by K, S
“I really don’t have a choice, do I?” Alexis grinned. With them being a part of senior management, it was an unspoken requirement that they attend. “And I’m sure Michael will enjoy the fun and fireworks. It’s being held at Jim’s home, isn’t it?” Jim Wagner was the CEO of the company and threw the event on the grounds of his enormous mansion every year. “What time do you plan on being there?”
“Around nine o’clock, I guess. Michael will have a blast playing with the other kids who will be there. He's ten years old, isn't he?"
Alexis hesitated. “Almost.” She quickly changed the subject. “It’s been so hot lately, hasn’t it?”
“Yes girl, hotter than usual. It’s definitely an official heat wave. But don’t worry, Jim has this huge tent set up and some way he has air installed, so it’ll be nice and pleasant. The kids have water slides, kiddy pools and other activities to keep them cool while they enjoy themselves.”
Sharon bit her lip, then addressed the elephant in the room. “Lex. Amir has been asking about you. He told me about you two. He feels really bad -”
“Sharon, please. I don’t want to talk about it. It’s in the past, and I think it's best if we left it there where it belongs.” She gave Sharon a sharp, probing look. “You haven’t discussed me with him, have you?”
“No. I told you I wouldn’t. It’s just that he’s not usually this interested in a woman. I was just wondering if maybe there was more to his feelings than you think.”
“Amir Montgomery doesn't have 'feelings' for women, and his brain is located between his legs." Alexis gave Sharon a direct look. “I know you and your husband have known him for a long time, and I don’t want to cause any tension. If you think the two of us being friends is going to be a problem, then…”
“Alexis, stop. I already told you. You and Amir never even have to cross paths again if you don’t want to see him. Don’t give it a second thought.”
Sharon crossed her fingers underneath the table. What she didn’t tell Alexis was that Amir would be at the picnic. Amir had sold the mansion to Jim Wagner about three years ago. As with most men, when it came to Amir, Jim developed an easy camaraderie with him. They hit it off and stayed in touch with each other; Jim made it a point to invite Amir to the event every year. Sharon knew Amir and Alexis were bound to come in contact, but it was out of her hands. She probably should warn Alexis about the holiday celebration, but technically, she hadn’t really talked to Amir to find out if he was coming, so she saw no need to upset her over something that might not even happen.
In the back of her mind, she hoped firecrackers were the only fireworks that flared up and popped off tomorrow.
Amir pulled up to Jim’s mansion and found a spot among the many cars already there. As always, Jim called Amir personally to make sure he was coming to the celebration, which of course he was. He made important contacts there that would’ve been too valuable to pass up anyway, but this year, Amir had an entirely different reason for going. Alexis would be there. She wouldn’t be happy to see him, but he knew she wouldn’t cause a scene at her boss’ home in front of her co-workers either. One way or the other, he planned to make her talk to him.
He walked up the path that would take him to the festivities on the grounds in the back. His cream colored linen pants and tan shirt hung on his tall athletic frame, giving him a sexy, flattering vibe that he carried effortlessly. Female heads turned in admiration as he passed, but Amir didn’t notice. He was so used to the attention his looks generated that he barely gave it a second thought anymore.
He looked around the property, again admiring its landscaped grounds. Jim’s wife had only seen it once and fallen in love with it. It was huge, almost three times the size of the one he’d sold to Tom and Vanessa. He stopped along the way to make pleasantries and shake hands with people he knew.
“Amir!”
Hearing Soul call his name, Amir scanned the area until he saw Soul standing by the kiddy pool watching his daughter. From the dampness of his clothes, he may as well have put on a pair of swim trunks, but he was grinning from ear to ear. Amir excused himself and walked over to join him.
“Wassup?” he greeted Soul.
After bumping fists, he squatted down to kiss his goddaughter on the cheek. He stepped back just in time as she slapped her hands in the water to try and get him as wet as her father. He playfully sent her a menacing scowl. Destiny looked up at him with a cherubic expression innocent enough to rival an angel's. However, she ruined the effect by slyly smiling when she saw his shirt was a little damp.
Amir laughed at her expression. “Soul, you are definitely gonna have trouble with her when she becomes a teenager.”
They made small talk for a while before Amir casually asked, “Have you seen Alexis?” He was glad he had his shades on so that Soul couldn’t see how anxious he was for the answer.
“Yeah, she just went back inside the tent with Sharon. I don’t think she knows you’re coming.”
Amir said nothing, just smiled. Good. He was hoping Sharon hadn’t mentioned it. He knew that was her way of still trying her hand at getting them together.
“I think I’ll go in and speak to Sharon. You coming?” he asked Soul.
His friend gave him a knowing look. “Mir, stop bullsh…” He caught himself just in time. Destiny was staring up at him with her mouth open wide, soaking in every word. After she had taken a few choice curse words to kindergarten, Sharon had made him promise to stop swearing so much because their daughter was at an age where she repeated everything.
Soul cleared his throat. “Stop trying to pull the wool over my eyes.” He ignored Amir’s raised eyebrow and smirk.
“What am I doing? I'm just going to speak to Sharon…and anyone else who happens to be inside.”
Soul gave him another disbelieving look. He reached down to scoop Destiny up and threw an oversized towel around her.
“Whatever. Come on.”
Amir laughed as they started in the direction of the tent. Halfway there, they passed a group of boys playing football in the distance. Amir had coached more than a few youth teams, but the last few years, he’d gotten so busy he hadn’t been able to. He missed it. He enjoyed molding the kids and teaching them the ends and outs of the game.
As he continued to watch them, a young boy caught his eye when he suddenly jumped up snatched the football out of the air for an interception. He took off running with the speed of someone twice his size. The others tried to catch him, but they couldn’t even come close. Amir laughed when the boy looked behind him with a taunting grin.
Soul noticed Amir laughing and followed his eyes to see what had caught his attention. When he saw what was going on, he grinned. “He’s good, isn’t he?”
“Good isn’t the word. He’s a little star in the making.” Amir paused and watched li’l man run past the “touchdown” line. He laughed out loud again as the boy did a little victory swagger then spiked the football and raised his hands up in the air.
“Yeah, That’s Alexis’-”
“Amir! Hello! I see you made it.”
Amir turned around as Jim caught up with them and patted him on the back. “Hey, Jim, how are you? Great celebration as always.”
Jim blew off the compliment and walked towards the tent with them. “When are you two going to join me on the golf course again? As a matter of fact, there‘s a tournament coming up in a couple of weeks. Sharon said she mentioned it to you, Marvin.” Amir hid a grin at Soul's grimace. He hated his given name, and hardly anyone called him Marvin.
The three men continued walking and making plans to sign up for the tournament. As they entered the tent, Amir casually glanced around, tensing when he saw Alexis sitting at a table with Sharon and several other women. His pulse sped up when she joined in the laughter. She was so gorgeous. She fit right in with her surroundings, dressed in the traditional red, white and blue.
He admired her thick, smooth legs left bare where her jean shorts ended. As they got clo
ser, he saw her sandaled feet showcased manicured toenails that had the flag painted on them. Amir imagined his fingers moving up underneath the edge of her shorts and rediscovering what he had been the first man to have. He ran a hand over his mouth, trying to get control of himself. The linens pants would do little to hide his arousal if he wasn’t careful.
When they got to the table, Sharon looked up and saw him. The smile dropped from her face for an instant when she glanced at Alexis, who hadn’t notice him yet. In a loud voice, she announced Amir's presence. “Look who’s here. Amir, I didn’t know you were coming.”
Amir raised an eyebrow and shook his head at how fake and unconvincing she sounded. Sharon had never been a good liar. The smirk on his face fell away and he frowned when he noticed Alexis turn around quickly and give him a look that bordered on fright. He didn’t understand the reactions she had towards him. At the party, she’d been so furious and hostile, and then she’d told Sharon in no uncertain terms that she wanted nothing to do with him. Now she was looking at him as if he was a mass murderer or something. He knew he’d been an asshole all those years ago, but he’d done nothing to warrant the way she was acting.
Amir leaned down to kiss Sharon on the cheek. When he straightened, Alexis avoided his gaze and nervously took several gulps of water.
“Alexis. How are you.”
“Fine.” Still not looking directly at him, her eyes settled on a spot over his shoulder.
“Sharon, I don’t know why you’re so surprised. Amir comes to this get together every year,” Jim laughed.
Alexis turned accusing eyes towards Sharon, who shot her an apologetic look. She opened her mouth to speak, but Alexis quickly stood up. She glanced towards the opening of the tent as if searching for someone. “I have to go.”
“Nonsense, Alexis. You just got here. Believe me, you’re not going to want to miss the fireworks extravaganza. It’s the best part of the evening. Tell her Amir,” Jim said with a grin before turning around to greet other employees.
Amir’s attention never wavered from Alexis. “Is everything okay, Lex?”
Her eyes narrowed. “My name is Alexis. And I’m fine.”
Amir’s jaw tightened. Her attitude was beginning to piss him off big time. He could be the mildest mannered, fun loving person you ever wanted to meet, but he was also known for his temper if he was rubbed the wrong way. Alexis was about a second away from making him lose it.
“We need to talk.” This was ridiculous. It was inevitable that they would run into each other from time to time. They needed to clear the air once and for all.
“No…we don’t,” Alexis said through gritted teeth. She gaze darted towards the tent opening again. All of a sudden her expression became stiff and filled with terror.
Amir narrowed his eyes. “Lexie…Alexis,” he corrected himself.
“I…I h-have to g-go.” But the second she took a step, a blur of arms and legs came barreling toward her.
“Mom! Mom! You should’ve seen me. I made three touchdowns and intercepted the ball every time the other team threw it.”
Alexis remained motionless. This was the moment she'd always dreaded and tried not to think about. She felt as if she were having an out of body experience and was looking down at the drama that was about to unfold.
“Mom!! Did you hear me??”
“I…I heard you honey.” The words came out a strained whisper. She didn’t dare look at Amir. “Honey, we have to leave.”
“Awww, Mom! I’m not ready to go. Can we stay? Pleeaasse?” Michael inflected a wheedling tone in his voice which usually let him get his way.
Amir reached up and slowly pulled his sunshades off and stared at Michael. He recognized him as being the little boy outplaying the other kids outside.
“Alexis…” His lips barely parted as he breathed her name.
“Michael, you heard what I said!” Fear gave Alexis’ voice a sharp edge.
Michael looked down at the ground, tears forming and rolling down his face. Alexis instantly regretted her tone with her son, but she had to get him away from there. Before she could get to Michael, Amir stepped around her, his eyes glued to the little boy’s face. He squatted down in front of him then reached out a trembling hand to wipe away Michael's tears.
“It’s okay, champ. Your mother is going to let you stay.” Although his tone was deceptively soft, Alexis heard the undertone of steel in his voice and she knew it was directed towards her.
“No, I won’t. You have no right to tell my son…” Alexis gasped when Amir spun around to look at her. She shivered at the expression on his face. Without even realizing it, she took a step back in order to put some distance between herself and the hostility flaring in his eyes.
“Your son?!” He didn’t raise his voice, but the way he said it caused Alexis to lower her gaze.
He knew.
Chapter 9
“Mom? Can we stay? Please Mommy?” Michael turned eyes which were the exact replica of Amir's towards her and pleaded.
Seeing father and son side by side looking up at Alexis, the truth hit Sharon and Soul like a sledgehammer.
“Oh my God,” Sharon whispered.
Alexis couldn’t meet any of their shocked faces.
“Honey, come on. Let Aunt Sharon take you back out to play." Sharon paused to look at Alexis for permission. When Alexis nodded her consent, Sharon led Michael away from the confrontation that was surely getting ready to pop off between his parents. Soul briefly placed his hand on Amir's shoulder before following his wife.
Amir slowly stood up, watching his son run outside again, his good mood restored. He ran a shaky hand over his face.
His son…
There was no way Alexis could even attempt to deny the obvious. Michael was a miniature version of him. When Amir turned towards her, she peered up at him from beneath her lashes. Fury wasn’t the word to describe what she saw.
He grabbed her arm and wordlessly pulled her out of the tent in the direction of the house. Alexis tried to put up a token form of resistance.
“What are you doing? Let me go before I…”
Amir stopped dead in his tracks, causing her to almost stumble and fall. He put his face within an inch of hers and glared at her with his eyes full of blazing fire.
“Before you what? Hm? Please. Tell me.”
Alexis jerked her head back and clamped her mouth shut. Amir waited another moment to see if she had anything else to say. When she defiantly met his eyes but stayed quiet, he straightened up and resumed stalking to the house with her in tow. Alexis had to take two steps for every one of his in order to keep up with him. She feared it was either that or risk being dragged behind him like a dog on a leash.
As Amir reached the side entrance of the French doors of the main house, he opened them and pulled her inside.
“You can’t just barge into someone’s house like this, Amir.” Alexis tried to dig her heels in but Amir continued as if she hadn’t spoken. As they crossed the foyer, an aristocratic voice called out to them.
“Amir?”
Amir hesitated then turned towards the woman. His face instantly transformed from barely concealed anger to cultured charm. “Suzanne. How are you?”
Still keeping a firm grasp on Alexis' arm, he went over to the attractive, middle aged blond woman. Alexis' eyes widened when she heard Amir call her by name. Suzanne? As in Suzanne Wagner…her boss’ wife??
Alexis studied the older woman. Although she was dressed casually, her clothes were obviously expensive, and picnic or not, diamonds dripped from her neck, ears, and almost every finger on her hand.
“I’m fine, dear, how are you?” She turned her cheek upwards for the expected peck from Amir.
“I’m doing fine. It’s so good to see you. You’re looking as beautiful as ever.”
Alexis' head jerked up to stare at Amir, trying to keep the shock from showing on her face. Who knew he was such a good actor? One minute he looked like he was ready to dig her gr
ave, and the next, he had Suzanne blushing like a schoolgirl.
“Why, thank you, Amir. I should be upset with you, though. Why didn’t you show up at my last dinner party? And don’t say you didn’t get the invitation, because I know you did.”
Alexis stopped herself from rolling her eyes just in time. Apparently there was no age limit to the women he could charm the panties off of. Without realizing it, she must have made a small disgusted noise because both Amir and Suzanne turned to look at her.
Amir glared at her then reluctantly performed the introductions. “Suzanne, have you met Alexis...” He paused. It just occurred to him that he didn’t even know her last name.
This time Alexis did roll her eyes at him, and took the opportunity to subtly pull free of the tight grip he had on her arm. She rubbed it vigorously, trying to get the circulation flowing again as she gave him a glare of her own before turning to Suzanne and offering her hand.
“Mrs. Wagner, hello. My name is Alexis Duvall. It’s so nice to finally get a chance to meet you.”
“Oh. Alexis. I’ve heard so much about you. My husband sings your praises frequently. I was going to make it a point to meet you today.” Suzanne folded Alexis’ hand into both of hers. “Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?”
Alexis hesitated as she gave Amir a sidelong glance, and then said, “Yes I am. Thank you.”
“Good, good,” Suzanne said with a smile on her face.
Out of the corner of her eye, Alexis saw Amir opening his mouth, no doubt to excuse both of them, so she beat him to the punch. “Uh, were you going outside, Mrs. Wagner?”
“Oh, please, no need to be so formal. Call me Suzanne, please.”
Alexis returned her smile and moved to the woman's side lightly touching her arm.
“Thank you. Suzanne. If, um, you're on your way to the celebration, I’ll go with you.” Ignoring Amir's frown of displeasure, Alexis slowly walked with Suzanne in the direction of the door. “This is a lovely house.”
“Excuse me," Amir interrupted. "Suzanne, do you mind if Alexis and I use your library for a moment?” Amir grabbed Alexis’ hand and squeezed. “There’s something I want to discuss with her.”
