One Weekend in Seattle

2. Chapter Two

Chapter Two

S awyer stepped out of the car on Saturday morning and looked at Gabby’s friend’s apartment building. This was a nicer area of West Seattle. He stared at the security gate. Gabby hadn’t given him the apartment number, so he pulled his cell out.

“Hi, Gabby. I’m downstairs.”

“Hi! I’ll be right down.”

The line went dead, and he frowned. The gentleman in him bristled at not picking her up at her door. He paced until Gabby walked out to the gate.

“Sorry, I forgot about the gate, and Lindsay is still sleeping.”

That explained why she didn’t want him in the apartment. Her concern for her friend was admirable. His gaze took in the black pants combined with a red blouse. Her green eyes sparkled. There was a light jacket thrown over her arm. “No worries. May I say you look delicious.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Her cheeks bloomed. “Thank you. Is this going to be okay?” She indicated her outfit, which gave him a reason to appreciate curves in all the right places.

“Perfect.” He took her by the elbow, guided her over to the car, and opened the door.

Gabby slid in and said good morning to the driver. “Same as last night.”

“I told you I use the service a lot.” His thigh touched hers after he shut the door. “Plus, parking in Seattle is no fun.” He glanced at the driver. “Pike Place Market, please.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did you sleep well?” he asked as the vehicle pulled away from the apartment building.

“Better than I expected.”

“Oh. Hard to sleep when it’s not your own bed?”

“That was part of it.” She glanced at him and then away. “I was excited about today.”

“I’m glad.” He hid a smile. “I want you to be excited, and I hope you enjoy everything I have planned.”

“What do you have planned?” She faced him once again, her face alight with anticipation.

“First is Pike Place Market, and we’ll spend several hours there.”

“And after that?” Gabby squirmed in her seat.

“You’ll have to wait to find out.”

She frowned at him, before her face lit up. “Is that the baseball and football fields.”

Sawyer glanced out the window. “Yes, it is.” They were making good time. Thankfully, it was early enough on a Saturday there wasn’t a lot of traffic.

The driver avoided the tunnel and took the surface streets. Gabby continued to look out the window. They passed the building he lived in, but he didn’t point it out.

“Your club is down that street, right?”

“Yes.”

“You’re so close to Pike Place. You must go there a lot.”

“Believe it or not, I don’t.”

“Too touristy?”

“Sometimes, but for you, I’m willing to risk it.” He’d risk a lot more than that for her. That thought floored him. Somehow, in the last twelve or so hours, Gabby had captured a part of him that made him want to do things he wouldn’t do with others.

“You’re so sweet.”

The driver chuckled, and Sawyer’s eyebrows rose as he caught the driver’s gaze in the rearview mirror. “Ma’am, he’s anything but sweet.” The man grinned in the mirror. “Sorry, sir.”

Sawyer shook his head. “He isn’t wrong.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Gabby waved away Sawyer’s remark. “I think you’re sweet.”

The driver turned onto Pike Place Road and found an empty spot. “I’ll pick you up at Virgina and Western at two.”

“Perfect. Thank you.” Sawyer climbed out and helped Gabby out. He glanced at his watch. “We need to hurry.” He took her hand, and they walked across the street.

He stopped outside of a café and smiled at the person waiting there. “Are you the York party?” the man asked.

“Yes, that’s us.”

“Great.” The young man smiled. “Go inside and order a coffee, if you’d like; they’ll start handing out samples and give their talk.” He held the door open, and they walked inside.

“Café and chocolate?” Gabby gazed up at him with a wide smile.

It wasn’t like she couldn’t smell the coffee and chocolate. “Yes. Our first duty of the day is a food tour.”

Her eyes widened. “A food tour?”

“Yes. What else would I do for a foodie?”

Gabby smiled, and threw her arms around his neck. “This is perfect.”

He was surprised by her exuberance and pleased by her openness. “Let’s order. I could use more coffee.”

Sawyer got a black coffee and Gabby a vanilla latte. They gathered around a table with the others in the tour as a worker came out with a tray. “Good morning, everyone. I have some samples of our chocolates.”

Gabby glanced around. There were only six other people. This was a small tour group compared to what she’d done before. She plucked a piece off the tray, and Sawyer grabbed one. She took a nibble. “This is so creamy and one of the best chocolates I’ve ever tasted.”

“Only the best for you.”

***

Gabby listened to their guide, Ian, who talked about how they produced their own chocolates and had classes for everyone who wanted to learn as she nibbled on chocolate and drank her coffee.

A food tour? She hadn’t expected that. She figured they’d walk around the marketplace, maybe see a few shops and leave. After encouraging them to buy items when they returned after the end of the tour, Ian guided them to their next stop.

“How did you arrange this so quickly?”

“I know people.”

“I hope it wasn’t too expensive to do last minute.” Gabby wasn’t sure she liked the idea of Sawyer calling in favors or owing favors for her.

“It wasn’t. And please stop worrying. This is nothing.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but Sawyer touched her lips with his finger. Tingles shot through her.

“No more arguing; otherwise, I’ll be forced to kiss you in front of all these people.”

“I dare you.” Gabby stopped walking. “I can’t believe I said that.”

He chuckled. “You don’t have to dare me at all. I want to kiss you.” He nudged her forward so they could catch up with the group. His hand rested on her low back—the intimacy of the contact not lost on her. Even such a simple touch excited her.

“I want that too.”

“Later.” His gaze blazed. “For now, just enjoy.”

She took a deep breath. He’d gone to so much trouble to do this for her, and she was going to enjoy every second of it.

Two hours later, they were back where they started. Sawyer guided her to a table and held a chair out for her, before he went to get them something to drink. When he returned, he had coffee for himself. “I brought an orange spice tea for you since you commented earlier it sounded interesting.”

“Thank you.” She blew on the tea and took a sip. The flavor soaked into her taste buds, a little sweet, but not overly so. “The tour was so good. Seeing the vendors throw fish around, all the fresh produce. The cheddar biscuits were to die for, and the smoked salmon… All of it was delicious.”

“I’m glad you approve. Once we’ve rested a bit, we’ll walk around the rest of the market. I have a list of shops I think you’d like.”

“When did you do all this?”

“Early this morning.”

“I’m not sure how you managed.”

“Trust me. It’s nothing.”

“I don’t think it’s nothing.” She reached across the table and placed her hand on the back of his. “This is all very thoughtful, and I appreciate it.”

Sawyer turned his hand over and closed his fingers around hers. “I’m having fun. Drink up so we can continue our journey.”

Their next stop was a nut vendor. “Oh my goodness! So many.” Gabby loved nuts and incorporating them into food.

“Which ones would you like to sample?” Sawyer asked after he talked with the worker.

“How many can I sample?”

“As many as you want.”

Her eyes widened with surprise. “Okay, I want to try caramel cashews, toffee peanuts, bourbon pecans, and maple sugar walnuts.”

“I’ll get a taste of the ghost pepper peanuts and coconut almonds.”

“Of course, give me just a minute.”

“You’re living dangerously.”

“I am?”

“Ghost pepper peanuts.” She shuddered.

Sawyer leaned down, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Spice is always fun. I have a feeling you can be very spicy.”

The softness of his words sent a shiver over her spine. “You have no idea.” Gabby bit her lower lip. She wasn’t used to flirting like this, but she was enjoying herself.

After trying the samples, Gabby had a hard time deciding what she wanted. Besides the ones she tried, she wanted some other flavors.

“Get whatever you want.”

“It’s hard. They all taste good.”

“Which ones are you thinking about.”

Gabby listed six that she wanted.

“I’ll tell you what, think about it, and we’ll stop back before we leave.”

“That might help. I might be able to narrow it down.” She glanced across the way. “I’m going to go look at the produce too.” Gabby turned away, hoping she could narrow down her choices. It wasn’t like she couldn’t afford to get them all, but she really didn’t need that many nuts.

With a shrug, she began looking at the produce. Maybe find some fruit or something special to take to Lindsay.

***

Sawyer waited until Gabby moved on to the produce across the way before he ordered a half-pound of each of the ones she wanted, plus some for him. Gabby would probably object to him buying her nuts, but he didn’t care.

His life was about business, and most of his relationships were—for lack of a better word—transactional. For the first time in his life, he was happy to spend money. There was no quid pro quo. She brought out the protective side of him he’d almost forgotten about.

“Ready?” he asked, coming up next to her.

“Yes.” She glanced at his empty hands. “You didn’t buy anything?”

“I bought what I wanted and told them I’d pick it up later. I’m not as indecisive as you are.”

“I’m not indecisive; there are just so many.”

Sawyer shook his head. “I think you’ll enjoy the next place.” He took her hand. Sawyer enjoyed holding her hand, another first for him. He’d never been much into public displays of affection, but with Gabby, it was different.

Their next stop was closed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize they were closed on Saturdays.”

“No worries. Their cooking classes look very interesting. I’ll have to remember that. What’s next?”

“Right around the corner.” They made their way to the next stop, and her eyes lit up once again.

“This is great,” she commented as they entered the kitchen store. “I’m going to go look around.”

Sawyer released her hand. The store wasn’t that big. There were multitude of shelves with all sorts of items on them. Gabby was like a kid in a candy shop. He could only smile at her happiness.

Forty-minutes later, they were on to their next stop. The pasta shop. Gabby’s reaction didn’t disappoint.

“I love pasta.” She started going around to see what she could find. Sawyer followed her and made note of everything she picked up. These were all great ideas for future gifts. He froze at the thought of a future with Gabby. It wasn’t like him to have thoughts like this, but Gabby made him feel… He couldn’t find the right word.

She did pick out two oil sauces. “Why those two?” he asked.

“They are the two I want to try the most.” She picked up the sample bottle. “Smell this one.”

“I’m getting garlic.”

“Yes, roasted garlic avocado oil. It would go good with pasta. Now this one.” She held up a second sample bottle.

He wrinkled his nose.

Gabby laughed. “Mission fig balsamic, a little strong but would go great on a salad.”

He nodded. When he went to pull out his credit card for her purchases, she stopped him. “No, Sawyer.” She handed her credit card to the clerk. “I can pay for myself.”

“But…”

“No buts.” She stared at him. “I will pay for what I want.”

He nodded but knew later today she was going to have a big surprise. He’d already texted his driver to pick up his bag and hers from the nut place. Of course, the purchase was before he knew she was so insistent about paying for her own stuff. Sawyer fought against having her pick out more for him to buy. He wanted to spoil her with every fiber in his body.

Patience, he reminded himself. “Our next stop is across the street. Why don’t you head on over. I forgot to buy something.”

“All right.” She put her credit card away and took her bag from the clerk before leaving the shop.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“Yes. Do you have gift certificates I can buy online?”

“Of course.” The clerk handed him a card. “You can also order anything from the store.”

“Great.” Sawyer took the card and left.

Across the street, he found Gabby chatting with one of the employees in the next shop.

“There you are,” she said, motioning him over. “Try this wine and tell me what you think.” Gabby handed him the wine glass.

Sawyer took a sip. “Nice Syrah.”

The worker’s mouth dropped open, and Gabby stared at him. “How did you know that?”

“Remember, I run a nightclub; I know wine. This has a berry flavor, along with savory notes. Syrah also tends to be darker than normal red wine. Quite good.”

“Thank you, sir. We buy it from a winery in Eastern Washington.”

“Lots of good wines here in Washington.” Sawyer put the glass on the table. “We showcase several Washington wines at the club.”

He turned to Gabby. “Have you looked around yet?”

“No. So many things.” Her bright eyes lit up as she glanced around the store, ending with her gaze squarely on him. “Thank you, Sawyer. You know how to make my day special.” Gabby moved away. There was no way he was going to get away with buying her anything in this store.

“Do you have gift certificates?” This made it possible for him to shower her with gifts at a later time.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Also, do you do wholesale?” They really did have a lot of good wines.

“I believe so, sir. It would be best to talk with the owner. If you’ll give me a moment, I’ll get her.”

“Thank you.”

“Sawyer, they have truffle powder and salt, and…oh my, black truffle honey. I’m in heaven.”

He grinned. Sawyer turned as a woman walked out from the back. He talked to her about doing a wholesale order for the club. The owner was excited, and he told her he’d follow up on Monday and took her business card.

Sawyer joined Gabby. She was like a kid in a candy store, and it made him happy. She ran her fingers over the bottles as she wandered around, picking one up here and there. At times, there was a wistful look on her face when she put the bottle back.

When was the last time he’d enjoyed Pike Place? A long time. It was usually crowded, and Sawyer wasn’t one for crowded places, especially where he could be recognized. But today was a good day; no one seemed to care who he was, and Gabby was having the time of her life.

“We’ve got two more stops before we need to be at our pick-up spot in an hour.”

“Okay.” She grabbed a business card before they made their way out of the shop. “What’s our next stop?”

“Across the next street.” He guided her to their next stop.

“This is interesting.” She gazed at all the spreads, honey, and chocolate sauces. “I want one of everything, but that’s not possible.”

“I can make that happen.” The words slipped from his mouth.

Her eyes widened, and she tilted her head, staring up at him. He waited for her to explode or to ask him how he could afford to buy her everything in the store. One slip of the tongue could cause waves and explanations he wasn’t ready for.

“That’s a kind offer.” Gabby laid her hand on his arm. Warmth spread through him. “You’re giving me so much with this tour.” She picked up the store’s business card and looked at the person manning the stand. “You do ship, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am. Is there anything you want to sample?”

“No, thank you. It all looks so wonderful.” She smiled at the clerk. “Where to next?”

Sawyer breathed a sigh of relief he hadn’t messed up. “It’s a little bit of a walk from here.” He wanted to get her a gift certificate now as a surprise, but their next stop was several blocks away, and he didn’t want her walking by herself. He grabbed a business card. More gift certificates for Gabby or maybe he’d just buy stuff and have it shipped to her.

“Okay.” She slid her hand down his arm and entwined her fingers with his.

Sawyer enjoyed holding her hand. Together, they walked past the other vendors. He led her to a doorway and angled to the right. She squealed when she saw the shop name.

Gabby squeezed his hand. “You are the best.”

“Go.” He released her hand and watched her practically dance into the cutlery shop. She made her way to the row of display cases and began talking with the clean-cut young man behind the counter. Sawyer stood nearby.

He barely understood what they were talking about. He knew it was about knives, but all the lingo went over his head. While they spoke, he pulled out his cell, purchased a gift certificate from the last store, and purchased one from the one they were in.

His phone pinged with a text from his driver, letting him know he was on his way to pick them up. Sawyer made his way back into the store. Gabby was talking a mile a minute as the shop worker placed a knife inside a box.

“What did you get?” Sawyer asked.

“A Sabatier chef knife. I’ve wanted one of these for years, but they’re expensive. Luckily, it’s on sale today. I can’t wait to add this to my collection.” She handed her credit card over to the clerk.

“How will you get it home? You can’t take it on the plane, and I don’t think it would be safe in your checked luggage.”

“Luckily, they ship.” She grinned. “This has been the best.” Gabby went up on her toes and brushed a kiss over his cheek.

His skin tingled from the contact. A simple kiss, but his body reacted, and damned if he didn’t want to buy her the store. She was so happy with little things. Once the transaction was completed along with confirmation when it would be shipped, they left the store.

“Don’t forget we need to go get our nuts.”

Sawyer grinned. “Already done. I had my driver pick up the order for both of us.”

“I told you…”

He put his fingers on her lips. “Please, it’s a little thing for me to do for you.”

She looked like she was going to protest as he took his hand away, but she shook her head and said, “Okay.”

He blew out a breath, and they continued walking. Just as promised, his driver was waiting at Virgina and Western. Sawyer handed the bags he took from Gabby to the driver who put them in the trunk.

Gabby slid into the car with a sigh. “I admit I’m glad to sit down for a bit.”

“It’s good we’re going to have lunch before our next walk.” The vehicle pulled away from the curb.

“I admit I’m hungry.”

“Well, it is two in the afternoon, and the food tour ended several hours ago.”

“Where are we eating?”

“An Irish pub near our next adventure.”

***

Gabby looked over the menu and couldn’t decide what she wanted. Funny how she’d never eaten in an Irish pub before. She dreamed of visiting Ireland one day.

“Good afternoon. Would you like something to drink?” the server asked.

“I’ll have an iced tea.”

Sawyer ordered a beer on tap.

“I don’t know what to order,” she said, looking at Sawyer. Lord, this man took her breath away every time she looked at him. His hair was a little mussed, and he was totally relaxed—as he’d been all day.

He’d taken what little information she’d given him last night and crafted a day around a career she loved. She couldn’t remember a time when anyone had done that for her.

“Dinner won’t be until later tonight, so pick something that will keep you satisfied.”

The word satisfied hung in the air. The waiter returned with their drinks. “Are you ready to order?”

“Do you have any suggestions?” she asked.

“You can’t go wrong with shepherd’s pie, beef stew, or fish and chips. Everything here is good.”

“I don’t know.”

“How about this,” Sawyer said. “Get the shepherd’s pie, and I’ll get the beef stew, and we can share.”

“Deal.” She put her menu down.

“Did you want the pint size, sir, or imperial?”

He glanced at Gabby. “Make them pint. I have a feeling that’s going to be more than enough.”

“Very good, sir. The food will be out shortly.” The server picked up the menus and left.

“Pint or imperial?”

“Yes, basically small or large.”

“Got it. I wonder if Lindsay knows about this place. She’d love it.” She glanced around at the dark wood. The place was on the small size, but cozy and fun looking. “What are we doing after lunch?”

Sawyer reached across the table and took her hand in his. Something he’d been doing a lot today, not that she hadn’t taken his hand a time or two. Her ex wasn’t one to hold hands, and in a way, she’d gotten used to not being touched, but with Sawyer, it was different. Heck, with him, everything was different.

“I’m not going to spoil the surprise.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You and your surprises.”

“I promise you’ll love what I have planned.”

“How can you be sure of that?” She was intrigued by his confidence.

“How am I doing so far?”

Gabby closed her eyes and took a breath. “Batting a thousand, but I think you know that.”

“I hoped that’s what you’d think.”

“Why hasn’t some woman snatched you up by now?” Her voice held disbelief. The second she asked the question, she knew she’d made a mistake. A shiver skated over her skin as his facial features froze, and a frown appeared on his forehead. “Forget I asked.”

Instantly, his features cleared. “It’s okay.” He squeezed her fingers. “I haven’t found a woman who fits me. Yet.”

“I have to say I’m surprised.”

“Why is that?”

“You don’t need me to spell it out.” Gabby cursed herself for going down this path. Part of her wanted to know more about his man, but also, her attraction to him was growing by the second, and now she’d have to tell him exactly why.

He cocked his head. “Please do. I want to know.”

She nibbled at her lower lip for a moment. “You’re a handsome man.”

“Looks aren’t everything.”

“True. But…You’re so normal. Down to earth. Nice.”

“What does that mean?” His voice held a note of disbelief.

“It means, you have a job in a nightclub that you seem to enjoy but you don’t brag about. You don’t mind showing someone around Seattle even though you’ve probably done it a thousand times.” She took a sip of her tea. “You care about people. You put a lot of thought into what we are doing today based on what little I told you about myself last night.”

“I care about you.”

Gabby gulped, her insides swirling. “I-I care about you too.”

They stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment. When his eyes dipped to her lips, Gabby wanted him to kiss her more than she’d wanted anything in a long time. Except they were just getting to know each other. She didn’t want to ruin this by jumping in feet first. Against her heart’s wishes, she sat back in her chair.

Sawyer’s eyes darkened for a moment, but a quick nod was the only other reaction he showed. He took a sip of his beer. “What else?”

What else could she say about him? That she wanted his lips on her. All over her. That she’d hardly slept last night thinking about their date? “Well, you understood when I told you not to spend your money on me.”

Sawyer leaned forward. “First off, I rarely play tourist in Seattle. Second, it was obvious last night you like food, and I took that as a challenge.”

“Right. The men I’ve known would override all my objections and do what they wanted anyway, but you haven’t. You listen. That’s a woman’s dream man.”

“Is it yours?”

Gabby glanced down at the table. Her cheeks heating. “At times.”

“Will you tell me what your dream man is like?”

She shook her head. He squeezed her fingers until she looked up at him.

“Please. I’d like to know.”

“A good listener would be one quality.”

***

Guilt rose in Sawyer. He hated that he hadn’t told her the truth, but he hadn’t lied either, only kept the information private.

“A man who knows how to share his life.” Her voice was soft.

“Share how?” This was interesting.

“I know men don’t like to share their feelings, but sometimes their partner needs to know if something is wrong.”

Sawyer cursed her ex-husband. Whatever their marriage had been like, the man had really done a number on her. Was there more to it than just the ex? “I agree with you.”

Her eyes widened. “I also expect honesty.”

Another hit to his conscience. “I do too.” He did, especially after he got rid of Gina, who lied to him constantly. That had gutted him, and now he was guilty of lying by omission. How could he justify what he’d left out about his life?

He shook the guilt away. Gabby would understand. He hoped. Women flocked to him because of his money and his looks, but none wanted to know him. More than anything, he wanted a woman who cared more for him as a partner than for his money. He was so tired of gold-diggers. Gabby was a refreshing change.

“See. A woman’s dream man.” She shifted in her seat. “What do you want in a woman?”

Sawyer was surprised by the question. “No one has ever asked me that before.”

“Will you tell me?”

He couldn’t exactly say. “Some of the qualities you mentioned. I would also expect fidelity.”

“That’s a given.”

Did he dare bare his soul to her? Something told him he was safe to do so. “I want a woman who sees me.”

She tilted her head. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Well, he put his foot into it with that statement. He could just tell her, but it would probably ruin their day. It would wait. “Some, not all, women come to the club, see me, and figure I’m rolling in money.” Not that he wasn’t, but that would come out later.

“Shallow women.”

He laughed. “You’re so refreshing.”

“I’m serious. There’s more to a man than his pocketbook.”

He didn’t know how to respond and was grateful when the waiter showed up with their food. The smell of beef tickled his nose. “Ah, lunch.”

The food was placed on the table, and the waiter left. Gabby looked down at her food. “This is a small?”

“Irish have a different idea of small and large.”

“Thank goodness you didn’t order the large.” She picked up the big soup spoon that came with her meal and dug in. “Oh, my, goodness. This is delicious.” She took another bite.

Sawyer ignored his own food to watch Gabby. On her second bite, she closed her eyes. “This is so delicious. The spices combined with the gravy mix well. I never would have expected lamb and parsnips to taste this good together.”

“Why not?” He was curious.

“Maybe because it’s ground lamb and not beef, but it works.” She glanced at his meal. “Aren’t you going to eat.”

“Yes.” He dived into his food and enjoyed the beer infused beef. They ate in silence for a few minutes until he lifted a healthy portion on his fork “Taste.”

“One second.” She took several sips of water. “I needed to clean my palate.” Gabby reached for the utensil he was holding.

“Oh no. Open.”

Eyes wide, she leaned forward and allowed him to feed her. Her lips closed over the food, and she closed her eyes. “Oh my. The beer is so flavorful, and the gravy works so well with mashed potatoes.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Your turn.” She held out a spoonful of her food.

Sawyer had no issues with her feeding him. He opened his mouth, but when she slid the spoon into his mouth, he captured her wrist. He slowly pulled the spoon from his mouth all the while caressing her wrist. Her cheeks went pink as she pulled her hand back.

“Delicious,” he said after he swallowed.

“I need to learn to make these dishes.”

“I’m sure you’ll excel at it.”

“You’re going to give me a swelled head.”

“Not possible.” He grinned, and they went back to eating. Maybe, one day, he’d taste Gabby’s cooking.

After lunch, Sawyer took her hand again, and they walked a couple of blocks and into a building with a sign proclaiming “Underground Tour.”

“Underground?”

“Yes, you haven’t experienced Seattle until you’ve done the underground tour.”

***

Gabby blinked as they exited the tour. “That was fascinating.” She smiled at Sawyer. “I never knew about the original downtown.”

“Many people don’t.”

“And walking over the skylights, and seeing them from underground. So interesting, but so scary.”

“What was scary about it?”

“All those people probably don’t know what’s beneath them.”

He nodded.

“Where are we going now?” she asked as they walked down an alleyway. It was funny. She never would have done this by herself, but with Sawyer at her side she felt safe.

“A special place.” They crossed the street, down another alleyway, and turned. After barely a few steps, Sawyer stopped.

“Welcome to the waterfall garden.”

Gabby stepped past the entrance and blinked. “A waterfall?” A beautiful waterfall cascaded down over the rocks. The sound was soothing…and hypnotic.

“Let’s sit for a few minutes, and you can enjoy this lush domain.”

Sawyer led her to a stone bench. She sat, her eyes never leaving the waterfall. There was something so soothing about water cascading down, not only watching it but hearing it. Gabby had no idea of how to explain it.

They sat there in silence for a bit until Sawyer shifted. “We need to go.”

Gabby sighed. “Thank you.” She brushed a kiss over his cheek before he helped her to her feet. “This was so relaxing.”

“Good. Now for our next stop of the day.” He guided her out of the park to where the car waited.

“When did you call him?”

“I didn’t.” Sawyer opened the door and allowed her to slide into the vehicle.

“But…”

He slid in, and Gabby forgot her words as his thigh touched hers. It had been like that all day. A single touch, holding hands, thighs brushing. Her body short circuited each time.

“I gave him our timeline.”

“Sneaky man.”

“You have no idea.”

Gabby gazed out the window. The scenery was mostly businesses, but she did see some apartments and the Seattle Public Library building. They made several turns and stopped at a light.

Wait a second. “The Space Needle,” she said softly as it came into view.

Sawyer grinned. “In all its glory.”

The car went straight ahead and into the loop. No parking signs graced the area. “Out we go.” Sawyer opened the door and helped her out. He leaned in the open door and told the driver he’d text him when they were done.

The door was shut, and Gabby turned and looked up. “Why couldn’t I see this before we got here?”

“Too many buildings in the way.” He guided her along the walkway. At the entrance, he pulled out his phone and showed the tickets, and they walked in. “We have about an hour and a half before our dinner reservation.”

“Where are we eating dinner?”

“You’ll see.” They moved into a room that displayed the history of the Space Needle. Gabby was fascinated by how they built the Needle and the history of it. All too soon, Sawyer guided her toward the elevator.

“Can we take a picture?” she asked upon seeing a photographer. It would be nice to have a picture to remind her of this day.

“Sure.” They posed for the picture and then made their way into the elevator.

Gabby clung to Sawyer’s hand as the elevator ascended.

“You okay?” he whispered.

“Yeah. Just a little nerve-racking going up this high in a glass elevator.”

“I promise the view will be worth it.”

The elevator came to a smooth stop, and Gabby took a breath. They exited, turned right, and climbed a set of stairs to the upper observation level. Sawyer put his arm around her waist and guided her outside.

The view was amazing. Floor to ceiling glass. “This is…breathtaking.” She moved up to the glass and glanced out. Sawyer moved up beside her and slipped his arm back around her waist.

He pointed out several Seattle landmarks to her. They walked around and got a great view of the city. All too soon, he guided her back down to the enclosed observation desk and to the elevator. Sawyer led her over to another elevator.

“Another elevator?”

“Yes.” He gave his name, and they were allowed into the elevator and whisked up. When the doors opened, she lost her breath.

“This is the rotating restaurant.” Gabby almost couldn’t believe it. “You are the best.” Without thinking, she threw her arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

“Evening, ma’am, sir,” the host said.

Gabby jumped like someone had burned her. Where was her decorum? Out the window apparently. Sawyer was making her dreams come true.

“Reservation under York.”

“Of course. This way.” The waiter guided them into the restaurant.

Gabby looked down and gasped.

“Gabby?”

“The floor is glass.” It was hard to breathe.

“Yes.”

“Is it safe?” she whispered.

“Very.” He drew her to his side. “I would never do anything that put you at risk.”

Her heart slowed, but her knees wobbled as they made their way to their table. Of course it was a glass table. She settled on the round chair. They had a fantastic view.

“Your waiter will be here with your first course shortly.”

“Are you afraid of heights?”

“Not really.” She smiled at him. “As long as I look straight out, I’m fine. The floor threw me.”

“They remodeled several years ago and added the glass floor, but I can assure you it’s safe.”

“When did you get your engineering degree?”

“I minored in engineering, but I know the group that built this.”

Ha! He’d called her bluff. Gabby relaxed in the chair. “That does make me feel a little better.”

“Concentrate on the view straight out, or better yet…” He shifted his seat so he was seated next to her rather than across from her. “Concentrate on me.”

He slid his arm over the back of her chair, and her nerves came to life. How could she concentrate on anything with him sitting so close to her?

Gabby cleared her throat. “The host said the first course.”

“Yes.” He rubbed her upper arm. “It’s pretty much a pre-fixed menu. I ordered what I though you would enjoy.”

“You haven’t been wrong so far.” It was uncanny how this man found things that made her happy and excited. It was like he could read into her deepest wishes, but that wasn’t possible.

“Good evening.” Their waiter set water goblets on the table. “I’m Tony, and I’ll be your server tonight. In a few moments, I’ll bring out your first course of Yukon gold potato chips with shaved black truffle and vegan parmesan, along with a charcuterie board with smoked salmon, salami, various cheeses, crackers, sliced baguette, honey, and apple slices.”

“That’s the first course?” Gabby blinked.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll also bring a Riesling from one of the top wineries in Washington.” Tony walked away.

“I’m going to gain five pounds after today,” she commented.

Sawyer sat back, his gaze scanning her body.

Her heart fluttered as heat filled her from head to toe and everything in between.

“I doubt it.” He continued as he leaned closer. “We did a lot of walking today, plus you’re totally sexy.”

Her eyes crossed. “Sawyer…” she whispered.

“Tonight is a night for you to let go, Gabby.” He took her left hand in his and raised it to his lips. “Tonight, I’m going to show you the sensual pleasure of food.”

“And then?” Anticipation flowed through her.

“We’ll see.”