Page 65 of Cowboys at Coconuts

She responded:Don’t ask.

After he gave her his address, she returned to the lobby of Cheri’s apartment. The cheerful doorman gestured toward a white limo and opened the door for Alex. After climbing inside, she gave the driver Gage’s address. Leaning back, her heart raced at the thought of seeing his reaction.

As the driver wove in and out of traffic, he glanced at a small screen to the left of his steering wheel showing a maze of streets.

“Do you know how much longer it’ll take?” Fishing in her purse, she popped in a breath mint for good measure.

“One more turn, and we’ll be there.”

Her stomach flip flopped.I can’t wait to see Gage’s reaction.As the driver parked in the driveway of a narrow, two-story brownstone, Alex peeked out the window. Every house in Gage’s neighborhood looked the same. Row after row of narrow, two-story brick homes. Unlike Crystal City, these houses appeared to be inches apart with tiny lawns, a few steep stairs leading to the front door, and identical floorplans.

As Gage opened his front door, locked it, and bounded down the stairs, he stopped in his tracks, mouth open, when he spotted the limo. Wearing dark jeans, a crisp, white shirt, and dark sunglasses atop his head, Alex thought he had never looked sexier.

Telling the driver to stay seated, she opened her door and stepped onto the driveway.

Gage pointed toward the stretch vehicle. “What’s this?”

Winking, she said, “A limo.”

Cocking his head, he roared. “Someone’s a comedienne. I meant, “Why is it here? My limo is—”

Alex leaned against the immaculate stretch vehicle. “I decided it’s about time someone droveyouaround. And, if you don’t mind, I’m going to tag along.”

Gage opened his mouth and closed it without uttering a word. He stared from the limo to Alex and back again. “I’m speechless. No one has ever done anything like this for me.”

Alex grinned. “Until now.”

Crossing his lawn, Gage said, “I thought this wasyourbig trip. Why am I getting the special treatment?”

“Because you’re a gentleman, that’s why.” Alex kissed Gage’s cheek. “And you deserve it.”

The driver’s voice boomed through his open window. “Do you two need a chauffeur or what?”

Simultaneously, Alex and Gage said, “Yes.”

The driver stepped outside and opened the back door. “Where to?”

Gage settled in beside Alex. Even though there was room for many more people, they sat touching. “Just drive.” He buckled his seatbelt. “I’m really gonna enjoy this.”

“Want any music?” the driver asked.

“Yes,” both answered.

The driver left them alone except for occasionally pointing out tourist sites.

Gage glanced around the limo. “I see it’s well stocked. “Want some wine?”

“It’s a little early, but hey, I’m on vacation. Plus, I never turn down wine.” Alex reached for a bowl of exotic olives and popped one into Gage’s mouth. Already feeling relaxed after two swallows of chardonnay, she said, “I have a question.”

Gage’s arm brushed up against hers. “I’m all ears.”

Half leaning into Gage, she asked, “Have you ever made out in a limo?”

“I think I’m about to.” Gage curled his arm across her shoulders, caressed her cheek, and gave Alex a quick kiss. When she returned the kiss, he pulled her closer, stroked her long, blond hair, and nibbled on her bottom lip.

Alex thought she might have a heart attack. Breathing in and out in an attempt to steady herself—partially from the wine but mostly from Gage—she said, “Whoa.”

Concern filled his face. “Feeling okay?”

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