Free Innocent in New York by Victoria Sterling Page A

after spot in the city. Only the wealthiest had a chance at getting in there and even then, it'd be a battle. She had more than once been whisked away by reviews popping up in magazines, making the place sound like a lush piece of heaven where no one was allowed to enter. They were strict on photos of both the place and the food, always keeping up their secretive style. She tore her gaze away from the lovely façade of the restaurant and focused on James.
    His whole face lit up at once when she reached him, and then he looped an arm around her waist and leaned in for a kiss. Supported with her hands against his chest, she reveled in the slow kiss. The brush of light rain against her skin turned warm instead. She sighed, watching him for a moment before leaning back.
    "It's good to see you." He brushed a few damp drops off her cheek.
    "You too!" She smiled, lips still tingling from their kiss. Realizing it was her lunch — her very short lunch break — she said, "Where do you want to go?"
    "How much time do you have?" he asked, his gaze moving toward Arielle, just casually located there by his side. She knew James would have no trouble getting in.
    "Arielle?" Sophia's mouth dropped when she moved her focus to the building. "I have another idea." She touched his arm and motioned for him to follow. There was no way they'd be able to get a table, order, and eat in half an hour at Arielle. Sophia smiled, practically seeing his brain churn. Where else could they go? "Live a little."
    His lips quirked and she took that as a yes . She broke his gaze and started walking toward her workplace. Catching up with her, he slipped an arm about her waist and tugged her close. Oh, she liked that.
    "My idea of a lunch is getting away from work." He gave her a skeptical look as they crossed the buzzing traffic, heading straight for Herrera's Palace. She ignored him and encouraged him along to the grand building.
    "I have this place I go to once in a while. You'll like it." Sophia beamed, pulling him toward the reception area.
    "Sophia."
    She spotted Agnes after having just helped some guests. "Oh, Agnes!" Sophia paused, giving her brightest smile in her friend's direction.
    Agnes's eyes narrowed and Sophia could see that mind-x-ray sweeping procedure take place. She kept from mentioning she was taking James there for lunch. Agnes was bound to say something ridiculous no matter who listened.
    "Just showing James our new conference rooms on the third floor," Sophia decided, and thankfully two customers arrived in front of her desk.
    She slowly turned her attention to the guests and Sophia let out a breath.
    "I'll be right back." Sophia left James by the elevator while she took a quick detour by the kitchen where she grabbed a few sandwiches, muffins, fruits, and couple of water bottles, then put everything into a bag and brought it back to James. Sophia stopped, finding him leaning comfortably against the wall while talking to two tall women, posh looking with their pencil skirts and sleek hair. Sophia could see them smile. One of them brushed a few loose curly strands away from her face, using a delicate flicking motion over her shoulder. Totally flirting. And that twisting thing with her foot was fooling no one.
    "Want me to kill them?"
    "Agnes!" Sophia spun toward her, finding Agnes glaring at the two women. "Are you stalking me?"
    "Yes."
    "You don't have to worry about me, all right? And you have new customers." She pointed in the direction of her counter.
    "Fine!" She turned and began walking away. "Let me know if anyone needs killing. Or a spell."
    "Yeah, thanks," Sophia muttered. The moment she turned toward James again, his gaze lifted to her. He smiled, straightened, and walked right by the two brunettes after saying a few words to them. They watched him stroll over to Sophia, and their surprise turned into direct glares.
    "I didn't mean to interrupt."
    James lifted an eyebrow. "You didn't. Where did you want to go?"
    "Up." She headed