6. Alex

6

Alex

I didn't think I could be more attracted to Rosie Stone, but when she walks out in hip-hugging jeans and a tight T-shirt, I lose the ability to speak. She's removed most of her makeup and she looks so young and beautiful.

"Better watch out, Alex. You're starting to drool a little," Liz says laughing.

"She's gorgeous."

"Definitely too good for you."

I turn to look at my friend and she's smiling. "I thought you meant that for a second."

"Alex, you're one of the best men I know. Of course, you are good enough for Rosie. Just be careful. You are in different phases of life. There's a little bit of an age difference and a lifestyle difference. I don't want to see either of you get hurt."

"I would never hurt her," I assure Liz.

"I know, but I don't want you to get hurt either."

Before I can ask her what she means, Rosie walks up. Our hands instinctually find each other and lock together.

"Hey, Liz, the party has gone great. I told you that you didn't need to worry about anything."

"Thanks, Rosie, I told you I just worry until it's over. We've raised a ridiculous amount of money, especially with the sing-along donations," she laughs and looks at Alex. "There was a pretty penny paid to hear you butcher a classic."

"Who did that?" he asks, but there's no anger in his voice so I know he's just curious and not upset.

"Um, I'm going to please party planner confidentiality," she looks around. "I better go check on the catering."

Liz and Rosie hug and then Liz leaves.

"So, Mr. Alex Young, what are we gonna do now?"

I just look at her for a moment and take her beauty in. I've waited for her to be near me, and I still can't believe she's here. "Do you know just how beautiful you are?"

She blushes. "Stop it, Alex. I took all the gunk off that makes me beautiful. Now I'm just Rosie."

I pull her against my body and tilt her head back making sure I have one hundred percent of her attention, "You are so fucking beautiful, I've dreamt about having you in my arms. Not you that performs for millions. I want this you. The one that only the people who really know you get to see and appreciate. I want all of you Rosie."

"You've dreamt about me?" she asks a little nervously.

Shit, I didn't mean to tell her how big my obsession is with her. "I just meant. I've dreamt of having someone like you. Someone beautiful both inside and out."

Nodding she smiles and I feel like shit. I said I wouldn't lie to her and that I was doing it on the first night. Should I tell her the truth and take the consequences, or should I just let this go? The choice is taken out of my hands when she takes that moment to change the subject.

"So, this diner you're taking me to. Do they serve milkshakes?"

"Yes, what respectable diner doesn't serve milkshakes?" I ask.

"I don't know. I haven't been to many diners. I don't get to have milkshakes often because I don't do well with milky, ice cream stuff, and then singing. But I don't have to sing for a couple of weeks at least."

"Well, then let's get you the biggest milkshake they have."

I text Liz and tell her we're leaving. I usually don't even stay this long at the Christmas in July fundraiser, so my presence isn't necessary. As we are walking out several of my employees see us, but no one makes a big deal, and it makes me proud of the atmosphere we've fostered at Young and Associates. We believe in raising money for those who are less fortunate and hiring employees who have the same values. It tends to make the company feel more like a family than a company.

My car is out front waiting when we get to the valet stand. I drove myself tonight, but now I'm wishing I had hired a car. Rosie probably isn't used to men who drive themselves. I've never been insecure when it comes to women. I'm a multi-millionaire in Los Angeles with my firm. I know I'm attractive and work hard to stay fit. Rosie is different because she matters. I was halfway in love with her from just her picture and after spending even an hour with her, I know she's the woman I'm meant to spend my life with. What if I'm not enough?

I open the door for her, she gets in and then I round the car to my side. I take a deep breath before climbing into the car. I need to stop acting like an insecure jackass.

"I like your car. I always want to get a new car, but never know what I should get and then I'm not in one place long enough for it to make sense," Rosie says. "Maybe when we are recording this album, I can lease something and actually drive myself. I hate having to have a driver take me everywhere."

I throw my head back laughing until the car behind me honks and I start to drive.

"What was so freaking funny, Alex?"

"I was worried that you would hate that I didn't have a driver or would think less of me for driving my car. Then you talk about how much you long for it. I just feel like I know you, but there are so many things I need to learn."

Rosie doesn't say anything to that and when I glance over at her, she's just staring out the window. I know that she doesn't think this thing between us is going to be serious or last longer than the next twenty-four hours, but she's wrong. We may not know everything about each other, but we have our whole lives to discover it all.