Page 5 of Babydaddy To Go
Suddenly, Nate takes a step towards me and I freeze like a deer in headlights because he smells amazing. But this isn’t some male cologne or a weird chemical scent. Instead, he smells masculine and spicy, which is the best combination in the world. There are notes of something tangy mixed with the deep musk of a woody forest. I have to stabilize myself with my suitcase because a fog begins to permeate my brain. Oh my god, what’s going on? But the gorgeous man doesn’t notice.
“Follow me,” he says in his deep, sexy voice. He takes off towards an exit with shiny gold doors and holds one open so I can drag myself through it. Nate turns right and then immediately turns right again. We probably could have gone out a different set of doors, but the cool air feels great on my warm skin. It was getting a bit clammy inside the terminal. Of course, that may have more to do with Nate than the actual temperature.
“So what do you think of New York so far?” he asks with a wry smile. Huffing, I smile back. I’m a bigger girl and the exertion is making me sweat, but I try to make like this is all a walk in the park.
“I haven’t seen much,” I tell him breezily. “Just the skyline, but I’ve seen that in photos. This is my first time actually walking in New York City.”
He raises his brows.
“You moved to New York without ever visiting?”
I blush. It does sound crazy, come to think of it.
“Well, I had this great opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I’m going to start school here.”
Nate nods.
“Well, you’re definitely pretty enough for New York,” he flirts. “We like pretty girls in the big city, have you heard?”
His comment takes me off guard and I nearly face plant on the side walk while hyperventilating, my knees weak. Oh god. Was that comment really directed at me? Luckily, Nate is there to catch me.
“Thanks,” I say, letting myself luxuriate in the hard warmth of his arms before scrambling upright again. “Um, I’ve been a little worried about fitting in here. I grew up in a small town in Maine. It’s like, the total opposite of the city.”
His easy grin sends shivers up my spine.
“Hey, the first step is looking the part. As soon as you lose the suitcases, you’ll fit right in. The rest of it? Most of us are faking it until we make it, trust me. And you have to walk fast to be a real New Yorker.”
I laugh, my death grip on my suitcase lessening.
“I think I can handle all that. Are the people here all as nice as you are?”
He smiles.
“Absolutely not. I’m one in a million.”
“Really?” I ask playfully. “Is that so?”
Nate nods, but then shakes his head while chuckling.
“No, sorry. I tend to be pretty sarcastic. I won’t lie and say everyone in New York is nice but you’ll meet some great people here. For the most part, New Yorkers are willing to help if you need it. As long as you stay out of their way when they’re heading to work because you know what it’s like here. Work, work, work.”
I sigh, but I guess it makes sense. After all, I’m here to pursue the career of my dreams as well. We take another turn and a gasp escapes my lips. Oh my god, is it really? This is near where the giant Christmas tree is lit up during the holidays! Holy cow.
Nate reads my mind and grins again.
“Coming up on the left is Radio City Music Hall. I definitely recommend seeing a show there. And yep, this is where they have the tree at Rockefeller Center.”
“It’s where the Rockettes perform, right?” My voice comes out breathy and awed.
Nate nods.
“The venue hosts other stuff, too, but yeah, the Rockettes do their yearly Christmas show at Radio City.”
“I’ve always wanted to see that!” I say, almost clapping my hands with glee. “And I’m living within walking distance? That’s awesome!”
“I suppose you have to get the tourist stuff out of your system before you can turn into a real New Yorker.”
I press my hands together again, almost shaking with excitement. Am I making a fool of myself in front of this gorgeous guy? Yeah, probably. I’ve never been good at talking to guys, which is probably why I’m a twenty-year-old virgin. I stop that train of thought before my blush gives me away.