SEVER

you out.”
7
I drop the first of many boxes on the hardwood floors to keep the door open to my new apartment. It’s a bittersweet moment as I walk across the empty living room to the French doors. Staring out at the river view, a single tear slips down my cheek. This apartment represents a door slamming closed on my most important relationship to date, and opening to a new-found independence where I get to call all the shots.
I look over the balcony, the cool breeze tingling my skin. The delivery truck lost me in the traffic and still has yet to find its way. I’ve canceled all meetings for two days while I move everything I can from the house to the apartment. Shawn left our marital home the same night after our argument. His silence speaks volumes, and if or when he returns home, he will finally see I’m no longer willing to play his games.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” a familiar voice sounds from behind, and I turn, startled at the unexpected intrusion.
“Kane… Jesus, you scared me,” I say, clutching the railing to steady my nerves.
The corners of his lips turn slightly, his eyes alight as they travel over my body, following every curve my black gym tights have to offer. He’s a lion preparing for a feast, and I feel a heat between my legs at the thought of being ravaged by him.
“I didn’t mean to scare you, but the door was open.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine. My mind was elsewhere.”
For a moment, I study him, then wonder why he’s standing in front of me. “How did you find me, Kane?” I haven’t given out this address to anyone, not even to Amanda or Samantha.
“The building’s manifest of new tenants updated, and needless to say I was surprised when your name appeared.”
I’m confused. “The buildings manifest?”
“Yeah… it’s a list of names who—”
“I know what a manifest is. I’m more interested in how you came about it. Are you on the HOA?”
His eyes dart to the side then back to me. “In a manner of speaking.” When I wait for further explanation, he continues, his smile reaching his dark eyes, “I um…” he moves his index finger in a circle, “this is my building.”
I choke, breaking composure. “What do you mean, this is your building? As in, you live here, too?” While this is a beautiful apartment building, I always imaged Kane Alexander living somewhere way more grandiose.
He laughs lightly and it does things to me, things which aren’t completely unwelcome. “As in, I own this building.”
Of course, he does.
Overwhelmed and slightly intimidated, I want to shrink away but can’t unless I fancy jumping off the balcony and landing on the roof of his Lamborghini.
What the fuck have I done?
What. The. Fuck.
“Shit…” is all I manage. “Because, of course, you would own a high-rise building. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that.”
He laughs and it’s the sexiest, thigh-clenching sound I’ve heard in a very long time.
Kane pulls his hand from behind his back revealing a bottle of champagne. “For you,” he says, handing me a bottle of Dom Perignon. “Consider it a welcome-to-the-neighborhood gift.” He pauses a moment, eyes penetrating mine, tongue moistening his lips. “Perhaps you and Shawn can enjoy it later tonight.”
My blood runs cold. I suppose this is the first of many occasions I’ll be announcing our separation. Not that it’s anyone’s business. “Or just me,” I reply with a nervous laugh. “Shawn isn’t moving in.”
Kane raises his brows for a fleeting moment, and I see a glimpse of something I don’t recognize, before he chooses his words carefully. “I’m sorry to hear that, Blythe.” While his tone sounds sincere, his eyes tell a different story.
“Are you?” I challenge.
“Of course. A strong woman like you needs a strong man next to her… or behind her… depending on your preference.” There’s a wicked gleam in his eyes, and heat blushes my cheeks at the thought of Kane Alexander behind me in the throes of action.
“I know I certainly don’t mind a woman in front of me.”
Oh, sweet Jesus.
“I’m sure you have plenty of women wanting to be in that… position.”
“Plenty doesn’t equal quality, Blythe.”
Kane’s smile is disarming. He’s getting to me and he knows it.
“Are we still talking about in life, or… other things?”
“Both, but I know my prerogative.”
“Ma’am,” an unfamiliar voice calls, breaking the spell. “Where do you want these?”
Reluctantly, I turn to the removalist standing in the living room holding two boxes, his face red and beading with sweat.
“Um… just… anywhere… just there is fine,” I stammer, still feeling Kane’s intensity. He chuckles, amused at how his words have affected me. With a huff, the removalist lowers the boxes to the floor and leaves for his next load. Kane steps backward to the door, his gaze still trained intently on mine.
“A triple threat, that’s what you are.”
What does he mean by that?
“I’m sorry to disappoint but singing and acting aren’t my thing.”
Kane laughs revealing perfectly straight, white teeth. “Intelligent, witty, and sexy as all fuck.”
My body and mouth are rendered useless. Kane Alexander is playing all the right chords and I’m letting him. Why? Because his words are what make my body hum. His tone is what sends shivers of delight through to my soul. And his midnight-sky eyes strip me bare, failing to disguise his deliciously wicked thoughts.
He stands in the threshold and says one last thing, “We’d make a good team, Blythe. In and outside the bedroom,” before he disappears as quick as he came.
~
“He said what?” Amanda’s eyes bulge as we walk through the warehouse compiling ideas for a hotel bar and restaurant. I pick up a swatch bundle and