The Getaway Prince

Chapter 9: Penthouse Panorama

We followed Tyler to a taxicab located on the main street just outside of the Old Town of Heraklion, which drove us to a tall apartment complex, with a penthouse located on the very top. The building was more of a modern construction, adorned potted plants, vines, and greenery, bringing a certain life to a rather overused city architectural style.

Tyler led us through the glass front entrance, where he was immediately greeted by the front desk clerk. We trailed behind him, up a huge front entrance staircase, to the very top level. It was then that I realized the penthouse was his.

He opened the door with a key, stepping aside to let us enter first. The smell of roast beef hit me as soon as we walked in, forcing my stomach to growl. Only that was the furthest thought from my mind once I took in the panoramic view directly across from me.

“Welcome to my home away from home," Tyler stated, as he walked in behind us and set his keys down on the large, marble island. “Well, it isn't mine technically."

“You stay here?" I responded, gawking at the Grecian sky, visible from two large windows that occupied the wall in front of us.

“Most of the time. My boss owns it, but it's used as lodging for those on business in Crete and other areas close by. Kind of like a headquarters. Saves us from staying in hotels—that, and it's much more comfortable."

So, this is what the other half lived like. Tyler told me his company did well—hence, the way he dressed—but he didn't tell me they did this well. Exquisitely lain oak hardwood floors covered the entire suite which was decorated in white, black, and navy-blue furnishing. A large fireplace sat in the middle of the window-filled wall, with a patio door leading out to a rooftop balcony and infinity pool.

Like the rest of Greece, plants consumed the indoors and outdoors, blending both areas together seamlessly. In addition to a large chef's kitchen and a hallway that appeared to extend on and on, there was also an all-white staircase leading to a second story loft.

“I'd say," Aubrey stated under her breath while looking around the entire apartment.

“Please," Tyler said, gesturing towards the couch from behind the island. “Make yourselves at home. I have dinner in the slow cooker, but in the meantime, can I get either of you wine or water?"

I went to answer when instead, Aubrey spoke up. “We're ok, thank you."

“Not a problem," Tyler stated with a polite smile.

I glared at her, without saying a word, and in response, she raised her eyebrows and simply shook her head. I tried to contest Aubrey's interjection, but once again, I was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Awesome, that must be Chandler. One second," Tyler jumped up, placing the tea-towel he had over his shoulder onto the island. He went to the door and opened it, standing in front of the guest that had just arrived.

I watched as a pair of arms wrapped themselves around Tyler's shoulders, patting him on the back in a friendly embrace. They spoke to one another like they hadn't seen one another in a long time, which from the sounds of Tyler's work, was very plausible.

Tyler stepped aside, letting the man come through the door and into the apartment. As he passed through the threshold, my eyes were immediately drawn to his tall stature—he had to at least stand six inches taller than Tyler, who I was already pegging at around 6 feet.

“It smells amazing in here," the man stated as he entered. His blue bomber jacket swished as he handed Tyler a bottle of champagne, and casually shook his hand. “I thought it was just going to be me and you tonight—a little bonding time, you know?"

Tyler laughed and then looked to me and Aubrey. “Chandler, this is Olivia and her friend, Aubrey. I met Olivia on the flight here and Aubrey earlier today."

Chandler's gaze turned to us, and his hazel eyes lightened as he smiled. “Oh, so this is the Olivia I've heard so much about," he replied, raising his eyebrows playfully at Tyler.

He talked about me with his colleagues. I didn't know what to say. I didn't think I had made that much of an impression.

I peeked at Tyler, whose face had reddened just enough that it was becoming visible as he set the dinner table.

“Okay, he's exaggerating," Tyler defended, still not making eye contact with anyone. “I mentioned you once."

“Twice," Chandler chimed in.

Tyler sighed and set the final utensil on the table. “Fine, twice," he said jokingly. But when his eyes lifted, they instantly connected with mine and softened, prompting instant nerves to form despite my inability to look away.

One thing I hate in all romance novels or movies is the typical cliché that when the two lovers' eyes met, the 'rest of the world faded away.' I've particularly never heard anyone say that that had happened to them, or even experienced it for myself.

And even in this exact second, I can truthfully say, I still hadn't. I knew Aubrey and Chandler were there, and I could hear every sound that occurred in the apartment—it was the fact that time almost came to a halt, wherein a second felt like a minute, and a minute felt like hours. We each blinked a few times, but neither of us removed our glances until Tyler forced his away with a quick smirk in my direction.

“Alright, feel free to sit wherever," he prompted. Chandler walked around the table, pulling a seat out for Aubrey, while Tyler moved to where I stood and followed suit.

“Oh, uhm, actually, I was wondering if I could use your washroom," I announced rather abruptly.

Tyler nodded. “Of course. Just down the hall, last room on the left. You can't miss it."

I thanked him and made my way down the long hall to the end of it, landing at a long-frosted glass sliding door. I moved it and revealed the most exquisite bathroom I had ever seen, holding a claw-foot tub, a large shower with a rain head, and a floating sink and toilet. I made my way to the sink and examined my appearance, which after being in the sun all day, was shiny and a little heat stricken.

God, I wished I had thought more about what I was going to wear this morning, rather than throwing on any pair of shorts and random shirt I could find. I wiped the makeup that had dripped slightly underneath my eye due to the warmth and tried combing my hair with my finger to make me look more presentable. I was standing in a bathroom owned by the wealthy—it was stocked to the high heavens with towels and toiletries—and yet, here I was completely out of place.

But it would all be ok. If I just took deep breaths, I could make it through. I just hoped that this wouldn't change Tyler's mind about me. I took in one last breath before splashing water on my face and once I was ready, heading back out into the hallway.

I followed the path back into the main living area. Both walls alongside me were covered in exquisite art, only there was one that stood out among the rest that I was surprised I didn't notice on my way down. It was a photo of four individuals, all grouped together, wearing what looked to be expensive suits. The man in the middle was larger than the other two he had his arm around, and all of them were smiling. Behind their heads was a banner that said, “Creatine Charity Gala."

I looked in closer at the figure beside the man in the middle, quickly recognizing him to be Chandler. When I moved my gaze to the left, I was met with Tyler's comforting smile. However, it was the fourth individual who I was not expecting to see. With his arm wrapped around her waist, Tyler stood beside one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen—and on her left hand was a glowing diamond ring.