Page 32 of Better Watch Out
Andrew wasn’t sure whether it was Doug’s connections or Mr. Malone’s but he’d received a call from The Peninsula’s head of security last night. They’d gone over a game plan to keep an eye on Frannie, allowing Andrew to monitor her from the security office. It would work for one night so long as the weather cooperated for the airports to reopen tomorrow.
“How good are you at scavenging?”
“I can’t say that I’ve ever scavenged.” He pressed his lips together. “Scavenged.Scavenged. Is that even a word?”
“It’s a word and by the time we’re done scavenging …” She frowned. “Wait, now it does sound weird.Scavenging.” She shook her head, giving up. “I’ve never lost a—” Her words froze as she pressed her face back to the window. “Is that Central Park?”
He couldn’t help chuckling at her awe. When was the last time he’d looked at New York City like this? Once upon a time when he was playing defenseman for the Bandits, living here felt like an out-of-body experience. Michelin Star dinners, celebrity parties, signing autographs for cheering fans.
Now his life felt very ordinary. Not that his job was ordinary, and maybe that’s why he said yes when Amanda asked him to consider the career. Ordinary felt like a disappointment to his family, team, friends, himself.
“What do you think?”
Her question pulled him back to the expectation in her eyes. “I’m sorry, what?”
“About the bucket list? If I’m going to be stuck here for the day, maybe we could check a few things off.” Her eyes sank to the list she must’ve pulled out of her purse. “Then at least the whole trip won’t be a total embarrassment.” She mumbled that last part before clamping her lips shut, blue eyes finding his. “Ice skating at the park. Do you think they’ll be open today?”
Andrew’s gaze moved to the park. There were a few people already enjoying the snow, including several children. If someone was watching him, following him, to get to Ms. Malone, taking Frannie to the park was risky.
He was about to make up an excuse to avoid taking her out but her quiet words echoed loudly in his head.“The trip won’t be a total embarrassment.”She wasn’t talking about what happened at the bookstore. At least he didn’t think so.
Something had made her cry this morning and he was pretty sure it was the bozo who dumped her for reasons he couldn’t yet figure out. Frannie seemed smart and funny and she was certainly beautiful.
“What am I thinking?” She folded her bucket list. “You probably don’t want to play tourist with me since you live here.”
“Rockefeller is overrated.” The last time he’d been in skates was exactly that—the last time—but when her gaze swung back to him, his resolve began to slip. “Expensive and overcrowded.”
Her smile brought the light back to her eyes. “Well, that’s good because I read that ice skating at Bryant Park is the perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit with its European-style Christmas market.”
“Do you have these memorized?”
“I’ve wanted to come to New York ever since I sawMiracle on 34thStreet.The original with Natalie Wood, not the remake.” She said this as if he needed that cleared up. He hadn’t seen either version. “The movies made it look so magical and romantic.” Her jaw clenched as she swallowed. “Anyway, I’ve kept a running list of things I would do if I ever got the chance to visit. It’s probably silly but I don’t know if I’ll ever be back.”
Those words stung for some reason and filled Andrew with the desire to give her the best day he could—safely.
“Ice skating at Bryant Park sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon.”
“Really?” She nearly squealed, earning her a laugh from their driver. “But after the candy cane scavenger hunt and we’ll need to see what time the carolers will be there because I don’t want to miss that.”
Her excitement seemed almost tangible, defying every natural law of physics as it curled into him with pricks of heat that burned his chest. He could give this to her. Candy cane hunt. Ice skating in the park. Carolers. As long as he didn’t get distracted by—her hand clutched his arm.
“Are you kidding me?”
The Uber had pulled up to The Peninsula and a doorman was already opening Frannie’s door for her. The driver popped the trunk as another doorman grabbed her suitcase. Andrew pulled a few dollars from his wallet and tipped both men before grabbing Frannie’s bag as she gawked up at the historic hotel.
“This …” Her voice was breathless. “This is incredible.”
“It’s even better inside.” He took her gloveless hand and led her in, savoring the warmth of her palm against his. He probably should let go, but didn’t.Who knows when she’ll be back?He was tiptoeing in dangerous territory, but it was just for the day and he didn’t want her to slip on the snow …that has already been scraped from the sidewalk by The Peninsula’s staff.
Leading her inside, he was nearly yanked backward as her feet stopped mid-step like she was cemented to the spot. Giant Christmas trees, the longest strands of garland he’d ever seen, and red and gold ornaments embellished the already ornate lobby. As promised, a replica of the hotel made entirely of gingerbread was roped off, with visitors taking photos nearby.
“I’ll check you in.”
Ten minutes later, Frannie had a bag of candy compliments of the Christmas Sweet Shoppe and they were headed to her “Nights Before Christmas” suite. Andrew had no idea what that meant, only that he was sure Mr. Malone had made it happen.
Andrew started to hand her the room key but she was busy reading the list of holiday activities at the hotel, a candy cane hanging out of her mouth, so he swiped it instead and held the door open for her.
“The candy cane scavenger hunt is this afternoon but—oh … my … jingle-jangle stars.”
