Page 21 of Before Dawn

By the time I was done, I needed a damn break.

A text from Arnoldo reminded me about game night at Dillon’s. I should have asked him to reschedule, but instead, I ended up walking through Hudson Yards with Alexander.

What was supposed to be a quick trip stretched into nearly two hours of aimless wandering. My patience ran thinner with each passing minute, but at least I walked away with a new Patek watch. A small victory.

Alexander, on the other hand, still had nothing.

“We’ve been walking for two hours,” I said, exasperated. “And you still haven’t bought Mara’s gift.”

He let out a long sigh, rubbing a hand over his face. “She has a list, but I need to think outside the box.”

I eyed him, considering his words. “You know your wife best. Let’s look at it this way.” I paused, waiting for him to meet my gaze. “What have you already planned? Once we see what you’ve got, we can figure out what’s missing.”

Alexander nodded slowly, mulling over my words.

He opened his notes and read aloud, “Floral arrangements—five thousand dandelions—arriving by eight. Private brunch at Sea Gate Beach. Oh, and I bought her a vacation home in Bali because she likes the sunsets. Then we’ll be back in time for her birthday party.”

I blinked. “A vacation home?”

Alexander looked up, unbothered. “Every time we travel somewhere she loves, I get her a place there.”

“Husband of the century,” I muttered.

He laughed, but the gleam in his eyes told me he was dead serious. “As long as it makes her happy. But I still need to get her something else.”

I thought for a second. “Book a spa appointment at Lucio’s spa upstairs. And if you want, make it a couple’s thing.”

A deep sigh left him, one of pure contentment. “Great idea, but I’ll make it all about her. She deserves it. Carrying a baby is no joke.” Then, his gaze sharpened, his lips tugging into a smirk. “You’ll see what I mean once you hit it off with the redhead.” He nudged my shoulder playfully.

A grin pulled at my lips despite myself. Her image flashed across my mind, unbidden. “Her hair is copper platinum, not red.”

Alex’s brows shot up. “And how do you know that if you’ve only spoken to her twice?”

“Three times,” I corrected. “I saw her earlier this week, but our conversation got cut short.” My voice dropped slightly. “And I know because it’s impossible to forget a color like that. Or a woman like that.”

His smirk deepened. “Three times? And something interrupts every time?”

“At this rate, I might have to start hanging out at bars, clubs and airports more often.”

His teasing faded, replaced by something quieter—curiosity. “What is it about her?” He tilted his head, watching me closely. “I get that you’re attracted to her, but do you actually know her?”

“All I know,” I admitted, “is that I want to.”

Alex studied me in silence, brow furrowed. “Isn’t that a bit risky?”

“Maybe,” I said, voice softer. “But isn’t everything worth having a little risk? I don’t know her yet, but I can’t get her out of my head.”

His expression turned thoughtful. “If you had the chance, would you take it?”

I nodded without hesitation. “Why let it slip through my fingers?”

“Good point,” he said, then exhaled, running a hand down his face. “Just promise me you’ll be careful with your heart.”

A faint smile tugged at my lips. “Someone’s worried about me.”

He rolled his eyes. “When your thirty-three-year-old best friend hasn’t had any romantic action in nearly adecade, worry’s inevitable.”

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Love you too, Alex.”

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