Easily catching up with her, he guided her toward the town piazza.
When they arrived at Angelica’s Capri, Alex said, “This is my favorite place on the island. It’s been family-owned for generations and the food is some of the best I’ve ever had.”
After a leisurely meal of gnocchi capresi and brown butter shrimp pasta, they walked back along the path that wove through the town.
“Tell me what perfume you wear, Aria. I’ve never smelled anything like it. It suits you perfectly,” Alex said, leaning toward her neck.
“I actually have it made here in Capri. There’s a family-owned store where you can create your own scents. The main components are orange blossoms and jasmine with a touch of vanilla.”
“Mm, yes, I can identify those now. Why jasmine and orange blossom? Are they significant to you?”
Her eyes were wide as she watched him take her hand and begin to play with her fingers.
“I’ve always loved the smell of jasmine, so when I had the family that owns the store show me how to mix perfumes for something unique, I knew that had to be the base,” she answered.
“And orange blossom?” Alex asked, his gaze intent.
“Well, they were Nicholas' favorite,” Aria said barely over a whisper, looking up at him.
“I think that's wonderful. So, when you wear it, it reminds you of the bond you had,” he said, studying her expression.
“Yes, it does,” she answered softly.
She seemed to study his face, and he wanted to make sure she felt comfortable talking about Nicholas. It was a different dynamic for him, but he understood that it was necessary if he ever wanted to gain her trust.
Kissing the back of her hand, he said, “Then please keep wearing it. The fragrance is unique, like you.”
“It doesn’t make you uncomfortable?”
“No, not at all, Aria. What you two had was special. He will always be a part of your life, a part of your story.”
Exhaling and placing her hand on his chest, she answered, “It makes me so happy to hear you say those words. I’m not sure everyone would be so understanding.”
Sitting up in his seat and taking both her hands in his, Alex answered, “Nicholas loved you well and that makesmehappy. My only request is that you give me the chance to do that also.”
“I thinkyoushould be the writer. You always find the perfect thing to say,” she answered, leaning in and kissing his cheek.
And I’ll move heaven and earth to keep doing that, every day for as long as you’ll let me, he thought as they watched the sun dip lower in the sky, the day giving into the evening.
Chapter Forty-Three
Aria lovedhow she and Alex purposefully spent more time together, but it did mean taking more time off from work than she’d ever done. Natalia was doing a phenomenal job of stepping up in her absence.
“I can’t thank you enough for all you're doing. Please let me know when you start to feel overwhelmed,” Aria said, addressing her staff as they ended their weekly meeting in the conference room.
Natalia laid her hand on top of Aria’s and answered, “Hey, we’re all grateful to you. You’ve taken care of us, making sure that our jobs were not affected even though you were grieving. This is the least we can for you,” she replied as everyone agreed with nods and words of affirmation, including Gio and Luna.
When they all filed out of the room, Aria saw that she had missed a call from Alex.
“Hey, sorry, was in a meeting. What’s up?”
“Hey, cara mia.” She grinned at the affectionate term. “Can you get away a little early this afternoon?”
“I think that can be arranged. What do you have in mind?”
“Good, I’ll pick you up at 3:00. It’s a class. Something fun. Not sure if it will be too messy, but just in case, I can meet you at your house so you can change.”
“Hm, that sounds interesting, but yeah that should work. See you then.”
