“Hi,” Georgiana said as she entered. “Where should I put these dishes?”
Marisol rushed over and took the plates from Georgiana’s hands. “Thank you, but guests aren’t supposed to be working,” she said, shaking her head. “We want you to enjoy yourself.”
“It’s not work. I want to help. What can I do?” Georgiana motioned to the homemade tiramisu Gabriela and Marisol were scooping out from two large rectangular pans as the grandmother used a spatula to lift cookies from a parchment-lined tin.
“What kind of cookies are those?” Georgiana pointed to small, round cookies dusted with powdered sugar. “They look delicious.”
“They are alfajores,” Abuelita Coqui said.
“Mmm,” Marisol said. “I bet you won’t be able to eat just one. They’re soft, crumbly cookies with dulce de leche sandwiched in between. Alex loves them,” she added, watching her expectantly.
Georgiana smiled and didn’t take the bait about Alex. “I can’t wait to taste one. Can I help bring the desserts out?”
“Okay, but please stay clear of dancing with Mr. Woods. Abuelita Coqui has claimed the tango king for herself,” Marisol said, collapsing into a fit of giggles when Abuelita gasped sharply.
“I did not say that! Behave yourself, Marisol,” Abuelita admonished. “No me faltes el respeto.”
“I’m not disrespecting you, viejita,” Marisol retorted playfully. “Just sayin’ it like it is.” With a high-pitched squeal, she made a mad dash out of the kitchen with Abuelita Coqui hot on her trail, waving her spatula.
Carrying the trays of tiramisu and alfajores out of the kitchen, Georgiana and Gabriela followed behind, laughing at their silly antics.
Marisol slowed down enough for Abuelita to reach her. “Sorry for teasing. Do you forgive me?” She pulled her grandmother in for a hug and gave her a resounding kiss on her wrinkled cheek. “You know I was just having fun with you.”
“Hmph, too much fun.” Abuelita Coqui smoothed her hair when Marisol released her. “Remember you’re not too old for this, nena,” she said, brandishing the spatula with mock menace. Marisol laughed and scampered away to grab her dessert.
Georgiana spied Alex nearby, chatting with Marcos and Clay. Marcos was holding a curly-topped little girl who looked to be about three years old, and Clay was holding her identical twin. Both toddlers wore red and white dresses with white tights and black patent leather shoes. They had Marisol’s tousled curls and fair complexion paired with Clay’s thick-lashed, dark eyes.
Georgiana’s astonished gaze settled on Alex, and she couldn’t help the wistful sigh that escaped her. Snuggled in his strong arms was a little baby girl swathed in soft pink from head to toe. Georgiana watched Alex raise her to his shoulder and gently rub her tiny back. Her breath caught in her throat as she heard him chuckle, the rumbling sound rich and inviting.
She was close enough to hear them, but didn’t want to intrude on their camaraderie.
“Looks like your daughter didn’t get enough to eat, Marcos,” Alex quipped. “She is sucking on my neck.”
Marcos shook his head and grinned. “Blame it on Gabriela. She forgot to give Maria Cristina her pacifier. I hope your neck is clean,” he added, throwing his head back with hearty laughter.
“Cleaner than yours,” Alex retorted with a grunt. He carefully brought the baby down from his shoulder and laid her tummy side down on his muscular forearm. Holding her easily, he rocked side to side on his heels, chatting with them as he patted the baby’s diapered bottom. Anyone watching him would have mistaken him for the infant’s father.
Georgiana watched their endearing interaction with the children, her tummy tightening as she recalled that Alex had said he didn’t want children. It was hard to believe with the way he was holding the baby. Alex looked over and met her gaze, motioning for her to join them.
Georgiana set the dessert tray down on a nearby table and Alex noted her stilted movements. The look in her eyes was starkly vulnerable, and he wondered what was going through her mind when she reached his side.
“Who are these darling girls with the big dimples?” Georgiana said, smiling at Clay’s twin daughters.
“This is Lucia,” Clay said, setting his squirming daughter down, “and that is Liana.” He motioned to the little girl Marcos set down beside her sister.
“Hi, I’m Georgiana, but you can call me Georgie,” Georgiana said. The twins greeted her with a quick hug and ran off, chasing each other.
“Meet Maria Cristina. She’s Marcos and Gabriela’s daughter and my goddaughter.” Alex turned the infant so she faced upward and Georgiana could have a better look.
“Hello, beautiful. You have your mama’s big, green eyes, don’t you?” Georgiana peered into Maria Cristina’s face with utter delight. She straightened and held out her arms. “May I hold her?”
“Of course. Guard your neck though,” Alex quipped.
“Better her neck than yours,” Marcos drawled with a mocking shake of his head.
Georgiana carefully cradled Maria Cristina in her arms, “Aw, are you still hungry, sweetie?” she cooed. “Is that why you nuzzled your godfather’s neck?”
Maria Cristina blinked a few times and blew bubbles as she gazed into Georgiana’s eyes. Then her chubby cheeks lifted and her little face erupted in a toothless grin that made Georgiana visibly swoon. “Look at her! She’s smiling at me. How old is she?” she asked Marcos.
“She just turned three months. Gabriela and I wanted to start a family right away. We got married last year. Around this time,” Marcos added, smiling.
“Oh, how wonderful,” Georgiana said softly as she cuddled Maria Cristina close and laid her cheek against her head. “She is so sweet. A real dream come true for both of you…I’m sure.”
Marcos puffed up with pride. “Fatherhood changes everything.”
As Maria Cristina began to fuss and fidget, Marcos took her from Georgiana and lifted her onto his shoulder. “I’d better get her a pacifier.” He gently massaged the baby’s back and whispered soothing words to her. “It’s amazing how one tiny person can put your life into perspective.” His lips twitched as he eyed Alex. “It’s time for you to have one of your own, Alex.”
Alex looked upward with mock despair. “I like my role of godfather just fine, thank you very much.”
Marcos laughed.
“One little girl and you’ve gone soft, old man. A far cry from the guy I knew a year ago,” Alex said with a doleful shake of his head. “Can’t say that I blame you ’cause she’s adorable, but you’re a braver man than I. I’ll stick to delivering babies.” He turned to Georgiana with a crooked grin. “Come on, let’s get some dessert before there’s nothing left.”
“No worries there,” Clay interjected. “Marisol’s grandma made two big trays yesterday. Good thing she agreed to move here to the U.S.” The corners of his mouth lifted. “Hopefully Marisol will learn some of her recipes.”
Marcos nodded. “Marisol never learned to cook much. She was too busy flitting around and socializing. We’re thrilled that Abuelita Coqui will be living with us. We have a separate apartment for her next to the house, so she can have her quiet time to read and enjoy her shows and still be close enough to enjoy Maria Cristina.”
“Ha, knowing Abuelita Coqui, it’s Maria Cristina who will need the quiet time. That woman never stops.” Clay smiled. “But seriously, you’ll be seeing a lot more of us now. You know Marisol is like sticky gum when it comes to her grandma. She is already lobbying to move from Miami to Naples.”
“Good! I hope you consider it, Clay. We’d love for Maria Cristina to grow up close to her cousins,” Marcos said.
Alex watched the flicker of longing flash across Georgiana’s face as she listened to them, and he wondered if she was missing her family. He didn’t want to see her look sad; he far preferred her effervescent smile. Grabbing her hand, he led her away to the dessert table.
An hour later, after the guests washed down the rich tiramisu with p
erfectly frothed cappuccinos made by Marcos with his new toy—a state of the art Italian coffeemaker—they began to leave.
Alex watched Piper half-heartedly jot something down on a napkin and hand it to Rand before she left with Mr. Woods. Before leaving, Mr. Woods told Abuelita Coqui he would like to invite her to go dancing, to which she responded, “Thank you, John. I’d be delighted,” pleasing everyone within earshot.
“Where do you want to go now?” Alex asked Georgiana when they were seated on his Vespa and about to take off.
“Let’s go to your place first to pick up my stuff, and then please take me home. I have an early flight tomorrow,” Georgiana said, avoiding his gaze.
After overhearing the women’s disturbing conversation in the kitchen, she had still wanted to give Alex a chance because he had so many admirable qualities, not to mention he kissed like a dream and made her feel wonderful. Shortly after hearing Marisol’s damning depiction of Alex as a major player, Georgiana had witnessed the sweet, paternal way he had tenderly held his goddaughter, and she’d been floored by the ache of longing that overtook her.
But just as quickly, Alex dashed it all with a mocking comment to Marcos. You are a braver man than I. I’ll stick to delivering babies.
Georgiana’s heart sank remembering his flippant tone. It confirmed the harsh reality that though he loved interacting with Marcos and Gabriela’s baby, he didn’t have plans for kids of his own.
Through his own words, Alex had let her know that he was commitment phobic and had no interest in starting a family. Period. And there didn’t seem to be room for negotiation. By giving into her escalating feelings for Alex, she could ultimately end up with a broken heart, and she wasn’t sure she could survive it.
She had much to reflect on tonight.
A lump thickened her throat and despair filled her heart as she wrapped her arms around Alex’s torso, wondering if it might be the last time they would ever touch.
Chapter 13
As she requested, Alex took Georgiana to his house and gathered her things and put them in the trunk of his BMW convertible. He drove with the roof down, enjoying the cool breeze on his face. On the way to her apartment, he pondered why she had suddenly gone quiet after being talkative most of the day. He wished he could bring back the girl who had lustily sung all the lyrics to “Sexual Healing” yesterday.
He stole a glance at her lovely profile. “You must be relieved you got a flight out tomorrow,” he said, breaching the silence.
“I am.” Georgiana turned pensive eyes toward him.
“When are you returning?” There was an openness and inherent sweetness in her that drove him wild, and he hated to see her leave tomorrow.
“January fourth. Piper’s got everything covered until I return.”
“Piper is great. I enjoyed meeting her. I saw her give Rand her phone number,” Alex said, feeling foolish bringing up what girls usually talked about, but he sensed Georgiana retreating, and he wanted to keep her engaged.
Georgiana shrugged. “Who knows what will come of it? Piper doesn’t trust men,” she mumbled.
“That’s too bad,” Alex said, noting Georgiana’s less than enthused tone. “I also enjoyed meeting Mr. Woods,” he said, changing the subject. “It was interesting to hear him talk about his career in the Army military police.”
Georgiana nodded. “He was awarded lots of medals for completing heroic missions. It’s really impressive. I’m glad he invited Marcos’s grandmother for a dancing date. Looks like I’ll be driving them there,” she said with a trace of a smile.
Alex remembered he had promised to take care of her car repairs. “Georgie, about your car,” he said. “I’ll make sure it’s fixed and waiting for you when you return home.”
She gazed at him for a long moment. “Thanks so much. I really appreciate you taking care of it while I’m gone. I am going to reimburse you. I won’t have it any other way,” she said firmly.
“Suit yourself,” he said, not happy that she was being stubborn about it. He’d have to find a way to lowball the amount and make her believe it. Whatever the cost to repair old Bertha, it would be no hardship for him to cover. Georgiana, on the other hand, worked two jobs to make ends meet. Her car meant a lot to her because of her grandmother, and also because she needed it to run her business. He would make sure it was in tiptop shape before she returned.
Georgiana looked out the window while Alex searched for something to talk about. Earlier, he’d asked about her family and growing up in New York. She had replied with polite answers, but she seemed preoccupied with something else.
“What are you doing on New Year’s Eve?” he asked. “You already know I’m going sailing, but you haven’t told me your plans.”
“I don’t know yet. Dylan will probably spend it with his new girlfriend. My parents don’t usually go out on New Year’s Eve, so I’ll go along with whatever Shane comes up with. He’s a party animal, and he usually has a bunch of his fraternity brothers over for a party at his place in Brooklyn.”
A stab of jealousy made Alex frown. He didn’t like imagining Georgiana surrounded by a bunch of drunken frat boys under one roof—even if it was her brother’s apartment. “Be careful,” he said gruffly.
“I will. I’ll probably sleep over so I don’t have to go into the city late at night.”
He shook his head. “I meant be careful with the guys.”
“No worries on that account,” she scoffed. “Shane will be there, and his friends wouldn’t dare mess with me.”
“Good,” Alex grunted, feeling territorial toward her.
“The party was fun. Your friends were so warm and welcoming. At the end, I felt like I’d known them for a long time. And that Abuelita Coqui is a riot. You were right about her. She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Alex smiled. “She is that. I’m glad everyone got to meet you.”
Georgiana nodded and grew silent.
After a weighty pause, Alex took her hand in his. “I’m going to miss you.” His thumb stroked the satiny skin of her palm and a slight shiver ran through her. Awareness rippled through him at the delicate, almost fragile, bones in her graceful hand.
“I’ll miss you too.” She pressed his hand gently. “Alex?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you ever think about what your life will be like ten years from now?”
“No. I prefer to live in the moment.” Where was this coming from?
She lifted her shoulder in a half-shrug. “Since I turned thirty, I think about the future often. Sometimes I worry about not living my life to its fullest potential…sometimes I long for a change.”
He drew back, surprised. “What do you mean? It seems to me you’re doing a lot, Georgie.”
“Maybe, but I am capable of more. I’m a nurturer at heart, and I love taking care of others,” she said, her eyes direct. “In addition to drawing, of course.”
It was refreshing to hear her say those things, but it also made him feel shortsighted in comparison. He gave a wry shake of his head. “I’m five years older than you. I should probably give some thought to the future. But,” he added, smiling, “it’s better to live in the present. My parents used to plan everything to the last detail. And for what? I’d rather live life as it comes. No one knows what the future brings. My parents are a prime example. I’m happy this way…” he trailed off noncommittally.
Georgiana kept quiet and after a moment, she said, “Do you have any music?” Her tone was light, but her face looked anything but.
Alex inserted a CD in the player and kept his eyes on the road as they listened to mellow jazz.
A half hour later, they arrived at Georgiana’s condo, and he parked where she indicated. Her development consisted of several low-rise buildings with lots of dense foliage and palm trees surrounding them.
Georgiana got out of the car and fiddled with her keys as she waited for Alex to get her suitcase and small carry-on out of the trunk. When he put them on the ground,
she stood absolutely still and gazed at him.
Desire flickered in her eyes, but she lowered them and said, “Thank you for a wonderful time. I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, Alex. And spending time with you. I’d invite you in, but…”
His brows rose, surprised she didn’t want him to come in. “But what?”
Her gaze lifted to meet his as she bit her lower lip and clutched her shoulder bag close to her body. “I have to be at the airport really early tomorrow. My flight leaves at eight o’clock a.m.”
“I’ll be happy to take you there,” he said.
“No, thanks. I’ll just take a cab.”
“Are you sure? It’s no bother,” he said, crushed.
“I’m sure,” she said quietly. Tension hung thick in the air as she hesitated and sighed. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me. I have to go now…good night.”
A deep frown tugged Alex’s brows as he regarded her, perplexed. What had changed in the span of an afternoon to make Georgiana go from hot to cold? He’d wanted to make love to her tonight, to lock in her feelings for him before she left. Yet the way she was acting made him wonder if she’d even welcome his kiss.
It felt as if she’d erected a brittle wall around her and she’d gone from being refreshingly candid to closed and emotionally distant. He hated the change, but acknowledged that something he’d said or done must have triggered it. But what?
Frustrated, he watched her hoist the carry-on on top of her suitcase and anchor against her side. She rose on her tiptoes and pressed a whisper sweet kiss on his lips that made his body react powerfully. One whiff of her sweet essence and a rush of craving made him moved closer and reach for her waist, but she stepped back. Squaring her shoulders, she lifted her head and walked away, rolling her suitcase behind.
“Georgie,” he said, disappointed to see her leave like that. “Let me help you with the suitcases.”
Her eyes were limpid blue pools of indecision under the lamplight when she gazed at him over her shoulder. After an awkward moment, she shook her head. “No, thanks. I’ve got it. My apartment is on the first floor. It’s that one over there,” she said, pointing to the right of an arched stairway in the distance that separated two buildings. Her eyes met his as she gave him a wan smile. “If I don’t talk to you before, have a Happy New Year.”
Kissed by You Page 10
