“Uh-huh.”
“Oh, and he’s in love with me,” I added, the smirk on my face unfolding naturally.
“He said it?” she shrieked down the line.
“He said it, Pepper!”
“Oh, hun, I’m so happy for you.”
A noise sounded in the background, then the phone was muffled. “Hey, I’ll call you later.”
“Pepper?”
“Byeee!”
That was strange. Her phone must be acting up, I thought, as I placed the berries on top of the yogurt and drizzled it in maple syrup—okay, drowned.
The sound of the elevator doors was perfect timing. As I turned, Barrett strolled toward me in the kitchen. His gray shirt darkened where sweat attached to his wall of muscles.
“Morning, dollface.” He pecked me on the cheek.
“Morning, handsome.”
“I’d say I would shower, but I think you like a sweaty man.”
“You know I do, plus the yogurt bowls are ready.”
“Perfect.”
“So what does a construction company tycoon do on the weekend?”
“Work, usually.”
“Oh.” I stuck my chin out, hoping to spend as much time with him as possible.
Sensing my disappointment, he rested his hand on mine. “What did you have in mind?”
“Hmm.” I tossed a blueberry in my mouth, and an idea popped into my head.
“Fancy being a tourist for the day?”
He laughed. “I’ve never been a tourist in this city before.”
“Sure you have.” I elbowed him in the ribs as we sat side by side.
“Truly. I haven’t. Never had the time.”
“You're telling me you haven’t been up the Empire State Building, Coney Island, taken the ferry to the Statue of Liberty?”
He widened his eyes. “Nope, never had time, Lourde. And had no one to do it with.”
Damn, how can he make my heart flutter just like that?
“Well, be prepared, Mr. Black, because I’m your tour guide today.”
* * *
He pulled his hands tighter around me as his head nuzzled into the curve of my neck.
“I can’t believe you’ve never been up here, Barrett,” I said, nudging his scruff with my cheek.
“Do you know how many times I’ve driven past the Empire State building?”
“Countless?”
“Countless. Yet, I’ve never bothered to stop or ever thought to take the elevator to the 102nd floor. It is a pretty view from up here,” he said, looking at the horizon. The sun lowered, turning the blue sky into a canvas of lilac and warm tangerines.
“Thank you for today.” He planted a soft kiss on my cheek.
“You're so welcome.” The day of sightseeing started by taking the ferry to Liberty Island to show him the Statue of Liberty up close and personal. From there, we hopped over to Ellis Island, then Coney Island. Then we popped into the MET museum to actually admire the art rather than just attending an event which we both had done. Now my legs were like lead from all the walking and sightseeing.
“Although you’ve definitely let me see another side of you.”
I turned to face him. “How so?”