Eva’s heart skipped a beat at his admission. This was what she had been wanting to hear for the last four years and now, when she had given up hope, Alexander was single again. Could she hope? No. He might be single, but he didn’t love her the way she did. He sure would find himself another for money.
Eva looked down at the floor, refusing to look at him. She didn’t want him to realize the crazy flutter in her stomach and would behave as naturally as possible. She didn’t have any idea why he was suddenly being kind to her, but it couldn’t have anything to do with his break-off.
“I’m glad she’s out of your life, bro. I couldn’t stand her at all!”
“I know. Come on in. The food is about to arrive soon.” Alexander stood aside to allow them inside his tastefully furnished apartment, feeling quite satisfied to have Eva here finally. It had been his wish for the last few years, ever since she returned from Switzerland, but one thing led to another, and the wish remained unfulfilled in his heart. Now was the time to fulfill his every wish.
Alyssa dashed off to his wraparound balcony to check if the food delivery arrived or not, leaving Eva to look around the apartment with Alexander following her like a lost puppy.
“How’s my home, Eva? Do you like it?” he asked, going up to her as she stood in front of the huge painting in his great room. Eva turned to smile at him and he felt encouraged to go closer to her, stopping inches away from her.
“It’s quite grand, but it’s homely.” Alexander smiled back as a strange sense of satisfaction filled his heart. He desperately wanted her to like his home for reasons beyond his comprehension.
“Thank you.” The doorbell rang and Alexander went to get it. Their dinner arrived, and he carried it to the kitchen, with Alyssa following him. Alexander shooed her away since she was totally clumsy in the kitchen and she sat at the table waiting for her food.
“Today’s the best day! I’m already feeling like a princess! Alex, you should be this benevolent every day!”
“Don’t get your hopes up, Lisa. This offer happens only once in a blue moon!” His chuckle gave him away, and Alyssa winked at her best friend, who smiled back at the exchange. Unable to sit back and wait, she went into the kitchen to help Alexander.
“Do you need help, Alexander?” she asked breathlessly, watching him move around gracefully in his kitchen, unlike his sister. His muscles rippled as he reached over to get the crockery when he looked at her over his shoulder, watching her check him out. Eva immediately looked away, her cheeks coloring at being caught.
“Yes, can you take these to the table?” His request surprised Eva since she had expected him to decline her offer, just like he had Alyssa’s. Nevertheless, she went forward to take the expensive crockery from him, careful not to drop it. She wondered why they were using such a priceless crockery set tonight! Her fingers brushed with hers and the fragile pieces wobbled a little. Alexander immediately caught them, his arm going around her to steady her as well.
“Sorry! I’ve got them.” Her cheeks colored profusely at her clumsiness. What he must think of her!
“Are they too heavy for you? Here, you can carry just a few at a time. Come back for the rest,” he said, removing the side bowls, cutlery, salad, and dessert plates without waiting for her reply.
“It seems like we’re having a gala dinner!” she smiled before leaving the kitchen. Eva’s heart jumped with joy, and for the first time since she moved in with Alyssa, she felt satisfied with her decision. She placed the dinner plates on the table and Alyssa’s eyes widened at seeing the most expensive designer crockery set her brother bought from Paris three years ago. He hadn’t used it even once, and neither did he lend it to their mom when she wanted to use it once.
“Are we using these, tonight?” She gaped at her friend, who just shrugged and went back to the kitchen to her more.
Eva picked up the rest from the kitchen counter while Alexander served the food on the serving bowls and plates and placed them on the serving trolley. “Done?” he asked, watching her closely.
“Yes.” Alexander went outside, pushing the trolley laden with food slowly towards the dining table where a wide-eyed Alyssa sat, waiting for the food.
“What’s the occasion, bro? What are we celebrating tonight?” she grinned knowingly at her brother, who looked ill at ease.
“Why should we celebrate anything? Can we start?” he asked gruffly, to discourage her from asking further questions. He placed the food on the table and they served themselves. Alexander frowned at Eva’s plate.
“Why aren’t you eating, Eva?” he frowned at her, remembering how she had stopped eating when her parents separated. Unknown to her, he had always kept a tab on her health through Ashton, whom she considered her brother since their school days. He knew that she had stopped eating when he left home for his studies. Thankfully, her mom was there to look after her then! Now he was back and could take care of her the way he always wanted to.
“Yes, scold her, Alex. This is how she has been for the last four years. I’m tired of telling her to take care of her health,” said Alyssa. Alexander’s jaws dropped as he immediately realized that he was the reason behind it.
“That won’t do, Eva. I’m now going to ensure that you eat properly or else I’ll bring you here and feed you every day.” Eva’s eyes widened, and she choked on her food. Was he serious or what?
“You both are crazy. Why would I starve myself? This is all I can eat.” They didn’t listen at all and Alexander served her more food.
“Start eating more. Finish everything on your plate.”
Eva groaned and muttered curses at him. “I’ll be a football in no time!”
“I love football!” he smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement while Alyssa chuckled, loving the exchange between them. They were so cute together, if only they could realize it.
“So, how’s the food?” Alexander looked at his sister, who had finished almost half of the dessert. She gave him a radiant smile in return.
“Thanks, bro. You’re the best. I love you.” His gaze then went towards Eva who blushed, wondering if he expected her to say those words as well! All except addressing him as her bro!
“Thanks,” she said shyly, but Alexander still gazed at her, as if expecting her to say more.
“What?” she asked.
“Just thanks?”
“Thanks, I love the food. It’s the best,” said Eva, while he smiled at her with amusement.
“Help me clean up, Eva.” It was more of an order and Eva bustled about, clearing the table and working with him while Alyssa groaned from over-eating.
“You two would make perfect homemakers,” she chuckled at seeing them work together, loading the dishwasher, storing the leftovers in the refrigerator, cleaning the table, and more.
“You had better learn a little from your friend Lisa.”
“I’m not interested. You guys carry on. I’ll sip a little red wine now.” Alexander poured wine for the three of them and went to the kitchen to get Eva. He found her struggling with the zip on her top that had entangled with her hair.
“Here, let me help you with that, Eva.” He went forward, his warm fingers going to her hair before she could decline his offer. His warm chest almost touched her back while his fingers brushed the nape of her neck. It was sheer torture and Eva’s breath got stuck in her throat while goose bumps erupted on her skin at his sensuous touch. At that point, all she could remember was their drunken kiss. She wondered how his lips would feel when she was in her senses!
With his fingers working on untangling her hair, she was trapped closer to him than was necessary. Why was he standing so close to her? Her senses turned to mush, feeling his fingers brush against her skin while the addictive scent of his cologne drove her crazy.
“There, done. Why don’t you join us for drinks?”
“Thanks. I’ll be with you in a while. Can I use the washroom?” Alexander nodded and pointed toward a room.
“That way,” he said, walking away towards his bar to pour some wine for himself. Eva walked into the room he had indicated and froze immediately. It was huge, almost double the space of her entire apartment, furnished in beige and chocolate brown hues giving it a warm look. Where was she? Was this Alexander’s bedroom? The place had his distinctive masculine scent and seemed nothing but his bedroom. Her eyes widened, wondering why he directed her here when he had plenty of washrooms in the other rooms. She went into the luxurious washroom and closed the door.
When she emerged, her eyes popped out at seeing Alexander walk into his room.