Page 56 of Without Apology

CHAPTER TWENTY

Peyton

Thankfully, I’d brought an extra dress with me. Always bring a backup. And there was Simon back in a suit. This one black, accompanied by a white crisp shirt and red tie that matched my dress.

Amazed I could still walk after the three orgasms, I went out to the living room once I’d freshened up and gotten dressed.

Simon leaned in to kiss my neck in greeting. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you. You look handsome, too.” It felt like a date. Especially when he took my hand and walked me to the elevator.

A car picked us up out front, and our first stop was a restaurant on the sixtieth floor of a very tall building in Times Square. It was dimly lit, romantic, and looked very exclusive. We were ushered to a private table with a window view.

“Wow.” It might be a tourist thing to say, but there was no other word for the view.

“It’s quite the sight, isn’t it?” When I turned, I noticed his gaze on me.

“Do you ever miss it? When you’re gone?” Because as much as this was exciting and new, I missed home.

“Not especially. I do enjoy seeing the look on your face as you take it in and remind me of maybe why I should.”

“How much time do you typically spend here? The majority? Or are you in London a lot?”

“The majority is here in New York. London probably twice a year. If it wasn’t for the real estate investment, I probably would’ve sold that flat a long time ago.”

“Do you get tired of hotels?” I couldn’t imagine being surrounded by temporary things. Not for the first time, I wondered if he ever got lonely.

“A bit. I’m moving into short-term housing on Monday. Gives me a kitchen. Better space than a hotel.”

I sipped my wine and watched him meticulously cut into his steak after dinner was served.

He glanced up, catching my observation. “What is it?”

“You and I are very different.” It was out without a tone or intent. Just simple fact. As if I was trying to figure out the puzzle of why we fit together. Even temporarily.

He dabbed at his lips before smiling. “Yes. I suppose we are. You miss home, don’t you?”

I loved that he got me despite not being able to relate. “Yes. Especially Cooper. He’s kind of a momma’s boy.”

He laughed. “He’s a lucky dog. Have you had him since he was a pup?”

“Yes. Eight weeks old.” It might be stupid to miss your dog this much, but I’d never been separated from him longer than one night. It had even been tough to be away from him during these late evenings over the last week. And I missed my sister. I hadn’t had the time to chat with her like we normally did. At least I had next weekend to look forward to at her house.

We finished up dinner and walked the couple blocks to the theater where Wicked was playing. I’d always wanted to see it and couldn’t contain my enthusiasm as I hooked an arm in his and followed him into the box high above the stage. It was private and, once the musical started, completely shrouded in darkness. Afterwards, I was on a high despite being tired. I’d just attended my first Broadway musical, and the man next to me had made it possible. It had been a beautiful twist on the beginnings of the Wizard of Oz. Captivating and breathtaking, I’d had all the feels. All because of him being so thoughtful to make it possible.

“Thank you for the best date I’ve ever been on.”

He smiled, squeezing my hand, which he’d held during the entire show. “It was my best, too. Let’s get you back before you turn into a pumpkin.”

Evidently, the high was fading with the curtain falling because I had to stifle a yawn. But the moment we were back in his condo, the air felt charged. He took off his jacket while I slipped off my shoes.

“We should leave by ten o’clock tomorrow morning. That will get us back about the same time on Sunday.”

“Okay.” Why did he sound all business?

“You should get some sleep.”

“I’m not that—what did you call it earlier? Knackered?” Since the sex earlier had given me more confidence about instigating things, I walked up and put my hands on his chest.

---