Perfectly Pink - An It's Always Been You Romance (Complete)

Chapter 25

Mary tried to convince herself this was simply a way to waste time while she waited for the next train. The six o'clock to Washington on a weekday was always crowded, impossible to find a seat. Delaying only made sense.

Besides, a girl has to eat. Dinner with Simon would far surpass anything she grabbed at the station or the vodka martini with two olives she had planned on downing in the hotel bar. With effort, she ignored the little flip in her stomach the thought of sitting in a restaurant with Simon caused.

She couldn't believe her eyes when she walked into the hotel and spotted a handsome man in a pale silver suit that reminded her of Simon and realized it was indeed him. Used to seeing him in jeans and t-shirts, a look she appreciated as it gave a fine view of his muscular biceps and toned forearms, the suit was a plus. The material hinted at the body beneath but strained in all the right places. And that tie? The blue stripes matched his eyes. One yank and he'd be putty in her hands.

Another internal flip, this time paired with heat pooling in other places. A drink was definitely in order. Simon had ignored her hint about skipping dinner and going straight to his room. Maybe that was for the best. No one knew her, them, here in New York. They didn't have to hide, could do things like go for dinner without prying eyes. And unlike with Hunter, she could have a glass of wine with the meal.

"Ready?" Simon stood beside her, suit and tie still in place, chocolate brown hair freshly combed.

She stood and turned toward the hotel door. "Where are we going?"

Simon moved with her, the gentle touch of his hand on the small of her back a comfort. "What are you in the mood for?"

You.

This time, he didn't read her mind. "Sushi?"

"No." Sweet of him to remember it was her favourite, but it reminded her of Hunter. Right now she didn't want to think about the man she was supposed to be with, preferring to focus on the man she wanted to be with. "You mentioned a steak house nearby. Can we go there?"

"You bet." He stepped back behind her as they moved through the slowly revolving door. For a few seconds, the doors encapsuled them in a bubble of silence, the noise of the lobby sealed behind them. Then the moment broke and the sights and sounds of downtown New York in the midst of rush hour burst forth.

Out on the street, the heat of a long summer day in the city assaulted them, and Mary was grateful she'd decided to leave her jacket at home this morning. They'd called for a chance of rain in the afternoon, but she decided to risk it, hoping the clouds would hold off until she left. She searched the clear blue sky and smiled. Luck was on her side today.

"It's a bit early for dinner. Shall we take a walk or have a drink somewhere?"

She stopped in her tracks, still looking at the sky. "Can we go up there?"

Simon followed her gaze toward the tall building of steel and glass, an iconic landmark synonymous with the city of New York. She watched his face break out into a smile and his eyes twinkle as they returned to hers. "The Empire State Building? Great idea."

He inspected her high heels. "It's a few blocks. Are you okay to walk or do you want to grab a cab?"

"When in Rome... Let's pretend we're New Yorkers."

"Walking it is." Simon brushed his hand against hers, and Mary accepted the invitation, lacing her fingers in his. The gesture didn't feel odd, but rather natural, like they held hands all the time. They crossed the street, slipping in with the other pedestrians in a hurry to their destination. Unlike those people, once back on the sidewalk Simon slowed their pace to a stroll and, hand in hand, they meandered toward their destination.