“Once.” When he’d had to evict the occupant. “It’s pretty nice.”
“I think I’d like the convenience of being able to walk to lunch or dinner, and imagine how good it would smell, being above a bakery.”
“All pros.” And one big con.
“If it is nice, and in my price range, I might jump on it before someone else takes it.” She walked over to him. “Leigh asked if we were dating. I guess because you’re looking at houses with me. Then she said you were her boyfriend in high school.”
“For about two weeks, and it was actually the summer after we graduated. She dumped me for—” he grinned “—Sherrie Adams.”
“She’s gay?”
“Well, since she’s now married to Sherrie, I’d say yes.”
“Is there anyone in this town you don’t know?”
He thought about it. “I guess I’d say if I don’t know them, I know of them.”
“I should get out more. Meet people. The only ones I know are people we’ve arrested.”
“You know me.”
She smiled. “True that.”
Tristan could tell by the excitement in Skye’s eyes that she wanted the loft.
“I love it,” she said as she trailed a hand over the granite countertop. “This is perfect for me. It’s at the top of my price range, though. Is anyone else interested in it?”
Leigh shook her head. “Not that I’m aware of. It just went on the market.”
“Okay, let me think about it. And if you come up with any other options, let me know.”
“Will do, and if someone makes an offer on this one, I’ll call you so you can put one in if you want.”
“I’d appreciate it, and I’ll call you with my decision on this one in a day or two.”
The best option was his house, which would cost her nothing. If she didn’t want to live there, they could find a place they both liked. Not that she wanted to hear that. His gaze followed Fuzz as the dog trotted around the room with his nose to the floor, then to sniffing the furniture. He whined as he dropped his tail between his legs, went to the door and pawed it.
“He’s acting strange,” Skye said, coming to stand next to him.
“I don’t think he likes the smell.” He guessed that Fuzz had caught Miss Mabel’s scent in the place and wanted to be gone before she came back.
They left Leigh to close up the loft. “You really liked this one?”
“I like it a lot. I just wish the price was a little less.”
“You could offer less.” Although he doubted Miss Mabel would negotiate. “If you’re serious, it might be worth it to pay for an appraisal. Personally, I think it’s a little overpriced, and if an appraisal agrees, that would give you bargaining power.”
“Good idea. I just might do that.”
They reached the sidewalk, and he stepped to the street side of her. “Let’s grab a bite at the Kitchen since it’s about dinnertime.”
“Okay. I think I really would love living there, having the Kitchen steps away and a bakery below me. Sweet Tooth has the best coffee. I’d have to figure in daily trips to my monthly budget.”
She was still excitedly chattering about the loft when they reached the Kitchen. As much as she already loved it, maybe it wouldn’t matter who she’d be buying it from. Fuzz took his usual position right outside the door when they entered.
“Hey, guys.” Katie glanced between the two of them and grinned. “Take a seat wherever you want.”
“What was that grin for?” Skye asked as he headed for the back booth, away from the windows.