"No problem, Sir. Just let me know if I can be of any help, ok?"
"Of course," he said, "Emily, this way." Alex placed his hand on the small of her back as he led her towards the first main room.
Emily sighed and closed her eyes when she felt his hand on her back as if it would help steady her reaction to his touch. When she finally looked up, they were heading down the main hallway.
"Before we get to the newest display, I thought we would eat dinner first. I had some food brought in. I hope you don't mind but I asked your mom what some of your favorite foods were so I could surprise you tonight."
Emily smiled at him. "Wow, that's so sweet."
"I want tonight to be special, Emily. The minute you walked into that classroom," he paused and stopped her before entering the next room, "I wanted to know everything about you." He touched her cheek with his knuckles. "You are so beautiful."
Emily almost melted right there under his touch and watched as his eyes turn dark as he spoke. He really did like her. Why was that so hard for her to believe?
Alex softly laughed. "You don't believe me, do you?"
Emily shook her head. "You have to forgive me, I've been in one real relationship and that relationship has been on the rocks for over a year now. It’s been awhile since anyone has said anything like that to me. I just don't know how to process it."
Alex smiled at her. "You better get used to it because it’s all I can think of when I look at you tonight. That color looks amazing on you, by the way."
Emily smiled at the compliment, but it immediately made her think of Eric. He loved the color red on her also. Was that why she wore it? She shook her head as if to shake away the past. The last thing she wanted was for thoughts of Eric to take anything away from this night with Alex. "I feel the same way about you, Alex. I can’t get over how handsome you are and how absolutely amazing you look tonight. Something also tells me that I will never forget what you have planned for us."
"I hope that's the case. Come on, follow me." Alex grabbed her hand again and took her to a room that overlooked the City of Buffalo. The room was lit by candles and filled with roses and the French doors were open to a large balcony with an incredible view.
Emily gazed at the room. It was obviously a private room that the museum must rent out to parties. It beautifully decorated of course, but there was something about tonight that gave it a special glow. "Alex, I have no words."
Emily continued to walk around the room. She paused a moment to literally smell the roses and take it all in, including an elegantly set table for two. She continued to walk through the large opening created by the French doors, so that she could enjoy the stunning view and fresh, cool spring air.
She felt Alex come up behind her and she turned to face him. "You are just incredible. Is this what you do on all first dates?"
He smirked at her. "You are the first lady that I have ever brought here, Emily. I told you, I knew you were special the minute I saw you. You deserve a night to be about you and to be able to celebrate your achievement today."
Emily started to cry as she watched him and took in his words. "You have no idea how much I dreamt of a night like this. You always think as a little girl that one day your prince will come and sweep you off your feet and pamper you like this, but the older you get, the harder it is to believe in such fairytales. I'm not saying that Eric treated me poorly, he didn't, but he definitely never did anything like this to make me feel this special; and to think the evening has just started."
Alex smiled while his fingers softly wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Please don't cry," he whispered.
Emily smiled and whispered back, "Please do something for me?"
"Anything," he said staring deep into her eyes.
"Kiss me."
Alex took a deep breath and grinned. "You don't know how long I have wanted to do that, Emily."
He leaned in slowly and Emily stopped breathing. She closed her eyes and felt his fingers grab her sides as he pulled her tight against him but didn’t kiss her right away. When she slowly opened her eyes, she could see the passion building inside of him as he took her in and contemplated his next move. Finally, he leaned in more and lightly brushed his lips against hers. Her body tingled in response to his touch and her blood started to boil as she moved her hands up to his chest. She pulled back slightly, "I have dreamt of that for weeks now."
"Oh Emily, I'm not done yet."
Emily softly moaned as her eyes drifted shut. She felt his lips on hers again and his grip around her hips tightened as he sighed. She felt his tongue part her lips as she pulled lightly on his lower lip.
He smirked as he pulled away. “I have wanted to do that since the moment I saw you.”
“Me too Alex,” Emily said glancing at his slightly swollen lips.
“Come,” Alex said grabbing her hand and leading her back to the table for two. “Our first course is about to be served.”
After helping Emily with her chair, Alex was seated across from her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the wait staff entering with their food. Her salad was placed in front of her as she glanced up at Alex. “Tell me Alex, other than being a great kisser, what other talents do you have?”
Alex softly laughed. “Great kisser, huh? I like that I didn’t disappoint you, Miss Stone.”
Emily blushed hoping that the candlelight wouldn’t show it. “I only speak the truth.”
Alex smiled and continued. “Well to answer your question, I love art, of course. I’m great at spotting talent and the creativity in a piece. I also love curling up with a good book.”
Emily smiled at the unexpected response. “So do I. There’s nothing better than sitting in my window seat at home during a rainstorm with a good book.”
Alex nodded. “I can relate to that except my choice is my patio, although not in a rainstorm.”
“That reminds me. I wanted to tell you how much I love your house, Alex. It’s so beautiful and peaceful. I would love a tour of the grounds someday.”
“I would be honored to show you around. I take great pride in it and do my best to keep up with it. I must admit, my mom helped me with the decorating though.”
“Are you close with your family?” Emily asked.
“Yes, very close. My mother is my rock. We lost my father to cancer about two years ago. So my sister and I have been doing our best to help her move on.”
“Oh Alex, I’m so sorry to hear that,” Emily said reaching for his hand. “I can’t imagine the pain of that.”
Alex squeezed her hand in response. “Thank you but I’m ok now. It was definitely a tough time for awhile though.”
“Is your sister younger or older?” She asked as she was served her favorite soup.
“She’s younger. She runs a bakery in the Northtowns.”
“Wow, your mother must be so proud of the both of you. Both her children are doing so well.”
Alex smiled. “We can’t complain. We are very fortunate. My father came from a wealthy family and while we have had the privilege of learning about the finer things in life, we were also taught to work hard and take pride in our achievements.”
Emily started to feel uncomfortable. She wasn’t raised with money and she hoped that it didn’t matter to him.
“Here comes the main course. Your mom told me that your favorite dishes were based around Italian foods so we did some pasta combinations. I hope you enjoy it,” Alex said smiling at her.
She was overwhelmed with all the attention to detail. “This whole evening has been wonderful.”
Alex asked, “I’m happy that you are enjoying it. So, tell me about your family. Of course, I know what you and your mom shared with me, but I would like to know more.”
Emily filled in the blanks for him about her childhood, mostly about the ordeal that she went through with her stepmother and the challenges of moving to Buffalo.
“I started my senior year of high school here and met Eric right away.” Emily took a deep breath
as she finished her dinner.
“Well, I’m happy that you moved here,” Alex said standing up and reaching for her hand.
“Where are we going now?” She asked.
Alex started heading back towards the main hallway. “I thought you would enjoy a private tour of the museum afterhours.”
“That would be great!” Emily said excited.
Alex showed her the main floor and described to her all of the collections that were currently on display. They continued down a hallway that opened to a large lecture hall.
“Hey! This is where I first saw you,” Emily said remembering the room but thinking how different it looked at night and without anyone in it. “You were talking about the grant that you wanted to get for the museum and I know I was supposed to be taking notes on what you were talking about but for some reason, I just couldn’t focus,” she said with a playful laugh.
Alex blushed and grinned as he leaned down and kissed her lips softly again. They smiled at each other as he spoke. “I wish I knew you were there. I’m sure I would have been mesmerized by you, just like I am now.”
“You wore a pair of grey slacks and a white dress shirt. All the girls in my class wanted you.”
Alex laughed. “Really? Well, I guarantee that I would have only had eyes for you, Miss Stone.”
“You are a very smooth talker, Mr. Smith.”
“I just know what I want.”
“What do you want, Alex?” Emily asked moving her body closer to his. She was feeling very brave and secure in this moment. Her fingers traced over his dress shirt and lightly pulled on his tie.
“Emily, you don’t know what you are starting right now.”
“Don’t I?” She asked looking up into his eyes.
She heard a groan escape from him as he pulled her body tight against his. He didn’t say a word to her as he took her lips. She moaned as she parted her lips feeling his tongue with hers. Their lips moved in sync with each other as his hand traced over her body.
Alex pulled away just enough to speak. “I have more to show you around the museum, Emily.”
Emily smirked. “What’s stopping you?”
Alex groaned again. “I have a feeling that you only play sweet and innocent, Miss Stone. I’m still trying to be a gentleman.”
“We will just have to continue this,” she said as she turned back to the main corridor, making sure Alex was watching her as she left.
Alex followed her. “Oh Emily, you amaze me. For our next journey, we will head upstairs. I have a surprise for you.”
Emily smiled as she wrapped her fingers between his and grasped his hand. They walked up the stairs in silence until they reached a small room.
“This is where your surprise is. I wanted to make you feel special tonight, Emily,” he explained.
“You have already accomplished that, Alex. What else could you possibly have up your sleeve?”
Alex smiled as he opened the door. In the middle of the room, highlighted by a spotlight, stood an easel displaying her painting.
Emily entered the room and stood in front of her artwork. “Alex, this is the painting that I donated to the school. How did you get it?”
“I bought it. I told you that I loved it and I wanted to own your first public piece. So, I attended the school auction and bid on it.”
Emily had tears in her eyes as she processed everything he had done for her and how thoughtful he was. She looked back at the painting and realized that she dreamt of the day that her paintings would be on display like this and Alex had made her dream come true.
“Alex, thank you. I love seeing this here. Not just my artwork, but my little girl on display in this painting. It reminds me of how far I’ve come. I remember how afraid I was of being a mother. I had a hard time adjusting to life as a young mom and basically a single parent with Eric away at school; and trying to keep up with everything that I needed to give her. Then I discovered that when I drew Emma, it helped me to become a better mother. I felt like it was my way of connecting with her.”
Alex walked up behind her and placed his hand on her hips. She leaned back against his chest and closed her eyes. Being able to reflect back on how she got here, Emily realized that this is exactly where she wanted to be.
“How did I do for our first date?” Alex asked kissing Emily’s hair. She turned around to face him. She pressed herself against him and kissed him.
“It was perfect. I have never been on a date like this, I will always remember it. Thank you.”
Alex smiled. “You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that. Now, let’s see what kind of dessert we have waiting for us before I have to take you back home,” he said as they made their way back downstairs.
As they drove, Alex placed his hand on Emily’s thigh, his fingers traced lightly against her bare skin. It was dark so she couldn’t see his face but she glanced over and smiled. “Tonight was wonderful, I’m so happy that we did this, Alex.”
“I am too, Emily. I haven’t been on a date in a long time, I wasn’t sure if I remembered how to do it correctly.”
Emily laughed. “I’d say, you hit it out of the ballpark.”
Alex pulled into her driveway and turned his car off. “You are leaving for Syracuse tomorrow, correct?”
“Yes, I will back on Sunday morning.”
Alex nodded. “Please travel safe. Can I see you when you return?”
“Of course, would you like to be my date for my graduation next week?” Emily asked nervously.
“I would love too but do you think it would be awkward for you with Eric there?”
Emily shook her head. “Doesn’t matter, you are a part of my life now and I want you there.”
Alex leaned over and kissed her soundly. Their lips moved in sync again as their tongues explored back and forth. Emily moaned softly as she took a tug at his lower lip.
“You better go, Emily,” Alex laughed. “I’m running out of willpower.”
Emily smiled. “Me too. See you when I return.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The next afternoon, Emily and Emma headed to Syracuse for Eric’s graduation. Once they arrived, they met up with his parents and checked into their hotel.
Emma ran around the room as there was a knock on the door. Emily opened it to Emma’s squeal, “Daddy!”
“Hey little girl, how are you?” Eric asked as he picked her up and twirled her around.
“Good, wanna see our room?”
“Sure,” Eric said putting her down and looking at Emily.
“Hi,” Emily said. “Congrats on your big day.”
“Thank you for coming and bringing Emma. It really means a lot to me to have you both here.”
“Sure, I’m happy that we are going to be a part of it. How are the Denver negotiations coming along?”
“They are going great. I just came back from rookie training camp and after your graduation I’m flying back out there for some mini camps.”
“That’s so exciting, Eric. Have you looked for a place to live yet?”
Eric frowned. “I have an appointment but I refuse to buy a house until you decide to come back to me. It needs to be our home.”
Emily looked down at the floor. “Eric, I don’t know what our future holds right now and you need to do what you need to do to get settled in Denver.”
“Daddy, come here!” Emma called from the other room.
Eric smiled at Emily and left the room to see his daughter. Emily didn’t have the heart to tell him about her date with Alex last night and in a way she didn’t want to ruin the memory of it by having an uncomfortable conversation with Eric about it.
She walked across the room and reached for her cell phone to call home. She let them know that she was there safe and sound. As she hung up, she checked her text messages.
Hope you had a safe trip. Thx for last night. – Alex.
Emily smiled thinking back to her date. They had a wonderful time and to have the opportunity of seeing
her painting on display, there were just no words to describe it.
“Why are you smiling?” Eric asked as he walked back into the room.
“No reason. Shouldn’t you be getting ready? I’m going to head over with your parents shortly.”
Eric nodded as he bent down and kissed her unexpectedly. His hands slid up into her hair and tightened and she found herself kissing him back. Once her mind caught up with what had just happened and current events she pulled back immediately.
“No Eric, we can’t do that.”
“Why not? I’m pretty sure you were just kissing me back.”
“I’m sorry for that, habits are hard to break. I should have stopped you.”
“Fine, hide your true feelings, Emily. I still find it amazing that you can’t be honest with me or yourself for that matter,” he said as he left her room.
Emily took a deep breath and grabbed her phone again. She noticed it was around noon but didn’t know if she should bother Alex at work. But, she felt that she had to talk with someone. She decided to call Sam instead.
“Emily, are you here?” Sam asked picking up.
“Yeah, I’m at the hotel. Where are you?”
“I’m at Rob’s right now. We are packing up his apartment and then heading to graduation. Did you want to meet at the main entrance?”
“Yeah, sounds good. I need to tell you about last night,” Emily explained. She went over the events of the evening from the romantic dinner to her painting on display.
“Wow Emily, that’s just amazing. It sounds so beautiful. I’m speechless. Did you kiss him?”
“Yes, I can’t even describe it. He’s different than what I’m used to,” Emily said smiling. “Then I got here and Eric kissed me.”
“Damn, Emily! You are just Miss Popular, aren’t you?” Sam laughed.
“Sam, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”
“You are finally living your life, Emily. Just enjoy it, ok? Hey, I need to run. See you in a couple of hours.”
Emily gave Emma a bath and got her dressed into her beautiful yellow dress with her patent leather Mary Jane’s. Eric’s parents showed up early and asked if they could take Emma with them so that she could meet some of their extended family who was in town for the big day, leaving Emily alone with her thoughts. She glanced at her watch again and decided to call Alex before she left for the ceremony.
Everlasting Love (Now & Forever) Page 12
