2 Big Apple Hunter by Maddie Cochere Read Free Book Online

know,” I told him with hesitation. It wa s such short notice, and I didn’t know if I could make it work.
    “Well, I do know,” he said matter-of-factly. “I already called for a room for you, but the hotel th e Angelo b rothers booked for me is completely filled. That’s not a problem if you don’t mind sharing a room with me. There are two king-sized beds, so we’ll have plenty of room.”
    I looked into his enthusiastic eyes. New York City. What a tempting offer. It wouldn’t be the first time Darby and I had taken off together. I could go shopping. A light bulb went off over my head. I would be making more money soon, so I could go shopping!
    My eyes lit up, and I practically yelled, “Oh my gosh! Darby, I was so excited for you, I almost forgot to te ll you about the promotion I was offered today.” I quickly filled him in on all of the details and finished w ith, “I’m sur e I’ll take the job, so shopping in New York City will be perfect. I’ll need some new clothes for my new position, and I can go shopping while you’r e in meetings.” I rubbed my hands together and squealed, “You’re the best babysitter ever!”
    He threw his head back and laughed a belly laugh. At least we were both happy about our jobs tonight. We cleaned up the kitchen and headed for the sofa with refilled glasses of tea. I handed the remote to him. I was surprised when he didn’t settle back with a cooking show, but tuned into The Mentalist instead. I was fine with the decision. That sexy hot and handsome Patrick Jane was practically a Darby clone, only older. I took my spot on the sofa. It was going to be good to have the diversion of New York fo r the weekend. It would help take my mind off the unresolved issues of love and sex with Mick.
     

C hapter Five
     
    By 8:00 P.M. Friday night, we were on our way to The Big Apple. The flight would be less than two hours, and we were scheduled to land at 9:30. I glanced at Darby and saw he was lost in thought. This was a big weekend for him, a nd I didn’t want to disturb him by trying to chat.
    I was excited to be going to New York City. I had only been in the city once before about four years ago. My hippie Aunt Charlotte on my dad’s side had run off to New York with a man, and after spending the weekend in the city, they decided to fly on to London for an extended stay. Her passport was at her home in Ohio, so I jumped at the chance to fly into LaGuardia to drop it off for her. My parents had a conn iption when they found out I didn’t turn around and come right back home, but instead took a cab into the city and checked into the Sheraton Hotel. Why would I come home on a Friday afternoon when I could spend the weekend in New York City? Besides, Aunt Charlotte slipped $300 to me to add to my own pool of money.
    I settled more comfortably in my seat, put my head back, and smiled to myself remembering that first trip. . . .
     
    I was awed by the city, and my first cab ride was quite an experience, but I didn’t mind even if I was almost thrown to the floor several times. I checked in, went to my room, gawked at the magnificent view - and terror set in. I was alone in New York City. I wa s too afraid to leave the room.
    By 7 :00 that evening, I finally talked myself into at least going down to the hotel bar and relaxing with a glass of wine. I changed into my one and only little black dress that was just above the knee and had a square cut neckline with squared cap sleeves. The dress was close fitting and sexy. If I was going to venture out, I might as well look good. I slipped into a simple pair of black peep-toe heels.
    I had only been at the bar for a few minutes when a much-older-than-me, very well dressed, bald man sat down beside me. Not everyone can wear bald well, but he was handsome. He introduced himself as the hotel’s general manager and struck up a conversation. We engaged in typical banter such as where are you from, how long will you be with us, and what