‘I used to hate it when I was younger,’ I admitted ‘But now I like being unique.’

He smiled. ‘You are definitely that, Freya. I like taking you to my favourite places in the city.’

I hesitated before asking the question that popped into my head. ‘Have you shown New York to lots of women?’

He seemed surprised. ‘No, only you.’

Our order was called then so he missed the smile on my lips.

‘Right, time for another surprise,’ Jake said as he returned with a pizza box and two cans of Coke. We left and walked down the small alley to the side of the pizza place. I gasped as we emerged in Times Square. I hadn’t seen it on foot yet, only through the taxi window, and it was a heady sight. Flashing lights, buildings crowding in on me, people weaving around people, and so much noise. Jake led me through the chaos with purpose and to a quieter spot where a trio of musicians were setting up. There was a pillar and we leaned against it, and Jake opened up the box and gestured for me to take a slice.

‘These guys are great. Nothing better than good pizza and good music in my opinion,’ Jake said, watching as I picked up a slice and took a bite. ‘I know some people think margherita is boring but this is the best I’ve ever tasted.’ He gave me a suggestive smile.

I smiled back as I took a bite and then I moaned. ‘Oh my God,’ I said as the cheesy deliciousness hit. ‘So good,’ I said with my mouthful.

‘Yeah,’ Jake said, gruffly before taking a bite of his slice.

The musicians began then. The string trio started paying orchestral versions of pop songs, and they were brilliant. Our spot meant we could hear them really well and the crowd that formed around them to listen wasn’t intrusive. Jake stood close to me, our arms brushing as we ate the pizza and drank our Cokes while listening to the music. Even though we were surrounded by skyscrapers and bright lights, it was like we were having a private concert.

When we had finished eating, Jake turned to me. ‘Dance?’ he asked.

‘Here?’ I checked. I looked around. No one else was dancing.

‘Yes,’ Jake said, holding out his hand.

Reluctantly, I let him pull me towards him. Even though we were apart from the crowd, they could all see us in the bright lights of Times Square. But when Jake wrapped his arms around me and I moved closer and looked up to meet his eyes, they did seem to fade away. The trio were playing a love song and we started to sway to it. I hooked my arms around Jake’s neck and I relaxed into his embrace. With his arms around me, I let go of any embarrassment or awkwardness and the romance of the moment took over instead.