He smiled and shrugged. "I can't take my best girl out? Besides, I already bought tickets."
"I don't know," she said with a frown.
Carter felt himself start to get a little annoyed. He tried to smother it and be more empathetic.
"It will be fun," he said.
He pushed his way past her, and she seemed almost frightened for a moment, but that couldn't be, he thought.
"Here," he said putting the flowers in the tiny sink. "I'll help you pack."
"I don't have anything to wear."
"We aren't meeting the queen of England," Carter told her. "Besides, we're just going a few blocks away. If you really do forget something, we can come back."
As the town car drove them to the hotel, Allie seemed a little apprehensive.
"It's not going to be like last time," he promised. "At least I hope not. Plus you don't look like a cheap hooker. Maybe a high-end escort at worst."
She punched him lightly in the ribs.
The hotel manager greeted them as they arrived. "Right this way, please, Mr. Holbrook. We have your room ready."
"Wow," Allie said as the hotel manager opened the door to the suite, "look at this view!"
Carter smiled, pleased that she was so thrilled with his choice.
He followed her out to the balcony, which overlooked the city.
"It's almost as nice as the penthouse view, but there's no Grant and Kate, which makes it perfect," Carter said, running his hand down her back.
"And there's a fireplace!" Allie exclaimed, walking back inside. "And it's real!"
She was like a little kid, Carter thought as he watched her practically skip from room to room.
There was champagne on ice, and Carter popped the cork and poured them both generous glasses, then he took a couple of the raspberries out of the little silver bowl on the tray and plopped them in the amber liquid.
"I've never seen you this excited," he said, handing Allie her drink.
"I love real estate," she gushed. "Especially nice real estate."
Carter made a mental note of that.
"This bathroom," she purred, opening up the French doors that led to one of the most impressive bathrooms Carter had ever seen.
"I can lie down in this shower!" Allie exclaimed then bounded out to the next room, Margot trotting behind her on the Turkish rugs that covered the hardwood floor.
The suite was two stories; Carter hadn't known that when he booked it. The large window stretched the two stories and gave them an expansive view out over the city.
Carter followed Allie up the curving staircase to the upper floor. It was more of a loft with a bed and an antique wardrobe. She flopped down on the bed and wiggled her toes.
"I could stay here forever," she said and sighed happily.
Carter smiled at her and lay down beside her. Allie pulled him close and kissed him.
"So luxury properties are the way into your heart," he said, slipping his hand under her dress, "Good to know."
From her spot on the floor, Margot whined at them.
