by E. L. Todd
Paul rested his face against hers. “You’re so damn sexy.”
She ran her fingers down his chest, lingering on the black lyrics of his tattoo. “As are you.”
He cupped her face and kissed her gently. “Now I’m ready to eat.”
She smiled. “I bet.”
“And go back to sleep.”
She rolled her eyes then grabbed the plate on the counter. “I made pancakes.”
“Mickey Mouse ones?”
Alexandra nodded.
“Those are the best.” He took the plate and sat down.
When they sat across from each other, Alexandra watched him eat his entire plate. Paul was always a garbage disposal. She picked hers and ate a few bites. When she ate her meals, she always ate slowly. But she usually didn’t have an appetite so she didn’t each much.
Paul kept his eyes glued to his plate. “Has he called you?”
Alexandra flinched at the question. “Who?”
He looked at her. “You know who.”
“No…”
“Let me know if he does.” The threat in his voice was unmistakable.
“Don’t worry about him, Paul.”
“You’re mine. So I have to worry about him.”
“Well, Blaise calling doesn’t bother me.”
Paul’s eyes narrowed. “But it bothers me. I’m your boyfriend. He isn’t.”
She glared at him. “I realize you’re going through a hard time right now, but the controlling and jealous act is a really big turn off.”
He sighed. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just really happy with you, and I see how happy you are with me. I don’t want that asshole to bother you. I know how much he hurt you. Your best interest was at heart.”
“Well, don’t worry about it.”
“I’m sorry, baby.”
Alexandra was a little annoyed but she decided to let it go since Paul almost lost his dad. He’d been acting differently since he found out the horrible news. “It’s okay.”
He grabbed his plate and carried it to the sink. “Thank you.” He kissed her forehead then took her empty plate. “And breakfast was great.”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s head out,” Paul said. He walked back into the bedroom and changed. Alexandra grabbed a dress with leggings and a jean jacket. Fall was in the air and winter was fast approaching. She was always a little cold no matter what the weather was. The humid summers in New York and the south were her favorite climate. She couldn’t imagine living in Colorado.
When they got into the taxi, Paul placed his arm around her shoulder and leaned back. Alexandra rested her hand on his thigh and squeezed it gently. When she thought about their evening the night before, the guilt rose. “I’m sorry about last night.”
He stared at the road before he fixed his gaze on her. “Baby, don’t be sorry. I would much rather make love to you knowing you aren’t thinking about somebody else.” Paul returned his gaze to the road.
Alexandra couldn’t believe how understanding he was. “I don’t deserve you…”
“That couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“I hurt you so much.”
“And that was all my fault,” Paul said firmly. “I shouldn’t have let that girl kiss me.”
“But I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”
Paul grabbed her hand and rubbed it gently. “We were both at fault, then. Now let’s start over. Blaise was just a horrible mistake you made. And Liz was a horrible mistake I made.”
“Liz?”
“That’s the girl’s name.”
“Oh.”
He kissed her forehead. “We just had a bump in the road but now we’re back where we belong. Every couple has their darkest hour. At least we already had ours.”
“I guess I’m just surprised how patient you’ve been.”
“What’s the rush?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I know you’re frustrated…”
“I’m not,” he said quickly. “Please don’t think that. Really.”
“Okay.”
“The only thing that really gets under my skin is how quickly you fell in love with someone else.”
That stung. But she knew she deserved the insult. “I was obviously out of my mind after what happened. I picked someone who was a liar and a cheat. I don’t know what I felt anymore…”
Paul looked at their joined hands. His eyes were void of any emotion. “I know. I’m just sorry he hurt you. Honestly, I wish you had fallen for a great guy who really cared about you. I would rather compete with a real man than a piece of shit.”
“He isn’t a piece of shit,” she whispered.
He raised an eyebrow. “He’s not?”
“Well…I don’t know.”
He sighed. “Alexandra, I love your ability to look past people’s flaws and see their charms. But sometimes it only causes you grief. I know you want to believe Blaise is a good guy and isn’t lying to you, but he is, baby. The sooner you accept that, the easier your life will be.”
“I’m not denying what he did,” she said. “I just think those actions don’t define him completely. He takes care of the property even though he doesn’t want it, he helps anyone who needs it, and he’s incredibly sweet—just not to me.”
He stared at her. “Anyone who hurts you is a piece of shit to me. He could save a child from a burning building and I would still hate him.”
“That’s the difference between us. You become blind due to your hate. I don’t.”
“No, I’m just blind when it comes to you.” He squeezed her hand. “If some girl did the exact same thing to me, made me feel as badly as you do, how would you feel?”
She pulled her hand way and rested it on her lap. “I wouldn’t like it…”
“You would hate it. You would hate her.”
“I suppose.”
He kissed her forehead. “Which is why I’m so livid when it comes to him. I’m sorry if those emotions are harsher than they should be.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
They arrived at the hospital then walked into the room. Everyone was already there, sitting in chairs around the bed. Lily was holding Charles’s hand, smiling down at him.
“Honey, I’m fine,” Charles said quietly. “Go home.”
“No,” Lily said firmly. She was wearing the same clothes she wore the night before.
Paul stepped inside first and pulled Alexandra behind him.
“Sleep well?” Toby asked with a smile. He winked.
Paul glared at him.
Daisy patted the seat next to her. “Sit, Alex.”
Paul tightened his grip. “She’s fine where she is.”
Daisy rolled her eyes. “You’re so annoying.”
“Alex?” Charles asked quietly.
“Yes,” Lily said. “Paul and Alex arrived yesterday.”
Charles tried to sit up. “I want to see my girl.”
“And your son,” Paul said with a laugh.
“Yeah whatever,” Charles said.
“Asshole,” Paul said as he rolled his eyes.
Alexandra approached Charles and smiled down at him. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m alright,” he said. The bandage on his hand was bloody from the constant attempts at his vein. He looked a little pale and seemed weak. “I just wish you were my nurse.”
“Because you need a sponge bath?” Paul asked.
Charles smiled. “No. Because Alex is the best at what she does.”
Paul shared a serious look with her. She knew what he was saying with his eyes, that she should return to the field she was so passionate about.
Paul dropped his gaze and stepped toward his father. “I’m glad you’re okay, Dad.”
His father looked at him then extended an arm. Paul leaned in and hugged his father. When Charles gripped him tightly, Alexandra felt the moisture bubble under her eyes.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Son.”
“I’
ll always be here.”
He clapped him on the shoulder. “I love you, kid.”
“I love you too, Dad.” Paul pulled away and patted his shoulder. “And now that you survived, no more garbage for you.”
Charles rolled his eyes. “I just got an earful from your mother.”
“And I agree with her. You know how rare that is.”
He sighed. “I’m not looking forward to this.”
“You’ll be okay. Veggies and tofu aren’t that bad.”
Charles cringed. “I hate tofu.”
“It’s good with olive oil,” Alexandra said with a smile.
He looked at her then extended his arm. “I didn’t get a hug from you, dear.”
She leaned in and hugged him tightly.
“Thank you for taking care of my son,” he whispered. “He acts stronger than he really is.”
“I know, Mr. Frasier.”
“It’s Charles,” he said with a laugh. “Or just call me Dad. You’re family anyway.”
Alexandra felt the ache in her heart. Paul’s family already treated her like she was one of them. They loved her and cherished her from the beginning. His family was one of the worst parts of breaking up with Paul. Since she didn’t have a close family of her own, she replaced them with Paul’s. Losing them forever was too painful. She pulled away then plastered a fake smile on her face.
“Marry her already,” Charles said with a sigh.
Paul sighed. “Dad, I’ll take care of it.”
“The clock is ticking,” Charles said. “And girls like Alexandra are very rare. Believe me, I know.”
“And I know that too,” Paul said. “How about you shut your mouth and get some rest?”
Charles laughed. “Now you don’t seem so happy to see me.”
“Can you blame me?” Paul said.
Charles shrugged. “I guess not.”
Paul grabbed Alexandra and pulled her to a seat. There was enough room for both of them, but he pulled her onto his lap anyway. “Sorry about that,” he whispered.
“It’s okay,” Alexandra said. “At least they like me.”
“They like you more than me,” he said with a laugh. Paul kissed her cheek then leaned back in his chair. “Anything new?”
“The doctor said his heart is doing fine,” Lily said.
“Then can I go home?” Charles asked.
“No,” Lily said firmly.
Charles looked at Toby. “They wouldn’t let me have bacon with my breakfast this morning. Can you believe it?”
Lily stared at him. “You’re going to have a hard time when we get home.”
“Another heart attack doesn’t sound so bad…”
She hit his hand. “Don’t say that again!”
“I’m joking, dear.”
She covered her face as the tears started to emerge. “You have no idea how scared I was…”
Charles gave her a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry, honey. Everything is okay now.”
Daisy nudged Paul. “Let’s leave before they start getting frisky.”
Paul chuckled then rose from the chair. The four of them walked into the hallway, out of earshot of their parents.
Paul looked at Toby. “When can he go home?”
“Tomorrow,” Toby answered. “He isn’t too happy about it.”
“Dad has never been one to lay around.”
“You guys want to get lunch?” Daisy asked.
Alexandra looked at Paul and waited for him to answer. Paul hadn’t seen his family in a month, so she assumed he was eager to spend time with them. But she wasn’t sure how he felt right now. She waited for him to answer.
“Yeah,” Paul answered. “I need some coffee.” His arm hooked around Alexandra’s waist but Daisy hooked her arm through Alexandra’s and pulled her away.
“Let’s go,” Daisy said. She pulled her toward the elevator.
When Alexandra looked behind her, she saw the annoyed look on Paul’s face. He was practically growling.
“So, what’s new with you?” Daisy asked with her typical smile and perkiness.
Alexandra always liked Daisy. She was friendly and accepting as soon as Paul introduced her. She never felt uncomfortable or unwelcomed. They used to go shopping, drinking, and clubbing together. “Nothing, really.”
“Oh, come on. You’re living in the south. It must be somewhat adventurous.”
“Well, it’s nice. The weather is just as humid as it is here, so I couldn’t escape from that.”
“Yuck,” Daisy said. “My hair always looks like shit in the summer.”
They took the elevator down to the lobby then moved to the street. Daisy kept her distance way from her two brothers.
“How are things with my brother?” she asked.
Alexandra considered Daisy to be a close friend, but she wasn’t that close. She would never discuss their problems with his sister. “Great,” she said.
“Thank you for coming back with him. I know Paul appreciates it. We all do.”
“I would come even if Paul and I weren’t together.”
“Well, we never have to worry about that.” She smiled and kept her arm through hers.
Alexandra suddenly felt guilty for sleeping with Blaise. She hadn’t done anything wrong, but she still felt horrible about it. “Paul is a wonderful man.”
“Eh.” She shrugged. “He’s alright. A little annoying.”
“I heard that,” Paul said from behind them.
“Go away!” She walked faster with Alexandra. “So…do you think you’re ready for marriage?”
“What?” Alexandra felt her heart race.
“I’m just asking. Calm down.” She laughed loudly.
“Why? Is Paul going to ask…?”
She shrugged. “Maybe…”
“Did he say something to you?”
“Well, he said he was going to propose before you left. I helped him pick out a ring.” She smiled at her and leaned in close. “Don’t worry. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
Alexandra felt her heart fall in her chest.
“But he must have decided to wait until after your trip. But I bet it will happen soon. We’ve been on his ass about it because we don’t know why he’s stalling.”
She knew exactly why he hadn’t asked yet. After her patient died in the hospital, Alexandra completely withdrew from him. She shut him out and pushed him away, sabotaging any plans he had of proposing. Now she felt even worse. It really was her fault they broke up. Paul may have kissed someone, but he was clearly out of his mind. “Wow…”
“I just thought I would give you a heads up.”
“Uh…thanks.”
She winked. “I’m so excited you’re going to finally be my sister—for real. Toby and Paul are fine, but they are smelly and annoying.”
Alexandra tried to laugh at her joke, but it came out as a wheeze.
Paul jogged up to them. “Pizza?” He nodded to the restaurant behind him.
Daisy dropped her arm and looked.
Paul quickly grabbed Alexandra and pulled her to his chest, giving her a hard kiss on the lips. “Don’t take my girl away from me.”
Daisy rolled her eyes. “Get a grip, Paul. She doesn’t only belong to you.”
His eyes darkened. “That’s where you’re wrong.” His arm hooked her waist and pulled her to his side. “Baby, does pizza sound good?”
Alexandra lost her appetite. “Uh…sure.”
He stared her down, seeing the fear and confusion on her face. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” she said quickly. Alexandra couldn’t even convince herself.
Paul cupped her cheek and kissed her again. The touch was gentle and soft. “Then let’s eat here.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the restaurant.
They took their seats in the corner. The bistro was packed, but everything in the city was always jammed with locals and tourists. Paul pulled out Alexandra’s seat before he sat beside her and rested his hand on her thigh.
“Because I actually like her,” Paul said.
“See what I mean,” Daisy said, looking at Alexandra.
Alexandra tried to smile. “I know Paul loves you. He’s told me many times.”
“Shh!” he whispered. “You aren’t supposed to tell her.”
“Well, that’s a surprise,” Daisy said.
“It’s because you’re ugly,” Toby said.
“I’m not ugly!” Daisy said.
“You’re…yuck,” Paul said.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re just saying that so I’ll have low self esteem and never date anyone.”
“And you better not date anyone,” Toby said.
“I’m twenty, you guys. I think it’s appropriate.”
“What does that mean?” Paul asked. “Are you seeing someone?”
“If I were, I wouldn’t tell you,” Daisy said.
“Who is he?” Toby asked immediately. “What does he do? Is he in college?”
“Does he live at home?” Paul asked.
Alexandra smiled as she watched Paul and Toby become protective of their sister. But she felt bad for Daisy.
“You guys are unbelievable,” she said with a sigh. “I’m perfectly capable of finding a good guy on my own. I don’t need you to check him out.”
“There are no good guys,” Toby said. “They’re all pigs.”
“Look at Paul,” Daisy said. “He treats Alexandra like a goddess. He’s always been sweet, faithful, and loving to her. Yes, there are good guys out there.”
“But they are rare,” Paul said with dark eyes. “And I’m not as nice as I seem. When I first saw Alexandra, there was one thing on my mind.”
Alexandra felt uncomfortable with his bluntness. She would never get used to how close he was with his siblings. She told Abby everything, but they were sisters. She wouldn’t tell her brother anything if she had one.
“And did you have sex with her on the first date?” Daisy asked.
“No, we waited a year,” Paul said.
“There you go,” Daisy said. “Not every guy is a disgusting pervert.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Paul said. “I only waited because Alexandra wanted to. If she wanted me on the night we met, I wouldn’t have said no.”