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That caused Alina to chuckle. “You don’t know Taylor. She can be a bit extreme.”
“Well, I for one, am glad you have a friend like that watching your back,” Lucas said. “Just as long as I remain on her good side.”
“She loves wine. That’s all you need to know.” Alina smiled and for a second her eyes lit up.
“That’s much better,” Lucas announced, sharing his attention between her and the road.
“What is?” Alina raised her eyebrow.
“You’re smiling.” Maybe Lucas shouldn’t have mentioned anything because, as soon as he did, Alina’s smile disappeared.
“Do you know what you’re going to do?” Lucas asked. “I mean, how do you feel about him?”
Alina shook her head and breath out hard. Her shoulders were low when she spoke. “I don’t know. I’m not sure what I should do. Right now, I am confused.
“Well, you don’t have to do this alone,” Lucas offered. “I’m here if you need it.”
“Thank you, Lucas.” Alina spread her lips. “I appreciate that.”
For the rest of the drive, Lucas did his best to keep Alina’s mind away from her problems. He brought up experiences and relayed interesting things that have happened to him over the years. Lucas told Alina about his trip to Greece and the places that he would travel to the following year.
Alina listened intently, wishing she had seen some of those places. She always wanted to travel, like her sister, but she kept telling herself she had plenty of time. Now that she was pregnant, traveling just seemed even further away.
“Try to have some fun in there, okay?” Lucas instructed when they arrived.
Alina nodded her head and got out of the car.
The sculptures were beautiful, but the art was even more incredible. Every one of them captivated Alina. As she strolled along with Lucas, discussing the intricacies of the artwork, the feeling of being watched stayed with her. Dereck followed in silence, although seeing her with another man was killing him on the inside. He remained level-headed and whenever she glanced behind her; he flashed her a smile.
Alina took a breath and walked toward the next painting. Even though she fled from this man, Dereck still could make her legs weak with only the spread of his lips. As Alina silently listened to Lucas explain the details of his favorite painting, Dereck caused heat to rush through her body.
“It must be the pregnancy,” she told herself. She had heard stories of heightened hormones during pregnancy. It had to be what caused her to flush every time their eyes met. After all, he had broken her heart. No way he still had that effect on her.
“That was amazing, wasn’t it?” Lucas said when the three returned to the parking lot. “I’ve never been this inspired in my life. I might go home and do a painting.” Lucas chuckled, and Alina smiled.
“I’ve seen you paint,” Alina said. “The world would be better off without it.”
“Hey,” Lucas pretended to be upset, pushing up his nose and squinting his eyes. “My paintings are a work of art.”
“Beauty really is in the eyes of the beholder,” Alina said right before she stooped walking. “Uh, Lucas. You go on. I think I will head back with Dereck.”
Lucas made an abrupt stop, gently grabbed Alina by the arm, and pulled her to the side. “Are you sure about that?” he asked in a hushed tone. “I don’t trust this guy.”
Alina breathed out hard. “Dereck may come across as broody, but he won’t hurt me.” When Lucas didn’t look convinced, she added. “Don’t worry. I will be fine. I can handle Dereck, okay?”
“Okay,” Lucas said, but remained cautious. “But call me when your home?”
Alina tapped her friend on the shoulder in reassurance. “I will.”
Lucas went to his car then, but didn’t drive off until he saw Alina and Dereck pull away. Dereck drove slowly, cherishing his first moments alone with Alina.
“Do you have some time today?” Dereck asked. “There are some things we need to discuss.”
“Sure,” Alina said, stretching out her legs. “But can we go somewhere more comfortable? I’ve been walking all day and I need to stretch my feet.” Since Dereck already knew she was pregnant, there was no reason to hide her turmoil.
“How about my room?” he asked. “We’ll have privacy there and we can get something to eat on the way.”
“Okay,” Alina said and turned her head to the window.
