The Arrangement .(34)

Their daughter, Lucélia, was born in Brazil, where Leonardo was successfully spearheading the launch of Radiant Communications into the Latin American market. In a couple of years, they planned to return to the United States once the business was established.

As Radiant Communications flourished, so did Second Chance Closet.

There was now a smaller store in DeKalb County, and the larger one in Atlanta had grown by taking over empty retail space next to it. Additional staff was hired and more volunteers recruited to help Edna, who became the general manager and oversaw the running of both stores. She and Alexa held weekly meetings via Skype and communicated via e-mail.

Alexa set a glass of caipirinha on the table next to Leo. She was proud that she had become an expert at fixing Brazil’s national drink just the way Leonardo liked it. However, she was unable to indulge herself at this time, settling for a glass of the Brazilian soda guaraná, since they’d gotten the good news just days before that she was pregnant again.

Alexa cleared her throat loudly, settling a hand on her hip. It was a few minutes after seven. Business was cutting into her time.

Leonardo’s appreciative gaze ran over her shapely figure in the sarong and bikini top. Smiling, he spoke rapidly, then hung up with a brisk “Ciao.”

“Come here,” he said, setting her glass next to his on the table.

Gladly, Alexa sat on his lap, draping her arms around his neck.

“Where is Lucélia?” he asked.

“Downstairs with your mother, taking a nap.”

“Hmm … interesting.” He ran his warm palm down her back. Her body’s instantaneous reaction was to heat up. “Have I told you I love you today?”

“No, you haven’t,” Alexa said saucily, cocking her ear toward him.

“Eu te amo, meu amor,” he whispered hotly. He then plucked at the fleshy lobe of her ear with his lips.

“Leo, behave,” she said halfheartedly as heat began to pool between her legs.

“I can’t,” he said, nuzzling her neck. “Your brother and his family will be here tomorrow, and they’re staying for a couple of weeks. Including my mother, that’s three other adults and a total of five children. I have a feeling our sex life won’t be the same for a while, so I’m getting all I can now.”

“In that case …” Alexa stood up. His pupils dilated when he saw her reach behind her back and undo her top. “Come get me.”

She tossed the bikini in his face, but before she could get away, he was already on his feet. He swept her up in his arms to her squeals of delight.

“I always do.”

Then Leonardo strode into the house with Alexa in his arms.

The End