Alex turned towards her, and placed her head on Maria's shoulder. "Thank you, Mamma. I'm lucky. They're good people."
Maria placed a kiss on her forehead and said, "They're lucky to know you, darling. You're good people, too." With a tender pat on her knee, she stood and excused herself for the evening.
Nikki took advantage of the recently vacated spot, and sat beside Alex. "Still feeling the need to hide things from us, or do you not realize you are doing it?" At her inquiring expression she elaborated with, "The conversations in Italian."
"Sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it anymore. I no longer have to think about it, I think in Italian as well as English now. Sometimes I do it because there are some things that I'm just not ready for you to know, mia cara." She reached down and entwined her fingers with Nikki's as she turned to listen to Dani.
Dani tried to give her sister and Alex some semblance of privacy by turning her attention to Rachel. Deep in conversation with her wife, she failed to notice when their conversation ended. "By the way, I meant to tell you earlier, you're going to have to get me a different birthday present after all. I received a notification that the book I wanted has been delayed. It looks like you'll have to go shopping."
Alex smiled as Rachel's shoulders sank. "I'd be happy to accompany you, Ray." She couldn't help but chuckle at her grateful smile. "You wanted a book for your birthday? Seriously?"
Dani saw her holding hands with Nikki and replied with a smile. "Not just any book. It's the next in the Darcy McCloud series. I've been waiting months for this book. It is by one of my all-time favorite authors."
Alex was quite startled to hear Dani talking about her latest book in such a fashion. She knew that people of all types purchased her books, but never thought that Dani would be one of them. She fought hard to suppress the smile that threatened. "I see, well in that case, I'm sorry to hear you won't be able to get it for your birthday."
"I'll live. Besides, now Rachel will actually have to go shopping for me, and I'll end up with two presents." She grinned. "It really is a win-win for me."
Chapter Seven
Early Saturday morning Alex slowly opened her eyes and looked around the room, unsure of what woke her. Seconds later she heard a knock at the door, and a voice call out her name. "Come in." She watched as the door swung open and Nikki walked in carrying a tray.
"Good morning. Since you didn't come down for breakfast, I thought I'd bring breakfast to you." She walked in and set the tray on the side of the bed, and then pulled the cord to open the curtains, allowing the morning sunlight to fill the room. "I'm sorry I woke you, but Rachel will be here in just under two hours. I was hoping to spend a little time with you before you went shopping." She walked over and sat on the end of the bed as Alex sat up and pulled the tray closer. "What time did you go to bed?"
Alex looked up at her guiltily. "About one this morning."
"You need to take better care of yourself than that. Your body is still healing."
Alex took another bite of her breakfast as she thought about her comment. It had been so long since anyone other than Maria had cared enough to worry about her. "Are you worried about me, mia cara?"
"Just a little. I am a doctor after all. It wouldn't do to have you hurt again on my watch." Alex quietly picked up her fork and continued eating. She took a deep breath and said, "But more than that, I don't like the thought of you hurting. I like you, Alex. At the very least, you're my best friend."
Alex watched as she struggled to say what was on her mind. "Is that what you want from me, Nikki?" She held her breath as she waited for the answer.
"I know you've been hurt, Alex, and you're afraid of being hurt again. That makes me nervous to push for more. I'm afraid I'll just push you away. I told you weeks ago that I am attracted to you, and that I'd wait for you. Nothing has changed except the fact that we are now friends. I don't want to lose your friendship. I value it too much."
"Are you willing to settle for friendship, Nikki?" Alex watched as sadness settled over her, and felt hope that the feelings she had might be returned.
"If that's all you're able to give me, then that is what I'll take." She took the tray and turned for the door.
"Would you please set that down and help me up?" Nikki placed the tray on the dresser and returned to the bed where she held her hands out. Alex grabbed both of her hands, but instead of allowing her to pull her from the bed, she pulled Nikki down on top of her. As she wrapped her arms around her, she whispered, "It's a good thing I want more than just friendship from you isn't it?" She loved the feel of Nikki's body pressed against hers. She knew she still wasn't ready to start a physical relationship with her, but knew it wouldn't be long. She could tell she was beginning to trust Nikki and the feelings she felt for her.
Nikki groaned as she felt Alex press closer. She propped up on her elbows, and pushed her pelvis against Alex's. She saw the desire in her eyes but held herself back, knowing she wasn't quite ready. "It's a very good thing. Knowing that gives me the strength to continue waiting." She searched her eyes for the truth as she asked, "Can I kiss you?"
"Please."
Several minutes later they parted, breathless. Nikki rolled over and fell back against the bed. "You'd better go get
