Page 27 of Come to Me

I'm fine with the look if she's safe.

A security guard greets us. It's early, barely 7 A.M., but he's incredibly chipper. Nothing like the prototypical angry New Yorker. He makes small talk before handing over the set of keys.

"This is a very selective building," he informs us.

Alyssa smiles politely, playing her part, as usual. When the guard isn't looking, she turns to me and raises her eyebrows.

"It's a safe neighborhood," I murmur.

She shakes her head, but there's something sweet about her expression. She appreciates my concern.

We take the elevator to the 23rd floor and take a long hallway to its end. It's a corner apartment. It must be as nice as promised.

I open the door.

"Jesus Christ." Alyssa's eyes go wide.

The view is amazing-- we can see half the city beyond the floor to ceiling windows.

The apartment itself is small. There's a main room with a couch and a TV. A tiny kitchenette. A small bedroom with a very nice king-sized bed. The bathroom has a very spacious shower/tub combo. I have to stop myself from asking Alyssa to christen it.

She's already half asleep on the couch after the quick tour.

"How about coffee?" I ask.

She grins. "Such a sharp mind. I knew there was a reason I liked you."

* * *

After coffee,we spend the morning touring downtown.

Wall street, Bryant Park, the famous charging bull statute, even City Hall. I ramble about the eight million scenes ofLaw and Orderthat took place on the steps of City Hall. Alyssa humors me, nodding along like she's enjoying my speech.

We move to the park across the street. She slings her arms around my neck, raises to her tip toes, and kisses me.

I forget where we are or why we're here, taking over the kiss.

"I'm starting to rethink my sightseeing plans," I mutter.

She leans in towards me until we're only inches apart, her body soft and pliant against my own. "We have a whole day and a half. And we're missing out on that San Diego hotel experience."

She presses her lips into mine. It's harder, more needy.

I slide my hands under her t-shirt, over the soft skin of her lower back, and pull her closer. She moans lightly, her body melting into me.

We're only a ten-minute walk from the apartment, but it feels way farther.

I feel her hands on my skin, under my t-shirt. "Ally," I groan. "We're in a public park."

"I know," she says. And kisses me harder.

Alright then.

When we break, she's flushed. Panting. I can imagine her lying on her back like that. "Damn. That's what I get for trying to torture you."

"Trust me. It's still torture," I return, adjusting myself with a wince.

"Revenge is so sweet. Even when it hurts." She takes my hand. "Do you want to go back to the apartment now?"