Page 63 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Following his finger, Alex noted several black, shiny limos. Her mouth fell open. “You brought your limo for me?”

“Of course.” As they approached the stretch vehicle, Gage pushed a button on his key fob and loaded her luggage.

Alex reached for the doorknob.

“Wait.” His eyes twinkled. “I’ll do that.”

“Seriously? I’m not a real passenger or some celebrity. I’m definitely not a socialite like Cheri. I’d feel silly.”

With a flourish, Gage opened the back door. “No need to feel anything but special. This is my welcome-to-New York gift.”

Beaming, Alex said, “I’m going to feel like a princess. Wait until I tell Suzy and Hope.” Sliding her hand across the cool, tan leather, she said, “It even has that new limo smell.”

“Glad you approve.” Pointing toward a bottle of chilled white wine and a silver tray containing various cheeses and chocolate-dipped strawberries, Gage said, “For you, madam.”

“If you ever call me that again, I’ll punch you.” Winking, she said, “But thanks. I’m starving.” Alex reached for the wine.

“I know you’re a businesswoman and used to being in control, but let me pour.”

Alex patted the seat. “Only if you join me.”

He eyed the impatient limo drivers behind him. “I’ve got to get moving and open up this spot. I’ll have a drink later at dinner. I can’t risk losing my license, but go ahead.” Reaching into a tiny refrigerator, Gage retrieved a chilled wineglass and filled it expertly without spilling a drop. “Cheers.”

Reaching for the wineglass, Alex said, “I’ll have one glass to calm my nerves. We’ll celebrate over dinner. Where are we going first?”

“Wherever you want. We can go to Rock Center, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, or Ground Zero if you’re up for that.”

Sipping her wine, Alex was glad there wasn’t a barrier between them. That all sounds good, but I don’t want anything depressing on my first day.”

“I agree.” Gage eased into traffic, “Let’s go somewhere fun tonight. How about Rockefeller Center where they have the ice skating rink? I’ll show you where they air theToday show.”

“I’d love that. Didn’t you tell me you met Cheri at the skating rink when she was being accosted by paparazzi?”

Nodding, Gage said, “Good memory. I guess I owe my job to those jerks.”

As she stared out the window, Alex noticed row after row of yellow cabs. People honked incessantly but it didn’t appear to be akin to road rage, more like impatience and everyday life. “I’ve never seen so many taxis in my life.”

“Uber and Lyft are definitely cutting into their business, but I predict the cabbies will always be here.” At the light he turned around. “Having fun?”

Alex felt her cheeks flush as Gage caught her reapplying lipstick. Shoving the tube inside her bag, she nodded. “Great fun.” Mouth agape, she again plastered her face against the window. “The skyscrapers are incredible. I can’t believe how many people are on the sidewalks.” As Gage eased into Manhattan, she studied the crowd. “Cheri was right. Everyone wears black.”

Gage winked. “Including me.”

Like a child seeing everything for the first time, Alex asked, “Do you mind if we drop off my luggage first?”

“Great timing. Cheri’s penthouse is nearby.”

Studying the interior of the limo which could easily hold several people, Alex leaned forward. “How much longer?”

He glanced toward the bumper-to-bumper cars. “About fifteen minutes, give or take, depending on traffic.”

Alex groaned. “I’m not sure I can wait that long.”

“Huh?”

At the next light, Alex bounded out of the limo. Horns blared and passersby stared. She reached for the door handle and jumped inside as a shocked, wide-eyed Gage’s mouth fell open. “What are you doing?”

“It’s lonely back there.” Buckling her seatbelt, Alex turned toward him and smiled.

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