Alex smiled at her. “Marisol, these are the friends I told you about. This is Georgiana and her best friend, Piper. And this is Mr. Woods,” Alex said, gesturing to him.
“Nice to meet you. I am Marcos’s sister. Please come in,” Marisol opened the door and made a sweeping motion with her hand.
They entered a sumptuously decorated home filled with stunning artwork that made Georgiana want to go up to each painting and study it. She glanced at the tall Christmas pine glittering with thousands of lights and decorations in the far corner of the living room and suddenly missed her family back home.
“Love your jewelry, Piper, and your blouse is so pretty, Georgiana,” Marisol said, her curious gaze scrutinizing them as if trying to figure out which one was attached to Alex.
“Thank you. I’m an artist and Piper designs jewelry. The pieces she’s wearing are from her holiday collection, which is already sold out,” Georgiana said proudly.
“Wow, wait till my grandmother sees them. She and I will be on your client list for sure,” Marisol said, casting an appreciative eye on Piper’s bangles. “Mr. Woods, do you reside in Naples year round or are you a snowbird?”
“I’ve lived in this paradise for the past twenty years, since I retired,” Mr. Woods said.
“Can’t blame you for choosing Naples. I’m from Miami where things tend to get a bit cray cray,” she said laughing.
“Marisol runs a thriving beauty salon in South Beach,” Alex said. “It’s nice that it’s only a two hour drive over.”
Marisol raised her brows at Alex. “Yes, and I haven’t seen you in ages. It’s about time you came to one of our Christmas parties. Give your adopted little sis a hug,” she said, throwing her arms around him.
“Well, I can hardly see you all the time if you live in Miami,” he said dryly.
“True. It’s a good thing you showed up to this one, buddy, or Abuelita Coqui would have hunted you down.”
Alex grinned and shook his head. “Not even motherhood can mellow you, brat.”
“That she is. Sassy too,” said a tall, lean man who joined Marisol and squeezed her waist. He had longish black hair, dark, watchful eyes and a small scar bisecting his chiseled cheekbone.
“I’m happy you came, Alex, but for Pete’s sake, drop the brat label,” Marisol said with a mock glower. “You remember my husband, Clay, don’t you?”
“Of course. Good to see you, Clay,” Alex said, shaking his hand. “This is Georgiana, Piper and Mr. Woods.”
Clay shook their hands and welcomed them. His demeanor was on the serious side, but it was obvious his impudent wife amused him.
“How are the twins?” Alex asked.
A pair of dimples deepened on either side of Clay’s mouth in his otherwise austere face, catching Georgiana by surprise. “They’re a handful. It’s three girls against one lone guy in our house,” he said with a long-suffering sigh, to which Alex chuckled in agreement.
“Where are they?” Alex asked.
“Napping and we’re enjoying a rare moment of peace,” he said looking down at Marisol.
Clay ushered them out to the large pool patio overlooking the Gulf where several couples greeted them with smiles and welcoming waves. The delicious aroma of grilled meat tickled Georgiana’s nostrils and her tummy growled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since the donut and coffee this morning.
“Where’s Abuelita Coqui?” Alex said, looking around.
“She’s in the kitchen holding court. I hope you’re hungry,” Marisol said. “While Marcos has been grilling steaks, Abuelita Coqui’s gone a little crazy cooking.”
“I’m drooling already,” Alex said. He turned to Georgiana. “Come with me. I want you to meet her.”
“Alex!” a young woman’s warm, friendly voice called out.
“Gabriela,” Alex replied, smiling.
Everyone turned to see a beautiful brunette approach them who looked like a young Sophia Loren with olive tone skin, exotic features and resplendent green cat eyes. Tall and shapely, she was accompanied by a handsome, dark-haired Latin man who exuded self-confidence and charm.
Alex introduced him as Dr. Marcos Calderon, his medical practice partner and Gabriela’s husband.
“Thanks for coming,” Marcos said. “Please feel at home.”
Alex’s arm was casually slung over Georgiana’s shoulder as they chatted while Mr. Woods and Piper took a seat at one of the tables and socialized with the other guests.
“Where is your little goddess?” Alex asked Gabriela.
“She’s napping—but not for long,” Gabriela said, smiling ruefully.
Marcos nodded. “She’ll be howling for her feeding soon. That one has the lungs of a diva,” he said with an indulgent chuckle.
“Georgiana, how did you and Alex meet?” Gabriela asked, turning friendly eyes toward her.
“It’s a long story, but it begins like this, it was a dark and stormy night,” Alex intoned dramatically.
Georgiana caught the puzzled look Marcos exchanged with Gabriela. “Actually, Alex isn’t kidding.” She chuckled at the skepticism on their faces. “It really was a dark and stormy night, and my car stalled out in front of Alex’s house on Christmas Eve of all nights. But it had a happy ending because Alex came to my rescue and made sure we had a great time.”
By the time Georgiana finished telling Gabriela and Marcos all about it, she felt their gazes turn tender, yet somehow wary as they watched her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they wanted to tell her something, but were holding back.
“I don’t want to keep Abuelita Coqui waiting. Let’s go find her,” Alex said, taking Georgiana’s hand. But no sooner had he said that, than an elderly woman’s voice with a heavy Spanish accent rang out, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Alejandro Cortes, why haven’t you come to greet your dear old abuelita?” Appearing at the patio entrance, an elegantly attired and coiffed gray haired matron extended her plump arms toward him, her gold bracelets jangling.
Alex rushed toward her and lifted her off the floor in a bear hug. “Abuelita Coqui, you are a sight for sore eyes.”
“Gracias,” she said, beaming at him. “So are you. And who is that lovely girl you brought with you?”
Standing a few feet away, Georgiana loved watching them interact. It was obvious they were fond of each other. Seconds later, Alex motioned for her to join them.
“Abuelita, I want you to meet someone special. This is Georgiana.” He squeezed Georgiana’s waist. “She has been the best Christmas present ever.”
Startled, Georgiana looked up at Alex and searched his eyes to see if he was teasing, but he gazed at her sincerely and with such a carefree smile, it almost knocked her off her feet. Terremoto was at it again, shaking up the very foundation she stood on.
She wished she could wind her arms around the solid column of his neck and kiss his beautiful mouth. She wanted to hug him tightly and thank him for saying such a sweet affirmation in front of the woman he had so much affection for.
A sharp little hitch in Georgiana’s chest made her draw in a jagged breath. She hoped they couldn’t see the myriad emotions running through her. Joy, tenderness, unexpected surprise…and utter defenselessness. She’d never felt so vulnerable in her life and it shook her to the core—the stunning reality that her life had irrevocably changed from meeting Alex.
Forcing herself to smile at the elderly woman who watched her with shrewd eyes, Georgiana strove to shed the unease choking her vulnerable heart. It frightened her to have such deep feelings for Alex—this soon.
“How nice to meet you,” Abuelita Coqui said warmly, and immediately drew Georgiana into her affectionate embrace. “Thank you, dear,” she whispered in Georgiana’s ear. She didn’t have to say anything else; Georgiana knew why she was thanking her.
It seemed like none of them had seen Alex at Christmastime for the past five years, and from the way they were acting, it was like the Prodigal Son had returned to the nest. They wer
e his closest friends, and the warmth with which they received him was very much like family. It made her glad and somewhat relieved, because if anyone needed family, it was Alex.
While Abuelita Coqui beamed at Alex, Georgiana noted the delighted spark in her kind eyes. She turned her attention to Georgiana and asked, “Where is your family today?”
“They are all up north waiting for me to arrive tomorrow. My flight was cancelled because of the nor’easter in New York. LaGuardia Airport has been closed for almost two days, and they are just starting to allow flights in.”
“Oh dear, it must be hard to be stuck here when your family is waiting for you. I do hope Alex is making up for it,” Abuelita said slyly.
“I’m doing my best,” Alex said with a roguish twitch of his lips.
The afternoon passed by quickly as everyone devoured the delicious meal and joined in the lively banter between the guests. Georgiana was thrilled to be Alex’s date, and he couldn’t have looked more pleased.
Abuelita Coqui and Mr. Woods hit it off right away, as they were close in age and had shared many experiences of the same generation. He surprised her by knowing a lot about Buenos Aires, and they talked at length about his travels throughout South America.
After dinner, the melodic strains of tango filled the air and Alex looked over at Marcos, who smiled at him from where he was manning the music.
“Let’s have that dance.” Alex took Abuelita Coqui’s hand and gently led her to an open area of the patio. He began to tango with slow, intricate steps and she followed capably. Georgiana watched him, mesmerized by his athletic grace and gorgeously sculpted body. Tall, lean and muscular, he moved with ease, leading the older woman with a secure hand on her back.
Marcos pulled Gabriela into his arms and soon they were dancing too. They were gorgeous together, their tall bodies melded together almost as one. The passion in their movements had to match their passionate union, and Georgiana couldn’t help wishing she could learn to dance that way with Alex.
Georgiana never imagined she’d be spending Christmas Day at a party where the guests were tango dancing. Alex and his friends’ Latin customs were foreign and new to her, yet very appealing.
“I want to learn to tango like that,” she confessed to Mr. Woods beside her, but his gaze was riveted on Abuelita Coqui as he watcher her dance, enthralled. “Will you teach me sometime?” she asked.
“Of course.” He turned to her with a surprised smile. “We can start now.” He took her hand and pulled her up beside him.
“Oh no, not now. Please dance with Piper. She’s not shy about anything,” Georgiana said, trying to sit back down, but Mr. Woods held tight. Rather than let him down by disengaging her hand from his, she reluctantly went along with it. Mr. Woods needed to re-claim his male pride after the kitchen incident, and something told her he wanted to draw Abuelita Coqui’s attention.
“Just follow me. It won’t be hard since I’m slow,” he said with a self-deprecating smile.
Face flaming, Georgiana tried to follow his lead, but the complex steps were difficult and she tripped over her own feet, trying not to step on him. She was glad the other couples were dancing so beautifully. Hopefully no one would notice her missteps.
To her relief, Abuelita Coqui appeared beside them and tapped Georgiana’s shoulder. “Would you mind if we traded partners?” she asked kindly. “Mr. Woods and I are more suited in age.” A kindly smile creased her face as she watched Georgiana expectantly.
“I don’t mind at all,” Georgiana said with a grateful smile as Mr. Woods led the older woman away. When Alex reached for her hand, Georgiana shook her head. “Let’s watch them dance instead,” she said, to which he winked and smiled in agreement.
Gabriela and Marcos stopped dancing and joined Alex, Georgiana, Piper and the other guests. They made a circle around Mr. Woods and Abuelita Coqui as Mr. Woods pulled her into a close embrace.
Everyone watched the older couple dance chest-to-chest as Mr. Woods masterfully led Abuelita Coqui in small, intricate steps with slow, rhythmic footwork. Abuelita surprised them by tossing her head and trying to lead the tall Mr. Woods. An entertaining battle of wills ensued until Mr. Woods tenaciously resumed the lead, and they danced as if they’d been partners all their lives with near flawless syncopation.
All eyes were fixed on the elderly couple as they danced center stage. When the music finished and Mr. Woods ended the tango with a flourish, wild applause and hoots of encouragement and shouts for more dancing ensued.
Mr. Woods gave a little bow to Abuelita Coqui and thanked her for the dance. “Care to dance a Piazzolla tango next?” he inquired politely, though he sounded a bit winded.
Rosy-faced with exertion and gasping for breath, Abuelita Coqui demurred. “No, thank you. Maybe later. It’s time for dessert now, and for me to catch my breath,” she said giddily.
She quickly hustled out of the room, followed by Marisol and Gabriela. Georgiana spied Piper at the other side of the room engaged in what seemed like an argument brewing.
“Uh oh. There she goes,” Georgiana said to Alex with a wry shake of her head. “Piper is such a firecracker. Something that guy said must have set her off.” With mounting disbelief, she watched Piper argue with a good-looking, muscular man who looked like he could be a football quarterback
Alex turned to watch them. “That’s Rand, the newest member of our medical practice. I wonder what he said to set her off?”
Two flushed slashes colored Piper’s cheekbones as she pointed a finger at him. “Who knows?” Georgiana laughed. “But there are a few things guaranteed to make Piper see red. She’s passionate about women’s rights and discrimination in the workforce.” She paused and rolled her eyes. “And also about the Seminoles.”
Alex raised a brow. “The Noles? That’s probably it. They’re having a bad season and she must be defending them. Rand is a diehard Gator. He paid for his college on a football scholarship there. Didn’t turn to med school until he got injured and couldn’t play anymore.”
Georgiana sighed. “I guess I better go save him before she bites his head off.”
Alex chuckled. “Don’t worry, Rand can hold his own. It’s good to see a girl not fawn over him for a change,” he said dryly. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
“You go, and I’ll join you later. I want to help the ladies in the kitchen first. I’ll be right back.”
Georgiana gathered some dirty dishes and headed to the kitchen where Gabriela and Marisol had converged with Abuelita Coqui.
As she approached, she overheard Abuelita Coqui make a clucking sound. “I do hope that Alex won’t hurt that darling girl he brought with him. He seems smitten with her, doesn’t he?” Her Spanish accented voice carried outside the kitchen to where Georgiana stood, rooted to the spot.
“Smitten? I suppose he is. Did you notice how he couldn’t take his eyes off her?” Gabriela said.
The grandmother was hard of hearing and they were speaking loudly.
“Oh, I noticed. But you know how gun shy he is,” Marisol interjected. “One sniff of commitment, and he bolts as if someone stuck a firecracker up his—”
“Language, Marisol—really,” Abuelita Coqui said sternly, only to be met with laughter from Gabriela and Marisol. “I doubt Alex would like to hear you say that.”
Marisol snorted unrepentantly. “Oh, please. He’d probably laugh. Do you think we should warn Georgiana? She seems so nice. I’d hate for Alex to break her—”
“Absolutely not!” Gabriela cried, cutting her off. “Don’t you dare say a word to her about Alex. I married your brother and he was a confirmed bachelor, wasn’t he?”
“Yeah, but he didn’t stand a chance when Abuelita went medieval on him,” Marisol said. “Just kidding, we all know he fell crazy in love with you, Gabriela. I hope Alex holds onto Georgiana, but his record for breaking hearts is abysmal.”
Georgiana’s high hopes plummeted and her heart sank so low, she wondered what else they’d say
to crush it to the ground.
Chapter 12
Gritting her teeth, Georgiana braced for more as she listened to Marisol.
“The problem is that he’s very handsome and so nice,” Marisol said with a sigh, “but let’s not forget the string of women he leaves with bleeding hearts. Alex is one of the worst playboys I’ve met—and I’ve met quite a few,” she added, chuckling, “that is, before Clay made an honest woman out of me.”
“About time too,” Abuelita Coqui grumbled. “Hopefully Alex will settle down one day.” She paused. “I am happy Georgiana brought Mr. Woods with her. What a fine gentleman! And he tangoes better than any gringo I’ve seen.”
“Ooh, look at that. Abuelita Coqui has her eye out for the dancing gringo,” Marisol teased. “I wonder what Abuelito is thinking from heaven?”
Abuelita Coqui cleared her throat forcefully. “Your grandfather, may he rest in peace, was very possessive of me, but he was also a generous man. He would have wanted me to dance and enjoy myself. After all, I’m not dead yet!”
As amusing as their conversation had turned, Georgiana’s stomach felt like a block of ice. She had naively believed that Alex was the man of her dreams after only knowing him for a few days, yet the three women who knew him well had no faith in his staying power. He’s one of the worst playboys I’ve met. Thinking about Marisol’s words made Georgiana miserable with doubts about him.
Marisol had also called Alex an abysmal heartbreaker. Georgiana’s self-preservation instincts should have kicked in, but she couldn’t deny she was totally hooked on him and hoping against hope that despite what these women believed, this time he would act differently. Alex presented an undeniable danger to her and she should heed everything Marisol had said, but if she were to be totally honest, Georgiana didn’t want to be cautious with him.
Realizing she couldn’t just stand there eavesdropping because someone might see her, she took a calming breath and ventured into the kitchen. She schooled her features to appear nonchalant, though she was dying inside.
Kissed by You Page 9
