(Leigh’s POV)Time flew today.I thanked my busy schedule for forgetting how lonely my heart was without Alex by my side. We met two new clients, the other was one of Emma’s friends, wanting us to plan her baby’s first birthday, and the other was George’s friend, asking us to plan her wedding. Alfie and Elle said we were getting recommendations from them.When we got back in the office, we finalized everything about the birthday party of Wendell’s son for tomorrow afternoon. Alfie suggested taking me home, but I knew he was also tired. With Elle pregnant, we had to lighten her tasks even if she promised us she was okay. Since we were picking up new clients, I was thinking of getting a regular staff who would stay in the office, but I had to talk with Alfie and Elle first.It was already past ten when Callie and I reached home, and as soon as I opened the door of my apartment, I also opened the pet crate. She has been whining since Alfie put her there, but I could not hold her that lon

(Alexander’s POV)The view of the plantation from my office usually relaxes me. I could see the vast agricultural land where we grew macadamia nuts and coffee beans from here. I seldom go here, maybe once every quarter, but when I do, I make sure I spend two weeks here with Zyra. But today, I could not relax. I could not even breathe as I thought and worried about Leigh. As to how many times I sighed, I didn’t know. It has been three days since I left her without saying a proper goodbye. The first day that I couldn’t contact her almost made me nuts. It was bad timing the second day because I spent the whole day in the field, and when I returned, Zyra came. Then yesterday, Leigh’s phone was turned off, which was very unlikely for her not to bother to check her phone messages or emails. When I called Elle, I knew she was lying because I heard Callie barking. Something must have happened, and it was driving me crazy not to be there by her side.I tried calling her again, but it was stil

(Alexander’s POV)Call me crazy, but the sight of Leigh made me alive. I would have come to her last night if not for Carlos, but he stopped me. He told me to prolong his sister’s agony and let her miss me for another day.When I saw her, all I could think of was kissing her. Horses were racing inside my chest when I saw Callie in Royce’s arms, and when he said she was on the front side of the beach, I ignored my in-laws making fun of me and ran to her.Dropping the lotion, I pulled her to me, kissed her lips passionately to let her know how I missed her, and when she kissed me back, I knew she yearned for me, too, but then suddenly, she stopped and pushed me away from her.“You miss me?” She snarled, hammering my chest with her fists. “Tell that to the marine, Alex!” she hisses, taking her clothes, bag, and carrying Callie.Our puppy seemed to enjoy seeing us kissing, but when she heard her angry voice, Callie moved her head, listening to her voice, and then she barked as if continui

(Alexander’s POV)“Tired?” I asked Leigh as we entered her apartment and put Callie down when she wriggled her body as soon as we were inside the apartment.“Not much!” She shook her head and smiled, watching Callie run to the living room. A few seconds later, we heard the squeaking sound of her toy.I placed the key on the top of the dresser, and then I took my cell phone, putting it near the key. “I don’t want anyone disturbing us tonight. I know you’re tired.”“Yeah, you’re right,” she agreed, taking her phone from her pocket and placing it beside my cell phone. She walked to the kitchen. “Want a beer, Alex?”“Sure. I’ll just take a shower. Do you mind if I go in first?” I asked, tilting my head to peek at her from the kitchen. I saw her taking Callie’s bowl and refilling it with clean water.“Yeah,” she answered, casting a brief look at me, after which she turned to our puppy and scolded her about something. I wondered what she took this time. Leigh and I haven’t talked about her

(Leigh’s POV)“Why are we here again?” I asked Alex when he parked the car at the biggest supermarket near my apartment.“We’re shopping,” he said as he unfastened his seatbelt. He went out and opened the back passenger seat to take Callie, then came to me to open my door. “Then, we’ll go to the shopping mall,” he grinned. “We’ll buy more of the nightie you wore last night. I have to replace the one I tore.”My cheeks blushed. “It was George’s gift. You can’t just replace it,” I said, pressing my lips as I got out of the car. I kept it in my closet, a remembrance of our intense lovemaking last night.He raised his eyebrows and stared at me. “What are your friends up to, Leigh? They’re scaring me now?”I smirked, putting on a facemask and taking Callie from him. “Alfie said I should get back to you. Have my revenge,” I said, wishing he could see me grinning.“And how exactly do they think you will do that?” he asked me as we walked toward the supermarket.Heat crept through my face, ma