Page 125 of A Ticking Time Boss

Freddie shakes her head. “Summer says he’s married to the hotel.”

“Oh. That’s a shame,” I say. “Have you ever heard—oh, sorry.”

The room quiets down as Isaac takes the mic. He welcomes us all here and gives a short overview of the history of the hotel. The Winter Hotel in New York is the original one, over a century old, the head to the many offshoots worldwide. Summer and Anthony’s honeymoon had been to one of their newly opened resorts internationally.

A strong arm slides around my waist. Carter’s found me, the scent of his cologne subtle and delicious. I’d bought it for his birthday. “Hey,” he whispers.

“Hi,” I whisper back.

“Let’s get out of here.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” And then, his lips to my ear, “I have a surprise.”

It doesn’t take us long to leave the event. Our friends don’t look surprised at our early departure, either, which is unusual. We usually end the night with a nightcap together. Less often now, perhaps, when Tristan and Freddie have a newborn. But still. Not a single raised eyebrow?

Michael is waiting for us by the curb. He gives us both a smile. It’s uncharacteristically wide.

I start getting suspicious. “Carter,” I say. “Exactly what kind of surprise is this?”

He reaches for my hand. “A good one.”

“Your surprises vary a great deal.”

He laughs. “Yes, well, I promise I’ve learned. This will be something you like. I think.”

“Do the others know?”

He glances at me, still smiling. “Stop asking questions.”

“I can’t not.”

“You can. No need to interview me.” His hand tightens on mine. “We’re almost there.”

I peer out the window of the car. It looks like a normal street at nightfall, people going about their business, shops closing just as restaurants pick up steam.

Michael pulls us to a stop at the curb. “We’re here,” he says. Is that excitement in his voice?

Nerves take up residence in my stomach, and a tiny, sneaky suspicion forms in my mind. Where is he taking me…?

Carter opens my door for me. He looks brilliant in his tux, thick hair swept back from his forehead. He gives me a crooked smile. “My lady,” he says.

I laugh. “Wow.”

His hand rests on the small of my back. People on the sidewalk watch us as we pass, both dressed to the nines. My ballgown is more than a little out of place.

“Patience,” he murmurs at my side. The arm beside me is taut.

That’s when I recognize the place. It’s the bar where we first met. Where we had our first date.

“Oh,” I say.

Carter holds the door open for me. “After you, kid.”

I step inside. There’s no one here. It’s empty, and on every single table is a single lit candle. It looks magical.

My throat starts to close up. The suspicion grows stronger, and anticipation rushes through me. Oh my God.

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