Page 199 of Champagne Nights

She set her bags down when we exited the doors and thanked me again.

“I will repay you. Can I get your phone number, and we can set up a time to meet?” she signed.

“Of course. Give me your phone.”

I typed in my number and handed it back to her.

“Are you taking a cab home?” I asked as Christian pulled up.

“The subway,” she signed.

There was no way I was letting her take the subway home.

“No. Let me take you home. This is my car.” I pointed to the limo.

Christian climbed out, grabbed my bags, and put them in the trunk.

“Christian, take Ellie’s bags.” I picked them up off the cement and handed them to him. “We’ll be taking her home.” I smiled at Ellie.

“No. You’ve done enough,” she signed.

“I’m taking you home. Climb in.” I opened the door.

She gave me the cutest look of disapproval as she stood on the sidewalk.

“Go on. Climb in. You really don’t have a choice since I’m holding your groceries hostage.” I smirked.

The corners of her mouth curved upward, and she climbed inside.

“I feel so stupid for leaving my wallet at home.”

“Don’t. I do it all the time. What is your address?”

“312 E. 30th Street,” she signed.

“312 E. 30th Street, Christian.”

“You’re not too far from me. I live at E. 60th Street.”

“Nice,” she signed with a grin. “I bet your apartment is huge.”

“It’s a good size.” I laughed. “Do you live with anyone?”

I wasn’t sure why I’d just asked her that, and now I felt like an idiot.

“No. But my mom lives in the same building. As soon as an apartment became available, I grabbed it. I’ve only been livingon my own for six months. How about you? Do you live with anyone?”

“No. I live alone.”

I didn’t lie to her because I did live alone. I had my place, and Kirsten had hers. She wanted us to move in together, but I liked my space and wasn’t ready to share it. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be.

When Christian pulled up to Ellie’s building, I climbed out first and extended my hand to her. After helping her out of the car, I had Christian set her bags of groceries on the ground.

“Thank you for the ride home. Since you’re here, I’ll run up to my apartment and get the money I owe you for the groceries,” she signed.

“I would prefer it if you’d join me for lunch tomorrow. You can pay me back then.”

A bright smile crossed her lips.

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