Page 40 of Mile High Baby

"What?" Was there a problem that had brought Alex to my door? Or maybe he was just making sure I hadn’t snuck out. Like that could happen.

"I'm here to escort you to dinner."

My brow furrowed. "Why? Have George's men infiltrated and will grab me on the stairs?"

He shifted, looking uncomfortable. “Dinner is up on the roof terrace."

"Oh." Why hadn't I thought about going up there sooner? Are there snipers or something? Why did Alex need to be by my side to go to the terrace?

"Do you want fresh air or not?" Irritation laced his tone.

"Yes."

He held his hand out toward the elevator. I followed his directive and stepped inside. He joined me, hitting the button for the terrace. He stood next to me, his hands clasped in front of him, his eyes facing forward. He looked like a government G-man or, I supposed more accurately, a bodyguard.

I leaned forward and blew on his ear. I don't know why except he looked so serious.

He turned his head, his pale blue eyes a mixture of annoyance and something else. "What are you doing?

"Trying to rattle you," I said with a grin.

"I don't rattle."

"I don't rattle," I mocked in his tone.

His brows drew together. "What has gotten into you?"

"This is what happens when you keep me caged up. If you don't like it, you can let me out of this house."

"That's not happening."

The elevator reached the terrace. The door slid open, and Alex again gestured for me to proceed.

I stepped out and my breath caught. Fairy lights glinted on the potted trees and pergola. Knightly and Mrs. Tillis were setting a variety of items on the set table. Items that looked suspiciously like food truck food containers. Then she went to the small bar and picked up a bucket with a wine bottle poking out.

"You did this for me?" I asked them both. It wasn’t what I truly wanted, but it was a sweet gesture.

"Not me." Knightly’s lips were pursed in disdain. He nodded toward Alex.

I turned around to Alex standing behind me. "You arranged this?”

He shrugged and looked off into the city skyline as if uncomfortable. "I figured if you couldn't go to the city, the city could come to you.”

"Well, you are full of surprises,” I said to Alex.

A pink hue came to his cheeks. I found it incredibly adorable and sexy.

“Well... enjoy your meal.” He turned to leave.

"Wait. You're not joining me?"

His eyes flared in warning as he glanced at Knightly and Mrs. Tillis.

“I'm not your guest."

"If you don't need anything else, we'll leave you to your evening," Knightly said.

"There's more wine in the wine cooler, and the music system is on if you’d like music,” Mrs. Tillis said, following Knightly to the elevator.