Cake Love: All Things Payne(46)

“What?” My face scrunches up in confusion as I turn to look at Aria. “I thought he was just part of Hawthorne’s security. Wait a second, so that means he’s the mega rich, reclusive guy you went on about that night.”

Aria’s cheeks flame and her eyes fall to her foot, which is kicking at the grass.

“Yeah.”

“That’s it? Yeah? You, who never goes out on more than one date with a guy, let alone have boyfriends, lands an ultra-sexy Howard Hughes and all you can say is yeah?”

Aria giggles, biting her lower lip while still refusing to make eye contact with me.

“Yeah.”

“Hello. I’m Alexander, it’s nice to meet you…” Alexander stands beside Aria, reaching a hand for me. His jaw is set tight and his eyes flicker to mine, but then dart around nervously.

“Hi, I’m Morgana, Aria’s roommate and best friend. Nice to see you again, Alexander.” I give him an inviting smile to calm his nerves while shaking his hand.

Aria and Alexander glance at each other before looking back at me. There is an awkward silence for a minute. He wraps his arm around Aria in a possessive and comforting move. My heart aches witnessing this simple, sweet act and reminds me why I came outside to begin with. To watch for Henrik.

Oh, let’s face it, he isn’t coming.

“So, did you two meet up after we dropped off the painting?” I glance at both of them and then back at the street behind them, hoping a specific black car rolls by.

“Umm, you could say that. How about we talk later? Maybe tomorrow we could go for a walk by the lake and get some lunch? I have a few things I need to tell you.”

My eyes widen in surprise and I dart my gaze between Alexander and Aria, deciding who should reap the full extent of my overactive mind. I choose Aria.

“You’re pregnant!” I yelp while grabbing her arms.

Alexander gasps and turns to face Aria. “What? You didn’t tell me that. When? How? Boy or girl?”

He is more hysterical than I am, and based on the rapid movement of his chest, I would assume he is hyperventilating. Aria is shaking her head and pushing out of my grasp. Her hands wave wildly in the air, desperately trying to get Alexander’s attention.

“No! No, I’m not pregnant. Jesus Morgana, you are so like your mother.” She turns to face Alexander and puts her hands on her hip. “How? Really? How would I have gotten pregnant? That’s what you ask me Alexander?”

Alexander rubs the back of his neck and shrugs. “It just came out. I was in shock.”

Aria takes his hand and tugs him toward the house. She shouts back at me, “Excuse me Morgana, I have to take my boyfriend in the house and have a talk with him about the birds and the bees.”

I hear the door slam and wonder if I should follow them inside. Maybe give Alexander a few pointers when dealing with Aria. He seems sweet, if not a little goofy; perfect for Aria.

My feet do the thinking for me and send me down the driveway. I pass the driver and give him a wave. Just as I am about to turn onto the sidewalk an idea pops in my head, so I turn to Alexander’s driver.

“Hey, you were there with Alexander when we dropped off the painting a few months ago, weren’t you?”

“Yes. I am sorry that I grabbed you and made you come inside that night. It’s just that we can’t be too careful with Mr. Hawthorne. Many people have posed as delivery people only to try to steal artwork from his home.” He gives a small smile and bows his head slightly to show his sympathy.

“I’ll tell you what. You can make it up to me by letting me borrow your phone. I’ll even give you mine in exchange so you know I will bring it back. I just want to walk around the block and make a private phone call.”

He knits his brow while cocking his head to the side. “Why would you need my phone…oh, I get it. Ex-boyfriend?” He smirks as he reaches in his pocket and hands over the sleek silver iPhone.

I take the device and start to dig into my pocket while nodding. “Yeah.” I sigh and push my old Galaxy S4 with the pink cake decorated cover at him. He pushes it away while shaking his head.

“Nah, you keep it. I trust you. This is your parents’ place, so I am assuming you will come back eventually. Go; call the guy who was stupid enough to let you go.” He smiles at me warmly.

“Thank you.” I nod and walk off.

Pulling up the number pad, I call Henrik’s phone. It rings and my hands tingle while butterflies dance inside my chest. A car goes by but I can’t hear it, only the ringing and finally, the crackle of someone answering the phone.

“Hello?” His deep rich voice floats through the earpiece causing my brain to conjure up images of him on top of me, behind me, and his lips speaking the word while nibbling my ears.

“Why haven’t I heard from you?” I choose to jump right in. I’m hurt that he’s been ignoring me. It’s confusing how he plays with my heart. Telling me he gave up his job for me, exclaiming his love for me, and then never taking my calls or answering my texts. How is this love? I want to know. I want to know now.

“Morgana.” His voice is breathy and there is surprise behind it.

“Yes. Morgana. You know, the one you finger f*cked in a New York bathroom a few weeks ago. Why Henrik? Why do you do this to me?”

My answer from him is silence. All I can hear is some movement on his end but no words.