Lace (Just This Once 4)

Her smile is bright and bold. “My students call me that. It’s Phoebe.”

“You’re a teacher?” I drop her hand and return the smile. “What do you teach?”

“Third grade.” She sighs. “I love it.”

I thought about teaching when I was in high school, but business lured me in. I’ve never looked back.

“I’m so happy that I have a chance to thank you.” She glances over at Trey. “My husband and I still can’t believe what you two did for our son.”

My gaze slides to my cousin. I furrow my brow because I feel lost.

Trey comes to my rescue immediately. “Phoebe is Alvin’s mom. She’s Alexander’s sister.”

The pieces of the puzzle fall together instantly. This woman is the mother of Alexander’s nephew.

“Alvin,” I say her son’s name quietly. “I’m so happy that everything worked out for him. Trey is the one to thank. He’s the one who stepped up to bat and saved the day.”

They laugh in unison at my lame attempt at a baseball joke.

“What have we here?” Alexander’s raspy voice weakens my knees as he approaches from behind me.

I look over my shoulder and lock eyes with him. He gives me a wicked smile.

“You were brilliant up there tonight, Alex.” Phoebe’s words draw my attention back to her. I see pride beaming in her eyes as she looks at her brother.

“You were,” Trey chimes in. “I admit I wasn’t a fan of the symphony before tonight, but I’m impressed.”

“Thanks, Trey,” Alexander says as he steps into place next to me. “I’ll never win a World Series, but I get the job done.”

Phoebe’s smile widens. “I’ve had a blast, but I need to get home. My mother-in-law is watching Alvin tonight and I’d like to spend time with both of them before he goes to sleep.”

“The driver who brought you is waiting to take you home.” Alexander types something into the phone he just pulled from his jacket pocket. “He’ll be waiting for you right where he dropped you off.”

Phoebe takes a step forward to embrace her brother. “Tonight was magical, Alex. Thank you for everything.”

He kisses her square in the middle of the forehead. “It wouldn’t have been complete without you here.”

“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything,” she whispers back. “Call me tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you to your car,” Trey offers as Phoebe takes a step back. “I’m going to hit a bar in Times Square for a few beers with some teammates.”

I watch them head out, acutely aware of how close Alexander’s body is to mine.

His hand finds the small of my back sending a rush of goose bumps over my skin. “You look beautiful tonight, Olivia.”

I look up and into his eyes. “Thank you.”

His gaze slowly travels over my face. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I am. It’s been a night to remember.”

He leans in until I can feel his lips brush against my ear. “It’s been the start of a night to remember. The best is yet to come.”

Chapter 18

Olivia

There’s a promise laced into his words, but there’s hesitation in his eyes and his touch.