano.

“Trace, this place is gorgeous.”

Connie turned and saw a dining area and a cook’s kitchen with modern black stainless-steel appliances. An eat-at island with a marble countertop divided the two spaces. The black-and-white color scheme rolled throughout the living space, accented by splashes of purple and gray.

“I’m glad you like it. I’mma put your bag in the guest room. Make yourself at home.”

He disappeared to the back of the apartment, and Connie strolled over to the piano. She had always wanted to learn how to play, but never took the time to take lessons. Tempted to press on the keys, she stopped herself. It was late. No need disturbing the neighbors with her amateur abilities. Instead, she strolled over to the windows.

The day had started out pretty good and gone wrong later, but this had been a long night, much like the one before. If Connie didn’t know better, she’d think a dark cloud was following her around.

As her gaze settled on the scene below, more of the tension in her body slowly dissipated. She stared out at a stunning rock pool that had a magnificent waterfall, illuminated by soft green lights. The landscape included boulders, palm trees, plants and flowers, emitting a spa-like feel. The relaxing sound of gurgling water that floated up to the window reminded Connie of a babbling brook and was like a healing salve to her raw nerves.

“What a magnificent view,” she murmured.

“It is, isn’t it?”

Startled, Connie whirled around, her hand flying to her chest. “Goodness. You scared me.”

“Sorry.” Trace handed her an opened bottle of water and over-the-counter pain medication, then stood next to her and gazed out into the night. “This view is what sold me on the place. I looked at a couple of condos and single-family houses not too far from here. They were nice, but this felt like home the moment I walked through the door. I’ve been here a few years and can’t see myself moving anytime soon.”

“I can see why. This would be hard to leave.”

Trace showed Connie around, telling her a story about each piece of art in every room. The more Connie saw, the more she fell in love with his place. She had only been there a few minutes and already felt at home...and safe.

Not that she was surprised. There was a protectiveness that Trace embodied that made her feel shielded and cherished. What if they became an official couple—would he continue to be that way? Yes. She knew him well enough to know that this side of him that he was showing her was real, and she liked it. She liked him. A lot.

“Your place is exquisite, Trace. I might have to visit more often,” she said teasingly, but deep down, she knew she wanted to be wherever he was.

“I’m glad you like the place, and you’re always welcome here. You’re already on the guest list with the doorman, so use your open invitation.”

Connie stared at him. “Seriously?”

“Yep. Only those closest to me make the list. So that means I want you to visit.”

Unexpected pleasure surged through her body and tugged at her heartstrings. After the way she’d been insisting they just be friends, Connie found it hard to believe that he had added her to his guest list. It might’ve been a small gesture to him, but to her it meant more than she could ever express.

She rested her hand on his arm and squeezed. “You’re...you’re amazing,” she said, her heart bursting with something akin to love, but she wasn’t ready to go there. She wanted to say so much more, but she couldn’t quite find the words to express just how much she appreciated him. Besides that, after the days that she’d been having, Connie feared she’d start boo-hooing like a baby at any minute. Instead of getting too emotional, she said, “I’ll come, but you have to promise you’ll let me use your pool. Then it’s a deal.”

His sexy grin made an appearance, and he placed a lingering kiss against her left temple. “Just say when. Now, have a seat at the table so I can take a look at your hand and wrist.”

He had already grabbed a hand towel and compression bandage from the linen closet. Now he was pulling an ice pack from the freezer. The way her hand and wrist were throbbing, Connie was game for whatever he was planning. The ibuprofen hadn’t kicked in yet; maybe the ice would help ease the aching.

Connie watched his every move. She’d been on her own for so long, it was nice having someone take care of her for a change. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.”

“Baby, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” The deep, sensual tone of his voice sent a delicious tingle scurrying over her skin.

God, this man. How the heck was she going to survive the night and keep things platonic? Part of her wanted them to dive into his bed and she have her way with him. However, the other part of her wanted to use