“I’m always hungry.” He kissed the tip of her nose and peered at her with a satiated grin. “You sure know how to take care of me, Blondie.”
Georgiana smiled at his provocative tone. “That is a pleasure, Terremoto. You make it effortless.” She traced a circle around his nipple with her fingertip and felt it pebble instantly under her light touch.
Alex’s hand covered hers and stilled it. “Don’t start that again. I’ve just caught my breath from your last assault,” he teased, chuckling when she have him a mock punch on the shoulder. “How about some food, woman? Didn’t you offer it?”
“I sure did.” She got up from the bed. “Meet you in the kitchen in five,” she said and sprinted to the bathroom, blushing at the picture she made when he wolf-whistled.
Chapter 15
Against his better judgment and grumbling unhappily, Alex left Georgiana’s apartment when the taxi driver called to say he was five minutes away.
Earlier he had insisted on taking her to the airport, but she had declined. “I appreciate your offer, but I hate good-byes,” she’d said. “I’m terrible at them. I’d like you to leave before the taxi gets here.”
And just like that, her sweetly spoken request had slapped Alex upside the head. Standing on her doorstep, she’d given him a delicious kiss to remember and sent him on his way.
He smiled as he thought of their late night snack the night before. He had loved the intimacy of being in her cozy kitchen and sipping out of the same cup with her. The mauve silk kimono she’d worn over her gorgeously naked body had parted every time she’d moved, offering him a tantalizing glimpse of luscious, pink-tipped breasts.
Alex’s blood heated remembering Georgiana’s breathy, passionate cries while he’d pleasured her throughout the night. God, he missed her already.
When he arrived home, he went for a punishing jog on the beach to clear his head. His beach house seemed empty when he got back. After spending so much time with Georgiana, he half-expected to see her when he’d walked in.
After taking a steaming hot shower to loosen his cramping muscles, he padded into the kitchen with a towel wrapped around his hips. He reached into the fridge for a jug of orange juice and downed it straight from the container as he switched on the TV to catch the morning news.
Half-listening to the weather forecast, his attention riveted to the screen when he heard a newscaster cut in with breaking news. His heart nearly stopped when he heard him say, “Flight 1482 made an emergency landing at the Tweed New Haven, Connecticut airport instead of LaGuardia Airport. The pilot suffered a heart attack while landing the plane. Luckily he survived and there were no casualties, but it was a rough landing. Several passengers were injured and airlifted to the hospital, some in critical condition.”
Alex’s head spun and chills raced up and down his spine as he waited for more news, but there was none forthcoming. The airline rep promised to update with more information as soon as additional details were released.
Bursting with impatience and reeling with anguish, Alex cursed a blue streak when he called the airline several times, but couldn’t get through. Screw that, he thought, running to the bedroom to get dressed.
Flashbacks of his parents’ death tortured him as he agonized over Georgiana’s safety. He tried texting her, but it went straight to her voicemail. Desperate to reach her and know she was unharmed, he wished he’d told her how he felt about her last night. He had arrogantly thought that their lovemaking was proof enough. Sexually sated and feeling damn good, he had self-indulgently enjoyed their sensual explorations and intimate talk, not considering that he might never see her again.
Black misery descended on him like a blanket of doom. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. It had already happened to him.
Why had he been so blind and deaf when Georgiana had told him she loved caring for others? Would he ever meet such a sweet and loving beauty again? Hell no, he thought, wanting to kick himself for being noncommittal. There was only one Georgie, but like an idiot he’d let her go without telling her how he felt about her. He had intended to see her again when she returned from New York City, never imagining this might happen.
Why hadn’t he said something more special and binding to her than, “I’ll call you,” when he’d left her standing at her front door waving good-bye?
Appealing images of Georgiana flashed through his mind as he shoved his feet into his shoes, ready to take off after her. In his mind’s eye, he saw her lurching at him on his doorstep, all blond waves and big blue eyes, cheering up his lonely Christmas Eve by sharing her wonderful feast with him and surprising him by dancing and singing to “Sexual Healing”.
With a smile, he remembered how she had thoughtfully visited Mr. Woods and brought him her special chocolate cake, then later in bed, how she had shared her private thoughts and dreams with Alex after an evening of incredible lovemaking. He closed his eyes reliving how she had eagerly responded to him with sheer, uninhibited pleasure.
But what stuck out most in his mind was when she had danced with Mr. Woods, blushing and stumbling over her feet in front of the guests just so she wouldn’t let the proud gentleman down. That was the kind of woman he wanted in his life.
With bone-chilling certainty, he knew what he had to do. It was time to face his two innermost fears. He had avoided taking any flight after his parents’ untimely plane crash…and he had avoided commitment like the plague after he’d seen his parents’ ideal marriage implode and nearly destroy them.
Alex clutched his head and felt like banging it against the wall. Stupid and lame, that’s how he felt. He had to see Georgiana, and he prayed she hadn’t been injured—or worse—during the emergency landing.
He would jump through hoops to find a way to get to her. No matter the cost or the means, he’d find a way.
Relieved that she’d finally gotten a train into the city, Georgiana mulled over Alex’s text as she waited for the train to arrive at Grand Central Station. When she’d finally gotten cell phone service again, she had seen his text message and answered right away, telling him that she was fine and would be going to her parents by train.
She got a text message back saying he was vastly relieved, but no more after that. Anxious longing hounded her as she glanced at her phone for the umpteenth time and willed it to ring. Had he only texted out of politeness? Though he had a reputation as a major player, Alex was the kindest and most considerate man she’d ever met.
Her phone rang and her heartbeat accelerated until she saw it was Piper calling.
“Hey, Piper,” she said, swallowing against disappointment.
“I just heard the news about your flight. I take it you’re okay?” Piper said, sounding concerned.
“Physically I’m okay, but emotionally, not so much,” Georgiana admitted, drained from her strong feelings for Alex and his glaring absence.
“What happened with Alex?” Piper asked at once. Her voice held an edge, as if she was ready to jump in the ring for Georgiana.
“A lot and…nothing,” Georgiana said, hating the reality of it. “We had the most incredible, beautiful night together, but in the morning just before he left, he only said, ‘I’ll call you’, and we both know what that means.”
“But he seemed so into you yesterday. He was with his closest friends, and he was acting like you were his girlfriend. Really, I was surprised at how open he was about it,” Piper said. “You know I’m not the mushy type, but even Mr. Woods commented about it.”
“Then why hasn’t he called? He texted me to find out how I was after the emergency landing—but nothing else. Radio silence. I am so disappointed,” she admitted with a dispirited groan. “I should have paid attention when I overheard the women in the kitchen talking about how commitment phobic he is.”
“Don’t be so negative,” Piper said, astonishing Georgiana. “Maybe he doesn’t want to intrude on your family time,”
“Huh? This from the one who always tells me I’m too trustin
g? I thought you’d be urging me not to get into another self-destructive relationship.” After a pause, Georgiana said, “Are you there, Piper?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I was just thinking about what you said. You know I’m a realist, but in this case, I want to believe that Alex will come through for you. Something tells me he will.”
“Why?” Georgiana hoped so too, but in the harsh light of day, she was beginning to seriously doubt it.
“Because I think he’s great. And both of you are great together. It’s too soon to tell how this will go.”
“I’m scared, Piper. Alex has the power to break my heart.”
“Well, he better not,” Piper said vehemently. “If he hurts you, I’ll…” She exhaled a forceful breath and didn’t continue.
“You’ll what?” Georgiana smiled, imagining Piper’s blazing eyes. She was a born fighter, and though she was younger by four years, she was Georgiana’s self-proclaimed champion.
“He’ll wish he hadn’t,” Piper concluded.
It was already late afternoon when the train pulled into Grand Central station. Georgiana knew her family was eagerly waiting for her, but she had to make an important stop first.
She hailed a taxicab and told the driver, “Please take me to 152 W. 71st Street.” Settling into the seat, she checked her phone again, but still nothing from Alex, and now the battery was down to only ten percent. She shut it off, hating to lose contact with Alex, but she had no other choice. As soon as she got home, she’d recharge it and check to see if he had written back.
“You can drop me off here,” she told the driver when he pulled up the tree-lined street that dissected rows of brownstone buildings on either side that were festively decorated with pine wreaths and bright lights.
All the leaves had fallen from the branches, and they were covered with a mantle of snow. Georgiana breathed in deeply, filling her lungs with the crisp winter air that smelled of honey dipped peanuts and roasted chestnuts.
Tiny golden lights sparkled on the trees lining both sides, twinkling merrily and reminding her of the many times she’d walked the path with Grandma Emmy. Georgiana blinked back tears, suddenly melancholy as bittersweet memories came rushing back of Christmases with her family—of caroling and tree decorating with her mom, making hot chocolate for her brothers, and special moments with Grandma Emmy. She imagined her grandma’s smiling face as she presented Georgiana with a hand-sewn Christmas gift and a lovely piece of jewelry every year. Georgiana had kept all of her gifts growing up, and she treasured each one.
Tugging her down coat tighter around her chilled body, she rolled her suitcase up the stone stairs leading to the small, gothic church built a century ago. When she got inside, she took a moment to admire the shimmering white and gold interior of the near empty church. It was eerily quiet, save for an occasional rustle where a young couple sat in the first row. She watched the guy loving stroke the girl’s hair and when he kissed her temple, Georgiana looked away with a pang of envy.
Sighing deeply, she dashed away the negative feeling and lit a candle before walking over to kneel in the last pew of the church. Head bent and hands clasped, she prayed for her deceased grandmother and for Alex’s parents.
She paused for a moment and began to speak softly to Grandma Emmy, seeking strength and guidance. Words spilled out of her heart in a tormented jumble as she told her grandmother of her love for Alex and how terrified she was to give into it.
A golden aura surrounded her and a feeling of lightness spread over her as she felt her grandmother’s presence and heard her dear voice. “Live your life with passion, Georgie. When a door opens, seize the opportunity.”
Suddenly a whoosh of icy air hit the back of Georgiana’s neck. Jarred from her dazed, meditative state, she turned to see that someone had opened the massive church door.
Illuminated by the dusky afternoon light, she saw a tall, broad-shouldered man standing at the shadowy entrance in a long, navy wool coat with a red muffler around his neck.
Georgiana’s body shook from head to toe. “Alex!” Her joyful squeal reverberated against the hushed walls of the church as she leapt up and flew into his outstretched arms, her heart nearly bursting from her chest.
Alex caught her and held her close, murmuring, “Hello, beautiful,” before setting her down and leading her outside.
“I’ve never been so happy to see anyone in my life,” she babbled, hugging him so tightly she thought her ribs might crack. “What are you doing here? How did you get here?”
He chuckled at her giddy questions. “I took a private jet.”
“A private jet!” She blinked and stared at him. “How did you know where to find me?”
He lightly brushed his knuckles along her jawline with such tenderness, her breath caught in her throat. “I remembered you said you were going to light a candle for your grandma, so I figured I’d check here first—since your phone was off. I wanted to surprise you…” His voice trailed off as his smile warmed her.
“You surprised me all right!”
Alex cradled her face between his hands as if she were the most exquisite treasure. “I once told you that if you were mine, I’d never let you go.” His warm breath created a fog in the frigid air. “I love you, Georgiana, and I can’t let you go,” he said fervently, his dark eyes fierce.
Happy tears sprung into Georgiana’s eyes and her nose stung as she sniffled. Smiling, Alex handed her his clean, pressed handkerchief and she stared at him in wonder. The man of her dreams had just proclaimed his love for her, and she was suddenly speechless.
Snowflakes fell on Alex’s gleaming black hair and his eyes glowed like coals as an endearing grin spread over his handsome face. “I might even be persuaded to start a family…someday,” he said with a look both vulnerable and hopeful. “I can’t imagine anyone who’d make a better mother than you.”
Georgiana’s heart did such a wild little jig she clasped her chest to make sure she was still breathing. “Thank you, but I thought…” She stopped and sucked in a nervous breath. Had she heard him right? “What changed your mind?” she asked, her heart hammering in her throat.
He drew in a deep breath and expelled it. “I panicked when I saw your flight made an emergency landing, and I realized I could lose you without telling you...”
Hope filled her as she searched his earnest eyes. “Without telling me what?” she whispered.
His forehead creased. “I want to begin anew…with you,” he said, his voice husky.
Unimaginable joy spread through Georgiana as she let out her pent-up breath. Alex’s hands held the back of her neck as he looked deeply into her eyes. “I’ve wasted five years punishing the memory of my mother,” he said with remorse. “It was judgmental and arrogant of me.” He shook his head in a self-deprecating way. “Nobody’s perfect. I’m certainly not.”
“So you’ve forgiven her?”
“I have,” he said solemnly. His hands slid from her neck to rest on her shoulders as he stood before her very still.
“I’m so glad, Alex. So very glad.” Georgiana paused as a rueful smile spread over her face. “But I don’t agree with you.”
“What?” His thick brows snapped together as he clutched her shoulders and studied her face as if she’d lost her mind. “You don’t feel the same way?”
“I do feel the same way about you, Alex. But I don’t agree that you’re not perfect…because you are perfect…for me. I love you, and I’m never letting you go,” she said, her voice breaking.
Alex hoisted her up and twirled her around, burying his face in her neck. “You knocked me off my feet, Blondie, from the moment you landed on top of me.” His voice was a low, sensual growl in her ear, thrilling Georgiana to the tips of her tingling toes.
When he set her down, she cleared her throat and tried to speak as profound emotion clogged her voice. “Well, Terremoto, I might have knocked you off your feet, but being with you makes me feel like my feet never touch the ground,” she said with a
dreamy smile.
Dark eyes shimmering, Alex chuckled. “And I plan to keep it that way, baby.”
Georgiana sighed happily as the snow began to fall harder, covering them in a white blanket. “Being kissed by you was the best gift I ever got on Christmas Eve.”
“You are the best gift I’ve ever gotten, Georgie.” He bent her backward in a fiery embrace and kissed her passionately—a long, possessive kiss that made her legs turn to mush.
“I want more kisses…and more of you,” she said, catching her breath and hanging onto his shoulders for support when he released her. “But my family is waiting for me, and I can’t wait to introduce them to you.”
“Let’s go,” Alex said, patting her hip. “I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
They walked into the church and got her suitcases and left. Outside, Alex tucked stray wisps of Georgiana’s hair into the fur hood of her coat. He kissed her cheek and held her close, with a sturdy arm around her. In a euphoric daze, Georgiana clutched his trim waist and leaned her head on his shoulder.
Bound together with their hopes and dreams, they strolled away from the sanctuary of the quiet church and into each other’s lives as the church bells rang.
The End
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Turn the page to read an excerpt of Sold on You, Marcos and Gabriela’s love story, which precedes Kissed by You.
Excerpt - Sold on You
Hovering behind the heavy velvet curtain, Gabriela smoothed her shaky hands down the slinky red halter gown and wished it wasn't slit so high on her thigh. She needed courage to face the room full of men, but how could she, when she looked like Jessica Rabbit in this dress?
"You're on next," Sabrina reminded her. Standing directly behind Gabriela, she whispered in her ear, "Knock 'em dead."
Gabriela turned anxious eyes toward her coworker and friend, who was also the fashion show/charity auction chairwoman. "I can't do this! I’m a social worker not a model," she said, ready to take flight.
Kissed by You Page 12
