Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,110
have let me see you last night.”
I frown, confused and troubled by his revelation. “But it was an investors dinner. You had to go.”
“Me, yes. You, on the other hand…” And as he lets his words trail off, everything starts to make sense. That’s why Dad suggested Matthew join us. “I needed to make sure you would be there.”
“Dad wanted me to invite Matthew to the dinner,” I disclose. “You know, the guy I texted you about.”
“I know.” And a wicked smile settles on his lips. “I’m glad he didn’t come though. The poor boy would’ve been heavily disappointed.”
Unable to deny it, I say, “Yeah, he had a crush on me last year. But he’s a good guy.”
“I’m sure he is.” There’s an ounce of humility in his tone that I wasn’t expecting. Then we are quiet for a beat as I see him ruminating over something. “Petra,” he starts, his face overly concerned and serious. “Your dad didn’t give me much of a choice. After he came back from the Netherlands, I was forced to break up with you and leave for Singapore. The plane was there waiting for me. And your dad gave me just enough time to say goodbye to you. Our breakup was being monitored through our phones. Most likely to share it as evidence with your mom.”
“What?!” I shout immediately, my mouth gaping at him. I’m so disgusted by my Dad’s behavior that I can’t help but shake my head. Of course they were spying on us. Even if Mom wasn’t physically present, she was nonetheless keeping track of my every move by proxy. “My parents are crazy. I mean, I should’ve known by now that they are. But I never thought my phone was being tracked and that they were listening to our conversation.”
I get up from my chair and go sit on his lap. It’s cozier here. Then I wrap an arm around his neck, and, looking him in the eye, I mumble, “I love you.” Alex observes me with the same tenderness, and after he takes my hand to give it a kiss, I can’t help but tell him in a tone sadder than I intended, “But never leave me ever again.”
It is indeed a glorious day in Manhattan. Alex and I have decided to do just what we used to do when I was seven: go to Central Park and feed the ducks and swans. Except now we can no longer do so, as the guard is around and technically it’s forbidden. But it doesn’t matter. We are here, together, hand in hand, strolling through the park, our hearts just as bright as the sun. Since we are not wearing masks, we order two ice creams and sit on one of the benches. His gaze is pinned to my mouth, observing me with amusement as I suck on the ice cream, instead of eating it with a spoon like he does. He lets outs a quick chuckle, and as our eyes lock, I know he is thinking about if he should kiss me here in public or not. But he blinks and looks away.
“Alex?” I hear someone calling, and I look up. “What a pleasant surprise to see you guys here.”
Oh, it’s Mike, the COO of Gatt-Dieren, with his girlfriend. Seeing him reminds me I still have to send him my financial plan. We stand and greet them warmly.
“Congrats on your speech yesterday,” Mike praises, giving Alex a quick pat on the arm. “Given your interview with the Financial Times, I was getting scared you’d be the one leaving.” Alex returns the gesture, but doesn’t disclose anything further. And since Mike knows it, he looks again in my direction, and says, “Ms. Van Gatt, what a pity we didn’t have time to talk yesterday. Are you still interested in the second round of funding, or has your godfather already taken care of it?”
Godfather. Fuck, when will he at least be my fiancé? I smile, holding back the word on my tongue. “My godfather hasn’t been involved in it,” I politely reply. “I’ll send you the financial plan. It’s actually ready.”
“Oh, that’s perfect. I look forward to it, then.” After the usual small talk, Mike shifts his attention back to Alex. “When are you having dinner with us? Have you been avoiding my invitation or what?” he asks, teasing him. “I’m inviting over some Swiss clients who are visiting New York. You know, that former exec who left Paribas, Laurent? He is