Her face lit up. “How did you know this was one of my favorite places?”
I stopped walking and faced her. “Are you serious?”
She responded with an excited “Yes! I’m totally serious. My mother used to bring me here all the time when I was little. Then when I got older, I’d come here to the gardens to study. I love the romantic, peaceful feel of it.”
My heart soared, and my fingers itched to touch her body. Every single inch of it. Instead, I leaned in and gently brushed my lips across hers. “Remember that ‘romantic’ part.”
Taking her arm in mine, I headed into the museum. The moment we stepped in, you could hear footsteps echoing on the marble floors. Whispers from a tour group carried across the entrance. I loved this place, and I was over the moon to find out Rory loved it as well.
A younger woman approached us, a grin on her face. “Hello. Are you here for a tour?”
I extended my hand. “Finn Ward. I’m here to see Alex Montell.”
“Oh yes, he informed me he wanted to speak with you and that you’d be visiting.”
She focused on Rory. “I’m so excited you’re visiting. Please follow me.”
Rory’s hand squeezed mine while she tugged on my arm. “Who is Mr. Montell?”
“A good friend of mine. His family has given a lot of money and time to the museum.”
As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice how Rory’s gaze searched everywhere. She’d probably been here often, yet she acted as if she were seeing it for the first time.
“Please head on inside—he’s on the phone, but should be wrapping it up.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your lunch.”
Rory’s brow furrowed. “Are we eating with your friend?”
I winked at her, and a smile tugged at her lips as she whispered, “Your surprise, I take it.”
Alex grinned from ear to ear when we walked into his office. He held up his finger to motion he wouldn’t be long, and Rory and I sat down.
“Thank you so much. We look forward to helping with your event. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Alex hung up and quickly stood to make his way around his desk. I followed his lead, and we quickly embraced and gave each other a solid pat on the back. “Son-of-a-bitch: Finn Ward. Man, it’s good to see you.”
“You too, Alex. Congratulations on the engagement.”
His face beamed with happiness. “Thank you. I can’t wait to tell Theresa I saw you.”
“Alex, this is Rory. Rory, this is a good friend of mine I’ve known since elementary school.”
He extended his hand to her, and they shook. “Our parents are good friends. Finn’s dad saved my father’s life in a fire.”
Rory looked at me. “Really?”
“Yep. Ever since then, they’ve been the best of friends, and so have I with the infamous Ward brothers.”
Her brow lifted as she repeated, “Infamous, huh?”
With a roar of laughter, Alex slapped his hands together. “Let’s just say the three of them had their fair share of getting into trouble.”
“Dude, I’m on a date! Really?”
Rory giggled and replied, “We may need to talk later, Alex.”