"It truly is," he breathes, trying to take in every nuance of the arched and well-lit ceilings and the wealth of art that surrounds them - and to do so without appearing the 'country cousin' he had joked about earlier.

Alex gives Natasha a quick glance as she draws closer to him while they move with the crowd. Realizing the protection she's offering him, he smiles at her once again.

"I like your plans for this evening - so far," he teases.