“Thank you,” Raj said. She smiled at Khunda. “I’ll be investing in a few boxes.”

“Ma’am?” the concierge said. “You’re all set.”

“Elevator to the far right, correct?”

“Yes. The desk will no longer need to key you in. You’ll then be able to access all of Mr. Singh’s floors. Have a good night.”

She thanked them and pushed Khunda into the elevator. The key panel lit up, and she was soon taking a slow, gliding trip up to Ajay’s floor.

His front door was ajar, and she heard the music first. Khunda’s tail began wagging and she sat up, peering around.

“Yes, I’m excited, too,” Raj whispered as they walked into the penthouse. Ajay stood in bare feet, wearing a button-down and jeans. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and he had a kitchen towel draped over one shoulder.

“Hello there . . . Holy hell, you got your dog a stroller.”

“Don’t start,” she said. “Did you just give me the figurative keys to your penthouse? I had to submit my biometrics downstairs.”

“My house is your house,” he said in Punjabi before leaning in to kiss her. She felt a zing when he pressed in deep, holding the back of her neck so she’d sink into the brief kiss.

He licked his bottom lip, and she watched the quick movement, already looking forward to another taste.

“Hi,” he said gruffly. “Come in. I’m cooking again. We can get Khunda set up and out of that godforsaken contraption before we get you a glass of wine.”

“That sounds . . . great,” she said. She took Khunda out of the stroller and set her on the ground so she could run around and sniff. Raj would have to get the pee pad set up in case of emergencies, but she wanted to take a moment to enjoy the space.

The first time she’d been in Ajay’s penthouse, she’d been dazzled and hard-pressed not to show it. The windows gave her one of the most magnificent views of the New York skyline she’d ever seen. He had a beautiful fireplace surrounded by plush leather sofas. His kitchen was twice the size of hers, even though her brownstone had more square footage.

The design was comfortable and homey but had his masculine stamp on each and every detail. Unlike her, he’d most likely picked out his own furnishings. She hated her decor. She’d have to add it to the list of things she wanted to change.

Khunda yelped and scurried behind the couch. Raj rushed after her, freezing in place when she saw that Khunda was trying to get inside a small dog pen wedged against the windows. A carpet was fitted inside along with a feathered dog bed, water bowl, food bowl, a couple of toys, a pee pad, and a long dental chew. “Is that all for Khunda?” she said.