I grabbed my coat and slipped it on. Picking up the mobile charger, I slid it into my coat pocket in case he needed to charge his phone. I knew he’d want to take a million pictures.
“Let’s go.”
Nick walked out, and I closed the door behind us.
“Where are we going first?”
I smiled. “I thought we’d walk a bit.St. Patrick’s Cathedralis down on 50th and Madison, so maybe we’ll start there. Then, when we’re ready, get some dinner.”
He smiled, then took my hand. “Sounds perfect.”
When we stepped out onto the sidewalk, Nick swiveled his head to take it all in. The city was a holiday spectacular all on its own. Now that the shock had worn off, he was ready to take it all in.
“Let’s head down Madison Avenue.”
We held hands as long as we could, but there were times when we had to walk single file. Every time Nick stopped to take a photo, his hand found mine again when he’d finished. The simple touch of his hand made my heart throb.
St. Patrick’s Cathedraltook up the entire block. We walked around it slowly to take in all the splendor of its American Gothic Revival style.
“This location was originally thought to be too far outside the city when it was built. Now it sits smack-dab in the middle of Manhattan,” Nick mused as he took photo after photo.
The inside was decorated for Christmas and was simply breathtaking. When he was ready, we continued walking. I steered us and pulled him along so he could look at all the unique buildings.
“Are you getting hungry?” I asked, hugging him close to me.
Nick snuggled into me and leaned into my neck. “Yeah, I am. Where are we going?”
I stopped and raised my hand to flag down a taxi. When one stopped at the curb, I opened the door and motioned for Nick to slide in. Once I was inside, I told the driver where I wanted to go.
“Little Italy, please.”
Nick grinned at me. “Just couldn’t wait, could you?”
“No. Tonight, I want you to experience Italian traditions. Tomorrow, I’ll take you on a food tour.”
Without saying a word, Nick leaned into me and cupped my face in his left hand. Pulling me closer, we kissed as we rode in the back of the cab amidst the city lights.
CHAPTER17
NICK
I satin the booth of the small Italian restaurant, pinned to the seat as Preston ravaged my mouth. The wine had been delicious, and the pasta divine. But nothing compared to kissing him.
When the waiter approached and placed the bill on the table, Preston pulled away to retrieve his credit card. After handing it to the waiter, he stood. “I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”
I nodded, drunk on his kisses. “Okay, I’ll be here.”
Preston grinned as he walked away. I looked around from where we sat alone in the far corner of the restaurant. The booth had a high back and was very private. He’d arranged all of this. For me.
This beautiful, affectionate man, who had more money than sense, seemed to love me for some reason. He didn’t have to say it. It was evident every time he looked at me or put his hand in mine. I felt it in the way he said my name and the gentle way he touched my face, as if I were made of glass. The precious time he’d taken away from his own business to sit at the bar, just to be near me, reassured me I could take this chance with him.
Preston had more than proved how much he cared about me long before the first time we kissed. He’d taken care of me when I was sick, and somehow I’d still sized him up incorrectly. He was everything I’d ever wanted in a partner, and it was time I put my insecurities behind me, and take a chance with him.
When he returned a few minutes later carrying a bag, I saw the real Preston through different eyes now.
“I got a bottle to take back to the hotel.”
“Sounds perfect.”
