Matt behind her. Now she was reminded of how far theyâd come.
âThanks,â he said, once sheâd put the car in Park.
âCan you make it from here?â
âI think so.â He dared to look at her. âYou want to come in for a minute?â
âI really donât think thatâs a good idea, Matt.â
âLook, weâre both adults. Iâm not some horny teen thatâs going to try to get in your pants as soon as you shut the door. Besides, I couldnât, anyway. The least I can do is offer you something to drink.â
She pursed her lips in thought. She could tell that as hard as he was trying, he was uncomfortable. What harm could it do? He was still a little shaky in her estimation and sheâd never forgive herself if she simply drove off and something happened to him. And someone was going to have to go back to the pharmacy when his prescriptions were ready and Matt certainly wasnât up to it.
âAll right. But just for a few minutesâuntil you get settled. Iâll pick up your medicine and then I really have to go.â
âDeal.â He opened the door and gingerly got out of the car.
She got out after him, set the alarm on her car and followed him into the turn-of-the-century apartment building.
The lobby was something right out of a movie set, with chandeliers hanging from cathedral ceilings, swirling marble floors and gleaming elevators. There was even a horseshoe-shaped desk, shined to such a high gloss that you could see your reflection, and a clerk behind it, complete with a brilliant red jacket with gold buttons and braiding.
âGood afternoon, Mr. Lewis,â the clerk greeted.
âAfternoon, Milton.â
âI have a package for you, sir.â He leaned down behind the desk and handed Matt a large box from Fed Ex.
Elizabeth hurried over and took the box from Matt, giving the clerk a short smile. âThanks,â she murmured.
âMilton, this is myââ he shot Elizabeth a glance ââwife, Elizabeth.â
Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest, but held her tongue.
âPleasure to meet you, finally, Mrs. Lewis.â
âThank you.â
Matthew moved toward the elevator. Elizabeth was hot on his heels. But she wouldnât make a scene. At least, not here.
The doors swooshed open.
âIâm on nine,â Matthew said, depressing the button.
Elizabeth fumed.
The bell dinged, the doors opened and they stepped out into a lush corridor with carpeting so thick it make the walkway soundproof.
âIâm at the end of the hall, facing the river, actually. Pretty good view,â he rambled, fishing for his keys in his pockets.
He opened the door and stepped aside to let Elizabeth pass. She was immediately impressed.
The small foyer with cushioned benches on either side of the archway opened onto the main room, which was straight out of a magazine. Classy, sleek, yet personal. She wasnât sure what sheâd expected but it wasnât this. A part of her had hoped that it would be a hovel, dirty clothes and dishes everywhere, the scent of old socks in the air. But it was nothing like that.
The windows arched halfway around the room and the treatment was simple Roman shades in off-white. The furniture was minimal but, she could tell by looking, that it was expensive. The design was a combination of old and new, which gave the room a unique feel. Antique tables embraced a low oxblood leather sectional that could easily seat ten, two swag lamps teased the tiffany shades of tabletop lighting. On the far wall of the room was an entertainment center that looked like the deck of a spaceship with all the lights and gadgets. Then, on the right side, was an intimate dining area. He even had fresh flowers as a centerpiece.
âIâll show you around,â he said, after giving her a moment to take in the room. âThe kitchen is through that door.â The door was virtually