“And yet here I am,” she said.
He reached over and took her hand, his eyes firmly fixed on the road. “I’m glad, Denora. I meant what I said, you know. I do like you. What do you say if we don’t talk about all of that tonight? Let’s just relax and see where the night takes us.”
“Yeah.” She reluctantly dropped the subject. “By the way, you did say this is our very last date, right?”
“That was just a ruse to lure you into my car.” He winked.
Denora grinned and settled comfortably into the seat. Max was right. She would think about their situation later.
“Hey, where are we?” she asked as they pulled up in the underground parking lot of a particularly tall building.
“Come on.” Max got out of the car and walked over to open the passenger door for her.
She frowned but didn’t comment as she followed him towards the elevator.
“Roof?” she asked as he punched in the R button. “Why are we going on the roof?”
“You’ll see when we get there,” Max said with a mysterious grin.
“Tell me,” she insisted.
Max laughed and kissed her forehead. “Let’s just say that I wanted to make it up to you.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. She hesitated for a split second and then rested her head on his shoulder. It was wrong, she knew. But she was unable to help herself.
“Come on.” He took her hand as the elevator doors opened.
She brushed a lock of hair out of her face as they stepped out into the windy night air. Denora froze in her step at the sight of the sleek black helicopter that awaited them.
“Where are we going?”
“The Hamptons.” He grinned down at her. “I was there for a conference last week. They’ve got this great seafood restaurant.”
“Wow. So you know how to operate this thing, right?” she asked as they walked over to the helicopter.
“I grew up on a farm in Ireland, Denora.” He smirked. “I have no idea how to fly a chopper. But Preston here does.”
A uniformed man got out of the helicopter and held the door open for them. “Good evening, sir,” he said.
“Great to see you, Preston. Thanks for picking us up. This is Denora.”
“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“Hi.” Denora shook his hand.
“Here, let me help you in,” Max said.
Before she even realized what was happening, Max took her by the waist and lifted her inside. She’d never ridden a helicopter before—she’d never even been near one before. She grinned widely at Max as they took off, the loud chopping sound matching the pattering in her heart. She clutched Max’s hand tightly and looked out of the window. The sun was setting, basking the New York skyline in delicate hues of orange and gold. Her heart soared as they flew over open water, landing in the Hamptons a short while later.
“We’re having dinner at the Victoria,” Max said, speaking over the loud roar of the blades. “Is that fine with you?”
“Yes,” Denora called back, trying not to look too impressed. The Victoria was one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
“You okay?” Max asked as they stepped out on the roof of the hotel.
“More than okay.” Denora beamed. “That was incredible!”
“I’m glad you liked it.” He slipped his fingers through hers and she squeezed his hand. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Good evening, Mr. Greenheart,” a uniformed butler said as he called the elevator. “Your table is ready and waiting.”
“Thank you ,Claude.”
“You should have told me we were coming to the Victoria,” Denora hissed as they took the elevator down to the restaurant. “I would have worn something else.” She couldn’t help but think of the dressy strapless dress that she’d discarded earlier because she wanted to look businesslike. It was becoming clear to both of them that there would be nothing even remotely businesslike about this evening.
“You look breathtaking, Denora,” he said sincerely. “I like that color on you.”
“Thanks.”
“Ah, Mr. Greenheart. Good evening, sir. It’s so lovely to see you again.” A uniformed seating hostess walked over to them as they entered the restaurant. Denora hid a grin as she noticed that she had the same wide-eyed, lust-filled look that Max seemed to naturally elicit from women.
“Your table is ready,” the hostess continued with a simper. “If you would please follow me.”
Max held out his elbow and Denora took it with a smile as they strode across the restaurant. It was easily the most elegant place she’d ever dined in. Wide and circular, with an ornately patterned ceiling, it even had a huge tank full of decorative fish that spanned across an entire wall. The hostess led them to a corner table and lit a rose-scented floating candle between them.
“What would you like to drink?” Max asked as they studied the menus.
“Uhm…a white wine would be nice.” Her phone suddenly rang and she fished into her purse. “Sorry about that,” she said, checking the screen. It was Grace. Denora cut the call and looked up at Max with an apologetic smile.
“Please go ahead,” he said.
“It’s okay. It’s just Grace.” She typed a quick text telling her friend that she would call her later and shoved the phone back into her purse. “So, what do you recommend?” she asked, trying not to look too shocked by the prices as she scanned the menu.
“The scallops are pretty good,” he replied.
By the time they finished dinner and moved on to dessert, a small crowd had gathered on the dance floor. The soft music only enhanced the romantic atmosphere, and as Denora looked at him over the candlelight, she couldn’t help but once again marvel at his perfect features. The soft flames danced in his dark blue eyes, which crinkled at the corners as he smiled at her.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Denora shook her head, embarrassed. “Nothing, I was just…it’s a lovely song,” she finished lamely as another song began.
He cocked is head to the side. “Do you want to dance?”
“Yes, please.”
He held out his hand and she took it as she followed him to the dance floor. She rested her cheek on his chest and he buried his face into her hair as they swayed slowly to the music. At that moment, it was all too easy for her to forget that he’d lied to her.
Max was finding it hard to focus on his real motives about her too. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply, allowing her intoxicating scent to wash over him.
“It’s getting late,” Denora reluctantly said.
“Am I boring you?” he asked with a soft grin.
She looked up. “Of course not, Max. This evening has been absolutely magical.”
“You know we could stay here if you want. I could get us rooms. Tomorrow’s Saturday so we don’t have to go to work. We can actually spend the entire weekend here if you want.” He smiled and cupped her chin when she hesitated. “I said rooms, Denora. One for you and one for me.”
“Oh.” She flushed. “Well, I don’t know…I don’t have my credit card on me.”