“No daddy. It’s not Peter although we did call off our engagement today. I’m not that upset about breaking things off with Peter. I’ve known all along that marrying Peter would be a mistake when I could never love him as he deserved to be loved. Peter has a chance to really be happy with someone who truly cares for him in a way I never could and I was being terribly selfish in asking him to settle for less than the real thing.”
“So, am I right in guessing that Ian is the reason for your tears?”
Alex nodded and wiped away more tears.
“Alex come here.” Alexander led her by the hand over to the window seat and sat down next to her.
“Alex I’ve known Ian for a long time and you know I admire him and think he’s a wonderful young man. I know he’s broken your heart Alex but I know that in the end he will do the right thing and do you know why? Because I’ve seen how he looks at you. I’ve seen how he touches you and I’ve never seen so much passion in a man for a woman other than myself for your mother.” Her father smiled at Alex’s shocked expression.
“It’s a little embarrassing to know your father sees such things isn’t it?” he chuckled. “Believe me Alex. That man loves you. I’ve seen it. He’s just confused because you’ve come along and shaken up his perfect little life plan. I know because that’s exactly what your mother did to me. I know it’s been hard on you Alexandra and I wouldn’t expect you to wait another ten years for him to make up his mind. But you need to be patient and trust him. Trust him to eventually open his heart and let you and Lauren in to stay for good.”
“Daddy…I…”
“Don’t say a word honey. I want you to just think about what I said for a while. Now, there’s some big political party tonight in Ian’s honor your grandmother said? I take it you have no escort now that you and Peter broke up? How about letting your father escort his beautiful daughter to this bash? I understand I’d better take my check book with me as well.”
Alex smiled, hugged her father hard and then jumped to her feet.
“Daddy I’m so glad you and Mom are home. How did I ever get along without you here? I would love you by my side tonight. I’ll need your strength to get through the evening watching Ian with the gorgeous Jennifer.”
“So, what was your plan to get through the evening before I showed up?”
Alex bashfully lowered her gaze to the floor to avoid her father’s stare. Her father knew her so well but she certainly couldn’t tell her father her plan.
“Don’t look so surprised sweetheart. Remember, you’re your mother’s daughter and I know she’s taught you a thing or two about attracting a man. If she’s taught you half of what she knows Ian Foster doesn’t stand a chance. I know I never did.”
At that moment Claire appeared at the door carrying Alexandra’s dress.
“I won’t ask what that comment was all about sweetheart…just yet. Look at your daughter’s dress for tonight if you can even see it. It’s blue by the way.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow as he eyed the scrap of material his wife held and tried to hold back the smirk.
He looked at Alex with his bright blue eyes sparkling.
“So, that was the plan, huh? I think it just might work.”
“Oh, Daddy!” Alex tried to hide her blush.
“Plan? What plan would that be?” Claire asked with a smirk of her own. “Alex what were you thinking when you bought this dress?”
“I…I…,” Alex stammered.
“Forget it. You don’t need to answer that. I think your father would have a stroke if you did. I heard your father is to be your escort tonight? Let’s go get you into this thing so I can get rid of you all so I can spend some time alone with my granddaughter. I can see it’s going to be next to impossible to spend time alone with Lauren around this house with so many people doting on her.”
Alex felt tears beginning to well in her eyes again.
“You two just don’t know who much I love you and how much I’ve missed you. I can’t tell you how much better I feel already having you here with me. I can manage anything with you two behind me.” Alex hugged her father one last time and grabbed her mother by the arm leading her to her room.
Alexander heard his sinful wife mutter. “This plan your father mentioned. By the looks of this….dress I presume it has something to do with seduction?” Then he heard bursts of laughter. His little girl was going to be all right. He’d see to it. Alexander believed every word he’d said to his daughter but he was still going to have a word or two with Mr. Foster.
Chapter 21
When Alex and her father arrived at the fundraiser with her grandparents they were both enthusiastically welcomed by the crowd. Alex because she was dazzling and her father because he had been out of the country for so long.
Alexandra was relieved to see that Peter was there with Angela. They were a cute couple and Alex knew Angela adored Peter. Certainly word had spread when Peter walked in with Angela about their broken engagement. She hoped she wouldn’t be dodging questions about it all night long.
While her father talked to an old friend Alex nervously perused the room for Ian. The hall was overflowing with people who had come to celebrate and support Ian’s candidacy. Ian was very well liked and admired by the community not only for his tremendous skill as a prosecutor but for his service and commitment to community service organizations. Ian had truly done his best to make Creighton County a better place to live and Alex had believed he’d never even return here once he’d finished law school. She always thought some big, prominent firm in some big, fast-paced city would be Ian’s dream job. She had certainly misjudged him in that regard.
A waiter handed Alex a glass of champagne, which she welcomed in hopes that it would quail her nervousness. “For goodness sake Alex,” she scolded herself. “Calm down. Just relax. Keep smiling, quit worrying, and let the evening just take care of itself.” Peter interrupted her thoughts with a kiss on the cheek.
“Good evening Alex. I thought we’d better say hello to each other so the rest of the room can see that we parted civilly and aren’t going to start throwing glasses of champagne at each other.” Angela stood timidly at Peter’s side.
Alex laughed and returned the chaste kiss. “You’re right Peter. I hope we both don’t have to keep answering nosy questions all evening.” Alex turned to Angela to put her at ease. “Hello Angela. I’m glad you could make it on such short notice.”
Angela shyly replied. “I am too Alex although you have to admit things are kind of awkward. I’m a little uncomfortable. People have been staring at me with daggers. I think they assume I’m the ‘other woman’ that broke you two up.”
“Well, I’ll do what I can to squelch any talk like that Angie but I’m afraid people will believe what they want to believe.” Alex looked at Peter grabbed his hand in hers and smiled. Alex had an idea how Angela felt about Peter so she felt the need to set her straight as soon as possible to thwart any jealousy.
“Peter and I always knew in our hearts that it wasn’t meant to be for us but Peter will always be a treasured friend.” Alex turned back to Angela chin raised high and staring intently into her eyes. “Can you live with that?” Alex asked.
Angela chuckled. “I suppose I better learn to, hadn’t I? Really Alex, Peter and I have already discussed it and I understand what your friendship means to him and I certainly don’t want to lose your friendship either.”
Just then Alex’s father approached. “Peter. How wonderful to see you,” he said reaching to shake Peter’s hand.
Peter vigorously shook Alexander’s hand. “Mr. Morgan! When did you get back from the Outback?”
“Just this afternoon. I couldn’t stay away from my grandchild and her mother any longer so I hurriedly finished up business so I could get back here.”
While Peter made introductions between Alexander and Angela and the men caught up with each other Alex searched the room again for Ian. Where was that man?
Angela whisper
ed to Alex, “Find him?”
Alex smiled. “No unfortunately I didn’t. Is it that obvious?”
“Oh, yeah. It’s obvious Alex. You’re wearing your heart on your sleeve.”
“Angela I’ve never wanted anything…anyone so much in my life.”
At that moment Ian entered the room and cheers and applause exploded from the crowd. Alex’s heart fluttered as Ian’s eyes found hers through the crowd. Her gaze never left him and his gaze kept coming back to her as he walked through the crowd greeting his well-wishers with a handshake and a smile along the way. Alex was so proud of him as she watched him saunter across the room so at ease. She knew he really was a handsome, wonderful man despite all the turmoil he had caused in her life. If nothing else, she would always respect him for being such a good man and be proud that he was Lauren’s father. Alex realized that Ian had arrived by himself. Where was Jennifer? How odd that she wouldn’t accompany him to such an important event. She longed to be the girl on Ian’s arm as his supporters greeted him.
Ian continued to work his way across the room continually sneaking peeks at Alex.
Angela again whispered in Alex’s ear. “Brace yourself. In case you haven’t figured it out he’s making a beeline straight for you.” She’s right Alex thought. He is headed straight for me. Peter and Angela excused themselves and her father left to chat with another friend he hadn’t seen in awhile.
Suddenly he was there standing right in front of her. She could feel the heat and desire he emanated as he took her hands in his.
“You are so beautiful.”
Alex felt as though her legs were going to betray her and she would end up in a heap on the floor. “Thank you Ian.” I feel beautiful with you looking at me that way.
“Alex I’m so glad you’re here tonight. It means a lot to me that you came.”
“Ian there’s no way I would miss such an important night. I’m very excited at what you’ve accomplished as a deputy prosecutor and I know you’ll be the best County Prosecutor Creighton County has ever had.”
“It makes me happy that you believe in me Alex.”
“Uh humm… excuse me Ian.” Alex’s father interrupted.
“Alexander!” Ian pumped Alexander’s hand enthusiastically. “It’s so nice to see you back. How are you? How’s Claire?”
“We’re both just wonderful now that we’ve gotten a chance to see that lovely grandbaby.”
“She is lovely isn’t she?” Ian’s gaze found Alex’s again and she found it hard to look away from the desire in his sparkling blue eyes. “She takes after her beautiful mother.”
“I won’t disagree with that. She certainly does. Ian I know you’ll be very busy schmoozing tonight but I’d like you to make some time to talk with me a bit later.”
“Oh, no” thought Alex. She had some idea what that talk would be about and she knew Ian did as well.
“No problem Alexander. I’d very much like to talk to you as well.”
“Well, you may not feel that way after we’ve talked.”
Alex quickly interrupted hoping to cover-up the tense moment.
“I see Mayor Addison trying to get your attention Ian. You better go say hello.” Ian waved at the Mayor and turned back to Alex. “Save a dance for me tonight Alex? I’d like a chance to talk to you too.”
“You bet. I’ll look forward to it.”
Ian started towards the Mayor. “Nice to see you Alexander. I’ll talk to both of you later.”
Ian regretfully walked over to the Mayor and Alex sighed with relief.
“Daddy….”
“I’m sorry Alex but you are not going to stop me from speaking my mind to that young man! I believe he will eventually come around but there’s no harm in giving him a little nudge.”
“That may be Daddy but I don’t think tonight is the appropriate time for your talk. Isn’t that James Edwards over there Daddy? I’m sure he’d like to say hello to you.”
Alexander gave her a wicked look but ambled over to visit with his old friend. Alex spotted Tom Jensen and his wife Janie and went to say hello.
Alex mingled throughout the rest of the night wishing that she could have done her mingling on Ian’s arm. She wished she could share this proud moment with him but was happy knowing she could share the night by being there and encouraging others to donate generously to his campaign.
Ian had a hard time concentrating on his fundraising efforts when he couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. Would it be asking for too much to ask her to be at his side tonight while soliciting votes and funds? He couldn’t ask something like that of her, especially since he’d made no type of commitment to her. Yet.
Alex found her father and grandparents again but she had not seen Ian since she had shooed him away from her very determined father a few hours ago. The night would soon be coming to a close and she had still not had that dance with him. Alex searched for Ian in the crowd yet again. It wasn’t hard to find him when she had his warm, husky laugh to guide her. He was enjoying his conversation with Tom and Janie. Tom was Ian’s best friend and colleague so Alex and Ian had spent lots of time with the couple over the years. Alex had always gotten along well with Tom and Janie. She admired them and their marriage and how much they obviously loved each other. She had grown as close as she possibly could with Janie given her on again off again relationship with Ian. She was always hesitant to have a relationship with Janie outside of the four of them being together although Janie had tried to encourage her otherwise. Alex had been afraid of coming between the two best friends. She knew Tom and Janie didn’t understand Ian’s treatment of her or why he’d never committed to her. Tom had never been afraid to confront Ian about it from time to time. She missed the couple’s companionship almost as much as she missed Ian’s.
Alex couldn’t stand to listen to their frivolity any more. Not when she wanted to be a part of it so much.
Alex needed to get away for a while. She found her father to let him know she was stepping outside. “Excuse me Dad. I’m a little warm. I’m going outside for some air.”
“Okay sweetheart. See you in a bit.”
Alex strolled outside of the clubhouse and found the cool air refreshing. She had hoped to be alone with her thoughts but several others had already sought the cool night air. Alex followed the stairs that led down to the aromatic gardens. She breathed in the glorious floral scents and tried to forget the complicated mess her life had become. She continued on through the gardens to the lake that lay beyond. Alex hugged herself and listened to the cool waves lap against the shore.
She felt his presence even before she felt his touch. Ian’s arms wrapped around her and she relaxed against him, eyes closed, reveling in his touch. Was this a dream? His breath was seductive and warm against her neck as he whispered in her ear.
“Are you trying to avoid that dance with me?”
“No. Actually, I thought you’d forgotten all about it.” And me.
Ian laughed. Damn! That laugh made her weak at the knees.
“You, my dear, are unforgettable. Did I tell you that you look very beautiful tonight?”
Alex looked up at Ian over her shoulder. “I feel beautiful right now with your arms around me.”
“Is it true? You’re not marrying Peter?”
“It’s true.”
“I bought a house today.”
“Oh Ian that’s wonderful!”
“I want to show it to you.”
“I’d love to see it.”
“Tonight.”
“Ian….”
“I have to know, did you buy that dress for me?”
Alex shivered as Ian’s right hand softly stroked her rib cage, lightly touching the underside of her breasts.
“Yes.”
“Did you intend to drive me crazy?”
“Yes.”
Ian’s lips feathered their way down her throat to the hollow of her neck.
“Dear god Alex. It’s been too long, far too long.”
/> Ian’s other hand trailed down her hip to find the inside of her thigh where he tickled and teased causing Alex to raise her hand behind his neck and arch against his touch. She wanted him. She wanted his touch whether or not he was ready for a lifetime commitment. Everyone has a weakness and Ian was hers.
This was crazy. Ian had hundreds of supporters inside with deep pockets and all he wanted to do was throw Alex to the ground and fulfill his need for her. She felt as soft and warm as he remembered. And so damn responsive. A light moan escaped her lips as Ian cupped her sex with one hand and rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger with the other. He needed to feel her, to taste her dampness. He slid his finger beneath the elastic of her panties and between her plump lips and let out a feral groan of his own when he discovered how wet she was. His need was spiraling out of control. He had to stop and get back to the party. He didn’t want Alex to think he wanted her only for sex. When he said the words ‘I love you’ he needed her to believe him but he’d already taken things too far.
“Alex?”
“Hmmm?”
He removed his hands from between her legs and her breast and Alex shivered at the loss of the intimacy she so cherished. He turned her to face him still holding her in his arms.
“I have to stop baby. We have a lot to talk about before we get too crazy. I want you but I want it to be right, to be special. It’s been so long. I want us both to treasure what we’ve missed all these months.”
“I understand Ian. I feel the same way.” She raised her palm to his cheek and brushed a kiss across his lips and threaded her other hand through his gorgeous, thick hair.
“I want you to know Ian that I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give me without any promises. I’d rather have a little piece of you than nothing at all.” She smiled. “And I also want you to know that every time with you is special to me.”
“You don’t understand Alex. We can’t go on like we have been. It’s not right. It’s not fair to you or Lauren and it’s not what I want. It’s never truly been what I wanted but I’ve been such a selfish fool. We need to talk Alex. Can I show you our house tonight when this fundraiser is over and we can talk in private and sort this all out?”
The Ten Year Affair Page 16