Page 15 of Midnight & Memories

“You too, boss, and I hope you can get through the detours tonight.”

Ridge raised an eyebrow.

“Detours?”

“Yeah! Did you forget about the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival tomorrow? They have already started blocking traffic for it. Something about a bomb threat prompted them to act earlier than usual. It was on the news all day today.”

Ridge frowned.

“I wasn’t home at all today. I was out on business. Tell me, is there a way to get to the Financial District at this hour?”

“No. That’s completely blocked off. You know how skittish everyone still is after The Towers. Especially in The Financial District.”

“I understand,” Ridge said as he looked at Poppy.

“Well, good luck! Hoofing it is your best option.” Cherry said with a half-smile in Poppy’s direction as she glanced at Poppy’s shoes and then dashed away.

“I know this is an uncomfortable situation, Poppy. I don’t mind having my driver navigate throughout New York City so we can get to your car.”

Poppy held a palm out facing Ridge.

“Ridge, it’s okay.”

“But I can’t get you to your car! The only place I can get you to is my penthouse, which is on the top floor of this hotel. And we have already established that will cross a line we didn’t want to this evening.”

“Do you have an extra toothbrush?”

Ridge’s brows narrow.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Do you have an extra toothbrush, or do I have to get one from the concierge?”

“Um, I’m pretty sure we can pick one up from the concierge.”

Poppy smiled.

“Okay then, it’s settled now. Well, as long as I can use your guest room and can borrow one of your tee shirts. The beaded sequins might be a little hard to sleep in.” She said with another smile.

“Of course.”

They went to the concierge to get a toothbrush and some extra toothpaste. Then they headed up the elevator in relative silence. The elevator door opened to a hall leading to his penthouse door. Ridge opened it and led Poppy in.

“Why don’t you make yourself comfortable while I get some fresh towels for the guest room? Would you like something to drink since we didn’t really finish ours at the club?”

“Sure.”

“Great! I have a few wine bottles in the kitchen. I’ll open one. Red or white?”

“White is good.”

Ridge smiled and disappeared down a long hallway, returning within a few quick minutes to the living room.

“I’ll be right back with the wine.” He said before ducking through an archway off of the living room.

He returned with an opened bottle and two glasses. Ridge poured the first one, handed it to Poppy, and then poured one for himself.

“I must admit that I didn’t think our dinner date would turn into an overnight stay at my penthouse,” Ridge chuckled.

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