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Once we’re alone in the elevator, Ada gives me a curious glance.
“You’ll see.”
I take her hand again, cursing the quick ride, and wait for the door to open.
Rooftop 40 is one of the most exclusive rooftop restaurants in the city.
“Oh my . . .”
Her exclamation trails off, and she releases my hand so she can stroll around the empty space. Empty because the whole thing is reserved for us.
Clear globe lights are everywhere. An infinity pool off to the side makes it look as if the water flows right over the roof, into the Manhattan skyline. I watch as she takes in the tables, though just one of them is set, right at the edge of the pool.
“I wonder how much there is of the city that I never knew existed?” she asks in wonder.
I’m about to pull her toward me when a waiter appears.
* * *
Two sangrias—Adaconvinced me—and a shared lobster roll and steak dinner later, I’m full. And blissfully content. Part of me wishes we could stay up here forever.
“I wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow,” she says, echoing my thoughts. “I can’t believe you did this, on a Tuesday.”
“I worried it would be a little over the top,” I admit.
Ada splays out her hands. “Over the top? This? I mean, if it were filled with people, it would be spectacular. But the fact that you rented out the entire restaurant? I can’t imagine why you’d think it was over the top.”
She’s joking, of course, but it’s obvious she’s pleased. I’m more relieved than she realizes.
“Hayden, you told me to ask for what I wanted, right?”
I nod. “I did.”
“Will you do the same?”
“Of course.”
“I mean really. If you’re worried about offending me with your ridiculous lavishness, then just say, ‘Ada, I want you to tell me if it’s too much.’ If you want to know what I’m thinking, ask. If you want anything, need anything, wish for anything, ask.”
She sees right through me, down to my very soul.
“You don’t need to pretend with me. Or try to impress me. Or worry what I think. I can tell you’ve done that your whole life, probably with every single person you’ve ever met. But you don’t have to do it with me.”
Our eyes lock, the candlelight on the table flickering between us. I see gold specks. I see concern. I see compassion. I see desire.
I see love.
How the hell did this happen so quickly?
“OK.”
It’s about all I can manage. Too many words want to tumble out. Words I have no right to say. So I focus on the least confusing of the dozens of emotions I feel for this woman.
I look down at my watch. It’s almost ten o’clock.
“Do you have to get going?” Ada asks.
“No.”
