True Love (Volume 4) (Now and Forever)

by Melissa Johns

  “That’s not true, Alex. I loved you a lot.”

  Alex shook his head. “I have no doubt that you loved me but you were never in love with me. You always belonged to Eric but I can admit that now. It was a long journey to get there but I can understand it and accept it.”

  Emily remained quiet for a moment. “You are probably right.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Emily. I just haven’t found the right person yet.” His thoughts drifted back to the mysterious woman who appeared at his gallery earlier in the afternoon. He kept picturing her eyes and how sexy that messy bun was that sat in her hair. He wondered if he released it, if it would cascade around her shoulders. He definitely hoped that their paths would cross again.

  “Earth to Alex, are you there?”

  He quickly focused on Emily. “I’m sorry what did you say?”

  She chuckled. “I said that you are gorgeous and could have any woman in this bar tonight.”

  “Not really into a one night stand. That was for college, not for your thirties.”

  Emily laughed. “You make yourself sound so old.”

  The waitress placed their food in front of them. Emily quickly asked. “Excuse me, my friend here is feeling in the dumps. You are an attractive young lady, would you date him?”

  The waitress barely hesitated. “Hell yeah! He’s hot. All the waitresses are talking about him tonight.”

  Emily clapped as Alex blushed and looked down at the table. “Told you,” Emily said as the waitress walked away.

  “Can we change the subject, please?”

  “Sure, how’s your gallery?”

  “It’s wonderful. Actually, I had an interesting talk with my assistant today.”

  “Oh, what about?” she asked as she tore into her cheeseburger.

  “It’s about a young artist who made a name for herself in the West. Apparently, everyone wants a piece of her success since one of her paintings just sold for half a million dollars at a Denver art gallery.”

  Emily looked up from her burger. “How did you hear about that already?”

  “I told you, my assistant has her thumb on the pulse of the art world.”

  Emily grinned. “I was shocked when I heard about it. My agent said the phone has been blowing up. I really haven’t given my future a whole lot of thought because of my relationship with Henry. A big part of who I am is here in Buffalo. I don’t want to lose that connection but since he is retiring now, I need to think about where to house my drawings. My agent wants me to do larger cities and get away from Buffalo but I can’t do that.”

  “Have you thought about my gallery? We added on a new wing. We would love to house your work for a period of time.”

  Emily looked at him. “I don’t know.”

  Alex looked back at her and leaned in closer. He could smell her perfume and tried not to lose his thoughts. “Why not, you know that I would take care of you. You understand how I work and the client base that I have at my fingertips. We may not have worked as a couple but we are a perfect match for this industry.”

  Emily nodded slowly. “You are right but let me think about it. I need to discuss it with Eric.”

  “Fair enough,” Alex said as he reached for her hand. “I think that I couldn’t move on from us because you were exactly what I wanted in a girlfriend; smart, fun, artistic and beautiful. When we split, I never had a final goodbye.” He reached down and lifted her hand to his lips. “You will always be in heart, Emily. But, I understand it’s finally time to move on. I see how happy you are with Eric and your family. Thank you for having dinner with me tonight. It’s nice to have my friend back.”

  “I completely agree. I’ve missed you too, Alex.”

  They gazed at each other for a short time before they stood up and left the restaurant. He walked her to her truck and opened the door for her. He leaned down kissed her cheek as he heard the catch in her breath and smiled. They both realized that there would always be that electricity between them but they were in a good place and Alex wouldn’t trade that for anything.

  “Safe travel back to Denver and think about my offer.”

  Emily nodded. “I will and I will be in touch. Find happiness. Ok?”

  Alex grinned and shut her door. Just like that she was gone and he was alone…again.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “Mr. Smith, your two o clock appointment has arrived,” Becca announced over the intercom. “It’s Mr. Pike, the agent for Eve Matthews.”

  “Thanks Becca, I will be right there.” He grabbed his suit coat and slipped it on. As he approached the bottom of the staircase he greeted the middle aged man that waited for him.

  “Welcome to the Lakeshore Gallery, Mr. Pike. I’m Alex Smith.”

  “Please call me Steve. I just wanted a quick tour of Eve’s exhibit before the press arrives tomorrow night.”

  “Of course, I thought Ms. Matthews would have joined you today. I looked forward to meeting her.”

  “She will be, she was just finishing up a personal phone call,” Steve explained. “Here she comes now.”

  Alex turned his attention towards the front door as the beautiful blonde from yesterday entered his atrium. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was more stunning then she was yesterday even though she wore a regular pair of tight fitting jeans, a light beige t-shirt covered with a black blazer. Her hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail and he was mesmerized.

  “Mr. Smith, I would like to introduce you to Eve Matthews.”

  She smiled at him and reached to shake his hand. “I believe we met yesterday, Mr. Smith.”

  He couldn’t help but smile but before he could speak Becca stepped in. “Mr. Pike, I would love to show you and Ms. Matthews the exhibit. You can follow me this way.”

  As she headed down the hall, Steve followed her, leaving Eve with him. He lightly grabbed her arm before she started to walk away.

  “Why didn’t you tell me, Ms. Matthews?” he asked.

  “I like to get a feel for a new place before I reveal my identity. If it helps, you were wonderful and I know my pieces are in good hands.”

  Alex smirked. “I’m happy to hear that.” He was still shocked by how quickly he was taken by her. She continued to look into his eyes and smiled at him.

  “Would you like to see the room?”

  Eve smiled at him. “Lead the way.”

  As they walked down the hall, Alex asked, “How did you enjoy your first evening in Buffalo?”

  “It was fun. I’m so used to the crazy lifestyle of California so it was nice to just sit at the lake and enjoy a beautiful sunset.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. My family owns a cabin on the lakefront and it’s one of my favorite places. Did you get to enjoy any of our excellent food?”

  She laughed. “I did, I can finally say that I had a Buffalo Wing.”

  Alex grinned. “We actually just call them chicken wings here.”

  “Oh, my first local tip, thank you.”

  As they approached the room, Alex opened the door and let Eve enter before him. She slowly walked around and examined each piece and made sure the lighting was perfect.

  “How did we do, Ms. Matthews?” Alex asked.

  She slowly nodded her head. “I have to say that out of every gallery, you have the best presentation. And please call me Eve,” she said as she locked eyes with him.

  “Thank you, Eve but this was all Becca’s creation. She has proven herself to be a great asset to me.”

  Becca blushed and looked towards the floor. “Thank you, Mr. Smith. If you would like, I could give you a tour of the gallery, Mr. Pike.”

  “That would be lovely. Eve, would you like to join us?”

  She shook her head. “I did that yesterday, go and enjoy yourself. It’s beautiful.”

  Alex looked back towards Eve. “Can I interest you in some lunch?”

  “That sounds great.”

  Alex headed back towards the main door as he spotted Emily in the reception area. He turn
ed towards Eve and excused himself.

  “Emily? Is everything ok?”

  She nodded. “I just wanted to speak with you before my plane left. Can we speak in private?” She asked as she eyed up Eve.

  Alex agreed. “Of course we can.” He turned towards Eve. “Can you hang out for a few minutes?”

  She nodded. “Sure, I will go find Steve and Becca.”

  Alex smiled. “I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Eve Matthews this is Emily Mason.”

  Emily shook her hand. “I’ve read some recent articles about you. Your last exhibit in Denver was a huge success. You are very talented.”

  “Thank you very much. I’m familiar with you also. I noticed one of your paintings upstairs in Alex’s private collection.”

  Emily nodded. “That’s my daughter, Emma. That is one of my first portraits of her.”

  Alex spoke up as he felt very uncomfortable with the situation that was in front of him. “Let’s head up to my office.”

  Once they arrived and he closed the door, Emily started to immediately cry.

  “Emily, I knew something was wrong. What happened?”

  “I called Eric last night and told him about your offer to display my work in Buffalo since Henry is closing up his shop. He couldn’t believe that I would even consider it. He thinks that since you haven’t moved on that means you still love me. That you are only doing this to win me back.”

  Alex sighed and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m offering because you are talented, Emily. I want to show your work and support you. You would be a great asset to this gallery.”

  “I told him that! I don’t know how to handle this,” she said as she wiped her tears and locked eyes with him.

  Alex took a deep breath as he held her close. “You are going to return to Eric and explain to him that we are friends. I’m here for your professional career only. If he doesn’t understand that then we will part ways because he’s your husband and that’s the life you chose.”

  Emily whispered. “You really are the best. I’m going to smooth things over with Eric and we will be in touch.”

  Alex nodded and smiled. “I hope I hear from you soon.” He walked to his door and opened it. Emily walked over to him and kissed his lips softly.

  “Thank you for always listening to me, Alex.”

  He watched her disappear down the steps and out the front door.

  “Are you ready for lunch?” He quickly turned around and spotted Eve behind him.

  “Yes, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

  “It’s fine. Is she a friend of yours?” Eve asked.

  “Yes, we go way back.”

  “She’s a sweet girl. I know that her husband is a professional football player.”

  Alex couldn’t help but wonder if she saw the kiss and judged him. “Eric is a great guy.”

  She nodded and changed the subject. “Where are you taking me to lunch?”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  He drove Eve to a local restaurant that would give her more selections from their local cuisine. He opened the front door for her and headed inside the small restaurant.

  Eve looked around and checked out the rustic scenery. “I love this place. It has such a good vibe.”

  Alex cracked a smile as the owner walked over to him. “Alex, it’s been way too long! How are you?”

  “I’m great, Tony. This is Ms. Matthews. She will be displaying her work at Lakeshore. I wanted to make sure that she ate some proper food while she was in Buffalo.”

  “Welcome to our fine city, Ms. Matthews. Would the both of you like to sit outside?”

  Alex looked at Eve as she smiled and nodded. “Absolutely, and please call me Eve. Everyone is so formal around here.”

  As they were seated, they both ordered drinks and looked over the menu. Alex couldn’t help but look at her. She was different than everyone else in his life lately. She always smiled and seemed to want to experience life. Maybe it was her free spirited California attitude but he could see himself hanging out with her and that was a new feeling to him.

  “Eve, tell me about yourself.” Alex asked as he put down his menu.

  She flashed her million dollar smile and pulled her blonde hair back into ponytail to keep it from blowing in the wind. “Well, I’m from California. My family and friends are still there. I spend most of my time traveling from city to city and realized lately that I don’t have enough time to paint or sculpt.”

  “I’ve heard that before from artists. It’s hard when the fame hits to find free time to do what made you popular.”

  She smiled. “It’s true. I would love to sit down and paint especially on the road but it’s so tough.”

  “What do you like to do in your free time?” Alex asked.

  “I love being in the outdoors; walking, jogging, rollerblading. Stuff like that.”

  “I used to love those things but I haven’t been able to get free time to do them,” Alex explained.

  “I’m here for a few days. Would you like to take a run with me?”

  Alex smiled at her and loved her attitude. “Absolutely, sounds like fun.”

  “I need to ask because I’m a curious person and well, you need to be nice to me and can’t get mad.”

  Alex chuckled at her playfulness. “That sounded promising, what do you want to know?” He watched her eyes roll over his body and back up again. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was interested in him.

  “I consider myself to be an observant person and I was curious about what was going on between you and Emily Mason,” Eve politely asked.

  Alex took a long drink of his water and wondered why she would ask him that. Just as he cleared his throat their food was placed in front of them. Alex thanked the waitress and took a bite of his sandwich.

  He heard Eve as she chuckled in the background. “I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

  Alex swallowed his bite of food and smiled at her. “I’m not uncomfortable.”

  “Yes, you are but that’s ok. It’s cute.”

  Alex blushed and looked at her. “I’m trying to figure you out. There is something intriguing about you.”

  Eve grinned. “I like to give that impression, keeps you on your toes.”

  Alex laughed. “What time do you run in the morning?”

  Eve smirked and shook her head. “Oh no, back to Emily, what is the deal?”

  Alex threw his hands in the air as if to surrender. “She’s my ex-girlfriend.”

  Eve nodded. “I could see that there was a connection. I’m assuming that you are still in love with her.”

  “No, it’s over. It’s been two years since we were together,” Alex explained.

  “You know what I witnessed and you lingered after that kiss.”

  Alex couldn’t think of anything to say to her. He was suddenly very uncomfortable and out of his element. He took a drink of water and paid with credit card.

  Eve quickly reached over and placed her hand on his. He looked deep into her eyes and he felt a power between them. She softly whispered. “Alex, don’t be uncomfortable. This conversation is only between us. I think you are so sweet and I would like to get to know you better but I like to know what I’m up against. If you are still in love with her and want to break up a marriage, I would warn you against. But, if you only have a broken heart and looking for a way to recover then I’m here for you.”

  Alex still couldn’t wrap his mind around this mysterious woman. But, she was right. He needed to move on from Emily and it was time he enjoyed his life.

  “Eve, you are right. Yes, I was madly in love with her and over the past two years I threw away relationship after relationship because they weren’t her. But, it’s time that I moved on.”

  Eve smiled. “And how are you going to do that?”

  Alex stood up and reached for her hand. He guided her out of the restaurant and walked through the parking lot and as they approached his car, he leaned against his door and watched as she released he
r ponytail. She had innocence about her but Alex knew deep down that she wasn’t.

  Eve moved closer to him. “You haven’t answered me. How are you planning to move on?”

  “I’m going to start by asking you to join me for a morning run along the beach. I can pick you up in the morning at your hotel.”

  Eve smiled from ear to ear. “See you at seven.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Alex drove Eve back to the museum and left her with Becca to finish up all the details of her event. He headed back to his office, leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath.

  It was the first time in years that he looked forward to a date. He probably shouldn’t refer to it as a date though. She just wanted someone to workout with. But, he couldn’t help but think how sexy her long legs would look in jogging shorts. His thoughts were interrupted when Becca walked in.

  “They have approved of the exhibit, Mr. Smith. The show will start at seven tomorrow night and the same on Friday. Ms. Matthews left you this note. Did you need me for anything else? I would be happy to stay and help you close up.”

  “No, you can head home. I will close tonight. Becca, you have become a wonderful asset to me.”

  She blushed and smiled. “Thank you, Sir.” She turned and left his office. Alex liked Becca, she got her work done in a timely matter and never made a pass at him like the last two assistants.

  Alex looked down at Eve’s note in his hand and opened it.

  I realized that I never gave you my information and didn’t want to bother you in your office. I’m staying at the Regent Hotel on Pearl Street, room 245. I look forward to seeing you in the morning - Eve

  He smiled at the note as he finished up his work and headed downstairs. The gallery was peaceful at night and he enjoyed the quiet. He set the alarm and locked the door behind him.

  He pulled into the long driveway for his estate and decided to walk around the house towards the patio. He loved his house and took great pride in keeping up the appearance of the grounds. He had the honor of letting Emily’s best friend, Sam have her wedding in the backyard. Alex looked towards the pond and remembered the large tent that had to be brought in for the special occasion. It was beautifully done but ultimately led to Emily to return to Eric.