“I, I know she’s probably shown you aglimpseof what she’s been through, but there were days we didn't think we would be able to bring her back from the brink of complete hopelessness. She still has nightmares about that night. She might not survive another heartbreak like that, and as her friend, I can’t watch her get to that point again. Do you understand?”
Swallowing hard, his heart hurt to hear her friend describe her pain. He felt like it would burst in that moment.
“I can’t imagine what she’s been through. But I'm in love with her and I want nothing more than to bring joy to her life. She has my whole heart and I'm in asmuch danger of being destroyed if she rejects me as she is,” Alex answered, his voice gravelly and low.
The line was silent for so long, Alex was about to ask if she was still there. But finally, her shaky voice broke the silence.
“Well then, Alex Rossi. I will support whatever she decides about your relationship. I'm trusting you. Don't disappoint me.”
“I’ll do everything in my power to earn and keep that trust.”
“Good. Oh, and Sunday is her birthday. She hasn't made a fuss about it since Nicholas' passing, but we're going to the beach. You, Sofia, Adrian, and Enzo are invited,” Corinna said, her tone less intense.
Giving him the details, she hung up telling him she would see him then.
He fell back onto the sofa, his heart processing Corinna’s words. He wished Aria was close so he could hold her, shield her from pain, keep her safe, heal her hurt.
He prayed that this great love he felt would always be enough for her.
The next morning, after receiving a text from Sofia, Alex sent one to Aria.
Alex:Hope I’m not waking you up. How’s 1:00pm?
He went to kitchen to make his coffee and received a return text several minutes later.
Aria:I’m up and headed to the market. 1:00 is perfect.
Alex:Great. Can’t wait to see you.
Aria:Me too.
Alex:Can’t wait to kiss you.
Aria:Don’t push your luck, buddy.
He laughed heartily and started counting down the hours until he saw her again.
Alex spent the next morning at the beach in front of his house, relaxing and reading. When it was time to leave to pick up Aria, he couldn’t keep the smile from his face at the thought of her spending the day with his family.
He had also decided that he wouldn’t tell her about his call with Corinna. He wasn’t sure how she’d feel about Corinna telling him about her grief and he got the feeling Corinna wasn’t going to tell Aria either.
But since he had mentioned not taking the well project, he knew he would have to tell Aria soon. He wasn’t sure what her reaction would be, but he prayed it would be the grand gesture he wanted it to be to show her how he felt.
Chapter Forty
When Alex pickedAria up for their date, she could tell that Alex wanted to say something but was struggling.
“Everything okay?” she asked as he drove.
“Aria, I need to tell you about a phone call I got last night from Bella.”
Twisting her hands together in her lap, she answered, “Oh?”
“She was calling to say goodbye. She apologized again and seemed genuinely happy for me that you and I found a way forward after that night on the boat.”
Aria could feel the tension melt from her shoulders at his words. She slid her hand into his free one.
“I’m glad to hear that. So, she won’t try to interfere again, you think?”
