Chapter 19

We stepped outside and my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe he'd rented a limo. Not the big, flashy party kind with track lighting, a bar and TV, this was a simple black stretch model with a glass partition between the driver and the back. There was a second seat facing us, but we both sat facing forward. As soon as the door shut behind the driver, Jack put his arm around me and pulled me against his side. He caught my hand in his and I laid my cheek against his shoulder.

The restaurant he'd chosen was an exclusive one on the lakefront in downtown Chicago. The limo dropped us right at the entrance to the high-rise where we negotiated the revolving doors still hand in hand, cramming into one wedge and giggling like children. In the elevator, he helped me out of my simple wool jacket, tucking it over his arm and pulling my hand through his other elbow. When the doors opened, he escorted me up to the coat check and maitre d' without ever letting go of me. If for no other reason, I'd have b