Page 21 of Something Just Like This

“Alyssa, we want you there. Chloe asked for you specifically, and it would be a great favor if you came. She misses her mother the most around the holidays, and you and she have become close. You make her happy. And the Bishop farm is a free-for-all. I know you’d love it there. Your schedule has been just as insane as mine, and I think we both need a break.”

She blinked rapidly, and he watched her process the idea. “I don’t know.”

“It’s a getaway—completely private. Ethan has bodyguards at the place, and with my team on-site, we’ll be out of the public eye. You can ride horses, hike, be in the great outdoors without the smog and smoke and pavement.” He smiled. “And you’ll get to hang out with Chloe and Mia. Meet Mia’s sisters—Ophelia and Harper. See the famous racehorse, Phoenix.”

“You’re really selling this place, aren’t you?”

He grinned. “Guess I am. Will you think about it? I think Chloe needs some extra female support after the breakup with Owen. It would mean everything to her if you’d go.”

A sigh escaped her lips. “It does sound beautiful, and I’d do anything for Chloe. I’ll think about it.”

“Good.”

They smiled at each other, then pulled up to the Prince George Hotel. The Friends of Firefighters Fall Gala was a well-publicized event and supported the local Breaking Ground nonprofit, which helped give affordable housing to New Yorkers. Since homelessness was a big issue for him, he supported the organization as much as possible, and combined with honoring the city’s brave firefighters, it was a win/win.

They made their way inside. He loved the Neo-Renaissance features of the renovated hotel. It reminded him of age-old glamour. The ballroom was exquisite. The fat columns of scrolled gold, gleaming wooden floors, and dazzling painted tray ceiling made one feel as if they’d stepped back into aristocratic history. He stopped to talk to the fire chief, and the men he’d come to know and respect, those who woke up every morning with the heavy images of 9/11 in their brains and hearts, yet still showed up to give their lives to save another’s. Jonathan’s relationship with the fire stations and crew was important to him, and he’d fought many times to get them more funding and support, even when he was up against the budget and endless other causes.

He worked the room with Alyssa by his side. He admired the way she handled the crowds, a subtle, stable presence, ready to infuse humor or bring a fresh take to an issue. She was more comfortable in the background, and there was always respect in his role as mayor, but when their gazes met, he knew they were on equal ground. She was secure in herself and strong in her identity, and that was important. God knew he’d been known to intimidate and dominate women with his personality. He never wanted to worry that his partner would be in his shadow.

Alyssa was perfect for him in all ways.

He only hoped she felt the same way about him.

They eased away from the latest crowd and shared a glance. It was tradition for them to spend the first half-hour getting settled with the crowds, then bolt for a cocktail and a small bite to sustain themselves for the next few hours. “Chardonnay?” he asked.

“Yes, and if you see those little⁠—”

“Crab cakes? I’ll grab some and get cheese and crackers.”

“Perfect, I’ll hit up the library association members standing by that column and remind them of your support.”

“I’ll tackle Ted, who’s at the bar with his cronies. Meet you in the back-right corner for the exchange in fifteen.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Get real. Thirty minutes minimum. Ted’s a talker.”

“And I’m a professional.” He quirked a brow. “Care to bet? I’ll be there in fifteen, and if I’m not, you get to ask for a favor.”

“You didn’t say you’d grant it. Only that I get to ask.”

Damn, he was nuts about her. “You should have been a lawyer. Okay, I’ll grant any favor you wish, if it’s possible. If I win, you reciprocate and grant me a boon.”

Interest sparked in her brown eyes. She pushed her glasses back up her nose. “Hmm, that’s too good to resist. Done.”

“If you get there and I’m talking with Sam Walterson, please⁠—”

“I’ll cite an emergency and get you out of there. I’m a professional, too, Mr. Mayor.” This time, the tone in her voice when she called him by his official title was in fun and took on an intimacy he wanted more of. He couldn’t resist teasing her back a tiny bit.

“Thanks. And don’t forget, Alyssa.” He leaned over and growled near her ear. “If I’m on time, be ready for what I’m going to ask for.”

Then, with a grin, he headed to the bar.

The clock was ticking.

He was on time.

She came up behind him, watching him chat casually with two ladies who seemed to gush over every word he uttered. He sipped a scotch with ice, and a plate of appetizers sat on the high table to his left.

He turned to look at her, and that tingle between her thighs bolted to a lightning strike. Thank God her bra was industrial strength because her nipples were hard knots under the padding. How did a man exude such graceful strength and sensual energy, just by zeroing in with those piercing blue eyes? His entire body vibrated with a leashed power she craved to let loose. The kiss was proof that he’d dominate her in the bedroom—body and soul. She also knew if they kissed again, she’d never be able to stop.