Her eyes clouded over and glistened with unshed tears. Just being near him was causing a disruption to her mind and heart. She wanted to say something. She wanted to reach out to him, but she didn’t dare do it.
Tell me you love me, and I’ll say the words!
When it was obvious he had no intention of saying anything more, Aria answered, “Oh, well. It's, ah, it’s so good to see you. I hope you enjoy your visit home. Please send my love to Sofia and your dad.”
She forced out the words, holding back the tsunami of tears that were building.
“It's good to see you too, Aria. Okay, then. I wish you well,” Alex mumbled.
She could see how he was barely holding back the tight emotions in his voice.
I hurt him and pushed himaway. I’ve lost him.
She didn’t want to move from his embrace. She knew once he realized he was still holding her close, that would be the end of this. It would be goodbye.
If he takes my hand, I'll never let it go.
Without words, Alex let go of her finally before turning to walk away, and Aria felt like her heart had been ripped from her chest.
She ached at the loss of his warmth. She wanted to beg him to turn around, beg him to stay.
Aria forced her feet to walk toward the cafe counter, even though she knew she wouldn’t be able to eat. She ignored Susanna’s hopeful expression as she stood there as busy patrons passed her by. Keeping her back to Alex, she knew she couldn’t watch him walk out that door.
Her breath caught in her throat when she heard his voice.
“I want you to know that despite everything, I’m happy for you, Aria,” Alex said softly.
Aria spun around to see that Alex was still standing at the door but had turned back to face her. He stepped out of the way for a family to pass.
She searched his eyes, trying to understand. The low hum of the restaurant was present, but all she could hear was his words.
“I saw you and Gio earlier in the office. I'm glad you've found love. It’s all I've ever wanted for you.”
His eyes were soft, but she could see pain etched in his face at the admission.
Her eyes flew open wide as she gasped.
“Alex, I'mnotwith Gio. He's still just a friend. Nothing more,” she said quickly, her hand over her heart as the words came out.
“A friend?” he asked, his eyes searching hers for clarity.
“Yes, just a friend. He was telling me about the woman he fell in love with while I was in Madrid. Besides, he knows that my heart belongs to someone else,” she said, her eyes gleaming with unspoken emotions.
“Someone else?”he whispered, his eyes pleading and hopeful.
In that moment, she was never more sure of anything. She was ready to say the words. The ones he longed to hear.
“You, Alex. My heart belongs to you. I choose you,” she whispered, her eyes never leaving him.
“But youleft.You said you couldn’t say the words,” Alex questioned.
Still not breaking eye contact, Aria answered, “I couldn’t let you change your whole life for me. I left to ensure you took the project in Argentina. But I soon found out that I wasn’t running from you as much as I was runningtowardmy purpose. I needed time to do just what you told me to do. Travel, explore, discover whoIam, whatIwant. I knew that I couldn’t give my heart away again until I found out who I was on my own.”
“And what did you find, Aria?” he asked, his hand flexing as if he needed to touch her.
“I found me, my words, my dream.” She blinked as a smile erupted across her face. “I wrote my book.”
“Aria, that'samazing! I'm so proud of you,” he said sincerely, tears pooling in his eyes. He took a few steps toward her.
