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“I think we were originally talking about Xander and your eagerness to see him. I’m glad to see that things are going better for you two.” Popi got a serious look on her face. “This is a good thing, isn’t it?”
Lea smiled and nodded. “It’s good. This baby needs two parents that get along.”
“If it changes, I’m here to talk, eat gelato and watch movies.”
“Thanks. You’re the best.”
As they parted company, Lea realized Popi was as close to her as what she imagined a sister would be. She was going to miss her so much when she left here.
She didn’t have long to think about it before Xander joined her.
He made point of checking the time. “What are you up to? It’s not quitting time.”
“Would you believe me if I said I was looking for you?”
“It’s a little late to ask me to lunch. And it’s too early for dinner.”
“I had something else in mind.” Her stomach felt like a swarm of butterflies had been set loose in it.
He gave her a puzzled look. “You’re in a really good mood.”
“I am.” She didn’t know why she was. It wasn’t exactly a good day. The sale hadn’t gone through. She hadn’t gotten hold of her mother. And her email inbox was overflowing with unread messages. Not to mention all the bills that were beginning to stack up. But she refused to think of all that now.
His expression was neutral but his gaze never left her. “So your business deal, it went well?”
“Actually, it fell through.”
“If I had anything to do with it—”
She shook her head. “You didn’t. The island was too much of a time commitment for them.”
“And still you’re in a good mood, why?”
She shrugged. She refused to delve too deeply into the reason for her happiness. “It’s a beautiful day. It’s the end of the week. And there’s about to be a royal wedding. Isn’t that a good enough reason?”
He shrugged. “Works for me.” They walked for a few minutes in silence. “What do you say about having dinner together? But this evening there will be no mention of marriage. Just two friends having a good time together.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Are you trying to change the subject?”
“No. I just want to know something before I give you my answer.”
“Should I be worried?”
She shrugged. “Depends on how you look at it.”
“What’s your question?”
“Why are you still here? Why are you fixing up the island? Why do you want to have dinner with me?”
He stopped walking and turned to her. “Why do you think?”
“I think it’s all about the baby.” Inside she was begging him to prove her wrong.
“Is that what you want?”
No. No. No. He wasn’t supposed to turn her question around on her. “That’s not an answer.”
He sighed and pressed his hands to his waist. “Is it so hard to believe that I want to spend time with you, not because I want to buy the island and not because you’re having my baby, but because I like you? I like your company.”
She couldn’t hold back the smile that lifted her lips. “You do?”
“I do. I... I like you a lot and I would like to see where this thing between us is leading. So how about that dinner?”
“I’d love to, but I’m afraid there’s a wedding and reception shortly. In fact, I was just heading home to change and head over to the festivities.”
“Do you attend each and every wedding?”
“I must admit that I don’t. My schedule doesn’t always allow me. But I make a point to attend as many as I can. And this royal wedding is an all-hands-on-deck affair. Besides, there’s something so rewarding about seeing two hearts joined together for infinity.” She smiled. “It’s something very special and lets me know that what I do here plays some small part in two people becoming one.”
“That does sound very fulfilling. It isn’t something I’ve ever experienced with my work. Deals are usually made in boardrooms and it’s a matter of business. At most, there’s a handshake and a smile, but there’s no joy. From the sound of it, I’ve been missing out on some things.”
