His brows furrowed, Adrian asked, “Wait. So, do you think she’s local? Why would the lady know her?”
“I don’t know. They’re not open for dinner so I’m going back tomorrow morning to talk to the lady. She’s got to know her.”
“If she was at the counter, that’s Susanna, the owner. She’s there every time I go. Oh man, wait. Did she mention Nicholas?” Enzo said.
“I didn’t talk to her. Well, I think I mumbled something stupid, but she didn’t say a word. We accidentally kissed and she bolted.”
“So, you didn’t see a ring?” Adrian asked.
“Man, she could have had one on every finger and I wouldn’t have noticed. I couldn’t look away from her face.”
“And Sofia never knew whether they stayed together, right? I know you’ve talked to her about it,” Adrian asked.
“Nope, she lost track of her too after they graduated.”
“You’ve got to let me know what happens tomorrow. If she’s local, the three of us will find her, one way or the other.”
“Thanks, guys. I’ll let you both get back to work. I haven’t even made it home yet. Oh, and Enzo, thanks again for helping with the house remodel. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”
“Anytime. That’s what brothers are for. See you both tomorrow night.”
When Alex hung up, he turned to Adrian and said, “I’ll get out of your hair, man. I know you got a lot to do. See you tomorrow.”
“Alex, are you sure you’re alright? I mean, what if you don’t find her? Or what if you find that she married the guy? Are you going to be okay?”
He hesitated before answering. Was he?
“I remember how messed up you were when you got to Athens. I can see that Aria is a special woman but it’s you that I’m worried about, especially after that mess with Bella.”
Nodding briskly, he answered, “Yeah, yeah, sure. I’ll be fine. I just want to talk to her, spend some time with her.”
Adrian didn’t seem convinced. Alex told him goodbye and walked out. As he left the gallery, he wished he could convince his heart to believe it.
Chapter Five
Aria paced backand forth in her cramped, self-imposed prison for too long. She knew she’d have to leave soon but her riotous heart wouldn’t slow down.
“Well, you wanted sparks and butterflies. You got ‘em!” she whispered to herself frantically.
She wondering if the man had left, finally finding the courage to leave the restroom after the tenth person jiggled the handle trying to get in.
She slowly opened the door and walked out, her heart in her throat.
She scanned the cafe quickly. Caught between relief and disappointment, she discovered he had vanished. Passing by the counter, she assured the owners, Susanna and Louie, a sweet couple she knew from her frequent visits, that she was fine. Finding a seat, she gave her order to the server and nervously looked around once more.
Grabbing her phone from her purse, she checked to see if any of the photographers had returned her calls but sighed at the empty screen.
When her pasta was brought out, she ate even though her stomach was in knots. She couldn’t figure out why the man seemed so familiar. He hadn’t called her by name, but the way he looked at her, he seemed to be convinced he knew her.
His hands were a bit rough but had held her tenderly. Her eyes closed with the memory of his masculine scent. Sandalwood? Musk? She wasn’t sure, but the whole interaction made her feel an attraction that was unexplainable yet powerful.
But as suddenly as the new emotion was acknowledged, a wave of guilt washed over her. She shouldn't let herself feel that way. Guilt ate away at her gut as she pushed her plate away.
Her silly romantic heart was in complete disorder over a man, a stranger, she might never meet again.
I must be losing my mind. But—what if he comes to the cafe again? What will I do if I see him again?
And suddenly, something inside her started to grow in intensity. She couldn’t stop it if she tried.
