Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(62)

She gasps in surprise, caressing my face. “Oh, Alexander, a man like you asking me to take things slowly? Wow, that’s a compliment.” Phew, she likes it. “Why not? It’d make things even more exciting in Brazil…” She gives me a wet kiss on the lips. “Well, see you in Rio, Mr. Van Dieren.”

I give her another one, but quicker, before I make my way out of the car. “See you there, Rafaela,” I reply back, before closing the door on her.

Fuck! I don’t know what happened. Rafaela is a stunner; anyone would die to bang her. I’ve never felt that powerless before. Was it because of that stupid nightmare? Because of Petra? Whatever. It’s time for me to be back in control—me, and only me, no one else. I’ve got to talk to Petra and tell her we need to forget what happened in Rome. It was just a damned mistake, for God’s sake! I know that only from that point, when the subject is closed, will I be able to move on and completely enjoy Rafaela.





Chapter 14





Manhattan, October 10, 2019

Petra Van Gatt





Columbia has been challenging but rewarding. I didn’t expect to enjoy the classes so much. I’ve made a nice group of friends—still wondering how I’ve managed to be that sociable. We are known as the geek group of the freshman class, since we spend most of our free time at the library. But I couldn’t care less. I love everything about that library. It’s bigger than any I’ve ever been before. With its high ceilings, majestic windows, and crystal chandeliers, it offers an intimate and silent atmosphere. It feels like heaven on earth! Furthermore, there are books about nearly every subject, enough to satisfy my wildest curiosity.

Today’s no exception. I’m with my classmate Matthew, studying financial economics and getting my course notes in order.

“Matthew,” I murmur.

“Yeah…”

“Do you have the notes about why an economy has fluctuations and how they may be controlled? Mine are not that good.”

“Sure, here.” He gives me a dossier with all his notes about the topic.

“Thank you.” I read the first page. “Wow, they are so detailed. Where did you get them?”

“From the book Financial Economics: A Simple Introduction. Did you read it?”

I wince. “Oh, no, not yet. I’ve been busy reading others. Do you have it?”

“Yep. Here.”

“Thanks. You’re my savior,” I praise, accepting the book and flipping through the pages.

“You’re welcome.” Matthew ponders for a moment, looking intently at me, then takes a deep breath. “We should go out someday…”

“Go out? Where?” Does he prefer to study in a coffee shop? “I like the library. You prefer coffee shops?”

He lets out a chuckle, head shaking. “No, I meant going for dinner or something.”

“Ah, I see…” I swallow hard. “I’m sorry, Matthew. You’re very nice, but I’m in love with someone.”

“Oh, I didn’t know…” Matthew can’t hide his disappointment. “I never saw you with anyone else apart from our group. Is he studying at Columbia?”

“No, he is older.” Much older. “He’s already working.”

“Wow, now I understand why.” Matthew looks down thoughtfully. “Does he know he is the luckiest man on earth?”

I blush at his question. “I don’t think so.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I don’t think he knows my feelings.”

“So, you are secretly in love with someone?”

I want to say no, but he’s right. And that's the embarrassing truth pinned deep down in my heart. I’m secretly in love with Alexander Van Dieren. I belong to him, but only in my dreams, in my fantasies, and in my mind. In reality, he knows nothing about my feelings toward him. We didn’t talk about it either. Since our kiss in Rome, Alex hasn’t said a word. Or texted. Not even once! I obviously haven’t texted him either. Maybe that kiss meant nothing to him. Just the result of too many glasses of wine. After all, he’s known to be a heartbreaker. Heck, even Mom warned me. And who am I? A totally inexperienced girl, the daughter of his best friend and business associate, and ultimately, his goddaughter. But is it already all forgotten? I’ve got to know. It’d be too risky to confront him at the wedding with Dad around. We’ve got to meet right here in New York one last time before leaving for Brazil.

Decision made, I take a deep breath, reach for my iPhone, open my WhatsApp, and—

We need to talk before Rio. Are you free this afternoon?

My heart explodes, finally seeing a text from him! Looks like he knew exactly what I had in mind. I smile radiantly. Yes, I’m really missing him. “I’m sorry, Matthew. I have to go.”





Alexander Van Dieren





There she is, already seated at a corner table, a straw between her lips drinking a strawberry smoothie. She’s annoyingly beautiful like always, wearing an open denim jacket, a pale-pink shirt underneath, her usual skinny jeans, and a pair of white All-Stars. She hasn’t spotted me yet. She’s looking away with a pensive stare and a cute little smile on her lips. Fuck. She’s terrifying. More than anyone I’ve ever met. After all, she’s the only one capable of waking me up at four o’clock in the morning, of making me change schedules overnight and take a plane to Rome, of making my cock powerless in front of stunners like Rafaela… I sigh. Yep. That little thing over there dressed like a teenager. I take a deep breath, walk in her direction, and sit down in front of her. I feel a sudden punch in my heart—she’s still wearing my pendant. She smiles joyfully at me, but I don’t return it. Her eyes are so bright and charming. Why is she so damn irresistible?