Page 32 of Second Dance
“Lila usually cooks most of the meal, because she’s like a gourmet chef. And in the summer we always go to Seraphina’s beach house because it’s like the perfect place to hang out. She’s kind of rich. Not like you, but pretty rich. People love her books.”
Alex turned and caught my gaze, a flicker of tenderness in his eyes. “You must be proud to have made such a wonderful home and life.”
The tension in my shoulders eased. This was Alex. He was still the sweet man I’d known all those years ago, despite being a billionaire.
“It feels like you in here,” Alex said. “Beautiful yet cozy.”
Grace grinned, clearly delighted. “Right? Was Mom super into being healthy back when you knew her?”She switched subjects as fast as she typed into that phone of hers.
Alex seemed to think for a moment. “We were both so poor back then, we ate what we could get cheap. I think anyway. Is that right, Gillie?”
Gillie. No one but Alex had ever called me that. A rush of affection and nostalgia soared through me.
“I was careful about what I ate, even back then,” I said. “I had to be to keep my scholarship.”
“Did you ever get to have ice cream?” Grace asked. “Because I think I might die if I couldn’t have it.”
I shook my head, laughing. “Some things were more important than ice cream.”
Grace rolled her eyes. “That’s the kind of stuff she says.”
“Soulful,” Alex said. “She was always like that.”
Grace looked like she wanted to ask more questions, but stopped herself. “You guys should go. You don’t want to be late.”
“Are you sure you’re okay here alone for a few minutes?” I asked.
“Annie and Mia are coming over to keep me company.” Grace glanced up at Alex. “I get kind of scared by myself. My friends tease me about being a scaredy cat.”
“Do you hear every creak and think it’s an axe murderer?” Alex asked, his eyes twinkling.
“Totally. Do you do that too?” Grace asked, sounding so hopeful that they shared something in common that it nearly broke my heart into a thousand pieces. How could I have not seen how much she wanted a father figure in her life? I’d thought she was fine with it being the two of us, but maybe I’d been wrong.
“I’m completely afraid of the dark,” Alex said. “I have to have night lights.”
“No way. Me too.” Grace said.
“Is that really true?” I asked, laughing.
“It most certainly is.” Alex grinned, catching my gaze and holding it in that way only he could do. He’d been able to do a lot of things to me back in the day. I’d met him as an innocent, but he’d taught me a lot that summer. Even now, after all this time, I could still remember what his hands felt like on my skin. How good it had felt to be loved by him.
“Shall we go?” I asked, cutting myself off from my wicked thoughts.
“Yes, we should.” Alex bobbed his head in Grace’s direction. “It was nice to meet you, Grace.”
“You too.”
The two of them grinned at each other, and everything tilted sideways for a second. I'd been here before. Not literally, but—I knew this moment. The way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the way he laughed. I'd already lived this.
The hostess led us through a hush of linen-draped tables and soft jazz, past a glittering wall of wine bottles. I tried not to gape, but it was hard. I only came to Tidewater Grill when Seraphina insisted on treating me for my birthday. For me, it was a once-a-year indulgence. For Alex, I guessed, it was just another Tuesday night.
We were seated near the window, where the glass stretched wide across the length of the room. Outside, the sun was sinking toward the horizon, gilding the waves in molten gold. The beach was nearly deserted except for a lone couple walking barefoot in the surf. I tried to focus on the menu but couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Alex. He was so handsome in the amber light that it took my breath away.
“I’ve been here a few times.” Alex scanned his own menu. “Everything’s always good. Do you come here often?”
“Not really. Special occasions,” I said.
“Should I order us a bottle of white to start?” Alex asked. “There’s a good pinot grigio on the wine list.”
