Until Alex - J. Nathan Page 0,102

the heavens. I hear you, Mom. I hear you.

When the car stopped, Alex stirred but didn’t wake. Like at the cemetery, the driver had the good sense to let us get out at our own pace. Good thing. I needed time to examine the imposing structure before me.

The three-story, white, brick house boasted varying sized peeked roofs. Floor-to-ceiling windows took up the majority of the exterior, with a massive window above the vaulted doorway displaying an enormous crystal chandelier. Perfect landscaping lined the exterior, as did a cobblestone walking path.

I knew Alex was rich. But this was unbelievable.

I leaned down. “Hey. We’re home.”

She stirred again, but her eyes remained closed.

“Come on. I’m expecting the grand tour of this resort.”

Her eyelids fluttered before her eyes finally opened and settled on mine.

“Hey. You okay?”

She nodded, sitting up slowly and gaping out the window at the house she hadn’t seen in months. “Well, let’s get this over with.” She pushed open the door and waited for me to step outside before proceeding to the front door.

To say I was floored once we stepped inside would be the understatement of the year. I called it a resort. I should’ve called it a museum. With its cathedral ceiling and checkerboard-marble floor, every step echoed like the long walkways of a quiet gallery.

From the formal sitting room to the dining room, statues on marble pedestals sat in the corners of the rooms. Paintings, in gaudy gold frames, hung on the walls.

The only room not requiring a velvet rope sat in the rear of the first floor, beyond the grand staircase. And just because it didn’t appear off limits, it wasn’t any less impressive. The rows of maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and speckled granite countertops came straight from the pages of an interior design magazine—for the rich and famous.

The windows, encompassing the entire rear of the first floor, overlooked a pool and guest house. They gave the house an ocean-view feel without the ocean. I wondered how far their property extended since the emerald backyard seemed to roll for miles.

“It’s beautiful.”

Alex turned from her spot in front of the walk-in pantry where she stared at the stocked shelves and followed my eyes to the view outside. She didn’t say a word.

She was taking it all in. Being back in Austin. Being back in her home. Being inundated by memories at every turn. I needed to be mindful of that.

She grabbed hold of the pantry door like she intended to close it, but she didn’t. She reached out and lightly brushed her fingertips over the frilly apron hanging from a hook inside the door. Lifting the fabric to her nose, she breathed it in. “I was starting to forget what she smelled like.”

It broke my heart watching her torture herself like that, but I leaned back against the center island, giving her time with her grief. It’s what she needed.

After long moments stretched on, I knew I needed to distract her or lose her completely. “Hey you got any honey in there?”

I watched her shoulders shake with silent laughter. “I like honey.”

I grinned, recalling our exchange at Jake’s. “I don’t doubt it, but what do you say we go for a swim, then enjoy the honey?”

She let the apron fall. As she turned toward me, a smile pulled at the corners of her lips. “You looking for a rematch?”

“Do I need to let you win this time?”

She shook her head. The almost-smile faded as she closed the pantry door. “Maybe later.”

I walked over and wrapped my arms around her, holding her to my chest. Breathing in her warm scent. “Whatever you want. Whatever you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

She nodded into me, letting me hold her for a quiet moment. “Want to see the upstairs?”

“Are you asking if I want to see your bedroom?” I pulled back so I could see her face. I flashed my ‘proven to win over even the toughest crowds’ smile. “Because I absolutely want to see it.”

Thankfully, she smiled back.

ALEX

Standing in the kitchen in Hayden’s arms proved one thing. I never would’ve been able to return home without him.

I needed him.

We didn’t share memories in Austin. We didn’t share anything that would’ve brought me back to the sad place I’d escaped months ago. Every moment would be new. We’d create our own memories.

I led Hayden up the grand staircase. We took the right toward my bedroom. I had no idea of its state. When I left, I grabbed a handful of clothes