While my parents were admiring the sweep of the river and my spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty, I left them to find Fallon. He’d remained in the kitchen and was taking the wrappings off a charcuterie board.
“I hope you like it. I’ve made reservations for you all at La Grand Boucherie. It’s a pretty restaurant and has something for everyone. They know it’s her birthday and promised to do something special for her.”
“Damn, Fallon. How the hell did you manage to do this all with only a few days’ notice?”
He grinned. “That’s why you pay me the big bucks.”
“Not enough, I’m thinking.”
My parents reentered the apartment, and Mom set her purse on a barstool.
“This is the most gorgeous apartment. I can see why you fell in love with it. And Fallon, you did all this for me? Thank you, honey.”
His cheeks turned pink. “It was my pleasure. Now that you’re here, I’ll get out of your way and let you have your family celebration. I’ve told Patrick about your dinner plans. Enjoy the rest of your night.” He reached for his cross-body bag on the counter.
Why did that upset me? I didn’t want him to leave. Mom must’ve read my mind, because she tried to stop him.
“No, Fallon, please. You have to stay. Patrick, tell him, please.”
“I think so.” My eyes met Fallon’s, which were filled with confusion.
“But this is your time with your family.”
Mom smiled at him. “You’re Patrick’s friend, which makes you one of ours. And I had such a good time with you today. I’d love it if you could join us for dinner. Don’t you agree, Patrick?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. I do. Please stay.”
He chewed his lip and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. “I’ll have to see if they can change the reservation to four.”
I folded my arms. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a table for three, so I think we’re safe. It’s only a matter of adding another place setting.”
“Then it’s settled,” Mom declared. “And it’s my birthday, so you can’t say no.”
“Don’t try and argue, Fallon. Neither of us has ever been able to say no to her, birthday or not.” Dad patted him on the shoulder while Mom nodded. “But we would love to get to know you better, since you’re working so closely with Patrick now.”
“Uh, okay, if that’s what you really want. I’ll need to go home first to change. I can’t wear this to the restaurant.”
Too damn bad. Fallon was wearing dark-washed jeans and a white Henley that brought out the startling ice blue of his eyes and clung to every dip and curve of his muscled physique. I blinked because he was still talking and I needed to pay attention.
“I had all your clothes and personal items you’d kept in storage since your move brought over. I didn’t want to unpack it for you, so it’s waiting in your bedroom.”
“You could’ve. I’ve got nothing to hide.” I meant it as a joke, but Fallon didn’t laugh, and something in his face set my heart pounding. It was as if he’d penetrated my facade to the very core of who I was. Who I’d hidden.
“I didn’t want to presume anything without getting your go-ahead.”
“And now you have it.”
“Let’s open the champagne,” Dad said, and the curious tension between Fallon and me broke.
Fallon handed me the bottle and a dish towel, and I opened it without spilling a drop. I filled three glasses and pointed to him. “Get yourself one. No arguing.”
He huffed and took one out from the cabinet. When I’d finished pouring his, I held my flute up. “To you, Mom. I love you and thank you for always being there to support me no matter what. I’m the person I am today because of you. I’m so glad you’re here with me to celebrate.”
The three of us clinked glasses, and Fallon smiled faintly and raised his glass, took a sip, then set it on the island. “I’d better go get ready. I’ll see you all later. Patrick, can I talk to you for a sec?”
“Sure.” I followed him to the door. “What’s up?”
“I really don’t think I belong with your family celebration.”
