First Class to New York Read Online Free Page B

her lap.
“Ahem,” she cleared her throat placed the napkin on the table, trying
desperately to look anywhere else but Matt. “And what does the long way entail?” she asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.
    “Let’s head outside and take a look.” Matt smiled and
offered her his hand. The waiter appeared and handed Matt a sleek black folder.
He frowned, released Janie’s hand and scribbled on the paper inside. Retrieving
his credit card and a receipt, he stuffed them in the inside breast pocket of
his jacket. Placing his hand in the small of her back, he guided Janie to the
front of the restaurant, ignoring the hostess as she attempted to get his
attention, and opened the door into the waiting April night air.
    *****
    Janie stood on the sidewalk, shivers going up and down her
spine. Was it the cool crisp air or was it Matt’s hand on her body? Either way,
her body shivered again and Matt pulled her closer to him.
    “You’re cold,” he whispered in her ear. He quickly removed
his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Her nostrils were filled with his
scent and Janie wished she could bottle it so she could smell him whenever she
wanted. He stepped toward the curb and there waiting was a magnificent looking
white horse and carriage.
    Janie audibly gasped and walked to the horse, its long mane
braided with red roses attached to the leather harness. “Well, aren’t you a
sweet boy?” she smiled and stroked his nose.
    “Ma’am?” The driver apparently didn’t want Janie fondling
his horse and directed her to the open door and foot stool. Matt took her hand
and guided her up the step and into the deep red velvet seat and then
gracefully slid in beside her. He pulled on the blanket from the seat opposite
and covered their laps. Janie was instantly warm and sighed.
    “This is lovely,” she smiled.
    “You ride?” Matt asked, nodding at the horse.
    “No. I just like horses. Dogs too.”
    Matt grinned, thinking back to the Labrador moment in the car
on the way to the restaurant. “It’s only a few blocks to the hotel, so sit back
and enjoy the ride.” Matt seemed overly pleased with himself. He was grinning
from ear to ear. “This is just one way to experience the city at night. There
are many others.” He winked at Janie.
    What does that mean? But her attention was turned
back to all the lights, the people, the cars, and the smell. It was
overwhelming, but wonderful. Janie closed her eyes and leaned her head back and
felt an arm behind her. When did he put his arm there? she wondered.
    *****
    Before she knew it, they were back in front of the Ritz and
the carriage door was being opened. Matt removed the blanket, threw it on the
seat, and was up and out on the curb. He graciously offered his hand to Janie,
and she immediately felt electricity shoot up her arm at his touch. She took
the two steps down to the curb and they walked toward the hotel doors. He
stopped, and Janie turned to face him.
    His eyes held her captive and her breath caught in her
throat. “It has been really, really nice. Thank you,” she whispered.
    “Yes, it has been….nice,” he grinned. Matt lifted his hand
and placed it gently on her cheek, his thumb caressing her soft skin. “Very
nice.” And with that his head lowered and placed a soft kiss on her other
cheek.
    Janie’s eyes closed and she inhaled his scent again. Feeling
his warm lips against her skin, she turned her head ever so slightly into his
kiss.  Matt slowly lifted his head and he stepped back.
    “Ma’am?” The doorman’s voice broke the spell.
    “Goodnight Janie,” he whispered and turned and walked away.

3.
    The sunshine was streaming through the large window and
warming Janie as she snuggled with the blanket in the king-sized bed. Her eyes
fluttered open and she stretched, feeling the soft cotton sheets on her bare
legs. She had slept well. Yesterday had been an eventful and overwhelming day
and her body had immediately relaxed and let her sleep