Read Online Marriage of Convenience by Madison Cole - Free Book Online Page B

Caroline was surprised at how quickly they’d covered the distance between her place and the famous building.
    “Come up with me.” Malcolm opened the door and leaned back inside to offer her his hand.
    “Really? Will they let me?”
    “I just need to drop this off on the 57th floor. I’ll meet you on the Upper Observation Deck.”
    “Where are you going?
    “I’m dropping off a donation to support the renovations to the lower deck. I won’t be a minute. Go on up. You’ll love it.”
    Curious and encouraged by his enthusiasm, Caroline took his hand and allowed herself to be guided out onto the street. Though it was late, a doorman held the door open. Did he lock it behind them? She looked to Malcolm to ask, but was sidetracked with the arrival of the elevator and his caution to watch her step over the threshold.
    It was the longest elevator ride of her life, Caroline thought, as she tried to look at everything other than Malcolm. He was standing beside her, and she felt tension grip her stomach. Although she knew they had much in common, she didn’t feel like engaging in pleasant conversation just to pass the time. She was a woman with a plan, a mission. But being this close to him, she could smell his cologne, his soap. It was intoxicating.
    “I can wait for you here,” Caroline said as the car slowed to their first stop.
    “No, please, go on. Depending on who’s in the building, I may get a little sidetracked. But I’ll be up in no time. I promise.” Malcolm kissed her hand as he stepped out. Before she could protest, he was gone, walking swiftly down the hall. Caroline breathed a sigh of relief. She had managed not to jump on him this time, but she wasn’t sure she could be in that close proximity again and not let her hormones get the best of her.
    The doors closed silently, and Caroline felt her stomach fall slightly as the car continued its upward journey. A bell tinkled as the doors slid open once more. She stepped out of the car and was surprised to see uniformed waiters silently hustling back and forth along the deck. Two of the waiters stopped and took up positions on either side of the door leading to the deck. She smiled uncertainly and wished them good evening. They smiled, bowing slightly and held the exterior door open. Leaving the comfort of the elevator interior, Caroline walked out onto the deck and stopped.
    The sun had fallen, casting a shadow over part of the deck. Nevertheless, the view was unbelievable. Caroline walked to the edge and looked out over the City. Amazing.
    Following the walkway, she walked around the building, gazing not at the architecture of the walls holding her up, but out to the expanse of City the view provided. She loved New York City, and this view only enhanced her love. She’d spent time all over the City as a girl with her nanny running errands, as a teenager looking for something to do, as a college student always on the lookout for a quiet coffee shop, and as an adult loving the park, the people, and the culture. She brought her gaze back to the buildings immediately surrounding the Empire State Building and mentally visualized her location. If Times Square was over there, and that way was south … and yes! Her favorite building in the City was the Flatiron. Often called the Wedge, the 5th Avenue building was once considered a groundbreaking skyscraper. Gloria had refused to share Malcolm’s most intimate secrets, saying that she should look forward to finding them out. That didn’t go both ways, apparently.
    Continuing around the side to get a better view, Caroline stopped and raised her hand to her mouth to cover her involuntary gasp of surprise. Set up in front of her was a dining table complete with candles and flowers. She stepped lightly to the right, hugging the wall, not wanting to intrude. Though she was disappointed not to see the Flatiron from this vantage point, she was hesitant to disturb the couple whose romantic evening was probably just