joking when she’d said that the climb was steep.
“You can climb at your own pace,” the guide said. “You can also use this part of the tour to take a break and rest a bit. We still have two hours to go. I will wait for all of you at the top, and then I’m going to explain who was sitting on each level and so on.”
“I’ll carry that,” Cole said after the guide finished her explanation, pointing to my backpack. I gladly gave it to him.
“Oh, a gentleman. I didn’t peg you as one,” I teased.
“That’s because I’m not. You’ll see that soon enough. After you, Ms. Smith.” He pointed to the stairs. I couldn’t tell if the glint in his eyes was playful or mischievous. My heart raced as we went up. He was walking right behind me, and just like last night, his proximity caused a deep hum in my body. What exactly did he have in mind? Was I even ready to find out? I wasn’t even sure I knew how to flirt anymore, but I planned to do my very best.
Chapter Four
Cole
Full confession: I wasn’t big on museums. My sisters were fans of the Guggenheim and other New York museums. I went along mostly because it gave me a chance to spend time with them, and because it made for good small talk in business meetings. But I was enjoying this more than I thought. Yesterday, I’d told Laney I wanted to join her on an impulse. I’d just watched her eat that ice cream like it was her job, and thought, I want to spend tomorrow with her.
She stopped at each level, constantly snapping photos and sending them to her parents. Damn, she was a woman after my own heart. The sexy doc kept surprising me. Not only was she smart and funny but also sensitive and caring. I’d liked how determined she was to make things smooth for Isabelle. She was compassionate and warm, and I liked that a lot.
I’d always prided myself on being in shape, but these stairs were challenging.
“My glutes are burning,” Laney said when we reached the second level.
When we reached the third level, she gasped. “I need a break.”
Drawing in a deep breath, she glanced up to the top level, then back at me. I was panting too and didn’t try to hide it. These stairs were kicking my ass.
“Does your offer still stand?” she asked.
“Which one?”
“To carry me to the top.”
I laughed, even more so because her teasing smile made it clear she didn’t mean it. The next second, I lifted her up by her thighs, literally throwing her over my shoulder.
Her laughter echoed throughout the open space. I was sure that everyone was looking at us, but I really didn’t give a fuck. I pushed myself harder, because climbing these steps with Laney over one shoulder was borderline killing my muscles.
“You are insane,” she muttered through fits of laughter when I finally put her down once we’d reached the top.
“I know.”
I’d always been spontaneous and didn’t take myself seriously, but this was a bit too crazy even for me. I might not be able to walk back down... or at all today. My thighs were literally burning. I grabbed a railing for support, drawing my breath.
“What’s the matter, Mr. Hero? Muscles sore?” That teasing mouth. I wanted to claim it, kiss her hard.
“If I say yes, do you promise to take care of them later?”
Laney blushed furiously, averting her gaze. Then she frowned.
“Cole, a guard is coming toward us.”
“Nah, he’s probably just patrolling around.”
Five minutes later...
“Did you just bribe the guard?” Laney asked me, flummoxed. I’d gone with him a few feet away to talk. He hadn’t taken our stair adventure lightly, insisted we’d disturbed the other visitors.
“No, I’ve used other methods.”
She cocked a brow. “And what would these be?”
“Just told him the truth. I’m trying to win over this gorgeous woman, and him escorting us out would ensure I fail.”
Laney’s eyes widened. She licked her lower lip, and that urge to claim her mouth slammed back into me. “And he bought that?”
“Between you and me, I think he just took pity on me.”
“Pitiable, huh? Not how I’d describe you.”
“What would you say about me, Laney?”
“I think you’re very convincing, and you know it. As proof, you’re here today with me. I don’t even know how that happened.”
I wiggled my eyebrows. “Just my charm at work.”
Laney threw her head back, laughing. “Oh, Cole. Isabelle really didn’t