I gripped the railing for support, pausing at the second to last step as I took him in. This was a moment I never wanted to forget. He stood tall, projecting confidence and sexuality. His black tuxedo seemed like it had been made for him. His hair had been combed to one side, and he looked like an actor straight off the set ofTheGreat Gatsby.
In that moment, I imagined myself walking down the aisle to him in a white dress. And the idea that I’d not only fallen for him, but could envision myself marrying him, terrified me. This wasn’t reality; it was fantasy. And while it might be fun for a night, or even a summer, I knew it wouldn’t last. Nothing ever did.
But for the first time, maybe ever, I found myself wanting to believe it could. That it would.
Chapter Sixteen
Alexis turned back to smile at me as we walked through the gilded doors to the club, to an era when alcohol was prohibited but jazz reigned supreme. It felt like we’d stepped back in time. Everything from the light fixtures to the bar to the entertainment looked so authentic, it was impossible to know what was real and what was a replica. And the costumes were incredible—everyone was dressed to impress, including Alexis.
Kate had helped me select the two dresses, and while I liked both, I’d secretly hoped Alexis would choose the gold sequined one. I knew it would look flawless against her bronzed skin, showcasing her natural beauty. And I wasn’t wrong.
I smiled down at her, relishing the feel of my hand on her lower back. To an outsider, it was nothing more than a simple gesture. But to me, it was a huge step forward in building a relationship with her. Toward being a couple and not just a fling.
“This is incredible,” she said, and I had to agree.
The interior of the club was massive, spanning two stories. Despite its large size, it retained a cozy, intimate feel thanks to the dark wood paneling. Large chandeliers glittered overhead, adding to the air of glamour and opulence. Everywhere I looked, there was something new to appreciate—intricately paneled ceilings and elevator doors, a long bar with bartenders dressed in period costume. Every detail had been considered, giving the club an amazing sense of authenticity.
“The couples—the way they move together. It’s mesmerizing,” Alexis said, drawing my attention to her.
Her eyes were glued to the front of the club, where couples spun, stepped, and flipped their way across the parquet floor, trying to one-up each other as they moved to the lively beat. And the band on stage was just as captivating, each musician performing with amazing skill and passion.
“It is,” I agreed, though I was looking at her when I said it.
She was the most incredible woman I’d ever met, and I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she was here, with me. I’d meant what I’d said earlier—I wanted a future with her, her and Sophia. And I hoped this date was just the beginning. I’d half expected her to say no, so the fact that she’d agreed was encouraging.
“Why don’t we grab a table, and then we can do some dancing?”
She nodded, allowing me to lead her over to one of the empty booths lining the dance floor. I opened the drink menu, trying not to cringe at the prices. Fortunately, the tickets had been relatively cheap. But between the costumes, an Uber, and now drinks and dinner, my bank account was bleeding cash like the gangsters in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Still, I wouldn’t trade this time—this opportunity to show Alexis what we could be like as a couple—for anything. Even if it meant I’d have to take on another job to afford my looming tuition bill. But I wasn’t going to think about it tonight. Tonight was about Alexis and me and our future.
“I can’t believe I’ve lived in LA all these years and have never been here,” she said.
“Well, you’ve been busy—building an empire, raising a child.”
“True, but this would be a great place to bring clients or even to celebrate our year-end with the brokerage.”
I grinned. “I’m glad you like it so much. I hoped you would.”
The waiter returned with our drinks, then took our order before disappearing once more. I held up my glass to toast, and Alexis did the same. “To taking chances and making love.”
She laughed, her cheeks blushing with color. “Hear, hear.”
We clinked our glasses together. She took a sip of her drink, closing her eyes to savor the flavors. “You have to try this Singapore Sling. It’s delicious.”
“Here.” I slid my glass over to her. “Want to try mine?”
She took a sip, drawing my eyes to the long column of her throat. “Mmm. That is good. What’s in it again?”
“Fresh mint, Pimm’s, and lemon-lime soda.”
“It’s refreshing. I like it.” She slid it back across the table, taking her own drink back.
“What do you think Sophia’s doing right now?”
Alexis laughed. “I love that you asked—such a parent thing to do. To finally have a night out, but you’re missing your kid.”
“I do miss her,” I said, sliding my hand over Alexis’s. “I’m glad we get to have some alone time, but she’s become a big part of my life.”
