Page 30 of Takeover
"Oh, you're early."
I turned at the sound of his voice, and he smiled at me.He was handsome.Lean and tall, but not quite as tall as Atticus."Oh, sorry,” I said.“You're not who I expected."
"You would not be the first person to say that to me.I'm Micah, your brother-in-law-to-be."Then he gave me another broad smile that immediately put me at ease.
Where Atticus was cold, Micah was warm.He seemed fun."Why do I get the impression that you’re trouble?"
"Because you seem like a smart one.Come on in.Atticus is on a call.I'll show you in."
"I did text him to let him know I was coming."
He shrugged."My brother is a bit of an ass.Sorry, but you should probably know that."
"Yeah, you know what?So is my father.I'm an asshole expert."
"Excellent,” he laughed.“Glad I'm not alone here."
He led me from the foyer to the expansive living room.I'd been in beautiful penthouses before.That part wasn't new, but the view of Central Park was unparalleled.
On a clear day like today, with the sun shining bright, I could see right down into the horses and carriages giving tours.And of course, the rest of the city view was magnificent as well.It was stunning.Awe-inspiring, honestly.
Micah grinned."It doesn't suck, does it?"
"No, it doesn't suck."
"Are you hungry?Magda can make you something to eat."
"I'm not hungry, but who's Magda?"I asked.
"She’s our housekeeper, but let me show you where everything is.The kitchen is right this way."
When I walked in, I realized there was no way this wasjusta kitchen.It looked like it belonged in the best restaurant.Marble and glass intermixed with stone, which actually gave just a hint of Tuscan influence, and all commercial grade appliances.
"God, please tell me that Magda is some kind of professional chef, because if she’s not, that would be a sad, sad waste of a beautiful kitchen.”
"It is a masterpiece, isn't it?"
"Please tell me you cook.Or maybe Atticus?Because I'd hate for you to have this kitchen and not use it.”
"Oh, you know Atticus,” he said with a grin.“He’s not really astand in the kitchen and make somethingkind of person.But Magda can make anything from all over the world.You name a cuisine, and she can probably make it for you or at least figure out how it's done.She's pretty incredible.”
I smiled at him."I like you very much, Micah."
"I like you too, Gwen.I think you'll be good for him,” he said, his voice sobering.He slowed as we approached what I thought was a study, but it turned out to be the library.
"Oh my God,” I squealed.“This is freaking fantastic."
"It was meant to be a second or third office, but I convinced Atticus that we needed to make this the library.Then when either of our mothers is visiting, they can have some solace and read."
"Oh, different mothers, same father?"
He nodded."Yes, our moms actually get along, and they’re both likely to visit on occasion if you don’t mind.”
"That’s nice.I'm glad you and Atticus are close.You’ve probably had some fun along the way."
Micah shrugged at that."Only a little."
I gestured toward a set of shelves that housed nothing but romance novels."Please tell me these get read."
