Read Online Then Came Alexandra (Southern Love #1) by E. L. Todd - Free Book Online

beautiful color stand out. She’d seen guys with blue eyes before but his were different. They had an unusual shine to them, a brilliance that couldn’t be compared to anything else. Her mouth suddenly became dry despite all the beer she drank. Her heart felt like it would give out from beating so fast. The tightness in her stomach left her winded. Blaise made her feel nervous and calm at the same time. She waited for him to ask her out, to take her out to dinner or to a movie. She thought she didn’t want to be asked out by anyone, but she felt immediately drawn to Blaise like a fire in winter. She was excited to see him every morning, but she wanted to see him outside the workplace, something intimate and personal. Alexandra wanted to know more about him. She wanted to know everything. She waited for him to say something but he never did.
    “It was nice seeing you.” He left the bar and returned to his friends, sitting in the booth like nothing was different. She watched him for a moment, suddenly feeling cold and empty.
     

10
    When Alexandra came home for dinner, she brought an ice pack and a heated one for her aunt.
    “Why do I need both?” she asked.
    “The heat will increase blood flow and loosen the tight muscles around your back. The cold one will vasoconstrict your veins and decrease swelling and pain. You should only have them on for twenty minutes at a time for maximum effect.”
    Her aunt stared at her. “Well, at least you’re putting that nursing degree to use.”
    Alexandra ignored the insult and put the food on the table.
    “Wow. This looks really good,” Martha said.
    “Why are you so surprised?” Alexandra said as she took a bite of the chicken.
    “The first time you cooked, you set off all my smoke detectors.”
    Alexandra laughed. “I was twelve, okay?”
    “It’s impossible to burn popcorn. I don’t know how you managed.”
    “Well, your microwave is so ancient, all the numbers are rubbed off. I couldn’t tell what button I was pushing.”
    Martha smiled. “I’ll give you that.”
    “Why don’t you buy another? They are pretty cheap now.”
    “Mike bought it as an anniversary gift.” She cut into her green beans.
    Alexandra averted her gaze and ate her corn.
    “So, you like working with Blaise?” Her eyes were downcast as she spoke.
    Alexandra felt her heart rise in her throat at just the sound of his name. “He’s a good guy. He knows what he’s doing.”
    “I’m glad you like him. He’s the son I never had.”
    She nodded. “He said he would keep teaching me so I can help you.”
    Martha finally looked at her. “I already said no. Alex, you didn’t come out here to be a farm hand.”
    “No, but you need help.”
    “I don’t want that for you. You clearly don’t know what you’re doing, and I’m not going to let you steer in this direction. Stay in school and focus on that.”
    Alexandra rolled her eyes. “I didn’t say I was going to drop out and take over your business. I know this is just temporary.”
    “I appreciate your help. You’re a really sweet girl. I just don’t want you to get stuck.”
    “I’m not.” The room fell silent as they ate. “I got a job at the hospital.”
    She breathed a sigh of relief. “So you’re going back to nursing? Thank god.”
    “Uh, no. It’s a tech job.”
    “They didn’t have any nursing positions?”
    “Well, yeah, but…I didn’t want them.”
    Her aunt eyed her, giving her a stern look. “I’ve been very patient with you, Alex. Now will you tell me what’s going on?”
    “Nothing,” she said quickly.
    “Please don’t disrespect me with a lie.”
    Alexandra looked down at her plate.
    “Look at me.”
    She met her gaze.
    “I’m worried.”
    “Don’t be,” she said gently. “I’m just choosing a different path.”
    “And what was wrong with the other one? Did something happen at work?”
    “No.”
    “You only worked as a nurse for a year before you left the profession. Isn’t that a