by Terra Kelly
Alex raised his eyebrows. “Yes, let’s do a veggie, meat, and mac n’ cheese pizza.”
Alyssa shook her head. “Fine you two, but it may not taste delicious.”
Lexie swayed back and forth in place, then reached up for Alex’s hands to sway back and forth with him. She said, “It will be awesome, Momma!”
Alyssa just shook her head and walked to the fridge. “Okay, who is helping spread out the dough?”
Lexie gasped, jumped up and down, and shouted. “Me, me, me!”
They prepped the pizza dough, added toppings, and laughed the whole time. While they waited for the pizza to cook, Lexie wanted Alex to read her a book. So, Alex sat down in a chair at the dinner table. Lexie climbed up onto his lap and handed him the book, Mr. Wuffles.
Alyssa took that time to clean up the kitchen and snuck a few huge swigs of wine. She realized when Alex arrived at her house unannounced, she felt… relief. There was an inner battle in her head with how to apologize, but then each day would pass, and by the time she had the courage it was already two weeks. She figured he would be angry or want to leave the cafe for good. Instead, he surprised her and somehow made everything right again. Alyssa knew she needed to talk to him and let him know all about her past. She placed the dishcloth in the sink, turned, and leaned against the counter. It felt so good to see Alex and she loved how happy he seemed with Lexie. They were so affectionate and comfortable with each other.
She leaned down to the oven window to check on the pizza. “We have pizza lift-off in T-Minus five minutes. We better get the table set, sweet pea.”
Lexie hopped off Alex’s lap and ran into the kitchen. She reached into a cupboard and grabbed the plates. “I need one, two, three plates. Right, Momma?”
Alyssa touched the top of Lexie’s head. “Good job, baby.” She glanced over to Alex. “Lexie is learning about numbers at pre-school.”
Alex stood up and headed into the kitchen to help. “Numbers, huh?”
“Yup, I learning to count, add stuff, and take away stuff.”
Alyssa smiled. “You are learning to add and subtract.”
“Yes!” Lexie said and carried the plates to the table to set them out.
Alex brought over the silverware and napkins. “Here you go, sunshine.”
Alyssa pulled the pizza out of the oven, cut the slices, and brought it to the table. “Who’s ready to dig in?”
After they all stuffed themselves with pizza, Lexie decided she needed to rest. She hopped down from her chair and headed to the living room to watch cartoons.
Alex couldn’t remember the last time he had so much fun. Okay, growing up with his family was always an adventure–but this was different–it was Alyssa and Alexandra at their home with their laughter. “So, are your Friday nights always this fun?”
“It depends,” she said, smiling. “But I would say yes when Lexie is involved.”
Alex turned to put dishes in the dishwasher. “Well then, I hope I have more Friday nights off at the cafe.”
“Hmmmm... I wonder if the owner would be okay with that?”
Alex felt the heat increase between them. He reached over and grabbed Alyssa’s hand, then took the few steps around the dishwasher to stand just mere inches from her. “How about we leave the dishes for now? Maybe go relax on the couch with Lexie?”
Alyssa enjoyed how good it felt to tease him, but then he touched her hand and everything became muddled. There had been something about being in Alex’s presence that made the room feel like 210 degrees Fahrenheit. She glanced up into his forest green eyes and realized she could submit to his every word. “Sure–but warning–Lexie loves snuggle time.”
“Sounds perfect.”
She laughed. “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Her bedtime is in an hour, so you have an out.”
Alex shook his head and tugged her toward the living room. Little Lexie was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the TV. When she saw then come into the room, she leapt up and hopped around with excitement.
Lexie walked over to Alex. “You going to watch a spooky cartoon with me, Alex?”
“Sounds kinda scary. I’m not sure I can handle scary tonight!”
Lexie giggled. “You’re silly. It’s not scary, it fun! Right, Momma?”
Alyssa took a seat on the couch. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s too scary for him. What should we watch instead?” she said, muffling a laugh.
Alex sat down right beside her, there was no room in between them. He looked at Alyssa with a cheeky grin. “Let’s give it a go, sunshine. I think I may be tougher than your mom thinks.”
Lexie threw her arms up and cheered. “It so good, I promise you like it.”
As Lexie turned to resume watching her show, Alex took Alyssa’s hand in his own. He played with each finger, then rubbed her hands in between his own. He brought her hand to his lips and placed a few kisses on each finger and palm.
Alex brought one of her fingers up and brushed it across his bottom lip. Then with a smirk in Alyssa’s direction, he took her finger into his mouth. He moved his tongue like brush strokes on a canvas. Then he created a path of delicate kisses down her hand and up her arm. When he reached her neck, he could feel her shaking. He ended at the sweet spot behind her ear with a soft kiss and whispered. “Your skin is so soft, I could do this all-night long.”
Alyssa felt nervous and maybe excited. His touch felt warm, soft, and could become addicting. She wanted more, but also knew she needed to calm down. Placing her hand on his own, they both laced their hands together and just continued to stare at each other. Alyssa realized at that moment, she would never tire looking at such a handsome man. He seemed so sure of himself and knew how to make her insides roar.
She reached up and brushed her thumb across his five o’clock shadow. “I’m glad you stopped by tonight.”
He leaned into her touch. “I was afraid you would kick me out. This is so much better than being kicked out.”
Alyssa laughed. “Yes, it is. I have wanted to apologize for days, but every scenario I played over and over in my mind just never felt right. Actually, I wanted to drive over the night I flaked out but felt too afraid.”
Alex grabbed both her hands and rested them on his lap. “Afraid of what? Not me I hope. I want you to know I would never hurt you or Lexie.”
At that moment, Lexie headed over and climbed into Alex’s lap. She yawned and rested her head on his chest. Alex put his arms around her and gave her a hug. “You getting tired, sunshine?”
“Yep. Will you read to me, Alex?”
He turned to Alyssa. “That’s up to your momma.”
Alyssa smiled and brushed hair away from Lexie’s face. “Of course he can, sweetie.”
They spent a few more minutes snuggled together and finished watching the spooky cartoon. On Alyssa’s cue, Alex rose from the couch with Alexandra in his arms. They headed down the hall to little Lexie’s room. Her bedroom was full of color, toys, hundreds of stuffed animals, and a queen size bed in the corner with covers strewn everywhere.
Alex let Lexie down and at the same moment she grabbed his hand to walk over to her bookshelf. “Maybe tonight you can read, Good Night Moon?”
“One of my favorites.”
Lexie snuggled under her covers; Alex and Alyssa sat on the edge of the bed facing each other. Alex opened the book, glanced up at Alyssa, then he read. Within minutes sweet Lexie fell fast asleep. He closed the book, bent down to kiss her forehead, and stood to walk to the doorway. After Alyssa said goodnight to her daughter, she headed over to Alex and moved in close to him. She hesitated for a beat, then reached her arms out and wrapped them around his waist.
Alex never expected his evening to end up the way it had. He could get used to reading to Lexie, and now, Alyssa had wrapped her arms around him… which took him by surprise. Having her close felt amazing. He kept Alyssa tight into his embrace and they walked down the hallway back to the living room. Alyssa could tell holding Alex seeme
d to bring her balance.
They sat on the couch, Alex reached down to grab her legs and placed them over his own. Alyssa took a deep breath and let it out. “I want you to know more about me,” she said, placing her hand on his. “Only a few people at the cafe know about my past. I guess it’s easier to let it be, then to talk about it. Every day gets easier, but I have my good days and bad days still.”
Alex sat there quietly and noticed he felt nervous for what she would share. He knew whatever it was, it would not change the way he felt about her.
Alyssa turned toward the window, the sky was pitch black. She looked back toward Alex and shared what happened almost two and half years ago. As she talked about Derek, she felt her dam break, and tears fall one after another. Alex scooped her up into his arms and just held her tight. Alyssa rested her head on his shoulder, took in another deep breath, and continued. She shared about her injuries. Her decision to leave Michigan for awhile. Her moments when she could still feel Derek’s presence. She cried and poured her heart out to him. When she finished, they stayed silent for a few minutes. Then Alyssa glanced up into his piercing eyes. “I understand it’s a lot to take in. If you want to leave now, I promise I won’t be mad.”
Alex pulled her away from his chest. “Alyssa, the only place I want to be is right here with you,” he admitted. “What you have endured is way more than anyone should ever have to go through in a lifetime. The person I knew before you told me about your past is strong, amazing, and the best mom ever. Now, you are still that same person. I know you need me to be patient and take things slow, but I also can’t help with how I feel about you.”
She reached her hand up and combed her fingers through his hair. “What is it about you that makes me want to pour my heart and soul out?” she said, brushing her hand down the side of his face and resting it on his chest. “I want to know more about you and even your family? What’s your favorite color? What makes you happy?” She laughed. “I have had two weeks to think about my life and what I want. So yes, we should take it slow, but not too slow.” She leaned forward and kissed his soft lips.
Alex took in a deep breath. He had thought about kissing her a thousand times, now here she was kissing him. He pulled back slightly. “Purple and laughter!”
“What?” she said, laughing. “Oh, purple? I love that color. Good to know.” She leaned forward and kissed him again. “I agree, the best sound is laughter, especially Lexie’s laugh.” She went serious and moved her hand to the center of his chest right over his heart. “I still haven’t been back home, and I don’t know when I’ll be ready, or what I will even say. I know it’s time to let Lexie meet her family. The problem now is that it has been over two years. I worry they will be upset. I mean, how do I go home now? ‘Hi mom, hi dad, sorry it’s been two years, here’s Lexie.’ There is just no easy way since I let it go so long.”
Alex leaned forward and captured her lips with his own. He noticed how kissing her could be like a drug you had to have every day and every moment. “I think your parents will understand, and I bet, will be thrilled to see you.” he said, moving his hand up her leg and squeezing her hip. “Anyone that doesn’t understand just shouldn’t be in your life. Losing someone that important will change a person. I would hope they know that.” He moved his hand up above her hip just a few centimeters from her breast. He was tempted to touch her there, instead he held back and moved his hand to her back. Rubbing his hand up and down her spine, he asked, “Do you think Lexie understands? Has she mentioned anything about meeting her grandparents?”
“We have pictures of the family everywhere. We talk about Derek sometimes. I believe she does not understand who they are. She thinks Anna, Stu, Missy, and Rachel are her family.” She felt tired, talking about her past took a lot out of her. She moved off his lap and grabbed his hands to help him up. “Let’s get a snack and I need wine.”
They walked to the kitchen holding hands. Alyssa turned to face him. “If I asked you to stay tonight, would you? I would love to be wrapped in your arms. Clothes on and all, I promise.”
Alex groaned. “You want to challenge me, don’t you?” Then pinning her up against the wall. “I would love to be near you, hold you, and kiss you.” He moved closer and Alyssa could feel the hard press of his erection on her belly. “But I can’t promise all my body parts would listen, they have a mind of their own.”
Alyssa giggled. “Well, let’s practice self-control tonight. Beyond that, well, we’ll see,” she said, standing on her tip-toes to kiss his nose and then his lips. Somehow the kiss turned down another path and became very heated. Alyssa parted her lips and Alex plunged inside. Their tongues were entangled together. Alex nipped at her bottom lip, then soothed it by brushing his tongue across her sweet lip. They explored every part of their mouths and couldn’t get enough of each other. They tried to get closer, but there was nowhere else to go. Their hands roamed, as their tongues dived, and their hearts melted together.
When they surfaced, Alex let out a deep sigh. “I don’t know if I can promise I will be good tonight. Maybe I should just go home?”
Alyssa took her hand and cupped his erection. Alex flinched and with a questioned look. “Alyssa? What are you doing? I don’t know if this is a good idea. Maybe we should wait?”
Alyssa still had her hand on him and was rubbing her thumb back and forth. “Mr. Winters, you will stay here tonight. My house, my rules,” she said, taking control. She then reached her other hand behind his neck and brought his lips to her own.
“You are very demanding, Ms. Benson, and I kinda like it.” He moved away from her, which was the hardest thing he ever had to do. “Alyssa, I want to stay, trust me I do, but after the last two weeks and then all you shared with me… I will go home. I don’t want us to regret anything.” He grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “I hope you understand?”
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed, because I am. Wait, not disappointed, that sounds harsh. I’m bummed, but yes I understand.” She moved towards him and leaned up to give him delicate kiss. “At least one of us has restraint. I may have taken you to my bed and then enjoyed every inch of you.”
Alex laughed. “You know what I love?” He leaned in and nipped her ear, then whispered, “How fearless and strong you are.” He kissed her sweet spot below her ear and turned to head toward the door. “You always get what you want, don’t you Alyssa?” He opened the door and headed to his truck.
Alyssa smiled. “Mr. Winters, you forgot something.” She then walked to him, and said, “Your goodnight kiss.” She then pushed him against the door and showed him how fearless and strong she could be. A little out of breath. “I will see you tomorrow morning bright and early.”
As Alex stumbled toward his car. “Paybacks are a bitch, just remember that Ms. Benson.” Then he raised his hand and waved. “See you tomorrow.”
Alyssa had a smile plastered on her lips and a libido in overdrive. She closed the door and leaned up against it for support. What got into her tonight? Seriously, from the moment Alex walked in she wanted him. Finally, after all these years and so many tears shed, her past had been revealed. It felt like a thousand pounds lifted from her shoulders. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough. She walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of wine and then realized she needed a cold shower to calm her overactive body. At least the man who had just left her house would give her some amazing dreams.
Chapter 6
A ray of light crossed right over Alyssa, which made her squeeze her eyes shut trying to wish the sun away. When she reached for a pillow to cover her head, she heard Lexie talking to someone. The voices were getting louder almost as if they were right at her door. She sat up and noticed her door open inch by inch. Lexie peeked her head around, then she saw a male hand holding a tray. Alyssa shook her head and let out a light laugh.
Lexie’s eyes went wide when she noticed Alyssa awake. “Momma! Look! Alex and I made you breakfast.”
Alex had moved the door open
and was leaning against the wooden frame holding a tray full of food. “Good morning, beautiful. Lexie said you love pancakes and eggs, so we made a little of both.”
Alyssa had on a long white nightshirt with nothing underneath. Leaning up and resting her legs under her, she brought her shirt over her thighs. “She did now did she?” she said, teasing. “We do love pancakes, especially animal ones.”
Alex cleared his throat, trying not to react to Alyssa’s choice of sleepwear. “She mentioned about animal pancakes.”
Lexie hopped up on the bed. “He made a dog and a bear, Momma. Look!”
Alex walked over and placed the tray on the bed, then he sat down with Lexie and faced Alyssa. He reached over to grab the knife and cut a piece of the pancake. He was looking at her as he brought the forkful to her mouth. “What do you think?” he asked, reaching down to grab another forkful. Alyssa moaned. “So good! Your bear and dog look believable, too,” she teased.
Lexie giggled and seemed so happy as she leaned against Alex. Alyssa noticed how he combed her daughter’s hair while still staring at her.
She reached forward and grabbed the little glass of orange juice and smiled. “So, tell me Mr. Winters, how did you get in the house?” She gave a side glance toward Lexie, and asked, “Were you watching birdies again, little one?” she reached over to tickle her daughter’s tummy.
Lexie giggled. “Stop, Momma!” Still in fits of giggles, she admitted, “He knocked on the window when I was watching cartoons.”
Alyssa looked at Alex. “Hmmm... I thought I was supposed to wake you up today?”
He sat there staring at her, enjoying the view, and tried to look innocent. Not thinking, he leaned forward and kissed her sweet lips. Shrugging his shoulders. “I like the way this turned out instead. Plus, cooking with Lexie is way too much fun.” He reached forward and tickled her tummy. “Right, little one?”
Lexie hopped off the bed and ran down the hallway. Alex and Alyssa watched her go, she was making noises as she made her way to the living room. Alex turned toward Alyssa, and asked, “How did you sleep?” Then he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips to place a delicate kiss on her knuckles, pulled each finger forward to open her hand and kiss her palm.