The Seduction of Alex Parker(42)
“How do you feel about Adam lying to you about your money situation?”
She looked up at me with her sad eyes. “I’m mad, but I get why he did it.”
“He wants his sister back, Em.”
She gave me a small smile. “That’s the first time you’ve called me that.”
“It is. Isn’t it?” I tilted my head at her.
I heard the doorbell ring and, when I got up, Emerson took hold of my hand.
“Bring the pizza down to the beach. I want to eat down there by the water.”
“In the sand?” I arched my brow.
“Yeah. In the sand.”
I nodded my head and walked inside. After I paid for the pizza, I took the box down to the beach and sat down next to Emerson, handing her a slice of pizza.
“I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier,” she spoke.
“Don’t apologize. You were stressed out and upset.”
“I shouldn’t have said that to you.”
I chuckled. “There were a lot of things you never should have said to me. Like, you were going to break my balls.”
She laughed. “I apologized to you for saying that.”
“You did, but you also said you wouldn’t hesitate to say it again.” I smiled as I shoulder bumped her.
“Have you ever really listened closely to the ocean?” she asked with seriousness.
“What do you mean? Oh shit!” I dropped my pizza in the sand. “Now see, if were sitting at the table, this wouldn’t be an issue.”
“Just grab another piece.” She laughed.
Reaching into the box, I grabbed another slice and looked over at her. “What did you mean by that?”
“Just listen for a minute. Do you hear the subtle hissing sound?”
“Actually, I do.” I listened carefully. “Why haven’t you ever visited your parents’ and Emily’s graves?”
“The truth?” She looked over at me.
“Always.”
“Because if I did, it would mean I would have to say goodbye.” She wiped her eye.
I set down my pizza on top of the box and pulled her into me. “Come here.” I softly kissed the top of her head. “You never have to say goodbye, Emerson. You told me that Emily is always with you. She was at Nationals with the dove and in Napa when it rained. You asked for a sign and she gave it to you. Visiting their graves won’t change that.”
“Then why do it?”
“Everyone is different. I visit my father’s grave occasionally and make sure the area is kept up. Plus, I feel closer to him when I’m there.”
“Were you and your father close?”
“Yes, we were, and we grew closer after my mother left. I don’t know. It just gives me a sense of peace. Come on. Let’s go back up to the house. I think you’re going to need to shower since you’re covered in sand. You are only wearing that nightshirt.”
“True. Plus, I’m tired. It’s been a clusterf*ck of a day and I’m ready for it to end.”
I helped her up and grabbed the pizza box. Emerson grabbed our glasses and we walked back up to the house.
Chapter 29
Emerson
After setting the glasses on the counter, I walked to my room and Alex followed, walking into the bathroom and starting the shower for me. I took off my nightshirt and stood before him in nothing but my panties. His eyes raked over my body and the need to make love to him intensified. He slowly walked over to me and placed his hand on my cheek while our eyes locked on each other.
“Take a shower with me,” I whispered.
His lips gave way to a small smile. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I need you tonight.”
His lips brushed softly against mine for a moment before he stripped out of his clothes. He took my hand, and we stepped into the shower as the warm water ran down us and our lips tightly locked together.
****
As I let out a yawn, I looked over at the clock and saw the time was ten. When I looked to my side, the only sight I saw was the crumpled sheets and the empty pillow where Alex lay and held me last night. I climbed out of bed, slipped my robe on, and followed the smell of fresh brewed coffee to the kitchen, where I found Alex over the stove, making eggs.
“What’s this?” I smiled.
He turned his head and looked at me. “Good morning. I was just about to wake your lazy ass up.” He snickered.
Pouring a cup of coffee, I smacked him on the arm.
“Umm. Something’s burning.”
“Shit. The toast!” He turned to the toaster and popped it up.
I laughed as I grabbed a butter knife. “We can always just scrape off the burnt part and then spread thick layers of jelly across it.”
“Very funny. I’ll just make new.”
“It’s fine, Alex.” I placed my hand on his arm.
Walking into the dining room, I stopped and took note of the pink rose petals scattered all over the table with a beautiful arrangement of different flowers in a crystal vase.
“What’s all this?”
“Nothing. Doesn’t everyone eat breakfast on a table filled with rose petals?”
“You don’t do rose petals. Remember?”