Chapter 42
Chapter Forty-Two
Alex continued to find ways to show Aria how much he cared about her.
They saw black-and-white movies at the theatre, took walks on the beach at sunset, and had dinner at their favorite restaurants.
Their evenings and weekend were spent together and at times, Natalia would push her out the door to go spend the day with him.
On one of their dates, they took The Albatross out to Sorrento. Once there, they boarded a smaller private boat that took them to the island of Capri.
“Look, Alex. It looks like my painting,” Aria exclaimed from the boat.
Alex looked where she was pointing and pulled her in close.
“It does. Look at how the colorful villas reflect in the water,” he said before taking his camera from its bag.
“Feels like we’re in a postcard,” she answered, her hair whipping behind her as the boat made its way around the coastline.
Alex finished taking a few photos of the area before turning his attention to Aria.
“Stop! Take some of the water. I never get tired of seeing this. I love how you can see the different variations of blue.”
“You’re a much better subject,” he answered.
The constant click of his camera could just be heard above the boat’s motor.
He pulled her in for a quick kiss before tucking a piece of hair behind her ears.
“I love seeing you smile,” Alex said as she leaned up to kiss him again.
Dropping them off on the island, the tour guide suggested they take the chairlift up to the top of Anacapri.
“Have you ever done that?” Alex asked as he helped her out onto the dock.
“No, we always said we would but never did.”
“Are you game?”
“Absolutely,” Aria answered as they walked hand-in-hand toward the building where they would buy their tickets.
As the individual chair lifts took them up, Aria took in the breathtaking view.
“Alex this is amazing!” she called to him. “You can see the marina and the citrus groves. Oh, look, there’s a goat!”
Their chairs were just close enough to see and hear each other.
“I’m looking, I’m looking,” he said teasingly, twisting around in his chair as he took endless pictures of her.
Covering her face and kicking her feet, she called out, “Not me. Out there!”
When they made it back down to the bottom, Aria jumped into his arms.
“That was incredible. I’m so glad we went,” she said breathlessly. “I like playing tourist with you.”
“Seeing you like this, free, giddy. It’s everything.”
She pulled back to look at him, her eyes filled with wonder.
“Feed me, Alex.”
She took off running, giggling at his look of surprise when she looked behind her.
Easily catching up with her, he guided her toward the town piazza.
When they arrived at Angelica’s Capri, Alex said, “This is my favorite place on the island. It’s been family-owned for generations and the food is some of the best I’ve ever had.”
After a leisurely meal of gnocchi capresi and brown butter shrimp pasta, they walked back along the path that wove through the town.
“Tell me what perfume you wear, Aria. I’ve never smelled anything like it. It suits you perfectly,” Alex said, leaning toward her neck.
“I actually have it made here in Capri. There’s a family-owned store where you can create your own scents. The main components are orange blossoms and jasmine with a touch of vanilla.”
“Mm, yes, I can identify those now. Why jasmine and orange blossom? Are they significant to you?”
Her eyes were wide as she watched him take her hand and begin to play with her fingers.
“I’ve always loved the smell of jasmine, so when I had the family that owns the store show me how to mix perfumes for something unique, I knew that had to be the base,” she answered.
“And orange blossom?” Alex asked, his gaze intent.
“Well, they were Nicholas' favorite,” Aria said barely over a whisper, looking up at him.
“I think that's wonderful. So, when you wear it, it reminds you of the bond you had,” he said, studying her expression.
“Yes, it does,” she answered softly.
She seemed to study his face, and he wanted to make sure she felt comfortable talking about Nicholas. It was a different dynamic for him, but he understood that it was necessary if he ever wanted to gain her trust.
Kissing the back of her hand, he said, “Then please keep wearing it. The fragrance is unique, like you.”
“It doesn’t make you uncomfortable?”
“No, not at all, Aria. What you two had was special. He will always be a part of your life, a part of your story.”
Exhaling and placing her hand on his chest, she answered, “It makes me so happy to hear you say those words. I’m not sure everyone would be so understanding.”
Sitting up in his seat and taking both her hands in his, Alex answered, “Nicholas loved you well and that makes me happy. My only request is that you give me the chance to do that also.”
“I think you should be the writer. You always find the perfect thing to say,” she answered, leaning in and kissing his cheek.
And I’ll move heaven and earth to keep doing that, every day for as long as you’ll let me, he thought as they watched the sun dip lower in the sky, the day giving into the evening.