“I love surprises.” A pleased and seductive smile curved his mouth. “Lead the way.”
No doubt about it, Lexie thought. Her special place would never be the same again.
COOP WATCHED AS LEXIE stepped onto the small ledge and leaned her forehead against the window at the top of the Empire State Building. He’d been here as a kid and again when covering a story or two, but a tourist site wouldn’t be a place he’d normally choose to go to unwind. The line to get in, the wait, the crowds on the elevators… Definitely not for him.
But a funny thing happened once they reached Lexie’s floor of choice. She led him to the windows and once they stood together, looking out over the beautiful skyline, all the noise, the chaos, the people around him seemed to disappear. He could appreciate why she came here when she needed solitude.
“Step up with me.” She encouraged him to lean against the window with her.
“I’m not sure I want to feel that weightless sensation,” he muttered.
“Chicken?” she asked.
With a resigned groan, he planted his feet on the ledge, his toes against the plate glass.
As if sensing his reluctance, Lexie reached out and clasped his hand firmly in hers. “Now look out,” she said, softly, her fingers wrapping tighter around his.
He allowed himself to trust and did as she asked, taking in the incredible sight from a new and enlightening perspective. He felt as if he were flying over the city, free-falling without a safety net. And he loved it.
He tipped his head and glanced over, taking in Lexie’s serene profile—this was the most relaxed he’d ever seen her and he had the sense that he was being given a glimpse into her heart and her soul. And somehow he knew she rarely shared this part of herself with others. It showed an incredible amount of trust—and that both pleased and scared the crap out of him.
“I hate that we have to leave,” she murmured.
He squeezed her hand. “I know, but we still have some time.” But even as he spoke, he realized that time with her wasn’t something he could count on.
LEXIE SAT IN THE BACK of Coop’s car, yielding the front seat to her grandmother. Charlotte talked to Coop nonstop, leaving Lexie alone with her thoughts.
She approached her family home with trepidation. She normally saw her parents at a restaurant and left immediately after dinner so she didn’t have to prolong the agony or look for an excuse to leave. Tonight was different and not just because Coop was there to witness the dysfunction.
AS THEY WALKED UP the front path, Charlotte led the way, ringing the doorbell and entering as if she owned the place. “Hello! We’re here!”
Lexie shot Coop an amused glanced.
He slid his hand into hers, his palm feeling warm and solid against her skin.
Footsteps sounded from the kitchen and her father strode into the marbled entryway. Of course he wore a suit and tie, making Lexie feel out of place in her bohemian summer dress. Not that she needed clothing for that. Coop’s mere presence, in his khaki chinos and a pale-blue dress shirt, surprisingly put Lexie a little more at ease.
“You’re on time!” her father noted, by way of hello.
“Coop drove us and he’s prompt,” Charlotte said proudly, as if she had something to do with that fact. “Sam Cooper, this is my son, Cary.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Cary.” Coop extended his hand, while Lexie waited for the fallout.
“My name is Grant.” Her father pinned his mother with an annoyed glare, which contrasted well with the embarrassed flush in his cheeks.
“Don’t you listen to him,” Charlotte said. “His given name is Cary Grant Davis.”
“My legal name has been Grant since I turned eighteen,” he reminded her.
This argument was as standard and expected as it was funny, and Lexie choked back a laugh.
“A pleasure, Mr. Davis,” Coop said diplomatically, somehow keeping a straight face.
Lexie’s father shook Coop’s hand. “Grant will be fine.”
Charlotte let out a snort. “My fanny, it’s fine! Your father and I named you after Cary Grant in the movie, It Takes a Thief.” Charlotte’s voice took on a dreamy quality.
Grant rolled his eyes.
But Lexie was no longer amused at the byplay.
With the reminder of her grandmother’s favorite movie, Lexie became even more certain of Charlotte’s role in the jewel heist years ago. She just couldn’t fathom why her grandmother would have done such a thing. Lexie still hadn’t decided how to handle that knowledge. She wondered if Coop caught the movie reference, but he was still focused on Lexie’s father.
“Come into the living room,” Grant said and they followed him into a formally furnished area, complete with a grand piano—for show only—and a wet bar in the corner.
Lexie’s mother, Caroline, waited for them, dressed as properly as her husband in a simple black dress and pearls. “I’m so glad everyone could make it!”
Her father made the introductions for Coop, while Lexie kissed her mother’s cool cheek.
“Can I make anyone a drink?” Grant asked.
Lexie would have loved a stiff anything, but whatever she chose would meet with disapproval, so better to stay sober and on her toes. “Nothing for me, thanks.”
Coop shook his head. “I’m fine, thank you.” He obviously took his cue from her.
“Have something,” Lexie urged.
“I’m having a martini. I’ll make you one,” Grant said before Coop could reply.
“You know, I read an interesting article online the other day,” Charlotte said. “It said that rehab centers are seeing a rise in bankers who are admitted for alcoholism.” Her naughty gaze fell on her son.
“Mother!” Caroline said, horrified.
Lexie’s father turned a deeper red, but he said nothing, while Coop met Lexie’s stare, wide-eyed.
She merely shrugged. If he wasn’t used to her grandmother by now, he would be after tonight.
“Let’s all sit,” Caroline suggested. “Lexie, Mother, come and we’ll catch up.”
Lexie and Coop settled beside each other on the couch. Charlotte took Grant’s favorite chair, which gave her a view of everyone in the room. After mixing drinks, Lexie’s father joined them, sitting beside his wife on a love seat across from the sofa.
An old wall clock, which used to wake Lexie as a child, ticked loudly in the silent room. Lexie swung her foot back and forth until Coop settled his hand on her knee, stilling the nervous movement.