Chapter 8

EIGHT

T he midday sun filtered through the café's front windows, casting a warm glow over the clatter of dishes and the murmur of midday patrons. Lena slid into the booth opposite her mother and sister, the ghost of a smile still playing on her lips from the night before.

"So?" her mother prodded before Lena had even settled in, her eyes alight with a curiosity that bordered on scandalous. "Did the earth move? Did you see fireworks?" She gasped. "Did you forget your name?"

God. Was this really her mother? She really had no filter. Lena blushed, the heat in her cheeks a telltale sign of the memories that still lingered. "Good morning to you too, Mom."

Tara, ever the ally in matters of the heart and the bedroom, leaned forward, her grin wicked. "Don't leave us hanging, Lena. We want details. Was he... equipped to handle everything you've been missing?"

"Tara!" Lena exclaimed, half shocked and half amused. She stole a glance around the café to make sure no one was eavesdropping on the Turner women's risqué lunchtime chat.

Their mother waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, please. We're all adults here. Besides, I've been waiting for one of you to give me a new grandchild. Your sister's got her hands full with the twins, so it's up to you now."

"Mom," Lena sighed, "not every date needs to end in a pregnancy scare."

"But it doesn't hurt if it ends in the bedroom," her mother quipped with a nudge and a wink that would've been more at home in a college dorm than at a family lunch.

"I'm not discussing my sex life over pancakes," Lena protested, though the mischievous giggle that escaped her suggested she wasn't entirely opposed to the topic.

Tara chuckled, reaching across the table to pat Lena's hand. "Don't mind her. But seriously, are we talking about a potential Mister Right, or was this just Mister Right Now?"

Lena's heart gave a traitorous leap at the mention of Alex's name in her head. "He's... different. Interesting. And yes, Tara, he's very much equipped—in many surprising ways."

"That's my girl," her mother cheered, earning a few raised eyebrows from nearby tables. "Lena's got her groove back."

The conversation flowed as freely as the coffee with their mother making extravagant plans for Lena's wedding and Tara giving hilariously inappropriate advice on Lena's future love life.

"Just remember, Lena," Tara said, her tone mock-serious, "practice makes perfect. So, practice a lot. Like, a lot, a lot."

Lena laughed, shaking her head at her sister's incorrigibility. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the laughter from their lunchtime revelry began to fade, Lena felt her phone buzz in her purse. She checked her phone, her curiosity piqued and a flutter of anticipation in her stomach. Glancing down at the screen, she saw Alex's name light up, and her heart skipped a beat.

Alex: Hey, beautiful. I've got a dinner meeting tonight, but how does some late night dessert sound? I promise to make it worth your while.

Lena bit her lip, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She was aware of the rapid pace of her growing feelings for Alex, a speed that thrilled and terrified her in equal measure. She'd never liked a man this much before. And to want to spend more time with him was unusual for her.

Lena: Is this your way of ensuring I have a proper bedtime story?

Alex: Only if you're interested in a story that might keep you up all night.

Lena's cheeks heated, and she glanced up to ensure her mother and sister hadn't turned into sudden mind readers.

Lena: Tempting. Very tempting. What's on the menu?

Alex: A surprise... but I guarantee it's more satisfying than anything you've tasted before.

Lena: In that case, how can I refuse? Dessert is my favorite part of any meal.

Alex: Great. I'll pick you up at 9. Wear something comfortable... and easy to remove.

Lena's breath caught in her throat at the audacity and sheer flirtation wrapped up in his last message. She typed out several responses before settling on one that matched his playful tone.

Lena: I hope this applies to you too. See you at 9, hot stuff.

She glanced up, a secret smile playing on her lips and her mind already racing with possibilities. Her mother raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp and knowing.

"Who was that, dear? You're practically glowing."

"Just…a friend," Lena managed to say, hoping her voice sounded more convincing than she felt.

Tara leaned in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Does this friend have a name? Or should we just call him Mr. Too-Hot-To-Handle?"

Lena rolled her eyes, fighting the blush creeping up her neck. "It was Alex." She glanced at her mom, watching her smile in triumph. "I'm going to see him later."

Her mother clapped her hands together, delight shining in her eyes. "Well, it's about time! Just remember, Lena, life is too short for maybes. If Alex makes you happy, then grab onto him with both hands."

"And maybe a leg or two," Tara added helpfully, earning a choked laugh from Lena and a scolding look from their mother.

As they wrapped up their lunch, Lena couldn't help the excitement bubbling within her. Yes, things were moving fast, faster than she'd normally allow, but with Alex, it felt like every moment was a chance worth taking.