The Ten Year Affair (21 page)

“Plan? What plan would that be?” Claire asked with a smirk of her own.
“Alex what were you thinking when you bought this dress?”

“I…I…,” Alex stammered.

“Forget it. You don’t need to answer that. I think your father would have
a stroke if you did. I heard your father is to be your escort tonight? Let’s go
get you into this thing so I can get rid of you all so I can spend some time
alone with my granddaughter. I can see it’s going to be next to impossible to
spend time alone with Lauren around this house with so many people doting on
her.”

Alex felt tears beginning to well in her eyes again.

“You two just don’t know who much I love you and how much I’ve missed
you. I can’t tell you how much better I feel already having you here with me. I
can manage anything with you two behind me.” Alex hugged her father one last
time and grabbed her mother by the arm leading her to her room.

Alexander heard his sinful wife mutter. “This plan your father mentioned.
By the looks of this….dress I presume it has something to do with seduction?”
Then he heard bursts of laughter. His little girl was going to be all right.
He’d see to it. Alexander believed every word he’d said to his daughter but he
was still going to have a word or two with Mr. Foster.

When Alex and her father arrived at the fundraiser with her grandparents
they were both enthusiastically welcomed by the crowd. Alex because she was
dazzling and her father because he had been out of the country for so long.

Alexandra was relieved to see that Peter was there with Angela. They were
a cute couple and Alex knew Angela adored Peter. Certainly word had spread when
Peter walked in with Angela about their broken engagement. She hoped she
wouldn’t be dodging questions about it all night long.

While her father talked to an old friend Alex nervously perused the room
for Ian. The hall was overflowing with people who had come to celebrate and
support Ian’s candidacy. Ian was very well liked and admired by the community
not only for his tremendous skill as a prosecutor but for his service and
commitment to community service organizations. Ian had truly done his best to
make Creighton County a better place to live and Alex had believed he’d never
even return here once he’d finished law school. She always thought some big,
prominent firm in some big, fast-paced city would be Ian’s dream job. She had
certainly misjudged him in that regard.

A waiter handed Alex a glass of champagne, which she welcomed in hopes
that it would quail her nervousness.
“For goodness sake Alex,”
she
scolded herself.
“Calm down. Just relax. Keep smiling, quit worrying, and
let the evening just take care of itself.”
Peter interrupted her thoughts
with a kiss on the cheek.

“Good evening Alex. I thought we’d better say hello to each other so the
rest of the room can see that we parted civilly and aren’t going to start
throwing glasses of champagne at each other.” Angela stood timidly at Peter’s
side.

Alex laughed and returned the chaste kiss. “You’re right Peter. I hope we
both don’t have to keep answering nosy questions all evening.” Alex turned to
Angela to put her at ease. “Hello Angela. I’m glad you could make it on such
short notice.”

Angela shyly replied. “I am too Alex although you have to admit things
are kind of awkward. I’m a little uncomfortable. People have been staring at me
with daggers. I think they assume I’m the ‘other woman’ that broke you two up.”

“Well, I’ll do what I can to squelch any talk like that Angie but I’m
afraid people will believe what they want to believe.” Alex looked at Peter grabbed
his hand in hers and smiled. Alex had an idea how Angela felt about Peter so
she felt the need to set her straight as soon as possible to thwart any
jealousy.

“Peter and I always knew in our hearts that it wasn’t meant to be for us
but Peter will always be a treasured friend.” Alex turned back to Angela chin
raised high and staring intently into her eyes. “Can you live with that?” Alex
asked.

Angela chuckled. “I suppose I better learn to, hadn’t I? Really Alex,
Peter and I have already discussed it and I understand what your friendship
means to him and I certainly don’t want to lose your friendship either.”

Just then Alex’s father approached. “Peter. How wonderful to see you,” he
said reaching to shake Peter’s hand.

Peter vigorously shook Alexander’s hand. “Mr. Morgan! When did you get
back from the Outback?”

“Just this afternoon. I couldn’t stay away from my grandchild and her
mother any longer so I hurriedly finished up business so I could get back here.”

While Peter made introductions between Alexander and Angela and the men
caught up with each other Alex searched the room again for Ian. Where was that
man?

Angela whispered to Alex, “Find him?”

Alex smiled. “No unfortunately I didn’t. Is it that obvious?”

“Oh, yeah. It’s obvious Alex. You’re wearing your heart on your sleeve.”

“Angela I’ve never wanted anything…anyone so much in my life.”

At that moment Ian entered the room and cheers and applause exploded from
the crowd. Alex’s heart fluttered as Ian’s eyes found hers through the crowd.
Her gaze never left him and his gaze kept coming back to her as he walked
through the crowd greeting his well-wishers with a handshake and a smile along
the way. Alex was so proud of him as she watched him saunter across the room so
at ease. She knew he really was a handsome, wonderful man despite all the
turmoil he had caused in her life. If nothing else, she would always respect
him for being such a good man and be proud that he was Lauren’s father. Alex
realized that Ian had arrived by himself. Where was Jennifer? How odd that she
wouldn’t accompany him to such an important event. She longed to be the girl on
Ian’s arm as his supporters greeted him.

Ian continued to work his way across the room continually sneaking peeks
at Alex.

Angela again whispered in Alex’s ear. “Brace yourself. In case you
haven’t figured it out he’s making a beeline straight for you.” She’s right
Alex thought. He is headed straight for me. Peter and Angela excused themselves
and her father left to chat with another friend he hadn’t seen in awhile.

Suddenly he was there standing right in front of her. She could feel the
heat and desire he emanated as he took her hands in his.

“You are so beautiful.”

Alex felt as though her legs were going to betray her and she would end
up in a heap on the floor. “Thank you Ian.”
I feel beautiful with you
looking at me that way
.

“Alex I’m so glad you’re here tonight. It means a lot to me that you
came.”

“Ian there’s no way I would miss such an important night. I’m very
excited at what you’ve accomplished as a deputy prosecutor and I know you’ll be
the best County Prosecutor Creighton County has ever had.”

“It makes me happy that you believe in me Alex.”

“Uh humm… excuse me Ian.” Alex’s father interrupted.

“Alexander!” Ian pumped Alexander’s hand enthusiastically. “It’s so nice
to see you back. How are you? How’s Claire?”

“We’re both just wonderful now that we’ve gotten a chance to see that
lovely grandbaby.”

“She is lovely isn’t she?” Ian’s gaze found Alex’s again and she found it
hard to look away from the desire in his sparkling blue eyes. “She takes after
her beautiful mother.”

“I won’t disagree with that. She certainly does. Ian I know you’ll be
very busy schmoozing tonight but I’d like you to make some time to talk with me
a bit later.”

“Oh, no”
thought Alex. She had some idea what that talk would be
about and she knew Ian did as well.

“No problem Alexander. I’d very much like to talk to you as well.”

“Well, you may not feel that way after we’ve talked.”

Alex quickly interrupted hoping to cover-up the tense moment.

“I see Mayor Addison trying to get your attention Ian. You better go say
hello.” Ian waved at the Mayor and turned back to Alex. “Save a dance for me
tonight Alex? I’d like a chance to talk to you too.”

“You bet. I’ll look forward to it.”

Ian started towards the Mayor. “Nice to see you Alexander. I’ll talk to
both of you later.”

Ian regretfully walked over to the Mayor and Alex sighed with relief.

“Daddy….”

“I’m sorry Alex but you are not going to stop me from speaking my mind to
that young man! I believe he will eventually come around but there’s no harm in
giving him a little nudge.”

“That may be Daddy but I don’t think tonight is the appropriate time for
your talk. Isn’t that James Edwards over there Daddy? I’m sure he’d like to say
hello to you.”

Alexander gave her a wicked look but ambled over to visit with his old
friend. Alex spotted Tom Jensen and his wife Janie and went to say hello.

Alex mingled throughout the rest of the night wishing that she could have
done her mingling on Ian’s arm. She wished she could share this proud moment
with him but was happy knowing she could share the night by being there and
encouraging others to donate generously to his campaign.

Ian had a hard time concentrating on his fundraising efforts when he couldn’t
keep his eyes off of her. Would it be asking for too much to ask her to be at
his side tonight while soliciting votes and funds? He couldn’t ask something
like that of her, especially since he’d made no type of commitment to her. Yet.

Alex found her father and grandparents again but she had not seen Ian
since she had shooed him away from her very determined father a few hours ago.
The night would soon be coming to a close and she had still not had that dance
with him. Alex searched for Ian in the crowd yet again. It wasn’t hard to find
him when she had his warm, husky laugh to guide her. He was enjoying his conversation
with Tom and Janie. Tom was Ian’s best friend and colleague so Alex and Ian had
spent lots of time with the couple over the years. Alex had always gotten along
well with Tom and Janie. She admired them and their marriage and how much they
obviously loved each other. She had grown as close as she possibly could with
Janie given her on again off again relationship with Ian. She was always
hesitant to have a relationship with Janie outside of the four of them being
together although Janie had tried to encourage her otherwise. Alex had been
afraid of coming between the two best friends. She knew Tom and Janie didn’t
understand Ian’s treatment of her or why he’d never committed to her. Tom had
never been afraid to confront Ian about it from time to time. She missed the
couple’s companionship almost as much as she missed Ian’s.

Alex couldn’t stand to listen to their frivolity any more. Not when she
wanted to be a part of it so much.

Alex needed to get away for a while. She found her father to let him know
she was stepping outside. “Excuse me Dad. I’m a little warm. I’m going outside
for some air.”

“Okay sweetheart. See you in a bit.”

Alex strolled outside of the clubhouse and found the cool air refreshing.
She had hoped to be alone with her thoughts but several others had already
sought the cool night air. Alex followed the stairs that led down to the
aromatic gardens. She breathed in the glorious floral scents and tried to
forget the complicated mess her life had become. She continued on through the
gardens to the lake that lay beyond. Alex hugged herself and listened to the
cool waves lap against the shore.

She felt his presence even before she felt his touch. Ian’s arms wrapped
around her and she relaxed against him, eyes closed, reveling in his touch. Was
this a dream? His breath was seductive and warm against her neck as he
whispered in her ear.

“Are you trying to avoid that dance with me?”

“No. Actually, I thought you’d forgotten all about it.”
And me
.

Ian laughed. Damn! That laugh made her weak at the knees.

“You, my dear, are unforgettable. Did I tell you that you look very
beautiful tonight?”

Alex looked up at Ian over her shoulder. “I feel beautiful right now with
your arms around me.”

“Is it true? You’re not marrying Peter?”

“It’s true.”

“I bought a house today.”

“Oh Ian that’s wonderful!”

“I want to show it to you.”

“I’d love to see it.”

“Tonight.”

“Ian….”

“I have to know, did you buy that dress for me?”

Alex shivered as Ian’s right hand softly stroked her rib cage, lightly
touching the underside of her breasts.

“Yes.”

“Did you intend to drive me crazy?”

“Yes.”

Ian’s lips feathered their way down her throat to the hollow of her neck.

“Dear god Alex. It’s been too long, far too long.”

Ian’s other hand trailed down her hip to find the inside of her thigh
where he tickled and teased causing Alex to raise her hand behind his neck and
arch against his touch. She wanted him. She wanted his touch whether or not he
was ready for a lifetime commitment. Everyone has a weakness and Ian was hers.

This was crazy. Ian had hundreds of supporters inside with deep pockets
and all he wanted to do was throw Alex to the ground and fulfill his need for
her. She felt as soft and warm as he remembered. And so damn responsive. A
light moan escaped her lips as Ian cupped her sex with one hand and rolled her
nipple between his thumb and forefinger with the other. He needed to feel her,
to taste her dampness. He slid his finger beneath the elastic of her panties and
between her plump lips and let out a feral groan of his own when he discovered
how wet she was. His need was spiraling out of control. He had to stop and get
back to the party. He didn’t want Alex to think he wanted her only for sex.
When he said the words ‘I love you’ he needed her to believe him but he’d
already taken things too far.

“Alex?”

“Hmmm?”

He removed his hands from between her legs and her breast and Alex shivered
at the loss of the intimacy she so cherished. He turned her to face him still
holding her in his arms.