Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 118

~ New Year's Eve: Tick, Tock ~

A light snowfall fell from the sky, but it did nothing to deter the crowd of New Yorkers and tourists who had accumulated on the City's streets and sidewalks. The Apple still hung high and the short hand of the clock was still quite a ways from twelve, yet the streets were filled with romance, laughter and anticipation.

Simone, whose hold on John's upper arm was firm and sure, viewed the scene with apprehension. Half of her was still focused on Elizabeth and feeling guilty for leaving her alone, while the other half of her was focused on calming her nerves. She had nothing to fear from the crowds, she told herself. No one was interested in her. Everyone's main goal was to have a good time. A thirty-something single mom from Port Charles was the furthest thing from anyone's mind.

The pep talk did much to calm her, and as John pushed their way through the packed sidewalks, Simone was fine. Until a passerby accidentally bumped into her and her apprehension returned in full force. Subconsciously, one hand slid into her small purse, seeking and finding Tommy's 'present' as her other hand tightened on John's arm.

"Simone?" John questioned upon her strong grip. He closed his hand over hers and slowed their pace. His gray eyes were unwavering as he asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Hmm?" she asked, a little embarrassed. Hesitantly, she looked into his piercing eyes.

"You're shivering," he said, gently caressing her hand. "Is it the cold or something else?"

"I am? I hadn't noticed," she laughed softly at herself. "I... Well, it's the crowd. They're making me nervous, I guess. And, then there's Elizabeth. I wish she were with us."

"So do I," he admitted, "but I'm just being selfish."

"Selfish?" she repeated. "In what way?"

"By wanting her with us, of course," he commented with a smile. "Seeing this all from an artist's eye—and a young one at that—would be akin to seeing it for the first time. It would be...breathtaking," he released the word, breathlessly, "but hardly fair. The news of the gallery has overwhelmed her, I'm afraid. Of course, she needs to rest...to digest the news...but if you want, we can go back for her..."

"No," Simone vigorously shook her head. "You're right. She had a big day and of course, she's pooped. I wanted to share this with her, but there will be other New Year's Eves and New York isn't going anywhere." She smiled at him as she pushed her worries to the side for the time being. "Let's enjoy this and tomorrow, I'll tell her everything."

John nodded as he gave her a gentle smile. "We only solved half the problem. You still find the crowds a nuisance, correct? The hustling and bustling unsettle you."

"Yeah," she shrugged, "but I'll just have to deal with it...just as long as you don't mind my death grip on your arm." She grinned at him shyly.

"Your death grip has been immensely pleasurable," he said, flirtatiously. "Your touch couldn't be anything but." A rosy hue flooded her café au lait cheeks, and he smiled in response. "But the thought of you having to 'deal' with anything doesn't sit well with me. I have an alternative for this crowded street if you're interested."

"Well...um, sure," she said slowly. "What's the alternative?"

"A penthouse apartment overlooking Times Square."

Simone's eyes shone with confusion. "I didn't know that you lived here."

He shook his head. "I don't. The apartment belongs to a friend of mine who's away at the moment. I have a spare key for whenever I'm in town. I would have suggested the apartment instead of the hotel for our stay, but I didn't want either you or Elizabeth to feel uncomfortable."