Christmas In The Cove

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Aubrey’s pulse took off at a crazy flutter as the men strolled toward their table.

“Hey, ladies,” Alex said, stopping in front of them. He removed a baseball cap to reveal his thick, brown thatch of unruly hair. It was the one thing about him that hadn’t changed over the years. Unlike his once-stocky frame of muscle, which was rapidly softening toward plump. Of course, that was no surprise what with the atrocious eating habits Aubrey was constantly harping on him about.

He gestured happily at Eli. “Look who I ran into? Didn’t think you’d mind if I asked him to join us.”

Nina was already on her feet, moving toward him for a hug. “Of course we don’t mind. Eli, hi! Alex told me you were back. It’s been ages.”

Nina was right; the years had been ridiculously kind to him. She’d always thought his sculpted and flawless features were unfairly beautiful. A thin white scar was now etched below his bottom lip and his olive-toned skin was a bit weathered from so much time outdoors. Soft lines were making a home around his eyes. The combination made him look less...perfect. And even more appealing, if that were possible.

Alex slid across the booth from her while Nina and Eli chatted. Her sisters had always adored Eli. Three years older than Aubrey, Nina had been away at college by the time Aubrey and Eli’s romance began. Aubrey had never told her about it. Camile, being four years younger than Aubrey, had also been clueless. But then again, no one had noticed.

They’d always been friends so it wasn’t unusual for the two of them to spend time together. They’d been very aware that if her parents, especially her father, knew their friendship had blossomed into more, restrictions would be placed on their time together. They had planned to reveal the status of their relationship at the end of summer, when it was time for Eli to leave for the Coast Guard Academy.

But they didn’t make it that long. Aubrey had never shared her heartbreak with anyone, not even her sisters. She’d suffered silently and persevered, focusing on swimming, school and her own career goals. The distance between them had been the perfect cover for their waning friendship.

Nina resumed her spot next to Alex. Eli slid in beside her. Why hadn’t she thought to scoot over first? Because now his muscled thigh was pressing against hers and burning her skin. She felt a flush creeping up her neck and hoped no one would notice.

After another few moments of small talk, Nina flashed her a grin. “Let’s ask Alex his opinion.”

She shot her sister a wry look. They both knew very well he would support whatever Nina decided to do. He held himself partially responsible for Nina’s disastrous marriage. He’d been the one to introduce her to Doug.

“Alex, you like pie, right?”

His eyes widened in surprise, as if she’d asked him if he liked to breathe. “Do I like pie? Remember how I used to have birthday pie instead of cake at my parties when I was a kid?”

“That’s right!” Nina exclaimed. “I do remember that. Geez, your birthday parties were fun. I still remember that magician—the one who made your dad’s plate disappear?”

He belted out a laugh. “I remember that. My mom was worried the guy was going to steal the china. My parties were epic.”

Aubrey had to agree. Alex’s parties had been legendary. The St. Johns would go all-out. Every year there’d been something new to look forward to—pony rides on the beach, a bouncy house or a magician. And Mrs. St. John would put together party bags so every kid would have a gift to take home. She and Eli used to discuss how the gift was always something more expensive than either of them could expect to receive for their own birthdays. One year they’d all gotten hand-held video-game systems.

Alex’s dad, Carlisle, was a gazillionaire who’d only joined the Coast Guard because that’s what the men in his family did—they gave back by serving their country. He’d been unusual in that he’d chosen to remain in the service beyond the requisite years before he’d retired to run his family’s empire. Alex liked to joke that his dad’s extra years entitled him to skip military service altogether. He made up for it by doing volunteer work and serving on the town council, which he loved. Aubrey believed he had political aspirations beyond the local level, although he had yet to confess as much.

“Remember your parents’ Christmas Eve parties?” Nina asked. “Those were like...fairy-tale stuff. Do they still have those?”

Was it her imagination or did Eli tense beside her? And was it for the same reason that she was gripping her fingers together under the table so tightly they hurt? Thirteen Christmas Eves ago, with the scent of evergreen subtly floating on the air and soft Christmas lights twinkling around them, Eli had kissed her for the first time right beside the tree at the St. Johns’ party. That kiss had marked the beginning of their romance.

“When she and Dad aren’t traveling, they do. They’ve been wintering in the south of France for the last few years. They’ll be home this year. I’ll have to ask Mom.”

Nina clapped a hand on the tabletop to indicate a subject change. “Eli, what about you?”

Eli, who had been studying the menu, looked up. “What about me?”

“Do you like pie?”

“Uh, no to pie.”

Aubrey almost laughed at the stricken look on her sister’s face. “What do you mean ‘no’? You don’t like pie?”

He hissed out a breath. “Sorry, no. Too much sugar.”

Alex gave his head a mystified shake.

“You don’t eat sugar?”

“Very little.”

“Not another one?” She rolled her eyes. “Neither does Aubrey.”