Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
After sending a few emails, Alex made plans for dinner to be delivered before he left to pick up Aria.
His goal was to make the boat look magical after dark. Carefully curating a new playlist, he knew what he wanted to have happen. He was going to get Aria back in his arms for another dance. Just thinking about it made his heart race.
He couldn’t be one hundred percent sure, but Aria’s whispered confession at her door meant something. Something significant. He still held back from saying too much or doing anything too quickly, but like he told the guys, he was in danger of falling for her once again.
Falling fast and falling hard.
Alex worked on decorating the boat, thankful that his father had called the cleaning crew earlier that morning to do the heavy lifting.
He strung fairy lights from every surface.
Two large bouquets of various flowers had been delivered and he had separated them into small ones, placing them in the galley and on the deck.
Standing on the main deck, he straightened the leather cushions on the seating area when he saw a call come through.
Seeing his friend and agent's name pop up on his phone when it rang, Alex groaned, knowing the conversation that was coming.
“Anthony. How are you, man? How's the family? Is Marcio still using my workouts to prepare for the big games?” Alex said as he answered the call.
“I'm doing good. The family is doing well. And yes, Marcio is playing in a tournament this weekend, so we're looking forward to that,” Anthony replied. “But I guess you know that's not the real reason I'm calling you.”
“Yes, I know. I’ve been waiting for your call.
” Alex sat down, switching the phone to the other hand.
“I need some more time off. After this last project, I think I need to be here. Being home has brought me some much-needed peace and rest. Are you okay with letting them know to find a replacement for the well project?”
“Man, no one deserves a long rest more than you.
I'll always be the first to make sure that happens, but you've been waiting for this assignment for months. The Argentinian Preservation Fellowship that wants to commission you is weeks away from being ready with the details for this project. I just wanted to be sure I understood your email correctly.”
“Anthony, I did want that project. I really did. Besides the needed rest, something’s come up here and I don't think I'm ready to walk away yet. Please send my regrets, but this is important to me.”
“Hm. Do I hear the sound of my friend getting his wings clipped?” Anthony teased. “Alex, you always said that nothing could replace the feeling you get when you start a new project or adventure, especially one this big.”
Thinking about what it felt like to have Aria in his arms when they danced, Alex said wistfully, “Well, my friend. I have found an adventure that I want to last for a lifetime.”
“Wow. After Bella, I never thought I'd hear you say that. I'm so happy for you. Can’t wait to meet the girl who caught our albatross.”
“Thanks, man. I'll talk to you soon.”