“Hi Mrs. Arrington. How are you?” She hoped this wouldn’t take long; she really needed to get a bed. She rubbed the small of her back, wincing at the sharp ache that raced up her spine.
“I was going through some old photos of Donald and I thought of you.” A sigh, the sound full of regret and longing.
Alexina bit her bottom lip to keep the sob that was building from spilling out. She’d been like this ever since the stupid party a few nights before. Damn Luciano for making her feel cheap!
“That’s good to hear –.”
“You know, you made him very happy.” Alexina could hear the tears in the other woman’s voice.
“I’m glad to know that.” She shifted on the mattress, uncomfortable.
“Oh dear, look at me. Going on and on. I was just calling to tell you about my plans.”
Alexina looked skyward, praying it wasn’t what she thought it was. “Really? Uh... what do you have planned?”
“Why dear, I’m coming to see you!” she gave a giddy laugh, “I’m going to bring pictures and albums and we’ll just reminisce.”
She flopped back, her eyes squeezed tight. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t have this kind woman being so...nice to her. She deserved better. “Mrs. Arrington-”
“Oh honey, that’s Greg. I have to go. I’ll be down on the twenty-fifth. I’ll call you later with details. Take care.”
“Mrs. Arr-” too late, the other woman had hung up. This time, she did throw the phone against the wall.
~***~
Alexina was getting out of her car outside the furniture store when she heard a horn honking. Ignoring it, she continued towards the sore. She turned when she heard someone calling her name. To her consternation, it was Luciano. He had pulled into the space beside her and was stepping out of a bright silver Range Rover. He looked commanding and beautiful in his rugged jeans and khaki crew neck t-shirt. Her stomach did summersaults at the sight of him as he came towards her. He’d always been able to do that to her; make her juices churn and her mind go to mush. She hadn’t forgotten his comments from the night before and she steeled herself for more.
“Should’ve known the Chrysler was yours.” He walked up to her, his gaze sweeping over her. “I’ve been looking all over for you.
“Really?” she tried to inject a note of boredom into her voice, “For what? To insult me again?” She glared at him.
He gave her a sheepish look, rubbing the back of his flushed neck. “Listen, about that -”
“Luciano, I have to go buy a bed. Excuse me.” She turned, stopping short when his warm large hand covered her arm, curling around her elbow. It took everything in her to fight the melting sensation that spread through her body at his touch. She turned back to face him, prepared for the worst, shrugging off his hand. “What?”
“Lexi, I was an ass okay?” He jerked his in the opposite direction. “Let’s go have coffee.” He arched his eyebrows at her, daring her to say no.
“Look, I don’t -”
“Just five minutes. Come on, there’s a Starbucks at the end of this plaza.” He slid his hand back into the crook of her arm and tugged her along. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or scream. “Luciano-”
“Luc,” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, “Since I’m buying coffee, the least you can do is call me Luc. You used to.”
That had been before she’d gotten married, but she bit her tongue to keep that from slipping out. “Luc, I really need to buy a b-” Alexina stopped mid-sentence, cringing. God, now she was whining.
“See, that wasn’t so hard. We’ll get coffee, you’ll let me apologize, we catch up and then you can get a bed.” He opened the door and ushered her in.
She gave a sigh of resignation and walked ahead. It was too hot for coffee, so she opted for an iced drink. She’d forgotten how hot Texas got, and it was only the end of May.
Luciano, she refused to call him Luc in her head, lead her to an empty table by the window. She sat across from him, her arms crossed.
“How have you been Lexi?” He took a sip of his cappuccino, his eyes fastened on her face. “How are the parents?”
“I’m good. They’re good.” Uncomfortable, she shifted in her seat, averting his gaze. “I thought you dragged me down here to apologize.” She looked back into his eyes, her pulse quickening. He had the most beautiful, stunning gray eyes. She remembered gazing into them after their first time. A tremor raced through her body at the thought, her hands shaking from it.
Sitting back in his chair, he let out a heavy sigh. His gaze slid from hers to a spot just over her shoulder. “I was an ass, okay? I’d had a bad day and...” He trailed off, his shoulders moving in a helpless gesture as his gaze slid back to her face.
Even after all this time, she could still tell when he was only telling her part of the truth, eyes everywhere but on her. She leaned forward, a hand on the table as a smile spread across her face. “I’ll let that slide for now.”
The air around him changed as his eyes went darker, a sensual smile on his lips as he leaned in also. He reached out, taking her hand in his, tracing her palm with his fingertips. “Really? Or what?”
Her body quivered in response and the hand still wrapped around the cup clenched convulsively. God, if he didn’t stop that, she was going to crawl into his lap and- she yanked her hand away, suddenly feeling guilty for the thoughts in her head.
“I’ll just have to hurt you, huh?” Alexina replied flippantly, hoping to ease some of the tension that had sprung up. She edged back, knowing without looking that her nipples were hard points pressed against her blue T-shirt. She hoped he didn’t notice. Luciano stayed where he was, his gaze trailing over her face, down her neck, resting on her tingling breasts. She flushed at the knowing look in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak and she braced herself.
“So, what are you doing back in town? Really?”
Alexina jerked. She hadn’t been expecting that question. “I uh...I needed a fresh start. Virginia had too many memories.” Her thoughts turned inward. She was running; that’s what she was really doing. Running from the shame and the memories of her failings as a daughter and wife.
Seeming to sense that his question had brought about bad memories, he changed subjects. “So, you going to the reunion?”
She laughed, once again startled by the subject. “I hadn’t really planned on it. Why, need a date?” She chuckled, some of the gloom lifting.
“No, I’m a man. Men don’t need dates for reunions. That’s where we go to get dates.” He grinned at her, a salacious gleam in his eyes.
Alexina snorted, some of the iced coffee she’d been sipping going into her nose. She coughed and laughed at the same time. “Well, that’s good to know...I think.”
“I was wondering-”
“Lukie, what are you doing here?” Alexina looked up to see a tall, blonde haired young woman, her petite frame encased in a pink lace strapless sun dress. Resentment flashed in her blue-gray eyes as she flared at Alexina, before she turned back to “Lukie”.
Luciano visibly flinched as he looked up. “Kelsie, how are you?”
“I was just passing by and I saw you in here and thought I would say Hi.” Her long fingers reached out, running down his face.
Luciano’s body tensed and he leaned away from the caress. “Hi. I’m a little busy at the moment.” He looked over to Alexina, a pleading look in his eyes.
Stifling a laugh, she held out her hand to the other woman, “I’m Alexina.”
Kelsie glanced at her hand, a look of disdain written across her face. “And how do you know Luciano?”
Alexina stuck her tongue in her cheek, an effort to hold back the retort on the tip of her tongue. Luciano sure knew how to pick ‘em. She could feel the jealous, angry waves pulsating from the woman’s slim body. “We’ve known each other since high school.”
Kelsie sniffed; clearly agitated with the answer by the way she shifted closer to Luciano, her hands tight on her purs
e strap. “I see.”
An awkward silence fell over the group. Luciano looked annoyed at the interruption, his shoulders tense under his shirt. Not one to stick around when things got awkward, Alexina decided it was time to beat a hasty retreat. She looked back at Luciano, amused to see his face creased in worry lines. He probably thought there was going to be a scene. Poor baby. She clucked her tongue before gathering her things and standing.
“Well I have to get a bed and other things. It was...interesting meeting you, Kelsie. Luciano, thanks for the drink, I’ll see you around.” She nodded at them both and headed out.
~***~
Luciano watched Alexina walk away, enjoying the way her jeans hugged her hips. He didn’t bother to glance over at Kelsie as she sat down across from him.
“So who was that cow anyway?” She gave a snide laugh.
“None of your business.” Though his voice was soft, there was a trace of steel in it that had Kelsie’s bottom lip trembling before she caught it.
“Lukie, don’t be mean.” she pouted.
“Kelsie, what do you want?” He asked bluntly, finally looking at her.
She leaned forward, providing a clear view of her cleavage in her strapless top, if he’d been inclined to look, which he wasn’t. Lexi and her lush body had his full attention. He turned his attention back to the window, needing another glimpse of Alexina.
Kelsie stretched out, her fingers trailing over the back of his hand, “I wanted to talk.”
He looked back, bored with her games. He moved his hand away from her touch. “About?” He arched an eyebrow.
“I want to try again. I miss you.” She glanced at him from beneath her lashes, the tip of her tongue sticking out in a provocative gesture.
Luciano grimaced at the look. What the hell had he been thinking? “I don’t think so. You cheated and I’m done.”
“Luc -”
“I have to go. I’ve got work to do.” He stood, cup in hand. “Take care.” He moved towards the door. She reached out, stopping him.
“Luc, give me a chance.”
He shrugged off her hand, biting back an oath when he saw Alexina’s car pass by. His gaze barely flickered over her anger reddened face before he turned away. “NO. I’m done.” He walked out, leaving Kelsie fuming as she watched him leave.
Chapter Five
What was it about delivery men and pants that didn’t quite cover the cracks in their butts? Alexina wondered, directing a group of them as they delivered her new furniture. In the middle of telling one of them that the bed did not bounce and to stop banging it against her wall, the doorbell rang. Stumbling over empty cartons and plastic sheeting that had her slipping and sliding over the carpeted floor in her socks, she finally made it to the door. ‘Who the hell was at her door?’ She swung the door open, grumbling under her breath at the intrusion. The words on the tip of her tongue melted away. Leaning against the doorjamb, a lopsided grin on his face stood Luciano. She should've worn something other than the ragged shorts and ripped tank top she was sporting, she thought to herself stupidly.
"How did you find me?" She shoved her hands deep into her back pockets, her gaze roaming his large frame. He did look good today, wearing dark jeans and a blue short sleeved t-shirt stretched across his chest, deepening the golden tan of his skin.
He stepped into the foyer, forcing her to step back to accommodate his frame. She tilted her head back a notch, her nose nearly even with his chin. In high school, it had been easy to steal a kiss from him, barely having to stand on her tip toes to reach his mouth. She crossed her arms, rocking back on her heels to fight off the edginess that had sprung up. Just having him near was bringing back memories, images of their bodies entwined and sweet murmurings of long forgotten feelings. She flushed, looking away.
"I have my ways." His smile widened as his gaze swept over her outfit. The heat she saw in his eyes had her tongue rolling in the back of her mouth, her fingers itching to reach out and stroke his jaw. "Did I interrupt something?"
She opened her mouth to reply, twisting her head around sharply at the sound of something sharp thudding in her bedroom, her back teeth grinding. If they put a dent in her wall, heads were going to roll. Thank god all the crystal from her mother was still in storage. She turned back to him after a moment, a wry smile in place. "Just a bit. Umm...how about you come back lat-"
"What kind of bed did you get?" He stepped around her and headed towards her bedroom.
"What are you doing?" she burst out, grabbing hold of his arm. She studiously ignored the chills racing up her spine at the feel of his warm skin under her hand. She dropped his arm, feeling foolish. Why did it bother her so much for him to see her room? It wasn’t as if it held any memories of them or anything. ‘But it could’, a voice in the back of her head whispered. Hell! Was she making plans now? At that thought, she raced around him, stopping his path to her room.
His gaze slid over her, starting at her feet and working its way up to her hair pulled back in a sloppy ponytail, the intensity of it increasing until it was a full on blaze when it finally connected with hers. "I just want to see what you got in return for abandoning me."
She dropped his arm, bemused at his statement. "What are you talking about?" an image of him flashed through her mind, standing in front of her old house, his face impassive as he watched her drive away. She pushed it back with a shake of her head; he couldn’t mean that.
“When you left me at the coffee shop.” His eyebrow quirked, his mouth set in a tense line as if he’d seen where her thoughts had gone for those few seconds. “We were in the middle of something.”
Annoyed at being so transparent, she tossed her head back, her curls flying. “Your girlfriend didn’t look so happy I was there.” She crossed her arm defensively.
Luciano watched her, his gray eyes dark with amusement. “She’s not my girlfriend. We broke up.” Why did that tidbit make her happy? She bit her lip to hide the smile that threatened to escape and turned to head into the kitchen.
“I don’t think she got the memo.” She opened a cabinet door, pulling down a box of tea. She frowned, noting the empty cupboards. She really needed to go shopping. They were bare, screaming out to be filled.
Luciano chuckled as he glanced over her shoulder. “A little barren there huh?” He leaned against the counter, his gaze following her every move as she moved about her kitchen, pulling down a yellow tea kettle and a box of tea. She fumbled the box in her hand, nearly dropping it. She put it down on the counter, needing something to do with her hands. The weight of his eyes had her unnerved and a bit lightheaded, the kettle in her hand clanging against the grate on the gas stove as she set it down.
“So...” Alexina began, breaking the silence. “What brings you by?” she turned on the stove, hoping the water wouldn’t take too long to boil.
Luciano shrugged, crossing his ankles. “Just wanted to see how you were settling in. Take you to dinner tonight.” The sounds of the movers shifting furniture emanated from the bedroom. He held her gaze, something in his eyes shifting, turning smoky with desire. She felt drawn in, caught in a web of want.
The kettle whistled, pulling her from her daze. She grabbed the kettle, hoping to break the spell.
Her hands shook and she flushed when she spilled hot water on the counter. “Really? Are you sure Kelsie won’t mind?” She handed Luciano a cup of tea, a sugary sweet smile in place.
He grimaced, taking the cup from her. “I’m not really worried about her.” Her fingers brushed his as he took the cup from her, her eyes catching the tremor that shook his body before he caught it. His eyes flickered over her face, landing on her lips for a long moment, before looking away in a hurry. The knowledge that she had this effect on him sent her senses into over drive. Blood rushed through her body, roaring in her ears, fingers tingling in response.
“You never answered my question.” His voice was gruff, peering at her over the edge of his cup.
“What question was that?
” She took a sip, making her eyes as wide and innocent as she could over the rim of her mug.
“What are you going to do now that you’re back?” Something about his eyes-something serious and enigmatic was drawing her back in. She looked away, scared of the pull.
“I was thinking of opening a boutique, for voluptuous, beautiful women.” She paused, stunned at her answer. Until that moment, the idea had been fuzzy, out of focus. Now, it seemed sharper, more focused. She had always wanted to do something that was challenging and rewarding. Something that was hers alone. Surprised at how right the idea felt, she stared back at Luciano, dazed at her decision. “I’ll call it Forever 24.” She laughed, amused at the joke she’d made.
Luciano grinned, “How does your father feel about you living so far away and all your plans?”
She sobered quickly, a deep sadness creeping over her. “He’s...tolerant of what he considers my eccentricities.” She fell silent.
Luciano shifted, breaking her focus. “So what time should I pick you up tonight?” he set his cup down, his eyes focused on her, his body taut.
Her head swung around, thrown off-balance by his question. “Um, excuse me?” She ignored the tingling sensation in her fingertips. Alexina stepped back when he advanced towards her, stopped short by the fridge. Her stomach jumped and lurched into her lungs, making it hard to breathe as Luciano braced a hand on the fridge beside her head.
“The way I see it, you owe me for the other day.”
Alexina laughed nervously, a fluttering sensation in her chest. “Really? I don’t know about that.”
He leaned in, his breath a warm, soft caress on her lips. His hand curved along her midriff, her knees buckling in response. His hand spent a long time massaging the curve of her waist, the motion slow and seductive.
“Come on, you owe me after tearing my heart out. You could at least put it back together.”
Alexina took a shaky breath, her pulse beating wildly. “I see. Well, since you put it that way.” Captivated, she held her breath as he leaned closer, his eyes dark and stormy, trained on her lips. Her mouth opened slightly, watering in anticipation.
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