She’d met Richard while she was doing a show featuring college students at a private culinary arts school in Manhattan. They’d had much in common and had developed a long-distance relationship. When he proposed a year later, she’d said yes. Unlike Lance or her own father—a married man who had gotten her mother pregnant then kicked her out of his life —Richard truly wanted to be with Alice. He might be boring to Brooke and Grace, but he was stable and reliable, a must-have trait in any man she dated.
“I know you didn’t have it easy growing up, what with being in foster care and having an alcoholic mother, but let’s face facts. I haven’t seen you in months, and I…” he trailed off, blew out a breath, and offered a sad smile.
Her throat closed and she nodded, no words needed. On paper, he was everything she’d ever dreamed of, but in the two years she’d known him, he’d never sparked a greater passion within her. Not like Niko had the first time they’d shook hands.
Richard cleared his throat, eyes downcast before he raised them to meet hers once more. “I think we need to end our engagement. I’m in love with you, but I’m positive you don’t feel the same way about me.”
Alice lowered her eyes, unable to hold his earnest gaze. He was right. She didn’t love him and it was unfair of her to have ever said yes to his proposal. Except the idea of a man like him was what she’d dreamed of her entire life, and giving up on that dream was difficult. Selfish. He never inspired the passion that Niko stirred and sadly never would. “I am sorry Richard. You are such a special person, and you deserve somebody who loves you. I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. If it’s any consolation, I know this is my fault.”
“It’s not a consolation, Alice. And it’s not all your fault. It’s equally mine. I…I wish, well, it doesn’t matter what I wish.”
His words twisted the special place in her heart that she held for him, and she wished she could take away the pain she’d caused. He was a decent man and she was such a fool. Why can’t I love you? “I hope you find someone who makes you happy. You’re a good man, Richard.”
Alice stared at the splash page long after he hung up, tears falling unheeded down her cheeks. She plucked out her handkerchief from her purse and ran her thumb over the soft embroidered design. She wasn’t just sad about losing Richard, but the promise for the future he represented.
Normal.
Richard was normal and Alice was anything but. Shutting her laptop, she dabbed at the tears before she tucked the handkerchief into her pocket. Niko would be there any minute and she didn’t want him to see her like this. If she was smart, she’d send him a text, canceling but this wasn’t about her feelings. This was about getting information on Chloe. The girl was her reason for coming to Seattle and she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to question her uncle.
Another text appeared on her phone. She shot from her chair and ran to the door. A glance through the peephole revealed two figures on the other side. The heaviness in her heart lifted at the sight of Niko and Chloe and she opened the door, tucking her heartache behind a false smile. Over the years, she’d become a master at it by necessity.
“Hey. Sorry time got away from me. Ronan should be here any minute.”
“He’s already in the car. We’re taking a road trip. Get your hat and coat and wear some warm pants, cause it’s gonna be cold,” Chloe said, crossing her arms and pretending to shiver. She tilted her head back and with a toothy grin drawled “Pleaaaaassse.”
Alice couldn’t have said no if she wanted. “Let me grab a coat and some shoes. Where are we going?”
Niko leaned in and whispered near her ear, his breath playing on her skin. “Come with us and find out.”
Chills chased down her arms and her earlier guilt returned two-fold. She’d broken up with Richard less than an hour before and she was already lusting after another man. She was a horrible person and Richard was smart to call it off. But no matter how much she hated herself, she wasn’t about to pass up time with Chloe for a pity party. “Give me a minute and I’ll be ready.”
Chapter Eleven
Niko parked the car where the ferry worker indicated and turned off the key to Hallie’s SUV. He had a rare afternoon off and he’d decided to take the family on a well-deserved outing. Inviting Alice had been a guilty indulgence he hoped he wouldn’t regret.
“Where are we going?” Chloe asked for the hundredth time.
“Chloe,” Hallie chastised, twisting to glare at her daughter who was wedged between Alice and Ronan in the back seat. “Get your coat on. It’s cold outside and don’t forget your mask.”
“People are gonna stare at me, Mom,” Chloe complained through clenched teeth.
“Stare at you? I think they’re staring at me.” Niko met Alice’s’ eyes in the rearview mirror. “It’s my wit and charm, it gets the girls every time.”
Laugh lines formed around those striking blue eyes before she opened the door and climbed out. He was pleased to see they were no longer red-rimmed. It was more than obvious when they showed up at her door, she’d been crying. The reasons for her upset were none of his business. She was engaged and he had a hard, fast rule, never to fool around with another man’s woman, no matter how tempting. Maria had cheated on him and being on the receiving end wasn’t a pleasant experience.
Ronan piled out of the back seat and helped Chloe out. He said something to her and knelt down. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he gave her a piggyback ride up the stairs, Hallie trailing them.
Alice ascended ahead of Niko and he couldn’t help admiring the curve of her ass beneath a pair of dark jeans. Up until now, he’d been exposed to polished, professional Alice. In her gloves, boots, and a pink sweater under a black fleece jacket, she looked like the girl next door. Only he’d never had a neighbor as appealing as her.
They reached the landing to the second floor before she turned to him, her entire face lit up. Alice serious was beautiful, Alice happy was stunning. “I’ve never ridden on a ferry. Or is it considered sailing?”
“Good question. I have no idea.” The inside of the ferry was lined with booths along side large windows that overlooked Elliott Bay. Hallie, Ronan, and Chloe slid into a booth located in the middle of the boat.
Chloe waved to them. “Sit next to me, Alice.”
Niko shook his head and pointed to the outside deck. “Alice has never ridden a ferry before so we’re going out on deck.”
“I want to go,” Chloe said, gathering up her gloves.
