Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
A lex
I cleaned everything up and put it in the picnic basket. Then, I ran my thumb over her cheek, leaning in to kiss her soft lips. She returned my kiss as her lips parted, and our tongues met. I wanted her and her body so badly, but I knew I had to wait. This wasn’t the place or time to fuck her the way I wanted. My cock had never craved a woman as much as it did Hannah.
“We should stop,” I said, breaking our kiss.
“Yeah. We probably should. I’m going to have to fly back to New York and pack the rest of my things.”
“Hopefully, you won’t be gone too long.” I ran my finger across her lips.
“Only a couple of days. I might book a flight out next Sunday, get to New York, pack like a madwoman, and try to get back here on Wednesday. I have so much to do here; I don’t need that looming over my head. Besides, I need more clothes. By the way, Luis and I are throwing an engagement party for Adalyn and Colin. I hope you’ll come.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. Where is it at?”
“I don’t know yet. We’ve barely discussed it. I do know that I want it to be next weekend.”
“You don’t want to have it at the Seaside?” I asked.
“No. Because Colin will take it upon himself to clean up and stuff, and this party is for them. So, I need to think of somewhere. I was thinking of Rosie’s Bed and Breakfast.”
“Have it at my house.”
“Really?” she cocked her head.
“Yeah. My parents threw parties all the time. We have the patio and the beach. It’s the perfect place for an engagement party.”
“Thank you, Alex. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. I should get you home. It’s late.”
“I feel like a teenager.” She laughed.
“Trust me. You’re far from a teenager.” I smiled, helping her up from the ground.
After driving her home, I walked her up to the porch and kissed her goodnight.
“I’ll be in touch. Sweet dreams, Hannah.”
“Sweet dreams, Alex.”
L ucy and I went to the school the following morning, met with the principal, and enrolled her.
“You went here?” she asked.
“I did.” I smiled. “Please do me a favor and stay out of trouble. And whatever you do, do not tell your teacher she’s fat and ugly. You’re a Harbor and expected to act like one.”
“I’ll try to be on my best behavior, but I can’t make any promises.”
“Lucy.” I hooked my arm around her and squeezed.
“Okay. I promise.” She laughed.
Pulling out my phone, I called her school back in Chicago.
“This is Alex Harbor. I need to speak with Principal Carrington, please.”
“Mr. Harbor, how are you?” Principal Carrington picked up the call. “How is Lucy feeling? I know she hasn’t returned to school since her suspension.”
“ I wanted to let you know that Lucy will not be returning to your school.”
“Oh? Why not? If this is over her suspension, we can work things out. I know what I said before, but?—”
“It’s not about her suspension or what you said. We’re moving out of state, and I’ve already enrolled her in another school. They will be calling you to have Lucy’s records transferred. Please make sure it’s done ASAP. And another thing, no more donations will come your way from me. Goodbye, Principal Carrington.” I ended the call.
“Yeah, goodbye, Principal Carrington,” Lucy spoke in a snotty tone.
“Lucy.”
“Sorry, Dad.” She sighed.
My phone rang, and when I glanced at it, I saw Katherine was calling.
“Hey, Katherine.”
“Hi, Alex. Are you home?”
“I will be in about ten minutes. Why?”
“I was going to drop by to discuss the primary bedroom and bath remodel.”
“Sounds good. As I said, I’ll be home in ten. I’ll see you then.”
“See you, Alex.”
“Why is Katherine coming over?” Lucy asked.
“She’s helping to remodel the primary bedroom and bathroom.”
When we arrived home, Lucy went upstairs to change into her bathing suit, and I went into the kitchen for a bottle of water.
“Did you get her enrolled?” Mara asked.
“I did. Katherine is on her way over. Send her up to the room when she gets here.”
“Will do, Alex.”
I placed my hand on the door handle and slowly opened it. This was the first time I’d been in my mother’s room since I’d left Harbor Falls all those years ago. Mara made sure to have all her things cleared out and donated to charity before I arrived.
I stared at the bed as memories flooded my mind. Memories of my mother lying there, curled in a ball for weeks after Athena died. Her bed had become her safe zone, and she’d barely left it.
“Hey, Alex,” I heard Katherine’s soft voice from the doorway.
“Katherine.” I turned and looked at her.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah,” I sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed and running my hand down my face. “I tried to call her after I found out about the cancer. She refused to talk to me.” I looked up at her.
“You know she wasn’t right since?—”
“I know that better than anyone.”
After we went over a few things, Katherine left. Walking over to the bar, I poured myself a scotch.
“I bet that bedroom and bathroom will look amazing once Katherine finishes it.” Mara smiled.
“Yeah. A completely new look.” I tipped the glass to my lips. Glancing at my watch, I set my drink down. “I have an important meeting to get to.”
“Don’t worry about Lucy.”
“I won’t be knowing you’re here.” I kissed her cheek.
Opening the sliding door, I walked to the pool’s edge. “Lucy, I have to go out.”
“Okay, Dad! Isabelle is coming over after school. Maybe we can go to the Seaside for dinner.”
“Yeah. Maybe we can. I’ll see you later.” I smiled.
H annah
“I’m going to miss having you around here.” Adalyn hugged me.
“Please, I’m right down the road.” I smiled.
The front door opened, and Colin stepped inside. “Your bags are loaded in your car.”
“Thank you.” I hugged him.
“You behave yourself over at Harbor Estates.” My sister smirked.
“I’ll try.” I smiled with a wink as I walked out the door.
When I climbed into my car, I sent Alex a text message.
“I’m on my way.”
“Excellent. See you soon.”
When I pulled up to the gate, I punched in the code and drove up the circular driveway. The front door opened, and Alex walked out.
“Welcome.” He grinned, walking over and opening my car door for me.
“Thank you.” I smiled, pushing the button to the trunk and climbing out.
Alex grabbed both of my suitcases and took them to the guesthouse.
“I’ll take these upstairs to the bedroom,” he said.
I inhaled a sharp breath as I looked around the space that was my new home. Why the hell was I so nervous?
“Have you decided when you’re heading back to New York?” Alex asked, walking down the stairs.
“Actually, I’m not. I hired a moving company to pack up my apartment and move my things here. A friend is going to my place to oversee everything.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He smiled. “To welcome you to your new home, I’m having a barbecue later. I hope you’ll join me since it’s in your honor.”
“And who all will be at this barbecue?” I asked, smiling.
“Just me and you, of course, if you come. Mara is off, and Lucy is spending the night at her friend’s house.”
“I’d love to join you. Can I bring anything?”
“Just your beautiful self.” He winked. “I’ll let you get settled.”
“At least let me help with dinner.”
“Okay. Then I’ll see you at five o’clock.” He held up the keys to the guesthouse.
Holding out my hand, he dropped them into my palm.
“I’ll see you at five.” I smiled.
After he left, I went upstairs and unpacked my suitcases.