The view was incredible. He’d seen the city from lots of windows and rooftops, but none like this. The sky was midnight blue, and they were above most of the neon lights so he could see a patchwork quilt of stars between clouds. Overlaid on it was Valerie’s reflection. His, too. She turned around and he dragged his eyes away. She was an even better sight.

“I’m thinking…” he hesitated. He wanted to get the words right, not just blurt out things that might ruin the moment, but he craved honesty, too. “I’m nervous as hell,” he said and laughed at himself. But his eyes were wide and dark when he looked at her and even though he was tense, he looked happy. The room was great. She was gorgeous. Brian ran the backs of his fingers down her temple and cheek. “We can do or not do anything you want. It’s okay with me. I’m just stoked that you’re here.”

Of course he wanted all of it. All of her. Yeah he was a guy, but he was also a person who had a load of emotions he could never figure out how to expend, and he wanted to show her what he thought of her. How much he wanted her. But if that wasn’t in the cards right now, he’d be okay with it. His hormones would deal.

He leaned in and briefly kissed her. Breathed against her mouth, “Hang on,” and went to pull the dripping bottle of champagne out of the bucket. They could both use something to take the edge off. Brian unwound the metal bindings and popped the cork. When the fizz died down, he poured then both a glass and handed one to Valerie. “Okay, to…” he searched her face.