Page 38 of One More Weekend

He clicked the button for us, sliding open the Art Deco bronze doors of the elevator.

Holding the door for Jenna, I gestured for her to head in first. As she passed me, my eyes dropped to her ass, highlighted by the cut of her velvet dress and making my chest hurt. I’d known from the first moment I set eyes on her that she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.

And as we got inside the glass elevator, I still knew it was true.

I clicked 102 and let the doors close as I stood next to her. Taking off, the elevator rose faster than any I’d been in, even in the new luxury buildings with the same number of floors.

Behind us, the building broke from the dark building and opened instead to a view of the city beyond us.

“No wonder it’s glass.” Jenna gawked at the sight.

The sun was just falling in the sky, a warm orange glow casting over the city as we quickly flew to the top. The viewof Manhattan from here was unbelievable, something I’d never seen myself.

As confusing as this was, Jenna had given me a great excuse to experience the city I’d grown up in a whole new light.

It wasn’t long before the elevatordinged our arrival to the top floor.

As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, the usher smiled. “Welcome to the top deck. Please, take your time.”

I looked around, the place entirely empty. Having no idea how that was possible, I realized Geo probably told me when the quietest time to go was. It was starting to seem like all of the forces in my life wanted me to stop avoiding being alone with Jenna.

Jenna’s heels clicked against the black marble floors, a silvery, Art Deco design sprawled out across it. “Holy shit.”

Following behind her, I looked past her bare shoulders at the view. We’d made it just in time to see the sun set. On all sides, we were surrounded by glass and a panoramic view of the city. Downtown, the Freedom Tower glittered in the orangey-pink glow.

Turning on her stunning heels, Jenna looked uptown. Central Park stretched across the island, looking like a cozy forest at its heart as the sun scorched it.

“I’ve never seen it like this.” Jenna stepped up to the glass of the small observatory, as close as she could get.

From behind us, the usher lifted a finger. “Miss, you can step outside if you’d like.” They gestured to the door on Jenna’s right.

She smiled from ear to ear. “Wait, really?” It wasn’t until the option was unlocked that she realized there was a deck outside with coin-operated binoculars and a towering metal railing. Her gaze flicked over to me. “Can we?”

“Of course.” I laughed as I reached for the door, propping it open for Jen to pass me. As soon as we went outside a strong wind blew past us – a simple reminder of how high up we were.

The door closed behind us, leaving us in privacy as Jen went straight up to the edge. She gripped the metal railing in her hands and looked over the edge.

“Fuck, that’s high.”

My stomach churned at the thought. I’d been so excited to take her that I forgot I was a little afraid of heights. But I wasn't about to let Jenna look at this alone.

So I mustered all the courage in my body to force my tense legs forward.

Just walk to her.

As soon as the metal was within reach, I gripped it firmly. Closing my eyes, I forced a breath into my lungs as I tried to settle my heart rate.

Once I’d settled in, Jenna wrapped her arm around my waist and gripped the belt loop. In a low voice, she whispered. “I’ve got you.”

She does remember.I’d hoped she’d forget, but instead, I leaned back into her arm and tried to take comfort in her firm grasp.

“Look.” I pointed toward the horizon, drawing Jen’s eyes from my flushing face to the stunning sun descending behind the hills of the Hudson to the West.

It was a brighter sunset than I’d ever seen, lighting up the entire sky with each second.

Jenna sighed as she watched. Until she turned to look back at me, just a couple of inches below me. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I nodded, watching my chest heave with anticipation.

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