His words unnerved and excited her and once again, this man was causing all her senses to fire rapidly. She was overwhelmed by the smell of the ocean, the tickle of his beard when he kissed her cheek, the sight of the lights twinkling, the distant sound of muffled voices and music from the marina.
He must have sensed her inner turmoil because he stepped closer and took both her hands in his, causing her breath to catch at the connection.
“Aria, I know we’re just getting to know one another again but I have to confess something.”
His eyes were now locked once again on hers as she craned her neck to look up into them.
“Y-yes?”
“I, the feelings I had for you, you know back in school? Aria, I think I have a crush on you. Again,” he said as a smile widened, making them both blush.
Chuckling and taking one of her hands from his and covering her face, she said, “Alex Rossi, we’re too old for crushes. You’re adorable, but you can’t mean that.”
Alex took her hand from her face and then used his forefinger under her chin to make her look up at him again.
His voice lost its teasing tone and grew more serious, dropping lower in tone.
“Aria, I never say words I don’t mean. I’m trying so hard not to move too fast or say too much, but I... This, the boat, the lights, you and me here on this deck.If I haven’t been clear, I need you to know. This is a date, not just two schoolmates hanging out. Is that something you’re okay with?”
All at once, Aria felt that rush of emotions pulsing through her. It was thrilling, intoxicating and it was clear. Alex Rossi was wooing her. All those scenes from her favorite romance novels seemed to be playing out in that moment, and she wondered if she was actually going to swoon.
“I’m okay with that,” was all she could croak out softly.
“Good.” With that, he stepped back and led her by the hand to the railing.
“It’s a beautiful night and I promised you the stars,” he continued as her attention turned to the inky sky filled with twinkling stars that rivaled for her attention.
Pointing to the rising moon, Aria said, “Wow. It’s like a lantern illuminating the night sky. So beautiful.”
“Yes, it is.”
Turning to him and seeing he had not taken his gaze off her, she teased, “You’re not looking at the moon.”
Chuckling, he said as he turned his head upwards to the sky, “Okay, okay, I’m looking.”
“When I see the ocean, the vastness of the stars, the moon, it makes me feel small but in a good way, you know? Like I’m part of something bigger than myself. That’s always brought so much joy to my life. But lately, I’ve found it hard to appreciate the beauty around me after what happened to Nicholas,” she continued without thinking.
Suddenly realizing she had spoken out loud, she let go of his hand, which she had forgotten she was still holding, and took a step back.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,” she mumbled, embarrassed and fearing she had just made him feel uncomfortable.
“Aria, that’s a normal response to grief. I felt it myself after losing my mom. It’s healthy to express your feelings,” Alex said.
Aria bowed her head and said, “Thanks so much for saying that. I’ve really struggled with those feelings for too long. I need to let them go, try to move forward in my life. But then the guilt of wanting these things comes. My mind tells me Ishouldn’twant those things. But my heart says to go for it, you know? It’s so confusing.”
Alex closed the distance between them again as he took her by the elbow gently and turned her to face him.
“I confessed that same guilt to you the other night about not choosing to work for my dad. It’s not healthy and more importantly, not what our loved ones would want for us.”
Nodding her head, she answered, “No, you’re right. And I know it, but it’s hard. I’m working on it.”
She forced air into her lungs and released it, letting the rhythmic motion of his thumb that moved back and forth on her arm soothe her.
When she looked down at his hand, he must have thought she was uncomfortable and pulled away. Before she could tell him differently, he said, “Let’s move over here to the bench. It’s more comfortable than standing. Can I get you something to drink?” he asked as she followed him to the seating area.
“No, thanks. I’m fine,” she answered, feeling the thick cushioned vinyl seat underneath her.
“So, let’s talk more about your dreams. The adventures you want to have.”
