A town car waited for them as they stepped down from the carriage.
Ethan caught her hand and whisked her to the door held open by their driver. “We’ve just enough time to make our reservations.” Once inside the car, he tilted her chin and kissed her gently. “I’m so happy you’re here with me. I can’t wait to show you New York.”
Looking into his eyes, it was clear how much he meant it. But where was her own enthusiasm? “I’m looking forward to it.”
Ethan kept her entertained during dinner with vacation-gone-wrong stories. By the time they were back in the car, she was in a cheery mood. As they pulled up to the majestic entrance to the New York Palace Hotel, she marveled again at its old-world beauty. Inside were gilded balustrades, frescoed ceilings, and tall columns. Their two-bedroom suite, elegant in every detail, had a gorgeous view of historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Ethan had gone way over the top in his effort to make her happy.
Once at their rooms, he opened the door and ushered her inside. “Have a glass of wine with me?”
She smiled, yet shook her head. “Can we not, tonight? It’s been such a long day. All I can think of is my pillow.” The day’s anxiety had drawn on every last bit of energy reserve she had.
Ethan tossed his room key on the end table. “At least give me a proper good night, then.” He grinned and drew her to him. Clasping her hands, he pulled them behind her back and kissed her thoroughly.
His kiss left her oddly unmoved. Her pulse didn’t race, her breath didn’t quicken. A man had never kissed her in that strangely vulnerable position, and it reminded her of the time Ethan took control in California. The men she normally spent time with were very different.
Ethan brushed her cheek with his fingertips and released her. “Sleep in a while in the morning. Why don’t we eat in the room and leave here around eleven?”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” She couldn’t get to her bedroom fast enough. As she showered and prepared for bed, her anxiety returned. Why didn’t her body respond to Ethan’s kiss? She’d always loved how he kissed—the man was amazing at it. Yet she may as well have been made of stone. Ethan cared for her—spared no expense where she was concerned, left no detail unplanned. As her protector, he could make her the happiest woman in the world.
She slid into cold sheets and turned off the lamp. Cash was no longer a part of her life. Now she might lose Ethan, too. She couldn’t spend her life with a man who left her physically unmoved. Sweat moistened her palms, and she rubbed them absently on the duvet. Cash’s loss had upended her world, and she was still struggling to find peace with it. Could that be her problem? She just needed time to pull herself together, and then she would respond to Ethan as she had in the past. Sighing deeply, she turned on her side. Her old self would be back in no time.
The next evening, Dallas slipped her feet into the four-inch heels that matched the outfit Ethan had picked out for her when they went shopping. The knee-length black dress was snug with off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and a deep V neckline.
Earlier in the day, he took her to Little Italy, China Town, Times Square, and she saw the Statue of Liberty from across the bay.
She met him in the living room where he was taking in the view of the cathedral. “All ready.”
He strode to her, pulling her in for a quick kiss. “You’re gorgeous.” Stepping back, he eyed her up and down. “My God, look at you. I’m a lucky man.”
Grinning, she said, “You’re pretty spectacular yourself.” His elegant, perfectly fitted black suit made them a striking pair.
As he opened the door, he said, “I made dinner reservations, too.”
His smile hinted at something special and piqued her curiosity. Clasping his arm, she walked proudly at his side, headed for her first Broadway show.
DALLAS CLAPPED AS THE cast bowed for the last time. The musical had been everything she hoped for. And, in true Ethan style, their seats were perfect—in the center, third row from the stage, in the orchestra section. She tightened her wrap as he helped her to her feet.
He put his hand at her waist as they slowly filed out of the theater.
Glancing at him, she smiled and stepped a little closer as a wave of warmth swept through her. Ethan was so good to her. He had it wrong. She was the lucky one. Continually thinking of ways to make her happy, he was a giving and caring man. Everything was going to be okay.
The limo waited for them, and Ethan pulled her close as he slid inside. He tilted her face to him and kissed her tenderly, yet with the heat of male power. She kissed him back, pulling him to her, willing her body to respond.
He angled her mouth for a deeper kiss, running his hand up her waist.
She drew back, inching away from him. “So, where are we going for dinner?” The kiss hadn’t worked. She felt nothing.
He settled back against the seat. “It’s something different—in a chef’s private home. Reservations are very hard to come by, and he’s agreed to stay open a bit later for us tonight.” He squeezed her fingers softly. “I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” Closing her eyes, she turned her head away. A few more days were all she needed. Then she’d feel something. She had to.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the chic French restaurant and followed the maître d’ to their table.
Ethan seated her, and she glanced around the room. Though there were two other tables, they were empty since the place had already closed. The unique aspect of this place was the kitchen which took up one
