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We were kissing. We were ready to take things to the next level once Chad and his newest victim had left the winery. Instead, I leaned into Alex who already had an arm around me and began rubbing my back. In a matter of seconds, I twisted and buried my head in his neck. When his other arm moved to encircle me completely, I murmured, “Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for?” He scoffed. “Any decent man would’ve stood up for you. Not that you need it, mind you.” Alex quietly sighed.

I pulled back and looked at his face. “You’re disappointed?”

He shook his head. “No, I’m proud of you. I stand in awe of you. I now have a small sense of what you went through. And it makes me sad.”

I stiffened. “I don’t want pity.”

Alex frowned. “I’m not explaining this properly. Don’t think for one minute that I pity you. No one who knows you could ever feel sorry for you, Charlie.”

“Good.” I exhaled. “The woman you see before you is nothing like the girl he was married to.”

“That’s usually how it works. You know, flowers that bloom in adversity are the rarest and most beautiful of all.” He winked.

I smirked. “Are you quoting Mulan to me?”

With a chuckle, Alex nodded. “Doesn’t make it less true. Look at you.” He gestured to encompass all of me. “You’re strong and beautiful. None of this happens by accident. And I sense you feel the need to explain, the desire to talk about it. If you do, cool. If not, then we move on.” His shoulders heaved. “Before your ex showed up, I was about to divulge my deepest, darkest secrets too.”

I tilted my head. “I know, but you don’t have to if you’re not ready.”

“Now seems like the perfect time. Come with me.” He tugged on my hand. I grasped his more tightly than I normally held onto another human being. Alex brought me to the porch swing he’d used earlier in the day while shooting Max and Victoria. “Sit with me?” he asked tentatively, as if I could deny him anything after what we’d just been through.

I laughed. “Of course.” As soon as he sat, I settled in at his side. For a couple of minutes, we simply sat there relaxing, enjoying the view of the vineyards and the gentle breeze. I nuzzled into his neck. He smelled so good. He brought me more comfort than I deserved, especially since I felt like I was about to hurt him. “I’ve had to be independent,” I began as a warning. “I’m not sure I could ever be dependent on anyone again.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Alex asked quietly.

“I’m attracted to you, Alex. And I’m reasonably confident you feel the same way about me.” I blew out a breath.

He nodded. “Yes, but there’s more to it than all that. It started out that way, but now, if you’ll give it a chance, I could see serious feelings developing. How could they not?”

“Because you’re a damn kid and I’m far from it,” I argued. “That’s why. Because I’m established and have roots, while you’re more of a free spirit. Because I can never be what you want for anything long-term.” I shrugged then stared at his face, watching for a reaction.

His brow furrowed. “I’m not sure how you can say that, since you have no idea what I want. Sometimes I’m not sure what I want.”

“That’s part of my point.” I sat up and turned to face him. “I guess I’m saying, I’m completely open to a fling, but I’m not able to offer you more.” My heart raced. I wanted him to understand. I needed him to accept my terms before I gave in to my growing desire. There was nothing more attractive than a loving and supportive guy. Of course, that didn’t mean I’d want to keep him. I could never risk my life again. I was unwilling to start over again when the relationship ended, as it inevitably would. I could see him mulling over my words.

Alex licked his lips and rubbed his hands together while staring at the deck boards. “I understand. I don’t know how much I can offer right now anyway. My family situation is a bit precarious. I could be called home anytime.” He sighed and nodded. “Maybe we’re just right for each other.”

“And just for right now. You get that part, don’t you?” I eyed him hopefully.

His brow rose. “You have some deadline in mind, Charlie? Do I get a day, a week, a month, what?”

“I don’t know.” I gnawed on the corner of my lip. “I think we can play that by ear, but we can’t go for anything permanent.”

Alex leaned closer, his lips inches from mine. I wanted to tilt my head slightly. I wanted to feel them on mine again. I suspected it would feel different this time, more comfortable, just as exciting. There was something about knowing where we stood. “I’ll take all the time I can get, Charlie. I could use something beautiful and perfect in my life, something low maintenance and fun. Is that what you want to hear? Is that what you want me to be?”

I nodded. “I do. I really do.”

“So, what do we do now?” He grinned playfully.

“Now, we do anything we want.” I laughed.

“Anything?” Alex rested a hand on my thigh.

“Absolutely anything.” My cheeks hurt from trying not to smile. I felt like I could jump out of my skin. I hadn’t had much to be excited about lately. I was at peace. I was calm, but I have few surprises.

“Then let’s go to dinner. I’ll go home and get ready. I’ll pick you up. Anywhere you want.” He ran his hand up and down my thigh.

“You sure you want to go out? I thought we could stay in.” I tried to hide the disappointment. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in public with him. This wasn’t going like I expected at all.

“Oh, we’re going out. Just because you don’t want this to be forever doesn’t mean it can’t be special.” Alex stood, held out a hand, and helped me to my feet. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” He kissed me tenderly on the lips. “See you then.”