Page 245 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

“I’m interested.”

I chuckle. “I’ll take this inside then and be right back.” I head up the steps. The catering company bustles around the kitchen, so I set it down and let them know before ducking outside. Natalie is working with the party planner on the table set up on the lawn, one long table with centerpieces of flowers running its length.

“Tatum brought the cake. I left it inside,” I say.

“Great.” Looking behind me, she asks, “Where is she?”

“She’s going with me to the florist.”

“She is?” Natalie asks, her eyes wide in surprise.

“She is.”

“Okay.” Her grin says it all, so I leave before any teasing begins.

I open the front door to find Tatum standing on the top step waiting for me.For me.

Holding out my elbow, I ask, “You ready?”

“Absolutely.” She takes my arm as we descend the steps together. Her touch is missed when we reach the safety of the sidewalk, but I’ll keep that to myself.

“I love this flower shop. They have such gorgeous arrangements. Did Natalie place an order?”

“Yes. I’m just the muscle.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve got a great ass, too.”

“Didn’t know you noticed.”

She flips up the back flap of my black suit jacket. “You can’t hide that goodness.”

I don’t know what’s come over her, but she’s giving me whiplash. “Have you been drinking?”

Whacking me on the arm, she laughs. “No. I’m just trying to be more open, friendlier, and say what I mean. No boundaries. Basically, telling the truth and seeing where it takes me.”

I realize I’m going to like this new start to our relationship. I open the door for her. When she passes, I smack her ass. “Yours isn’t so bad either.”

The thrilling allure in her eyes has me wondering how I’m going to survive if flirting will be a regular thing between us. As for boundaries, there doesn’t seem to be any.

Fuck.She’s going to do me in.

Open. Fun. Willing. Sexy.

She’s everything she was back in Catalina.

I start moving a lot faster, thinking it’s best to get back before we get in any deeper. Our arms are full of bouquets when we return, and the decorator and her assistant get to work on the arrangements. Natalie is still in a robe with curlers in her hair, though her makeup has been done. She has a bottle of water, and Tatum grabs a glass of champagne before they head upstairs together.

Guests begin to arrive for their wedding anniversary celebration, filtering through with a quick stop at the bar before dispersing around the living room and outside. I order my usual and head to one of the couches set up on the lawn.

I barely have time to sit before I’m standing to give Nick’s mom, Cookie, a kiss on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, Mrs. Christiansen.”

“Stop that. You’re a grown man. Call me Cookie.” Taking me by the shoulders, she admires me before saying, “I haven’t seen you for what feels like years, Harrison. Ever since the boys moved to New York. Still driving all the women wild?”

“I try my best,” I reply, thinking about the sexual drought of the past couple of months. Shaking Nick’s dad’s hand, I add, “Good to see you, Mr. Christiansen.”

He’s a lot like my dad, preferring the formality, unlike Cookie. “You, too, Harrison. How’s the real estate market in New York?”

“Gangbusters. I haven’t sold anything yet since I just got my license, but I have three offers in, and I’m starting the search on a ten-mil deal.”

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