Escape Across the Pond

Chapter 14

Dear Dad,

What are the chances that all the pieces fall perfectly together at once? How can everything you've ever dreamt of fall straight into your lap without even trying? Is that what happens when you finally believe in yourself enough to put it all out there? Or is it all fate? Maybe a coincidence? I may never know.

Saturday morning, I'm on cloud nine on my way into work. I've been taking the time lately to put more effort into my appearance. Charlotte left some of the clothes I didn't veto last night so I have more of a variety. I chose an olive green, high-waisted skirt and paired it with a loose off-the-shoulder black top. It's still my style. It's just less basic and I honestly love it. I owe Charlotte big. I nearly catch myself skipping out to my car before driving into work.

We were rather busy that morning, but Anna was in today so it wasn't quite as exhausting. I didn't see Alex that morning but I spent most of it in the kitchen. However, Charlotte did stop by at lunch to gush with me again over last night and we made plans for meeting up at the pub tonight. I told her I had to take a trip into Newcastle after work to grab some spices before we went out.

I really miss my best friend Kate terribly and the last I talked to her she made it seem like she was nearly finished sorting the mess back in New York. But Charlotte has really filled a void for me over these last few weeks and I consider her to be a very good friend. I don't think I would have enjoyed being here without Kate if it weren't for Charlotte. I look forward to spending another night out with her and The Lads. I just wish Kate were here with us.

The trash in the kitchen filled quickly so I pulled the bag and decided to go ahead and run it out to the dumpster. Let's just say I'm not nearly as skittish taking out the trash as I was that first time but when I turn to go back to the kitchen door Alex is standing across the alley like he was that first day. I think I'll be able to see him standing there as he is now, in my mind's eye for the rest of my life. My lips part slightly. He is so stunning and mesmerizing to look at like I imagine the statues in Rome. Each angle of his masculine jaw is so defined and the slash through his eyebrow and the tattoos give him this air of dangerousness and excitement. His eyes are what draw me in with how intensely he stares into mine. It's like he's trying to convey something through his penetrating gaze but I would rather he show me. I'm not sure if he can read my mind but he's stalking towards me like a predatory cat seconds later. I feel my pulse spike and my body starts to quiver from the anticipation of his touch.

Alex reaches out as soon as he's close enough and pulls me by my hips into him then with one hand he tilts my face up to his and places a firm chaste kiss to my lips. I think he's going to give me more but he stops, "Coraline, I know you've said you'd come to the pub tonight but I want you to myself." he growls. I smile and shake my head at him. He clears his throat, "What I mean to say is, would you like to get something to eat with me before we go out? Just the two of us." he corrects.

I desperately want to so I respond, "Well, I have to go to the larger supermarket in Newcastle after work. I need cardamom and some other things. Would you like to come? We could eat after?" He slides his hand from my hip to my lower back and pushes the other into my hair, leans me back, and gives me a sweep you off your feet, toe-curling, panty-drenching kiss. He kisses me with all he has and I know I'll never feel anything like this again. I'll never meet a man like him again.

He finally pulls back and rasps out, "Perfect. I'll meet you right here at 5." What would he have done if I had said no?

I float through the rest of the afternoon at work. I could have burned the entire kitchen down but if I did I'm unaware. I was only there in body because my mind was on Alex and whatever he had planned for me tonight. I rushed home after work to get ready. Alex and I would go to the pub together when we got back from Newcastle.