Page 57 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

“You look fantastic and should go.”

What the hell?“Alone?”

She goes to the door and opens it. “Totally, even if you just get us takeout. Don’t put that outfit to waste. Nick would totally love it.”

“But Nick won’t see it.”

She grabs my crossbody purse and slips it over my head. “Take a photo on the way and send it to him.”

“Why are you acting so weird?”

“I’m not.” Coming behind me, she shoves me toward the hallway. “I’ll order the food, but you go.”

“Why?”

“Go now.” Her voice is hard, leaving no room for misunderstanding. “I’ll call something in, but you can get a head start.”

Adjusting the strap around my body, I roll my eyes and move to the door. “God, you’re so weird. If you want alone time, just say so, Tatum.”

“I want alone time!”

“Okay. Okay. Geez. Calm down. I’m going. I’m going.” I start walking down the hall for the stairs. Got to get a few more steps in today.

“Thanks, Nat.” The door closes behind me, and I hear both locks latch. Girl needs to get some of that pent-up energy out in constructive ways instead of letting it build like anger inside her.

When I reach the lobby, I cut across the space. The doorman beats me to the door, holding it open. I step through, but then stop.

There, in front of my building, is a turquoise Vespa parked at the curb. And the most handsome man I’ve ever seen standing in front of it. “What took you so long?” Nick asks, holding a helmet out for me.

I look up to the sky to see Tatum leaning on our windowsill with a big smile on her face. I give her a little wave, and she sends one back. Turning to Nick, I walk closer. “I think you forgot I don’t like anything with two wheels.”

“Yeah, but you gave me a chance once. I was hoping you’d give me another to prove that you’ll always be safe with me.”

I take the helmet from him. “Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?”

Reaching out, he takes hold of me and pulls me against him. “I hope the answer will always be yes.”

My body begins to melt in his hands like a chocolate bar on a hot day. “Yes.”

He chuckles. “I haven’t asked you anything.”

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I lift up so our mouths are a hell of a lot closer, and reply, “The answer is always yes.” Kissing him, I realize how true those words really are when it comes to him.

I’m slow to open my eyes when we part, but when I do, seeing thatdimpliciousgrin is worth the wait. “What are you doing here?”

“Just in town to see my girlfriend.”

He’s going to do me in with his sweetness. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see you.”

That has him laughing harder this time. “And if she’s not into surprises?”

“She is.” Taking a step back, I slip my helmet on. “So where are you taking me, Mr. Sexy?”

“What happened to the smug?”

“I misjudged you.”

He gets on the Vespa and anchors a helmet over his head. Clasping the strap under his chin, he shrugs. “That happens to us Ralph Lauren models sometimes.”

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