Page 146 of Elevator Pitch

I text him when I’m on my way upstairs and he advises me to let myself in while he finishes getting ready. Greyson gave me a key to his apartment when he had to go out of town a few weeks ago to look after Clifford, but he didn’t take it back. I offered it to him, and he said that it was mine now. When I get settled in his apartment, I smell something delicious cooking and follow the scent. I’m very shocked to find a chef instead of Grey in the kitchen. I am practically salivating over how good everything smells. I greet him in the kitchen, and he introduces himself as Marco Aguilar, ofAguilar’s. I’m excited to see what he makes. I hate surprises but he and Elena sure can cook. I step away and call for Clifford because he didn’t charge me when Iwalked through the door. He’s not coming when I call for him either.

Grey appears from the hallway dressed in a navy sports coat, matching slacks, a white silk shirt, and loafers.

He looks as sexy as he did the night we met.

“You’re awfully dressed up to be in the house tonight, sir.”

He looks at me with a devious grin, scooping me up in an embrace as his lips take mine in a greedy kiss. Before he pulls away, he says in my ear, “Now, Princess, you know I preferDaddyover sir.”

His laugh vibrates through me, and I feel heat pooling between my thighs at the sound ofDaddyon his lips.

“Where’s Clifford? He never ignores me.” I wrinkle my brows in concern.

“Oh. He’s with Alex tonight. I wanted us to have the house to ourselves, and he tends to steal you when you come over. Not that you seem to mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. I love Clifford.”

He places a kiss on my forehead and says, “I’ll have him dropped off in the morning so you can spend the day with him.” He looks at me expectantly. He wants me to be comfortable, always. I get the feeling that if I wasn’t, he’d drop everything to pick him up now if that’s what I wanted.

“That’ll be perfect. I’ll make him mini pancakes.”

He tuts. “You are not lifting a finger on your birthday, and we’re not going to argue about it. I have breakfast arranged as well.”

He strides over to the candlelit dining table, decorated and set to perfection. I notice fresh sunflowers as the centerpiece, and my eyes well up at the sight. I’m not sure what to say and I’m in awe of what he’s already done so far. I can’t imagine what else he’s planned.

“Because I know you’re not a fan of surprises, I had Audrey help me with printing menus for tonight’s meal so that you can at least have an idea of what I plan to serve you. Wemade an itinerary, too. It doesn’t spoil what I have planned but gives you enough to expect a night of romance. I’d like to ease any anxiety you have and make this a night to remember.”

I’m speechless and rooted to this spot. I admire the effort he’s put into this date, and it hasn’t even begun. Asking Audrey to help, which couldn’t have been hard because she loves playing matchmaker and doesn’t know what to do with herself if she isn’t planning something. Designing an itinerary so that I don’t have anxiety over whatever surprise he’s got up his sleeve? I’ve only read books about men who are this kind and attentive.

I may not make it through the night without shedding tears. I appreciate all the effort he’s put in, and the night has only begun.He sits at the end of the table when Marco advises us that dinner is almost ready. He insists I sit beside him, and once I do, he grabs my hand. He seems nervous and that’s not like him. I’m sure it’s whatever he’s planned for us tonight.

We enjoy dinner by candlelight and it’s straight out of a book. It’s dreamy and peaceful, while the sight of him in that suit has me wanting to be tossed over his shoulder and carried to the bedroom. He stares adoringly at me and butterflies flutter in my stomach. My mind swirls with countless questions, but I don’t want to douse the flame burning brightly between us. My surprise dinner was pizza and pasta, all a girl needs in life. When he set it in front of me, I burst out laughing. After dinner, he mentions we should get ready for the next part of the date. We change into sweats, grab our passports, and board the elevator hand in hand. Grey warns that he’s going to blindfold me and it’s a part of the surprise. It makes me uneasy but I trust him. Once he’s tied it, he rubs his thumb over my knuckles to soothe me and resumes holding my hand. The elevator dings and he guides me through the lobby.

A familiar voice greets us outside. It’s Eric.

“Alright, bird box. Watch your head,” he jokes, helping me into the backseat.

I cackle in response.

Why is he here? Is he driving us somewhere? What is Greyson up to?

Eric speaks when he opens my door, telling me to be safe and he’ll see me soon before sweeping me into a hug. When he lets me go, Greyson warns he’s going to remove the blindfold and I brace myself. I’m shocked that we’re standing on a tarmac with a private jet waiting for us. I don’t have to guess who was responsible for this one. I’m just not sure where we’d be going that requires this. We board the jet and the flight attendant makes sure we’re all set before takeoff. I cozy up in my seat and rest my head on him once the plane takes off. I dozed off for a bit and thankfully it was a short flight.

Did I just hear the pilot say we’re in Buffalo, NY?

Did he do all this so I could see Niagara Falls?

You’ve gotta be kidding me?

“Greyson?”

He glances over at me and lifts his brows in question.

“Why are we in Buffalo?”

“I’ll answer that question in the car, baby. We don’t want to be late.”

There’s a black SUV on the tarmac and a driver waiting. He’s broad-chested and wears a suit, tattoos coat his brown skin and are visible on his neck and hands. He introduces himself as Royce, a regular driver of Avery’s and he shares that he will be driving us to Niagara Falls and back to the airport this evening. After we settle into the backseat, I look over at Greyson and he’s got a goofy smile on his face. I give him a few minutes into the drive to start talking, and I get antsy when he doesn’t.

---