I arch a brow, encouraging her to continue.
She tugs on her lower lip with her teeth, and the motion has my cock pulsing in my pants. She looks sexy as hell when she does that, and it doesn’t take much to get a rise out of my poor neglected cock these days.
“It’s hard to explain.” Her warm hazel eyes greet mine. Today they have little flecks of amber in them, and they look more brown than green. Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. “My parents never made me feel any less. Daddy didn’t say much. To him, I was pretty much invisible, but as long as I didn’t cause him trouble or disagree with his plans for my future, he left me alone. Mom always encouraged us, no matter what. She wasn’t pushy when I didn’t have strong ambition like Saskia or creative passion like Sierra. She let me be.”
Her eyes lower to her lap as she sips her wine, looking lost in her mind. When she lifts her chin, she’s smiling sadly. “I realize I always put myself down. I wasn’t as ballsy as Saskia, nor as talented or bravely rebellious as Sierra. My mom is beautiful, and Saskia and Sierra inherited her stunning looks while I resemble my dad. No one made me feel like the ugly duckling, but that’s how I felt growing up.” She laughs lightly. “I definitely suffer from middle child syndrome. I’m a classic case.”
I’m not having that. “You are stunning, Rena. Truly exquisite. The most beautiful woman I know.”
Two pink dots blossom on her cheeks, and she looks adorably awkward as she whispers, “Thank you.”
“Saskia was a self-absorbed bitch,” I continue. “And just because Sierra is talented and feisty doesn’t make your talents or your personality shine any less bright.”
Her timid smile expands. “I love how you always rush to defend me. I’ve never had that before. Loyalty is one of your best qualities, Alesso. Anyone who knows you is so lucky to be a part of your world.”
Warmth spreads across my chest at her words and the sincerity on her face. “I’m only speaking the truth.”
“You’re just being you. One of the eternal good guys.”
Well, that’s just great. Just what every guy wants to hear, even if I know Rena means it as a compliment. Everyone knows the good guys never get the girl, but I don’t have it in me to be anything else with this woman. “You’re an amazing mother. The best I have ever seen. That is your talent. Your gift to this world.”
Tears prick her eyes, and I panic for a split second until the most incredible smile tips up the corners of her lush mouth. “That is the greatest compliment you could give me. Thank you for saying that.” The blush on her cheeks darkens, and I know she struggles to accept compliments, but she is getting better at receiving them. “I know it’s my greatest achievement, and I love that. I will never be the life and soul of the party or a badass who other women look up to and aspire to be, but I am okay with that. I am rediscovering myself, and I like what I’m finding. There is no greater feeling than being a mom. I know some women want that so badly and don’t get to experience it, so I’m extremely lucky I am Elisa’s and Romeo’s mom. I thank God every day for them. I hate Alfredo. I always will, but I am grateful to him for giving me my babies. They are the very best part of me.”
“I am so proud of you, Serena. Look how far you have come.” The urge to take her in my arms is riding me hard. She has never been as appealing to me as she is now. Sitting here owning who she is and looking comfortable in her skin.
“I’m proud of me too, though I still have stuff to work through.”
“I think we need more wine.” I hop up off the couch, if only to create distance between us, before I reach for her and ruin everything. Serena has given me no indication she is looking for more from me. She seems satisfied with our friendship, and I have to respect that. At least for now. “We need to toast to you starting the next phase of your life.”
“I can drink to that.” She smiles up at me, and I practically race to the kitchen to stop me from throwing myself at her feet.
22
SERENA
“Thank you, Grandma.” Elisa hugs my mom while eyeing her new paint set with greedy eyes over Georgia’s shoulder.
“You’re welcome, sweetie. I have missed all of you so much.” She wraps her arms around her three grandchildren, smothering them with love.
“Can’t breathe, Grandma.” Rowan’s plea is muffled against Mom’s blouse until she reluctantly lets them go.
“Can you push me on the swing?” Romeo asks, grasping Georgia’s hand. “Please, Grandma?”
“Duty calls.” Mom’s gaze bounces between me and Sierra. “Keep the Sancerre on ice!” she hollers as the kids drag her outside.
“She looks well,” Sierra remarks, smoothing a hand over her teeny-tiny bump. “Not as stressed as the last time she visited.”
“She’s more settled now,” I agree. “Though she told me last week she’s still struggling to get the right work-life balance.” Mom took over as CEO of Lawson Pharma—the company that’s been in her family for generations—after our father’s death. It’s been a trial by fire, but she is loving it despite the lengthy hours and considerable commitment.
We take the opportunity to clean up the kids’ playroom, while they are outside enjoying Grandma time, because it’s like a bomb went off in here. After, we take a couple of trays out to the patio with some iced tea, a bottle of Sancerre, some glasses, and cupcakes from the local bakery for the kids.
“Oh my God. I’m exhausted already!” Mom flops into the chair beside Sierra while the kids descend, grabbing drinks and treats before racing back to the playground where Frank will watch over them. Mom looks a tiny bit ruffled. Loose strands of blonde hair have escaped her elegant chignon, and little beads of sweat dot her brow. I know she came straight from the office, and her smart blouse and pencil skirt are not exactly playground friendly. “I had almost forgotten how much energy they have. Oh, to be young and carefree again.”
I pour her a glass of crisp white wine and hand it across the table. “This will help you to relax.”
“It’s beautiful here.” Mom leans back in her seat, admiring the stunning landscaped gardens surrounding us, while sipping her wine.
“I’d like to take the credit, but I can’t,” Sierra replies. “Our gardener is amazing.”
