My first stop was a coffee shop down the street from Case’s apartment. I logged onto their Wi-Fi and spent over an hour waiting to connect to an online agent from the airline so I could plead my case to have my return date changed.
I was denied.
The agent I was chatting with suggested I purchase a one-way ticket back home, but the cost is steep.
Wasting money to get back to Seattle a few days early is foolish. I don’t need anyone to give me that lecture.
Once I finished at the coffee shop, I went to Central Park and people watched. Then I took a walk down Fifth Avenue to window shop. My next stop was the diner, followed by two hours at the museum.
My heels are blistered. I’m exhausted, and it’s still not five o’clock.
I’m standing at the entrance to Case’s apartment building, wondering if I should risk sneaking upstairs. I haven’t heard from him all day, so I’m hoping that the plan hasn’t changed and soon I’ll be inside with my shoes off.
I pat the keys that are in the pocket of my short black trench coat.
Glancing down at my phone, I check the time.
In thirty minutes it will officially be go time. Since Case is doing me a huge favor by letting me stay at his place, I decide to settle in the lobby until the clock strikes five.
I nod at the doorman as he swings the door open when I approach.
“Good afternoon, Miss,” he says the same line he always does when he greets me.
Drake introduced us to each other last year, but I can’t imagine how many faces this man sees in a day.
I’m not surprised that mine got lost among them.
“Hi, Lester.” Stepping into the lobby, I smile at him. “How are you today?”
“I don’t have a single complaint.” He tips the brim of his hat. “Are you enjoying our fair city?”
Enjoying isn’t a word I’d use. Tolerating fits the bill.
Back home in Seattle, I live in a condo on a quiet street. A park borders the back of the property.
It’s heaven in a small corner of Washington State.
Not wanting to steal Lester’s smile, I sidestep the question with one of my own. “Have you seen Case Abbott today?”
It never hurts to be prepared. I don’t know if Case will be in his apartment when I go up. Not that I would mind if he were.
I could use the company after spending the day alone.
Lester’s smile widens. “It just so happens that Mr. Abbott and I had a discussion about you earlier.”
Does Lester know that I was wrapped in a towel and brandishing a hairbrush when I met Case?
I doubt if Case even remembers what I looked like wet and trembling in fear.
Trying not to seem panicked, I paste on a forced grin. “What did he tell you about me?”
“I made an incorrect assumption when you first arrived, Miss Owens.”
My brows pop when I hear him say my name.
“I thought you were here as a guest of Mr. Abbott, but your brother is Mr. Owens.” He shakes his head. “We’ve met before, haven’t we?”
I nod. “Last year.”
