When her lips parted, she was lost to the sensations.
Thousands of butterflies erupted inside her, making her feel like she might take flight with them.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Alex tiltedhis head to close the short distance between them, the smell of her sweet perfume filling his senses as he kissed her, tasting her gorgeous lips for the first time.
When her full lips parted, he saw stars behind his eyes. His hands moved up to caress her head, his fingers getting lost in her long hair. He knew he needed to slow down. She was to be revered and cherished.
With great determination, he pulled away slightly, touching his lips to hers with a chaste kiss, once, twice, before leaning away to look into her eyes.
Aria pulled away flushed and breathless.
“Aria.”
“Alex, I, I have to—I think there's something wrong with my heart. It's beating so fast. I feel dizzy,” she said, her eyes wild with shock, taking a step back.
“Stay with me, Aria andI'lltake care of your heart,” Alex said, holding her back to his chest and whispering into her ear.
“I, I... want to. These feelings, it’s so much, so much I didn’t expect to feel again,” she whispered.
“I can’t explain it either. I know it feels like this is too fast, but I know it’s real. I know how I feel when I’m with you. I miss you even when you’re in my arms. I think about you all day, can’t wait ‘til I can see you again.”
He released her enough to look into her eyes.
The music was still playing inside. The candles were still blinking on the path. The cool breeze from the ocean was still lightly blowing through her hair.
“I'm falling in love with you, Aria,”he confessed, his eyes searching hers for a response.
“Alex.”
He slid his hands down her arms so he could hold her hands, the connection tethering her to him.
“I know this is a lot for you. It is for me too, to trust, to love again. But when I saw you in the cafe and again at the gallery, it was like my heart, it just knew. I know it will take time for you and I'm willing to wait, however long it takes, Aria.”
Astonishment flashed in her eyes and suddenly she was up on her tiptoes. She reached around his neck to hold him. She was trembling and instinctively, he wrapped his arms back around her tiny waist.
“Tell me what you’re feeling. I need to know if I’ve scared you off.”
Aria trailed her hands down his arms and moved them to each side of his face, his eyes closing at the intimacy.
She pulled his head down toward her for a gentle kiss on the lips, and then another one, mimicking his move.
And with a shy smile, she said, “I’ve already told you twice, Alex Rossi. I’m not scared of you.”
He laughed loudly and pulled her close again.
“Come on, let's go inside before you get cold,” Alex said, taking her by the hand.
As they walked back into the living room, Alex pulled her in for another warm hug. She squeezed him once and then took a step back, fidgeting with her dress.
“But I do need some time. Are you sure you're okay with that?” she asked him.
“I am. I told you. I'll wait as long as you need. I just couldn't let another day go by without telling you how I feel. I'll say it again. I'm not going anywhere. And I want to spend as much time with you as you will allow.”
He wanted to tell her about canceling his Argentina assignment, but thought his declaration of love was enough for one night.
Moving a piece of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear, Alex leaned in to kiss her once more.
