Alex. Just whispering his name brought magical sensations around her lips. He’d been kind, caring, and a gentleman. She’d never known another man like him. As she rested on the bed, she recalled moments they shared together. Her heart skipped a beat every time he smiled at her. He took her breath away each time that he touched her hand.
He was more than just an attractive man with good manners. Alex was a great father, and everyone around knew it. Kimberly caught on from the start. She thought about how he came running home as soon as he heard that Misty returned to town. His instincts told him that the girl’s mother wouldn’t waste any time, and he was right. Kimberly smiled and wondered if he’d ever protect her if needed. Alex would. Deep inside, she just knew; she didn’t need proof.
Then she changed her thoughts to Ariel. The two built a bond in the short time that Kimberly was there. Alex had suggested it was because his daughter didn’t have too many women in her life. He admitted that he always wanted to find a mother for Ariel, but something held him back. Something he couldn’t put his finger on. When he spoke those words to her, she blushed at the thought of being Ariel’s mother. Kimberly couldn't believe the thoughts she had about both Alex and Ariel. Before she met them, she had no desires at all to be in a relationship. Now, she fantasized about him and wondered what it would be like to be Ariel's mother.
Kimberly grinned as she realized that her thoughts had carried her away to Alex again. She rolled towards the door and watched it, hoping it would open and he would barge in and declare his undying love to her. Outside, the crickets chirped loud. Kimberly was done for. There was no way she would be able to sleep.
She sat up to text Kevin. “Sorry I haven’t been in touch over the last couple of days. Just wanted to let you know I was alright.”
Right away, he replied. “How’s it going out there? Divorced yet?”
Kimberly wondered if she would ever see Alex and Ariel after Ryan came back and signed the papers. Although they were friends, they lived in two different worlds. Would they keep in touch, or would time separate them? “Not yet. I’m not in a rush anymore.”
"Why would you say that?" Kevin asked.
Kimberly had no idea how to explain her feelings. Her family and friends would lock her up if she told them that she considered staying there and never returning home. It was just a crush. One that she was certain would break her heart eventually.
"It's nice here," she told him.
"I keep lying to Mom and Dad when they ask where you've been. I can't keep doing this," Kevin told her. "You should never have gone there. I told you to let me take care of things."
"Stop panicking. I'm going to sleep now. I'll be home soon." She wrapped up the conversation and then closed her eyes. Sleep found her at last.
ALEX SAT ON THE PORCH drinking a beer. He wished that Kimberly was sitting out there with him, but he didn’t want to seem too pushy. She amazed him. He didn't need to warn her about Misty; somehow, she knew. Alex never questioned her about it. Instead, he just thanked her. His heart melted at the thought of Kimberly protecting Ariel as her own.
She deserved to know what was truly going on with Ryan. Would she get angry and leave if he told her? He didn’t want that. Now more than ever, he wanted Kimberly to stay. Alex felt like she was the missing piece of his life that he’d been waiting for. In time, she should be told the truth but, for now, he wanted her to get to know him. When the truth did come out, maybe she'd understand and give him a chance. He longed for that.
Alex finished his beer and went inside. As he walked down the hallway to his room, he paused at her door. He yearned to open the door and tell her that he loved her. He didn’t though. Kimberly would think he was insane. Instead, he headed towards his room and flopped onto his bed. A few minutes later, he felt Ariel’s presence. Alex pulled down the blankets and she crawled up next to him.
“Do you like Kimberly?” He knew she wouldn’t respond; knew she didn’t hear him. “I do,” he answered himself. Ariel was fast asleep, and Alex closed his eyes. He was determined to win Kimberly over.
Chapter 13
KIMBERLY WOKE FROM the impact of Ariel jumping on her bed. She sat up on her elbows and watched the little girl flop on her bottom. “What are you doing?”
Ariel crawled towards Kimberly and grinned from ear-to-ear as she started pulling the blanket down. Kimberly wondered what she would say if she could speak. Her excitement grew, and she urged Kimberly to get up.
“Good morning,” Alex said as he leaned against the bedroom door. “I hope you don’t mind that I sent her in. Ariel couldn't wait to wake you up and get the day started.”
“Not at all,” she replied. Kimberly combed her fingers through her hair and wished she weren’t sitting there in her night clothes. She could feel her cheeks flush and hoped that he didn't notice.
“Get dressed. We’re going out for the day.” Alex took Ariel by the hand and led her out of the room. “Oh, and wear a bathing suit if you have one. We can stop at the store if you don't.” He closed the door behind him.
When his footsteps faded down the hallway, Kimberly got out of bed. A shower crossed her mind, but he seemed to be in a hurry. Kimberly skipped it. She slipped into a sun dress and sandals; something she could wear over a bathing suit. She pulled her locks into a ponytail and threw the brush into a small travel bag. Kimberly looked in the mirror and pinched her cheeks even though they didn't need any more color. Alex did a fine job of making her blush.
A picnic basket, folded blankets, and a pile of towels waited on the kitchen table. The smell of coffee filled the air. She made a quick cup while she waited for Alex to come inside.
“Looks like you’re ready,” he smiled when he walked into the kitchen.
As he grabbed the items from the table, she asked. “What am I ready for?”
“We’re going swimming. It’s going to be a hot one today.”
AFTER A QUICK RUN INTO the store, they made their way out of town. Alex took so many winding back roads that Kimberly couldn’t find her way back if she needed to. The scenery was breath taking. She was glad they were getting away for the day. Her trip to Indiana wasn't about pleasure but, since she was extending her stay, Kimberly needed to do something fun.
“I don’t trust Misty,” he told her as he made a right turn onto a gravel road. “She won’t find us here.”
Kimberly knew there had to be a reason for his impromptu adventure. His green eyes looked in the rearview mirror as he smiled at Ariel. She was getting excited, and Alex told her that they were almost there. “Where?” Kimberly asked. “It looks like miles of rocks.”
She was right. Flat, rocky land stretched as far as the eye could see. Alex grinned as he looked in her direction. He pulled his truck up to a pile rocks that looked like they haven’t been moved in years. Grass grew on top of them with weeds peeking out underneath.
Kimberly was amazed when she stepped out of the truck and walked to the other side of the pile. A pool of blue water sparkled in the sun deep down below the surface. Stone walls surrounded the hole. Her city eyes had never seen anything so beautiful.
“What on Earth?” She gasped while looking at the water.
“Abandoned rock quarry,” he informed her. “Rain built up over time, and now it’s just a nature-made swimming hole.”
Ariel wanted to run toward the water, but Alex grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her over his shoulder. “Hold on, little one.”
Kimberly laughed, then helped him unload the cooler and chairs. When they finished, she hid behind the truck to change into her bathing suit. She glanced around in case another car turned the corner.
"Don't worry," Alex assured her, "we'll be alone here. This is one of Pottersville's best kept secrets."
ALEX STOOD ON THE OTHER side of the truck waiting for her to change. He shifted his legs and tried to keep his eyes on the ground. The thought of her being naked, at least partially, made him realize that it had been a long time since he’d been with
a woman. He looked down at Ariel. Four years, he calculated. Alex was glad that Ariel was there because he desperately wanted to help Kimberly undress. He wanted to hold her naked body up against the truck and have his way with her. But this was Kimberly, he told himself; not just any woman.
She was special and meant to be there with him. From the moment he greeted her at his front door, he knew. Alex longed to tell her but knew she’d think he was crazy. “All set?” He asked as she fumbled with her sandals.
“ALL SET,” KIMBERLY replied as she stepped closer to him. She hoped the bathing suit that she picked out was suitable. She didn't want to spend too much time in the store and picked the first one she liked. Now, standing next to him wearing the bikini, she questioned whether there was enough material or not.
They walked down a narrow path to the shore line. Alex helped Ariel while Kimberly walked slowly behind doing her best not to lose her balance. Ariel was the first to run into the water. Her father had put a life jacket and a floaty ring around her.
“Somehow, she understands that she can’t put her head under water.” Alex informed Kimberly who seemed surprised by the young girl’s ability to swim.
The water was cold but refreshing when Kimberly inched in. Alex raced up behind her and dove into the blue. He swam under water and circled back towards his daughter. Ariel’s smile beamed as he emerged next to her.
The sun caused his tanned skin to glisten as he emerged from the blue. Kimberly couldn't help but feel the heat rise inside of her as she watched him swim. At that moment, she didn't care what her personal problems were. It was almost like she was destined to spend this quality time with Alex and Ariel.
Carried away by her thoughts, she didn’t expect what was coming next. Alex came out of the water long enough to grab her waist and pull her down with him.
“Oh, my God, that’s cold,” she squealed as she came up for air.
“Yes, but you’ll get used to it.” He squeezed her hand and pulled her towards deeper water. Ariel kicked her tiny legs to keep up, and Alex grabbed her with his other hand.
Alex was right. Within minutes, the water didn’t bother her at all. The sun was high in the sky when they decided to get out and eat lunch. "I'd love to take some pictures to remember this day forever, but I forgot my cell phone on the nightstand."
Alex stood up. "I'll take some." He grinned as he took several pictures including a selfie with Kimberly. “There,” he told her. “I’ll text them to you.” Kimberly didn't say anything, but her smile let him know that she appreciated his offer.
After they ate, Ariel fell asleep under an umbrella that Alex set up for her. He and Kimberly sat along the shore and let their feet soak in the water. As they sipped on lemonade, Kimberly said, "It must have been nice growing up around here."
Alex moved closer to her as he replied. She faced him and smiled. "Not bad," he answered. "I suppose it had its ups and downs like anywhere else. What was it like in the city?"
"When I was little, my family lived an hour or so north of the city. We had playgrounds to go to, backyards to play in; the usual. I didn't move to the city until college and stayed." She felt comfortable talking about herself with him and, in return, he did the same. Kimberly wondered why he didn't include Ryan in any of his memories. She wondered if perhaps they weren't very close to one another.
"Tell me about Ryan," Kimberly insisted. She tossed a stone into the water and watched as Alex made one skip across the water's surface. Kimberly’s face grew serious as she said, “I don’t know your brother at all, yet I’m his wife.”
Alex looked her square in the eyes and then, without thinking, burst into laughter. Kimberly laughed too then splashed water on him. "He's a lot like me," he finally answered her, his head hung low. Kimberly wondered why he never looked her straight in the eyes when they discussed Ryan. Alex looked back at Ariel. "She'll sleep for a while. Come swim with me,” he said as he lured her out to the deep blue water.
They stayed at the swimming hole for hours after. Ariel eventually woke up and joined them for a swim. "This was fun. Thank you so much for bringing me here," Kimberly stated. "I hate to leave." He had given her one of the best memories of her life. It upset her to think she’d be gone once Ryan returned.
The ride back to the house was quiet. Alex smiled at her every time she looked at him, and she couldn’t help but smile back. His hand rested on the seat next to him and Kimberly fought the urge to reach over and hold it. They were close to the house when Ariel fell asleep again.
“The sun wears us down,” Alex spoke after a long silence. “How about we order a pizza for dinner?”
“Sounds great,” she started to say but, as they rode up the driveway, Kimberly realized that trouble waited for them at the house.
Chapter 14
AS ALEX PARKED THE truck, he asked Kimberly to take Ariel around to the back door. He jumped down and slammed his door shut behind him. “Go inside,” he instructed her, “and order the pizza.” He spoke loud enough for his visitor to hear. “It’s the only phone number by the phone. Tell them to get here as fast as they can.”
Misty came barreling down towards the truck and tried to get near Ariel. “You can’t keep my daughter from me, Alex.”
“Oh yes, I can.” He intercepted her path and prevented her from getting any closer to the passenger side of the truck. Kimberly held Ariel tight and made a dash towards the back door. Misty tried again to get closer, but Alex grabbed her wrist.
KIMBERLY PLACED ARIEL down once they got inside. The little girl hugged her leg and wouldn’t let go. “It’s going to be ok,” she said more to herself than to Ariel. She glanced around but only saw one number by the phone. It wasn’t a pizza place, but Kimberly understood what Alex said. She explained the situation to the receiving end then hung up. Outside, she could hear Alex and Misty screaming at each other, but didn’t pay any attention to what they were saying. She took Ariel into the little girl’s room and blocked the door with the dresser, in case Misty tried to get in.
BACK OUTSIDE, MISTY argued with Alex about seeing her daughter. Ariel wasn’t hers anymore, he reminded her. “Perhaps, your little girlfriend in there would like to hear what I have to say?”
“Leave Kimberly out of this,” he demanded.
Misty smiled at the thought of having him where she wanted him. “Do you think I didn’t remember where you keep the spare key? I took a peak at that girl’s cell phone while I waited for you to come home.”
Alex wanted to explode. He wanted to bring her up on breaking and entering charges but wasn’t sure what the law was if she had a key. “You have no right,” he screamed at her.
“She’s waiting to see Ryan. That’s interesting.”
“Shut up,” Alex snapped. He knew that he should have told Kimberly the truth. Nobody was going to say anything. He'd make sure of that.
“I can tell her plenty of stories about Ryan. And, if you don’t allow me to see my flesh and blood,” Misty claimed, “I’m singing.” Just then, a siren and flashing lights sped up the driveway. Misty started to slap Alex as he blocked her from entering his house. “I’m going to see her,” she cried.
Gavin Ewin stepped out of the car and approached the fighting couple. Alex felt relieved. “Misty,” Gavin called out to her. “This is private property, and it is in your best interest to leave now without a problem.”
“I have a right to see her,” she snapped at Gavin.
“Then do it the right way,” he replied to her. Gavin wasn’t afraid to get in her face and lay down the law. He stood nose to nose with her until she backed down.
A rush of joy flooded Alex when he realized that Kimberly figured out his code. Even as Misty threatened to be with Ariel, he felt more of an attraction to Kimberly. Returning his thoughts on the situation, Alex watched as Gavin talked sense into Misty and put her into her car.
Misty hit the gas and laid skid marks on the grass as she drove off. Alex knew she was angry, but he also knew that she didn
’t care about Ariel at all. There had to be some other motivation for her to want her daughter back in her life. When she was off the property, he turned to Gavin and thanked him for coming.
“What are friends for?” Gavin heard the front door open and turned to see Kimberly slipping out onto the porch. “Ma’am,” he took his hat off as he addressed her.
Alex couldn’t wait to get inside and spend the evening with his daughter and the woman who saved them all. "Gavin, before you leave, this can't keep happening. Can we get a restraining order?"
Gavin nodded. "Sure thing. I'll get started on the paperwork right away." Then he turned and left.
Alex walked up to the porch and, for the first time ever, gave Kimberly a hug. “Thank you,” he breathed into her ear. She returned the embrace, but they both let go shortly after. "I'm glad that Gavin arrived when he did." The last thing he wanted was for Kimberly to know anything about Ryan. It wasn’t time yet. He sensed she had an interest in him, and he didn’t want anything to interfere.
Kimberly sat on the porch steps and looked up at Alex. "Forgive me. I know it's none of my business, but you didn't tell me everything about Misty, did you?"
Alex sat beside her and placed his head in his hands. Everyone in town knew what Misty was made of. Since Kimberly cared for Ariel in his absence, he figured it wouldn't hurt to tell her. "No," he said but then stayed quiet for a moment. He lifted his head up and watched her questioning face tilt. "I told you Misty came back when Ariel was two."
Kimberly nodded in his direction. "Yeah, I remember. You told me she wanted her family back, but then took off again."
"Well, she asked to take Ariel to the playground. I thought she grew up and wanted to be a good mother, so I agreed. Only thing, she didn't go anywhere near the playground. Nighttime fell, and they weren't back yet. I called Gavin. Nobody ever saw them at the playground. Misty took off with our daughter."
Romance Me: A Collection Of Standalone & First In Series Books Page 16