“About my crush? Absolutely.”
Lifting her head and looking up at him, she scanned his face for assurance.
Her voice low, she asked, “And when, when you said your crush had returned? Did you mean that too?”
Alex leaned in a little closer and answered, “Every. Single. Word.”
Neither of them seemed able to deny the intensity of feeling that had developed between them in such a short time. She felt drunk on it, and if his eyes were any indication of his feelings, so was he.
“I should clarify what I said earlier. Ithasbeen years since I wrote anything but I, um, I started writing again. Very recently, that is.”
“Oh,really? And what brought on that renewed inspiration?” Alex asked, his eyebrows high, his smile wide.
“I'm not sure.Maybe I just needed a new perspective,” she answered demurely.
“Hmmm, maybe you did,” he replied, tilting his head to the side and narrowing his gaze.
She didn’t miss the smirk he didn’t try to hide.
“Would you like a glass of limoncello? I found some at a market in Capri that’s some of the best I’ve had in years. I missed it while I was away,” Alex said, ducking down and reaching behind her to grab the bottle.
The action caused her nose to graze his neck.
She closed her eyes as his musky sandalwood scent made her brain freeze in the moment. She hadn’t heard him calling her name.
Not even realizing he had stepped back in front of her and was now holding the bottle in his hand calling her name, she stuttered, “Y-yes, please. I’d love some.”
When he walked across the galley to the small refrigerator under a counter, she tried to get her emotions in line. Tucking her hair behind her ears and smoothing her hands down her jeans, she turned to find him pouring the liquor into small, short-rimmed chilled glasses.
He brought her one and held his own up as she did the same.
“Cin, cin.”
She echoed, “Cin, cin,” as they clinked glasses.
When the smooth, cool drink slid down her throat, she moaned then said, “Oh, this is good.” Turning the bottle to see the label, she continued, “This is the one I just sent to Santo. It really is the best I’ve had, too. I found mine in Ravello, but I love Capri.”
Pouring her another one, Alex said, “Bring it back up to the deck. I'll join you in a minute.”
Nodding and walking up the few stairs, Aria stood at the railing again, but turned when she heard a slow romantic song start playing through the speakers.
Alex walked back up to the deck, joining her. He was close enough that their arms touched, and she could see him sneaking glances at her. She could tell he wanted to say something, but was hesitating. She wondered if he was getting up the nerve to ask her to dance again.
Truthfully, she didn’t mind the silence. It was her norm and having someone enjoy it with her was a welcome respite. He sipped from his glass, finishing his drink as she listened to the sweet melodies of Alicia Keyes.
“Such a great song,” she said happily, her voice husky from the potent drink as she sang along softly.
“Can I get you another drink?”
She took another small sip and said, “I think I should stop at this one. That brand packs a punch and I’m a bit of a lightweight.”
Alex took the glass from her and set it on the table near the bench before walking back toward her, his hand outstretched. “Dance with me?”
Aria nodded her head yes, not trusting her shaky voice, and took his outstretched hand.
His eyes lingered on her like a soft caress. “Ready to take your chances with my big feet again?”
“I told you already, Alex. I'm not afraid of you.”
