Page 25 of Love Me
“Once you leave here, you can give your client a call and tell him this place is a dump and if he ever wants to rent it out, he needs to cut the price by at least twenty percent.” He takes a step to the side, then looks between Steve and the door. “You can go now. Make that call.”
“Diego,” I say. He’s right about Steve and this place, but he doesn’t have to be so rude about it.
“Now,” he reiterates without looking my way.
“Ms. Richmond is the potential renter I’m working with, not—”
“Was,” Diego corrects. “She was. She’s no longer considering this space. Are you, Mo?” He glances over Steve’s shoulder to me.
“No,” I answer with a shake of my head. “I’m sure my father would drop dead if he came in here and found out I’d rented this place.”
“Father?” Steve inquires.
“Damon Richmond.”
A look of pure surprise comes over his expression. “As in—”
“Yes, Richmond & Associates Development. As my friend just said, you can go now. I won’t be in contact.”
My father’s development and realty company is well known around the city. The curious expression on Steve’s face right before he makes his exit tells me he’s wondering why I’m seeking a space on my own if my father is Damon Richmond.
I don’t feel the need to give him an explanation.
“Can’t believe that motherfucker,” Diego gripes once Steve leaves.
“You were mean to him.”
“He was trying to swindle you,” he quickly replies. He moves closer and peers down into my eyes, as if searching for something.
I tell myself I should look away—the eye contact feels entirely too intimate—but at the same time wholly and completely us.
Without me realizing what he’s doing, Diego’s hand moves to my cheek. Butterflies fill my belly as he strokes the side of my face.
“What are you doing?” It comes out as a whisper.
“Are you okay? You look disappointed.”
I pivot my head slightly, turning into the palm of his hand to nuzzle it. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel comforted by his touch.
“I am,” I admit. “Although I honestly didn’t have high hopes for this place, it’s the third location I’ve looked at this week and nothing is clicking.” Frowning, I turn away, taking in the space again. “Hell, even if I did find a better space, I doubt I could afford it.”
My shoulders slump underneath the weight of failure yet again.
“This place was never going to suit you,” Diego says as he glances around. “Not enough light. And those sconces are fucking ugly.” He frowns, a look of horror overcoming his handsome features.
Despite my dour mood, laughter spills out of my lips.
“Come with me.” He takes my hand, not even waiting for me to agree.
He gives me just enough time to grab my handbag from the chair at the corner of the room before we’re out of the door.
“Where’re we going?”
“To find your dream,” he responds.
* * *
Diego