Sort of.
Instead, over the next several days, Maisie took him to the places that meant something to her.
They walked the Brooklyn Bridge because she loved the architecture of it. Another architectural favorite was Little Island at Pier 55. Axel enjoyed both because of his work in carpentry, so he appreciated the beauty of both places. Next, they went to Bryant Park and walked around, and they even took a ferry ride so they could see the New York skyline.
She took him out to eat at some of her favorite places, but they had the most fun grabbing hot dogs and pretzels as they walked all over the city. By the time they got back to her condo every night, they were exhausted, but in the best way.
At the end of their fourth day in the city, Maisie was ready to leave.
“Do you think we can head back to Harbortown tomorrow?” she asked, and almost laughed at how wide his eyes got.
“Are you kidding me? I would love it if we didn’t have to walk anywhere for a few days!”
“You understand why it’s just easier to walk around in the city, right? With the way traffic is…”
“No, I totally get it, but I’m just ready to slow things down a bit. I don’t know if I’m ready to go back to work, but if you’re ready to go, then I say let’s do it.”
Collapsing on the bed, she said, “Whew. I felt bad cutting the trip short.”
He lay down beside her, equally relieved. “I wouldn’t say we’re cutting the trip short. Our first day was all about dealing with your family. The last three days, we’ve been all over the city, which is exactly what we planned. So really, I think we’re right on schedule.”
“Hmm…maybe. But it would be great if we could find someplace between here and Harbortown to actually have a proper night away to relax. You know, like a bed-and-breakfast or a nice hotel.”
“Um…”
Then she realized they were probably going to have to have a money talk at some point. She was sure that he was a little self-conscious about the fact that she was an heiress—she hated the word, but, sadly, it fit—but she hoped he wouldn’t be opposed to her paying for things that were a little out of his budget.
But maybe not tonight.
“Harlow told me about this glamping spot she and Walker went to that I think is along the route home,” she said. “Do you think you can text Walker and get the details?”
“You want to go glamping?” he asked with amusement. “Seriously?”
“Sure! Why wouldn’t I?”
Rolling onto his side, he looked at her. “Maisie, come on. Have you ever gone camping in your entire life?”
“I’ve been on safari in Africa, and we stayed in tents that were the equivalent of glamping, so…yes.”
He rolled his eyes playfully. “A safari in Africa. That’s such an heiress thing to say.”
She gave him a light shove before climbing over and straddling him. “I hate that word. I know it’s technically correct…”
“I told you that days ago…”
“But I still hate it because it makes me sound like some sort of snooty brat.”
He tugged her down close. “Yeah, but you’re my snooty brat.” And then kissed her before she could argue.
And he was such a talented kisser that she just melted against him and forgot all about titles and money and just focused on him.
Life was more enjoyable like this.
They moved together perfectly, slowly undressing, and made love. She knew she would never tire of this feeling—being loved and cherished—but she was also finding that loving someone and having them appreciate the feeling and reciprocate it was pretty damn special.
Who would have thought that getting essentially thrown out on her ass would lead her to the greatest love of her life?
He loved her, she loved him, and as they slowly settled into each other’s arms, she wasn’t sure anything could be more perfect than this.
