Turning to Catie when the clapping finally died down and the cast and Leon had retreated backstage, Danny said, “I’m buzzed. You want to do something?” He didn’t want the night to end, didn’t want to stop being with Catie.

A nod, her eyes shining. “Leon said he’s having an after-party at Vertigo.” She named a fairly unknown club. “Mara butted in before he could tell you—anyway, he said he hired out a room, but he’s not expecting many people aside from the crew.”

“Oh, I think we can change that.” He grinned at Catie, delighted at being able to do something to help his friend. “Can you rope in a few of the local glitterati?”

“Maybe.” A dark scowl. “But don’t call them glitterati.” Sliding her hand down from her loose clasp at his elbow, she took his hand.

Danny closed his fingers around her palm, his heart pounding. “You okay to head home to change?” He tugged at his bowtie, suddenly too hot. “I want to get out of this thing.”

“Let’s do it.”

It took them over fifteen minutes to get outside thanks to all the people mingling around, buzzing about the play, and the media who wanted to get their reactions. The two of them made sure to give the play a glowing review, and Danny heard others around them doing the same. Leon was going to blow up.

Danny couldn’t be happier for his friend.

Once finally in the car and on their way home, they just collapsed and didn’t say much. And it was fine. With Catie, silence was as comfortable as annoying each other for no particular reason.

“Thanks,” he said to the driver when they came to a stop by the apartment. “We’re actually going back out. Are you okay to extend your hours, or shall we call a new car?” He knew all commercial drivers had to follow strict safety regs.

“No, I’m good since I was on an official break while you were in the theater,” the driver said with a grin. “I’ll just give the boss a call and let him know you guys want me to hang around.”

“We won’t be long,” Catie promised him. “Are you hungry? We can grab you food from the apartment.”

“No, I had dinner while you were watching the play. Thanks though.”

Leaving him to wait in his warm vehicle, they headed up to the apartment. Danny changed into clean blue jeans and a black tee, then pulled on the black jacket from the tux. “Does this look okay?” he asked, exiting his room. “I don’t have another formal-type jacket on me.”

She poked her head around the door of her bedroom. “Smoking,” she declared.