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Dax looks at Lana with mock pity. “Eek, I’m sorry. That’s code for ‘When are you getting married, and how many babies are you gonna have?’”
Lana laughs at Dax’s pitying look. “Don’t worry. I’m a master at changing the subject.”
“And our mother is a master at prying. Good luck tomorrow!” Dax shakes his head and smiles big as he pulls open the door to leave. “Oh, by the way, Jake. I might have accidentally let it slip to Mom that Lana’s moving in with you.”
“Oh, shit. You’re an ass, Dax.” I push him out into the hall and close the door on his wild laughter.
“Why does it sound like he did that on purpose?” Lana asks with a smirk.
“He most certainly did. Probably because Mom keeps getting after him about dating so much. She wants him to settle into a relationship, but he’s not interested. He probably thought it would get her off his back for a while.” I wrap my arms around her and nuzzle her nose. “Sorry, baby. Mom is going to be firing off questions like you’ve never seen before.”
“It’s okay. I can handle it. Besides, you’ll be there, too.”
“Mmm hmm.”
“It’s getting late. Do you want to go upstairs and watch a movie in the theater? We can order some takeout,” Lana suggests.
“It’s your birthday. No way is my woman going to get takeout for her birthday. I put a gift in the spare room next to ours. Put that on, and then meet me on the rooftop deck for a drink.”
My arms are still around her as she groans and lays her head on my chest.
“Couldn’t we just stay here? I’d love to have a quiet night in.”
“I’ve already reserved a table, and the chef is preparing our dinner. You have to let me spoil you on your birthday, just a little.” I kiss her nose and turn her around toward the stairs.
“I told you that I don’t need a big fuss. I’m happy to hang out here with you. But since you already planned dinner, I guess we should go.”
“Great, meet me on the deck, north end, in twenty minutes,” I say quickly before she can change her mind.
“Okay, bossy.”
As Lana heads up the stairs to get ready, I grab Dax’s gift and make my way to the rooftop deck. Everything needs to be perfect for tonight.
I lucked out. It’s a beautiful night. I can see the faintest glimmer of the stars, and there is a cool breeze coming through the spaces between the glass walls. Since the deck is located on the seventy-third floor, we can’t hear any of the Manhattan noise below.
For Lana’s birthday, I’ve reserved the deck and a private bartender. I want Lana to be comfortable and relaxed and not have to worry about being around people. She values her privacy even more than I do. I signal to the bartender, and he pours us some wine as I wait for her to arrive.
I wasn’t nervous before, but I feel antsy all of a sudden.
Twenty-five minutes have passed. Lana will be here any second. I nod to the violinist, and she begins to play just as the elevator opens.
My pulse begins to race as Lana starts her elegant walk toward me. She is wearing the gown I bought. The black dress is strapless with rhinestones, and tightly fitted to her curves. It’s a perfect fit. The low-cut bodice barely hides the swell of her breasts peeking out from the top.
She’s put her hair up in an elegant knot, emphasizing the gentle curve of her neck. She didn’t bother with makeup, and her natural beauty shines through. I’m entranced as I watch the soft sweep of her eyelashes over her gorgeous green eyes.
“What is this?” she asks with wonder in her voice.
“I thought you might want to dance with me.”
She looks over at the violinist, seeing her for the first time. Lana lets out a gasp as she notices the dozens of colorful roses and twinkle lights set up around the sides of the deck.
Putting one hand on her shoulder and the other on her waist, I begin to sway to the subtle sounds of the music. She seems stunned into silence as she follows my lead. She lays her head on my chest and lets me lead her into a slow rhythmic sway as our bodies meld together.
“Didn’t you promise to never, ever take me to a candlelit, romantic dinner again?” Lana says teasingly.
“I did?”
“Yes, the night at the hotel. Do you remember that?”
