Page 79

Yet, everything felt different. And it was because I had changed.

Saturday morning stretched ahead of me, free of deadlines, emails or grant submissions. For the next two hours, there was nowhere I needed to be.

I filled the kettle and opened one of the windows while the water heated.

I stood in the sunlight beside the open window. A breeze came through, carrying the faint scent of the gardens. Below, residents moved along the stone paths between the autumn flowerbeds. I would have to take a walk through them soon myself.

It occurred to me how unexpectedly beautiful my life had become. Not perfect. But beautiful.

I finished my tea and turned on the shower. Music followed me through the suite, something light and familiar that was perfectly suited to an ordinary morning. Steam gathered against the mirror while I washed away the lingering traces of sleep. When I stepped back into the bedroom wrapped in a towel, I found myself wondering where Alexander intended to take me.

The uncertainty delighted me. He had simply said there was something he wanted to show me. Nothing more.

A few minutes later, dressed in light jeans and a soft black sweater, I slipped into the same flats from yesterday before fastening Sofia’s necklace around my neck. My fingers rested briefly against the familiar pendant once it settled into place. I remembered Sofia’s words. You’ll forget to wear it. Wear it anyway. Some habits become part of who we are.

I glanced once toward my reflection before gathering my hair loosely behind my shoulders. The woman looking back at me smiled. Precisely on time, three knocks sounded at the door. I crossed the suite to answer them.

The moment the door opened, Winston slipped past Alexander with far less interest in formalities than either of us possessed. He greeted me enthusiastically while I laughed and bent down to scratch behind his ears.

When I straightened, Alexander was already close enough that I could smell the cedar and spice. I hadn’t noticed him move. One hand curved at my waist as he drew me toward him. For a second, I was back in his penthouse when he had gripped my hip as he moved inside me. Heat went through me, my body responding before I had decided anything. Apparently, I needed another reminder to get it together. This man thought I was his undoing. He had no idea that he was also mine.

His lips brushed against mine and the restraint in the kiss told me I wasn’t the only one struggling.

“Beautiful.”

I smiled up at him. “Handsome.”

Only then did I notice the car keys resting loosely in Alexander’s hand. “We’re driving somewhere?”

“We are.” His expression remained as composed as ever. He considered his next words. “Before we leave, I thought I should tell you where we’re going.”

I looked at him curiously.

“The Blackwood Foundation operates Harbor House a few miles from here. It’s a support center for patients undergoing cancer treatment and for the families who care for them. The kitchen is always busy on Saturdays. Volunteers prepare meals throughout the day for everyone there.”

Something crossed his face that I couldn’t quite name. Sadness, perhaps, but there was warmth there too.

“Whenever I can, I spend Saturday mornings there. I’d like you to come with me.”

He hadn’t assumed. He had invited me into a part of his life, one he seemed to understand might be difficult for me, and left the decision to me. I knew how hard it could be to stand beside someone through cancer treatment. I had done it with my father and with Sofia. Alexander didn’t ask me to explain any of that. He gave me the choice.

“Winston comes too?” I asked, glancing down at the golden retriever who seemed entirely content to wait beside us.

A faint smile touched Alexander’s mouth. “He has several regular admirers who would be disappointed if he failed to appear.”

“I can understand that. I’d love to come.”

“I’m glad.” He reached for my hand and pressed a kiss against my pulse before turning my palm against his and intertwining his fingers with mine. “Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Together, the three of us walked toward the elevator.

* * *

The drive took less than twenty minutes.

Blackwood Hall gradually gave way to residential streets lined with towering trees before storefronts, cafés, and Saturday morning traffic slowly returned around us. A few blocks later, Alexander turned onto a quiet avenue where a three-story brick building stood. It was set back from the road behind broad gardens still bright with autumn color.