Page 64 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Gage shook his head. “You’re something.”

Shrugging, Alex said, “I wanted a front seat view.”

Chapter 63

Gage parked the limo in the adjoining lot to Cheri’s apartment, retrieved the bags from the trunk, and rolled them toward the glass enclosure. After tipping Cheri’s doorman to deliver the luggage to Cheri’s penthouse, Gage reached for Alex’s hand. “Since you’re a first timer, you’ve got to experience Times Square. Let’s walk like tourists.”

“I am a tourist.”

Staring openmouthed at the massive, provocative billboards with scantily clad women and sexy men, Alex pointed. “You wouldn’t see these in the Bible Belt. This is one sexy city. I love it.”

Chuckling, Gage said, “I barely notice them anymore. I’m glad you’re here.”

After walking for seemingly miles, Alex, who was anything but a wimp but hadn’t worn sensible walking shoes, asked Gage if they could get the limo. While he drove, she took photos of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Radio City Music Hall. “These will make great Instagram and Facebook posts but I’ll have to wait to post them until I return.”

“Why?”

“Uh, this is sort of a mystery trip.” Not wanting to mention Tony, Alex said, “I don’t want the bank to know where I am.”

Nodding, Gage said, “Understood.”

Both famished, they decided to make their way toward Rockefeller Center for a late dinner. Gage requested a table near a window overlooking the skating rink. After gorging on pasta, salad, and wine, Alex stifled a yawn. He winked. “Bored?”

“Hardly. I was up way too late packing, and much too early to catch my flight. It’s been a long travel day.”

“You’re probably beat.” Gage got the server’s attention, paid the bill, and they made their way toward Cheri’s penthouse.

Dreading how to handle the goodbye, Alex squeezed Gage’s hand. “Thanks for everything. You were so great to pick me up—with my name on a sign no less—provide a limo, and show me the sites.” Rubbing her belly, she said, “And that dinner was fantastic. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for tomorrow.”

Glad he took the hint not to follow her up to Cheri’s penthouse, Alex’s mind raced.I wonder if Tony has figured out I’ve left town.Scolding herself for thinking of the cop after all Gage had done, she hugged Gage and kissed his cheek. “Until tomorrow.”

After he left, Alex could still smell the lingering scent of his cologne and wondered why she liked it so much.

Chapter 64

Waking up in Cheri’s lush penthouse apartment, Alex felt like royalty. Padding from room to room, she was in complete awe.I wouldn’t know how to live like this, but I’ll give it the good old college try.Imagining the life of a socialite was both exhilarating and exhausting.It sounds amazing, but I like my privacy too much.Chuckling to herself, she knew she’d be on every magazine cover telling a photographer to shove it.

Wondering what Gage had in store for the day, Alex grabbed her purse, cellphone, and took the elevator downstairs.

Cheri’s smiling doorman greeted her. “Good morning, Miss Mitchell. May I assist you with anything?”

Staring out the gold-trimmed, glass-paneled front door and already astonished by the hurried crowd on the sidewalk, Alex said, “Yes, as a matter of fact. Do you know where I can find a limo?”

Knitting his eyebrows, the doorman’s face turned solemn. “Weren’t you satisfied with Gage’s services?”

Alex controlled her giggles—and her gutter mind. They hadn’t even kissed, but she knew what the doorman meant. “Actually, the limo isforGage. I want to surprise him.”

Stroking his chin, the doorman said, “Ah, I think I see.” He reached for a phone and said, “There are several services available. Want me to choose for you?”

“Yes, please. I’m going to take a quick stroll first.”

~ ~ ~

Stepping outside, Alex grinned when she noticed dog walkers everywhere. The sidewalks bustled with tourists, many of whom blocked traffic by taking photos of the massive, provocative billboards and skyline. Mostly dressed in black were businessmen and businesswomen all seemingly in a huge rush to get to their respective offices. Casually dressed, young women—likely nannies—pushed strollers. A few unique characters dressed in costume, each seemingly trying to outdo the other.

Alex strolled past a busy diner below the Wellington Hotel on 55thand 7th.I love the energy here. Love hearing the different languages. Even the honking cabs don’t annoy me. Maybe I could live here.She laughed to herself.Nah. I couldn’t live without my friends and Coconuts. Maybe I can convince Gage to move.

After a quick stroll and more photos of the cityscape, Alex texted Gage and asked for his address. He replied with a string of question marks.

---