“Yes. I’ll be over in the morning with coffee and bagels.”
“Sounds good.” I smiled at her.
Chapter 15
Grayson
“She seems nice,” I spoke as I walked over to where Harper was standing and arranging the flowers.
“She’s the best.”
“What line of work is she in?”
“She’s a hairstylist.”
“Ah. So is she the one responsible for your beautiful hair?” I smirked.
“Yeah. I guess she is.” She bit down on her bottom lip as her cheeks turned pink.
“We should get going. I’ve made reservations for us at Eleven Madison Park for seven thirty.”
“Just let me grab my purse.”
We walked down to the lobby and out of the building where Damon was waiting for us at the curb.
“Damon, I would like you to meet Miss Harper Holland. Harper, this is my driver Damon.”
“Good evening, Miss Holland. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Good evening, Damon.” She smiled as I helped her inside the Escalade.
As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, we followed the hostess to a booth that sat in the corner, per my request. It was the quietest spot in the place. Upon sitting down, we both picked up our menus and looked them over.
“Good evening, Mr. Rhodes. It’s good to see you again.”
“Good evening, Ramone.”
“May I bring you a bottle of our finest wine?” he asked.
“Not tonight. I’ll have a bourbon and my guest will have—”
“Just water, please,” Harper spoke.
“Sparkling?” Ramone smiled at her.
“That’ll be fine. Thank you.”
After Ramone brought us our drinks, we placed our dinner order. I couldn’t help but stare at her. She was beautiful, and I was desperate to find out all about her.
“So, Harper Holland,” I smiled. “Have you lived in New York your whole life?”
She picked up her glass and took a sip of her water.
“No. I moved here when I was eighteen and attended NYU.”
“And you never left?”
“There was no reason for me to. I’d already spent four years here and made friends, so I stayed and created a new life for myself.”
“What about your family?”
“If you’re referring to my parents, they were killed in an automobile accident back in Florida when I was nine. The only other living relative I have is my Aunt Nicole. After my parents died, I was sent to Virginia to live with her.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. That was a long time ago. I didn’t want to be there as much as she didn’t want me there. She was a waitress and an alcoholic. I pretty much raised myself. I figured out at an early age that if I ever wanted to get out of that godforsaken town, I’d have to get a good scholarship. So, I buried myself in my schoolwork, got straight A’s, volunteered as much as I could, graduated as the valedictorian of my graduating class and received a full ride to NYU. The day after I graduated high school, I packed my bags and never looked back.”
“You’re a very smart woman. Sounds to me like you were very responsible at such a young age.”
“I had no choice. The day my parents died, I lost my childhood. I had to grow up quickly. I guess taking care of an alcoholic aunt will do that to you.”
“Do you still keep in touch with her?”
“No. I haven’t spoken to her since the day I left.” She looked down and ran her finger around the rim of her glass.
“It’s probably for the best. She sounds like a very toxic person.”
“She was.” Her lips gave way to a light smile. “How about you, Mr. Rhodes? What’s your story?”
I picked up my bourbon and brought it to my lips.
“Like you, I lost my parents at a young age when their private jet crashed. So my grandparents raised me. When I was sixteen, my grandmother passed away from cancer, so it was just me and my grandfather. I graduated high school and went off to Yale to get my MBA. Then I came to work for my grandfather.”
“I’m sorry about your parents.”
“Thanks. But like you said, it was a long time ago.”
We finished our dinner and then I took her home.
“Is it okay if I walk you up to your apartment?” I asked.
“I’d like that.” She bashfully smiled.
She stuck her key in the lock and opened the door. Flipping the light switch, she set down her purse and walked over to the window.
“Wow. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of this amazing view at night.”
“It is spectacular. I’m happy you like the apartment,” I said as I stood next to her.
“Thank you, Grayson.” She turned and our eyes locked.
Bringing the back of my hand up to her cheek, I softly stroked it.
“You’re welcome. And thank you for keeping me company tonight. I had a nice time.”
“So did I.” A smile crossed her lips.
I wanted to kiss her, but it was too soon. Actually, I wanted more than a kiss and I knew if I didn’t leave, I’d regret it.
“Enjoy your day tomorrow,” I spoke as I stroked her cheek one last time.
“You too.”
Placing my hand in my pocket, I opened the door and walked out. When I climbed into the car, Damon looked at me through the rearview mirror.
“Harper seems like a very nice woman.”
“She is.”
“I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone like her before.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“It’s just the company of women you keep are different. What are you up to, Grayson?”
I sighed as I looked out the window and ignored him.
Chapter 16
Harper
I placed my hand on my cheek where Grayson touched it. I swore I could still feel his hand on it. The softness of his touch aroused me, and I desperately begged in silence for his lips to touch mine. Instead, he was a perfect gentleman who was in complete control of his actions.
As I climbed into bed, my phone dinged with a text message from him.
“I just wanted to say goodnight. Sweet dreams.”
“Goodnight, Grayson.”
When I awoke the next morning, I felt like I was on cloud nine, except for the nausea that settled in my belly. Climbing out of bed, I went into the bathroom where I washed my face and brushed my teeth before Charlotte came by. I sighed as I walked into the living room and stared at the rest of the boxes that needed unpacking. It would be a long day.
Ten o’clock rolled around when Charlotte knocked on my door. Opening it, she stood there holding up a brown bag and a cup holder with two coffee cups sitting inside.
“One decaf for you, one fuel for me and a variety of bagels with two different cream cheeses.” She grinned as she pushed past me and went into the kitchen. “I want to hear all about your night with Grayson Rhodes,” she spoke as she opened the cabinet and took down two small plates.
“Dinner was amazing.” I smiled. “In fact, he’s amazing.”