Part II: ALEX

Chapter 14: Moving In

I still dream about him. My dad, my rock, the last person to leave me; I still feel out of sorts without him. I was glad the Rodriguez's had taken me in, for many, many reasons.

In so little time I'd been introduced to so many elegant people and places, I felt like I'd entered a whole other planet. Then there's Jose' I'd never trusted someone so quickly, never had I felt so close, and never had I experienced lust … ever. All of these experiences, however great made me feel guilty and hollow at times.

I should be in mourning not lusting. It was confusing to me that my mind was set on doing both. I took a deep breath as I sat in the passenger seat of Jose's SUV, it was really nice. It had crème interior and jet black exterior, with black and chrome rims. I felt giddy and guilty at the same time. I sighed and brought my left hand to my mouth. I paused before clenching my thumbnail between my teeth.

I hadn't realized how often the bite my nails until Jose's pointed it out. I glanced at him and he was peaking at me. I quickly put my hand down.

"I already saw you," he teased. He turned off onto an exit. "We're almost there a few more minutes and we'll be home. You nervous?"

"Yeah," I breathed. "Thank you for taking me in." Jose' scoffed but didn't say anything until he'd reached a stoplight.

"We're past that Al, way past that." We turned left an in two minutes pulled up in front of very large apartment building. "This is VISPA suites, I have … I mean we have a loft." He cut off the vehicle and turned toward me with a very serious look on his face. "Alexandria, I'm nervous too, it's been a long, long, time since I've had this feeling about anyone, and for it to be you … I don't know what we're doing or where we're going I feel like I'm driving blind."

"Aww suggie, I love ya too!" I giggled as I pinched his cheek before opening the truck door and hopping out of the truck. He followed me out and grabbed my arm and gently pulled me to a stop.

"Ally, I'm trying," he started to speak and his voice cracked and then he looked down at me. He seemed to lose all his words, his stare unarmed me, and caused me to fidget. He smoothed his thumb over my cheek and leaned into his touch.

"Jose', I'm on uncharted water here too, we should drift aimlessly for a while, and just enjoy each other." I smiled at his oddly contorted expression. I lifted to my tip toes and kissed him briefly. He smirked and kissed me again.

"Come on, let me show you in." I'll come back for the luggage later." He took my hand and practically pulled me from the sidewalk, into the lobby, and into the elevator. I watched as the gate lowered band he pressed the top button. I tapped my thighs nervously as we rode up to his loft. The elevator came to an abrupt and noisy stop. The gate rose and we walked down a short hall until we approach black double doors. "This is it, no turning back now," he murmured as he opened the door. I wasn't sure if he was talking to me or himself. He hit a switch and his modern loft came to life, and roared at us in numerous voices. "SURPRISE!"

"Shit!" Jose' exclaimed. A woman cut through the crowd and threw herself into his arms. I most definitely wasn't expecting this. I was hoping for a brief tour of the place and some quiet time and possibly a little making out. Now I'm watching this person throw herself in his arms.

"Welcome back babe, you surprised?" She beamed as she waited still in his arms for his arms for his response. I did notice that Jose' had let go of my hand to collect the woman's slender frame in his arms. I took a good long look at that guy that considered himself my novio and the woman in his arms. The artsy woman with short black pixie black hair and bright blue eyes seemed to be really comfortable with is touch … more comfortable than I was.

"Uh, Gloria, I told you where my emergency keys were in case of emergency. You know I hate surprises and things like this. Why are all these people in my house," he whispered as he as he made a feeble attempt to create distance from the woman. He gave me a wary glance and I tried for indifference but most people told me that I wore my emotions on my sleeve.

"It's a surprise party babe; I thought you'd like seeing how much we all missed you!" She pulled him a little further into the apartment yet kept him to herself. "Oh, is this the little girl that was left to your father? Oh Jose' she's an adorable little thing!" I snorted, this Gloria was truly a character, and I had a strong feeling that she didn't want me here. She was obviously staking her claim and I wasn't the type to fight, the chick could do what she wanted … Jose' could too. "So what's your name little girl?" I clenched my teeth. Now, I was sure that she was trying to geode me. Indifference was my only key to diffusing her anger and my own.

"I'm Alexandria Fuentes," I introduced myself as dryly as possible. "And you are?

"I'm Gloria Maxwell; some of Jose's colleagues refer to me as his right hand woman." I had to fight against my urge to roll my eyes.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled to put on the proper airs, and patiently waited for this woman to fade into the crowd.

"You too sweetie! Oh, Jo, there's some new up and comings that I want you to meet!" She pulled Jose's along behind her and left me at the door in the dust. I took a moment to look at all the unfamiliar faces. Some of them returned my stares, there were whispering and my paranoia kicked in. I decided this was the best time to take my bag up the twisted stairs in the middle of the living room. I quietly maneuvered myself out of sight. I had enough common sense to figure out which room was supposed to belong to me. Jose's guestroom was now to be my room, it was filled with a neutral beiges and creams it was really boring considering his occupation.

The one thing I was immediately drawn to were the pictures on the walls. In a long silver frame above the vanity mirror was the most beautiful picture of a night sky full of stars I'd ever seen. "Bonita," I whispered. I wished that he had placed the picture a bit lower so I could reach out and touch the stars.

"I see you found your room?" Jose' was watching me from the door frame. "And you abandoned me with all those people." He crossed his arms like he was upset but I could tell he was joking.

"They were all here to see you, Jo, not me." I glanced at him. I was annoyed with him; he hadn't even tried to include me in Gloria's little introductions. He just left me.

"But the only one I want to see or engage with is you, silly chica." He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. "How long do you think we can stay up here and go unnoticed?"

"Not very long that Gloria … she keeps dibs on you. I could probably stay up here all night."

"And look at the stars?" He chuckled and kissed my neck. "You know I think your pictures came out better than this one." I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"Or I could just sleep. I am pretty tired." I shrugged. He turned me in his arms so that I was facing him.

"You okay Al?" He studied me for a second; I nodded instead of verbally lying to him. I felt jealous, rage, and a few minutes ago I felt abandoned.

"Join me downstairs, so I can have at least one intelligent person to talk to?" He stepped back and offered me his hand. Even though I wanted to hesitate I couldn't. He had come to look for me and found me. Once more he wants me and no one else, I placed my hand in his and he pulled me to him.

"That's more like it!" He kissed my forehead before leading us back downstairs.

Author's Note: Hello all! Part two begins. It's in Alex's POV tell me which POV you like best. I found it easier for me to right from this angle. More juicy drama to come! I did speed up time a little bit. Now that there aren't so many voices to eyes on Alex and Jose' their antics will become a bit saucier. You have been warned.

As always PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, read and review. (No flames.)