“Because of the cheating?”
Nodding his head, he answered, “Yes, but also because my heart doesn’t belong to her anymore.”
Aria eyes went wide, but she remained silent.
“Please say something. Do you believe me? I never meant to hurt you.”
This was the moment of truth. She told herself that she would know whether he was lying, she would feel it. Looking into his guileless face, she knew. Alex cared for her, maybe deeply. He would not hurt her intentionally, of that, she was now sure.
“I believe you.”
Alex grabbed both her hands and kissed her palms, sighing out his relief.
“I have been going crazy thinking you might never speak to me again. I thought I’d lost you.”
“Alex, I don’t know what to do with what I’m feeling. That night, before she showed up?—”
“You felt it too?”
“I did it. And it—I don’t know what to do with it.”
Alex knelt in front of her, still clinging to her hands.
“We don’t have to figure this out tonight. Just know that this,” he gestured between them, “I’m in. I’m all in, Aria.”
Overwhelmed by it all, Aria tried to lighten the mood.
“So, are you going to feed me or what?”
Throwing his head back and laughing, he answered, “The risotto is ready. I hope you like seafood.”
He led her by the hand into the kitchen and helped her sit on one of the high-top chairs at his counter. He stirred the risotto and spooned fresh parmesan over top, the smell making Aria’s stomach grumble.
Alex plated hefty portions in slate grey bowls, then poured some crisp cold white wine to accompany it.
Taking a seat next to her, he said, “Buon appetito.”
Aria rubbed her hands in excitement, a bubble of laughter bursting from him as he watched.
Eating and enjoying the soulful music Alex had selected, they fell into easy conversation.
“Mmm, that was delicious,” Aria raved. “I need the recipe. I've only made risotto with mushrooms before.”
“Or, I’ll just make it for you anytime you’d like,” he said, his joy more than evident.
He insisted that he would clean up later and led her back into the living room, beckoning her to sit on the sofa and relax.
His smile faded just a bit when she said, “You knowIamupset with you about something else.”
“About what?” he asked, his body stiffening.
“Seems you've stolen my scarf,” she said as she pointed to his pocket where it was peeking out. “Can I have it back, please? I've been tearing up my house looking for it.”
Relieved, Alex said, “No. Sorry, can’t do that.But,I do have something I think will make up for it. Stay here.”
Alex stepped through the hallway as Aria watched him disappear. Looking around her from her seat, she could feel the warmth Alex had created in the cozy space. She placed her hand over her heart, exhaling in relief for how the evening was faring.
She meant what she said. She believed that he and Bella were over and his statement that the woman no longer held his heart made hers beat quicker under palms.
