“As do you, Lexie-love. Thanks.” Peter swelled with gratitude for Alexa’s beautiful spirit. The connection between them now meant so much more than casual flirtation, or mere friendship.
Music continued to drift through the air; snowflakes became glitter dust, flashing, perching and melting all around them. Lights throughout the square painted the night red, green and white. Best of all, Alexa Gordon was at his side—as perfect a thing as he could imagine.
Inspired, he turned her around, until they were face to face. He curved his fingertips against her neck, sliding his hands gently beneath the silky fall of her hair. For a time, all he did was rest his forehead against hers and look into her eyes. He stroked her chilly cheeks with his thumbs.
She smiled, going a touch shy in response. “What are you doing?”
“Catching a memory,” he answered quietly, “and engraving it on my heart.”
The way her eyes intensified and sparkled ticked against his heart then slipped into his soul. Alexa lifted toward him just a bit, moving inexorably closer. Magnetized, willing, Peter began to narrow the space between them as well; his eyes drifted closed.
Alexa gave an unexpected jump. “Oh! My phone—”
Of all the luck…
Peter bit back a tortured exclamation and broke free of the moment. It wasn’t her fault the blasted mobile had gone off.
Self-conscious and adorably flustered, Alexa dipped her hand into the pocket of her coat and turned her back so she rested against Peter once more. She flipped her phone open and the screen lit up. Positioned as he was, with a perfect visual over her shoulder, he stiffened instantly when he saw the name that flashed.
Ray Callahan.
His heart plummeted when she straightened and immediately stepped away, engaging the call. “Hello, Ray. How are you?” Her words began to fade as she sought a bit of space. “Afraid I can’t talk long, I’m out with friends. Yes. I’m at Trafalgar Square…”
Peter watched after her, eyes slit as a realization took place. Vanessa was absolutely right. It was long past time to destroy the status quo. What did he have to lose anyhow? In a few days’ time, she’d be leaving, but tonight she was in England. For now, in a way, she was his.
Toward that end, he intended to give Alexa Gordon a little something to think about.
7
“Oh…Vannie…this is gorgeous.”
Alexa studied her reflection in a mirror positioned amidst a display of winter accessories. She had just scoured a tantalizing rack full of colorful scarves. With Vanessa’s coaching, she selected a cashmere number in red, blue, and yellow plaid. Vanessa had promptly wound, draped and expertly tied the scarf around Alexa’s neck.
Vanessa stood back to consider her handiwork. “Most definitely. It’s already going into the Alexa must have it pile.”
Alexa widened her eyes in mock horror. “There’s already a pile?”
“Indeed. I’ve assembled a wide assortment of clothing and trinkets ready for your perusal. All you have to do is give me a thumbs-up, or a thumbs-down.”
“So this is what it feels like to be royalty. I could get used it.”
Alexa’s observation was met with a gleeful snicker. “Lexie, you’re far too sweet and innocent, and, sadly, too American, to ever be part of British aristocracy.”
“Gee. Thanks.”
Vanessa glided from outerwear to the jewelry department and the call of its brightly lit display cases. “You could change that, you know.”
“My innocence? My lineage? No, on both counts. Sorry.”
“What about your citizenship?” Vanessa spun a circular jewelry tree stocked with earrings, exploring its contents.
Not fooled by her friend’s too-casual comment and behavior, Alexa felt tension creep into a tight line against her shoulders. Ray had asked her the exact same question on the phone last night.
“Coming to England, spending time with you, makes me consider the idea, sure.” Alexa skirted the truest desires of her heart. Instead, she allowed her attention to be riveted by the vision of a spectacular bracelet watch of silver, its white face surrounded by a rainbow of tiny, sparkling crystals. “But I’m not sure I’m brave enough to totally uproot, and vacate the only life I’ve ever known.”
Vanessa harrumphed. “Alexa Marie, stop with the rubbish. I thought I was the one who lacked faith and the ability to see God going to work in a situation.”
Alexa sidestepped that leading comment and Vanessa’s pointed look. Rather, she focused on her friend’s point about faith. “So, you have been thinking about God. I wondered. And hoped.”
Vanessa shrugged. “Difficult not to when I see Peter so…I don’t know…transformed by his love for Christ. Then I see you—so forthright and comfortable with your faith.”
Alexa thought about that for a moment. “What’s holding you back?”
The gentle question stirred Vanessa to lift a shoulder with delicate grace. “Faith is an intangible, Lexie. Meanwhile, my life is built around things I can see, and touch, and admire. I suppose I avoid spiritual matters because of how I view the world and how others view me.” She laughed lightly. “Does that even make sense?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Besides, why would God want anything to do with me?” The attempt at playful humor fell short. Instead of playful, Vanessa struck Alexa as being trapped by a longing. “I'm not His type. I’m sassy and flirty, and I’m far too enamored with sparkles and flash and beauty. Materialism, I guess you could say. After all, look at what I do for a living.”
Alexa’s brows pulled together. “That doesn’t matter. Look at me; I'm a scaredy-cat when it comes to my emotions. God works with what we give Him, and He makes it good.” She caught the attention of a nearby clerk and asked to see the watch. “The characteristics you mention are part of who you are—part of how God made you. There's nothing wrong with any of those things when you live them out the right way.”
“That's the problem. I guess, sometimes I see God as—I hate to even say things like this, but—as somewhat of a spoilsport. He’s all about ‘do this’ and ‘don't do that.’ ‘Obey and sacrifice and get thee to church every week to tithe.’ Seriously, Lexie, and I don't mean to be cruel when I say this, but, look at what you went through with Derrick. Where was God in all that upheaval? You didn’t deserve that.”
Alexa was relieved the clerk interrupted at that point to unlock the case and remove the watch. The instant Alexa snapped it into place on her wrist, she melted. Already wincing, she checked the price tag. Her wince morphed into wholesale disappointment. Even with Vanessa’s discount, the piece was out of her league. Still, the interlude gave her a moment to pause, and frame a response.
“It’s so much deeper than that, Vannie.” Returning the watch to its box, Alexa’s girlish heart mourned; she missed it already. “God isn’t about what we deserve versus what we don’t deserve. He’s about love. He’s about sharing ourselves in relationship with each other, and with Him. Sure, I still have moments when I go weak and sad and wonder what God could possibly be thinking, but I don’t doubt. I believe in His hope, and I believe God has my back, even if the road I travel becomes painful.”
Warmed to their topic, Alexa continued as Vanessa purchased a pair of teardrop shaped onyx earrings. “Look at it this way. Why do you think He sends you all that beauty and the opportunity to share your gifts with others? It’s because He’s crazy about you. All you have to do is acknowledge Him and thank Him. Take Him into your heart. Once you do, you’ll never be the same. He wants you to grow where He plants you, and thrive where He fills your spirit.”
Vanessa went still and faced Alexa while the clerk rang up her purchase. “Are you hearing yourself, Lexie? You might want to follow that very sound piece of advice yourself.”
Alexa diverted her eyes while Vanessa took custody of a rope-handled bag and continued. “That in mind, tell me about Ray. Fill me in on what’s going on between the two of you.”
Alexa chuckled
and shuffled her feet. “I was wondering when the topic would be discussed.”
“Admire my restraint later. Is it serious?”
They began to walk the main aisle of Harrods, ignoring shopping in favor of movement and conversation.
“Serious? Well, in a manner of speaking, yes.”
Vanessa didn’t seem enthused. “Let’s grab a cuppa and sit.”
Puzzled by her friend’s reaction, Alexa followed Vanessa to a food area where they ordered tea and a fresh, warm fritter. They settled at a bistro-style table, but before resuming their chat, Vanessa monitored her phone and dashed off a text message. “Fantastic. Seems I’ll need to check in upstairs in just a few. Do you mind? It won’t take but a minute. Promise.”
“I don’t mind at all.” From there, Alexa finished answering Vanessa’s question. “With regard to Ray, it’s business—and only business. He’s no more interested in me romantically than I am in him.”
Lines of concern eased from the corners of Vanessa’s mouth. Again, that struck Alexa as mysterious. Was something wrong with Ray?
“What makes you say that?”
“The fact that Ray toured me through the offices of the Bank of England, and took me to dinner to recruit me. He’s offered me a job.”
Vanessa’s jaw dropped; her eyes lit and sparkled like champagne. “Hallelujah, you’re moving to England!”
A few nearby patrons threw them curious glances. “Vanessa, button it! I am not moving to England. Be serious. My life is in America.”
“Sure about that?” She settled back against her chair and folded her arms across her chest, staring Alexa down. “You know, you and my brother have always had a soft spot for one another. In many ways, I think he’d’ve been blissfully happy had you opted to stay in the UK back when we were still at university.”
Alexa blew against the surface of her chamomile tea and took a cautious sip. “Stop badgering. I needed to finish my education. I couldn’t leave at that point.”
“Wouldn’t. Big difference. You could’ve earned your degree here.” Vanessa shook her head to still any attempt at argument. “No matter. You weren’t ready three years ago. Neither was he, to be honest. Now it’s different.”
“Hence your orchestrations beneath the mistletoe the other night.”
Vanessa paused to enjoy her tea, her lips quirked in a devilish fashion. “And let’s not forget about Peter’s attempt to stay warm with you in the midst of Trafalgar Square.”
Alexa blushed and Vanessa’s smirk increased.
“Yep, I saw that. The two of you seemed to enjoy the mistletoe, and the celebration.”
Before Alexa could launch into a self-righteous defense of her dignity and honor, Vanessa let loose a tinkling laugh.
“Something else for you to consider, lovey. I didn’t orchestrate anything. Beneath the mistletoe is where you ended up all on your own. I can’t help it that I’m observant.”
“And incorrigible.”
“Know what? Peter always says just the same thing.” Her posture softened. “Frankly, I can’t help my attitude. You’d make a divine sister-in-law. I have to admit, I’ve always hoped you and Peter might find your way to one another.”
“I love you for saying so, cupid, but he has his pick of any woman in London, and furthermore, do you realize how ridiculous that statement sounds when you consider the fact that I live half the globe away?” She framed the protests in a playful manner, but being forced to confront herself, and her emotions, left her overly warm and infinitely wistful. She was running scared, and she knew it.
“Distance is simply a detail. Lexie, my faith is slim-to-none compared to yours, but I can’t help thinking. Yours is so powerful. Why can’t you allow yourself to trust, and see what God is trying to accomplish?”
Vanessa reached across the table and rested her hand on top of Alexa’s. “I’ll quit for now. Finish up and wait for me here. This consult will only take a moment.”
Alexa nodded, promptly lost in thought when Vanessa left the food court. Peter, Peter, Peter…her entire world seemed hyper-focused on him these days. What could she do about that?
Vanessa returned quickly, with another Harrods bag in hand. She handed it over. “Seems you forgot an item at the jewelry counter.”
Baffled, Alexa accepted the bag, removing a tissue paper overlay. She gasped, and tears sprang to her eyes. There was no emergency consult. Vanessa had been picking up a gift. Tucked at the bottom was a watch box.
“Vanessa. No. I can’t”
“You can and you will. I got it for practically nothing. In fact, they paid me to take it.”
“Vannie…” She felt tears track down her cheeks, not because of the beauty of the watch, but because of the beauty of Vanessa’s generous heart.
Her friend stretched forward to give her a tight, solid hug. “Happy Christmas, Lexie. Enjoy. Think of me when you wear it.”
Who else but Vanessa would ever come to mind when she gazed upon the multi-faceted crystals that threw light like fireworks? “You know I will. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
A second hug later and after tears were wiped away, they continued on, arm-in-arm and heart-to-heart. But a third link—to Peter Colby—surrounded Alexa’s spirit like a wrapping of mink.
****
Alexa punched back her growing disquiet about Peter the best way she knew how—by baking.
She loved creating dinner for her friends; doing so had become somewhat of a tradition during the course of her stay. Tonight’s entrée was spinach and cheese wrapped in pastry dough and baked into pie-like triangles along with potato soup and a selection of fresh fruits Vanessa had secured during a recent stop at Covent Garden.
Peter arrived early, as usual, at just before three o’clock. True to form, he made straight for the kitchen. Her heart dancing and tickling, Alexa turned, offering a smile when he entered the room. And she caught her breath.
These newfound perceptions of hers were wreaking havoc on her senses. Had she failed to notice what a striking, charismatic man Peter was? Dressed in a gray silk suit, his tie already in the process of being removed, he stepped up and pecked her cheeks. She wanted to melt. “You deserve much more than that for what I smell cooking.”
Earnest and sincere, his affection poured forth and swept her away. She gave him a hug, unable to resist connecting to him. His cologne was earthy, but subtle…intriguing. What she wanted most was to remain tucked in his arms so she could drink him in.
The realization caused her to take a step back. She nervously flicked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “I love cooking for an appreciative audience.” She reached out to brush her fingertips against the lapel of his suit coat where a trace of flour had transferred from her apron to his clothing.
Peter studied her, going still as he took hold of her hand and dotted her knuckles with a quick kiss. There was something deep and gauging in his eyes. “Care for a wander?”
The idea won her over. “To Vauxhall Bridge?”
“Where else?” He grinned, reverting at once to the easy-going Peter Colby she knew and cared for so much. “No running this time, just a walk.”
“I’m in. Dinner’s done, and it can keep.”
A short time later, they strolled away from the apartment, hand in hand, content within a companionable silence. Before them curved a lamp-lit stretch of Belgrave Road that led toward the Thames. A number of people passed by; most seemed on their way home from work.
In no time, they arrived at the center of the arched bridge. The view never failed to give Alexa goose bumps—especially in moments like this, when a wide swath of the river and its lineup of buildings were bathed in the glow of a radiant, pastel-hued sunset. A cold breeze skimmed across the waters, gliding against her face and her hair until strands rippled and tossed.
Alexa closed her eyes and sighed, filled by bone-deep contentment and pleasure.
Peter kept quiet. Soon enough, he leaned in slightly, pressing against her shoulder. “
Can I ask you something?”
Alexa rested her head against his arm, watching a freighter chug slowly along. “Of course you can.”
“Has it helped?” She looked at him, wondering what he meant. “The trip. Being here. Has it helped to mend your heart a bit?”
Intensity worked around her, an increasingly familiar component of being with Peter these days. Alexa sensed him testing, and she could feel herself pushing against the boundaries that defined their relationship. Something big was barreling toward her, but she had no clue whatsoever how to prepare for impact.
So, she went neutral. “Being with friends as wonderful as you and Vannie has definitely helped. I feel better, and stronger.”
“Good.”
He smiled briefly and turned to face the water. Cawing gulls and the lapping of water far below became punctuation marks. Car traffic rumbled along, accented by the occasional blare of a horn.
Alexa’s confusion escalated. “Is everything OK?”
He breathed deep and closed his eyes, going perfectly still. “I have a challenge for you. Something I want you to think about.”
“Which is?”
“Did he ever make you blush?”
Stunned, Alexa couldn’t begin to formulate a reply to that question, although internally, the answer dawned instantly. No, he never did. However, here and now, with Peter, Alexa went instantly flush, keenly aware of the stark contrast between the emotions she once harbored for Derrick versus what she felt for Peter.
While she openly stared, Peter faced her squarely, and continued. “Did a look into his eyes ever hit you right here?” In emphasis, he touched her stomach lightly.
Alexa caught her breath, frozen in place, contrasting the two men once again—exactly as Peter seemed to intend.
And a look into Peter’s eyes was worlds different than anything she had ever experienced with Derrick—or anyone else. Peter coaxed her toward inviting, and dangerous territory, because a look into his eyes possessed the power to unlock all the barriers she had built around her emotions. Without them in place, she’d never survive saying goodbye in a few days, so she stiffened, fighting that recognition.
Finding Home Page 6