Page 68 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Chuckling, Gage said, “Oh, you’ve been in charge all day by surprising me with the limo. Nice touch.” Reaching for her hand, he said, “That meant a lot.”

As soon as the server returned with their adult beverages, Alex took a healthy swig of wine.

Gage’s eyebrows shot up. “Take your time. We’ve got all evening, and you can order more.”

Shrugging, Alex said, “I’m trying to relax.” She studied the chefs. “Has Cheri ever been to, what’s it called, Go Zen?”

Gage peered over his menu. “She suggested it since half of the chefs are from Gobo. Anytime she gets requests for vegetarian entrees at one of her events, she and I come here. She said it gives her inspiration.”

“She’s so cool. I never thought I’d know a gorgeous socialite and actually like her. I’m a little picky if you hadn’t noticed.”

“She thinks the world of you, Suzy, and Hope. You’ve really helped her acclimate to Crystal City.”

“Do you think she’ll move to Branson full time?” Alex asked.

“Nah. Her heart’s in Manhattan, but she enjoys the change of scenery. Temporarily, that is.” The server reappeared and Gage placed their orders. Within minutes, the table was crowded with several small plates: pumpkin soup, mushroom fries, avocado salad, sesame seitan, lettuce wraps, and pesto linguine.

Alex’s mouth watered. “This is the end of my diet. Everything looks and smells amazing.”

Sliding several platters toward her, Gage said, “Wait until you taste it.”

She sampled some of every dish. “I wish we had Go Zen in Crystal City. This is incredible.” After several minutes of eating in silence, Alex studied Gage while she ate. Thoughts of Tony threatened to dampen her mood. They both got a second cocktail refill and Alex scraped the last bit of food off her plate. “That’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Thanks for suggesting this place.”

The server returned. “Save room for dessert.”

Rubbing her belly, Alex said, “I couldn’t possibly.”

Grinning, Gage said, “You’ve got to try one bite of the Death by Chocolate Cake.”

“Oh, my God. I shouldn’t.”

The server watched the interplay. “And?”

Shifting in her chair, Alex said, “I can probably manage a bite or two.”

After dessert was served among oohing and ahhing, Alex crossed her arms. “Amazing. Simply amazing. I’m satiated. What do you want to do next?”

Gage polished off his beer. “I thought we could walk off this food with a stroll through Chinatown.”

“Perfect.”

Chapter 67

After they left the restaurant, Gage asked the limo driver to wait another hour. The evening air had turned chilly. Alex shivered, and Gage placed his arm across her shoulders. Relieved she had a reason to cuddle and not feel guilty about it, she snuggled against his warm body. “Thanks for the incredible meal.”

He winked. “Thanks for the incredible company.”

As they strolled the lively streets of Chinatown, Alex noticed pigs and ducks hanging by their feet from street vendor stands. Peering inside a booth with chocolate confections, Alex said, “I can’t resist chocolate.” As she reached for one, Gage whispered, “Those are chocolate-dipped ants and crickets.”

“Gross.” Alex stepped back as if a swarm of bees had landed.

Gage chuckled. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Want one?” He winked. “They have a nice crunch.”

Wrinkling her nose, Alex said, “Hard pass.” She noticed several Asian vendors sold a large variety of food while tourists curiously peered inside the unique booths and sampled their creations. Even though she was full, the delicious smells made her mouth water.

As they ambled past the street vendors, Alex studied several New Yorkers who made bold statements with diverse clothing—or little clothing—and random painted bodies. One was spray-painted green with a pointy headpiece and holding a torch, obviously mirroring the Statue of Liberty. A few people played a guitar or bongo drums on the sidewalk for tips.

As a gorgeous young woman stepped toward them with two friends on either side, Alex couldn’t tear her eyes from the cover-model-ready female. Peering closer, she gasped. Mouth open, she glanced at Gage who was staring in the same direction. “Is she naked under that open coat? Like, totally naked?”

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