“You better!”
Letting out a quiet grunt, Maverick headed out the door and waited in the hall for Pilar to tug it closed behind them. Both of them let out a breath at the same time once they were safely out in the hallway once more.
It made him laugh. “You get along with her well.”
Pilar shrugged. “She reminds me a lot of my own family.”
Taking the elevator up to his penthouse, Maverick couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth settle over him. He’d been surprised when his aunt had gotten Pilar roped into a few conversations that were more than just her giving out simple answers.
They actually chatted for the majority of their dinner, a pleasant conversation flowing between them that Maverick couldn’t help but smile at. It had been nice to see his aunt enjoying someone else’s company other than his.
Unlocking the door to his penthouse, he pushed it open for Pilar, balancing the dishes against his chest when she passed by him. With a quick flick of her wrist, she turned on the lights, bathing his place in a warm glow.
Letting the door shut and lock behind him, Maverick went into the kitchen to pop their leftovers in the fridge, spotting a bottle of wine on his way.
“Hey, you want a drink?”
“Of?”
Shutting the fridge door with his hip, he grabbed the bottle from his wine shelf and held it up. “It’s Greek.”
Pilar shuffled over to him, her head tilted in curiosity. “I could go for a glass.”
“Me too.”
He held the bottle out to her, turning to grab two wine glasses when he heard the cork pop. He turned back around and blinked when the wine’s cork was stuck on the tip of her sharpened claw.
“Well … that’s kind of handy.”
Pilar shrugged. “Only when it comes to drinks.”
He held out the glasses for her, smiling when she poured them both a generous amount. “I’d say it’s worth it.”
Toggling the glasses over to her to switch out for the wine bottle, he plucked the cork off of her nail and jammed it back into the spout.
“There we go.”
Setting it on the shelf, he took his glass from her outstretched hand and followed her out of the kitchen. She led him to the balcony that overlooked the entire complex, surprising him by sliding the door open and stepping out onto it.
“Shouldn’t we stay inside?”
Pilar shook her head, holding her glass up to her lips. “You’re way too far up for anyone to get at us. Plus, the closest building facing this way is well over two blocks away.”
“True …”
Maverick stepped out onto the balcony, leaving the door open behind him just in case. He brought his wine glass up to his face, breathing in the dark notes before sipping it.
Damn, this shit is delicious.
“I’m surprised,” he said suddenly.
“By?”
Without answering her, Maverick leaned over the railing and looked down to the busy street below. His eyes latched onto the passing cars that seemed to almost move in slow motion. He briefly wondered what all of their lives were like down there, blissfully unaware of things.
It made him a little envious at times. Seeing people live their lives so happily and intuitively. He’d never been one to move through life like a greater purpose wasn’t constantly calling his name. Though, sometimes he wished he could in spite of it all.
“Maverick?” Pilar’s voice broke through his thoughts.