by Stacy-Deanne
“Okay.” He sighed. “I’ll tell Sam to forget it and we’ll go somewhere else.”
“Thanks.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll tell the valet to bring the Porsche up.” She chuckled. “Whoa.”
“What?”
“That’s something I never thought I’d say.”
“I’ll tell Sam.” Kevin walked off.
Alexis headed for the entrance then stopped when the tall, handsome, older man with the sensual green eyes walked in.
“Ah shit.” She did a quick turn and ran up to Kevin who was speaking with Sam.
“Kevin.” She smiled at Sam. “Excuse us.” She pulled Kevin aside, his Clive Christian 1872 cologne overwhelming her.
“What the hell’s your problem now?” He snatched his arm away. “You told me you wanted to go somewhere else and—”
“I changed my mind.” She patted the neat ball of hair on her head.
“Excuse me? You just raised hell about not wanting to eat here now…”
She turned him around. “Look.”
Half the restaurant staff swarmed around Grant and escorted him to a table on the other end of the restaurant.
“Okay, Grant’s here.” Kevin shrugged. “Now I’m sure you want to leave, so let me tell Sam—”
“No.” She stuck her arm in his, enjoying the aroma of some Italian chicken dish from a nearby table. “Not so fast. Maybe I was a bit hasty.”
The greeter seated Grant at the table in the middle of the restaurant and handed him a menu.
The patrons stared at Grant the way they’d done Alexis, except they looked at Grant with admiration instead of shock.
“I want to stay,” Alexis said.
Kevin grimaced. “Are you high? First, you say you want to leave because this place caters to Grant. Now Grant is here and you’re fine with that?”
“I can’t leave because he’s here.” She fidgeted. “I know he saw me but he doesn’t want me to know he saw me. If I leave now he’ll think he has the upper hand.”
“I don’t believe this.”
“If I leave he’ll think he intimidates me, and no way in hell I’m letting Grant think he intimidates me.” She forced her arm inside Kevin’s. “We’ll stay here and have a fantastic evening.”
“Lexi, have you lost your damn mind?”
Sam walked up. “Mr. Reed, are you staying or not?”
“Yes, we’re staying,” Alexis said before Kevin could answer.
He glared at her.
“That’s wonderful.” Sam smiled, drawing attention to his crow’s feet. “Your table is all ready for—”
“Say, Sam?” Alexis pointed across the restaurant. “How about you hook us up with a table on that side?”
“Lexi.” Kevin gritted his teeth.
“Would being seated over there be okay, Sam?” Alexis batted her eyes and put on the biggest smile.
“For you, anything is possible.” He kissed her hand. “You and Mr. Reed can sit on the roof if you like.”
Alexis faked a laugh.
Sam turned around. “Oh.” He jumped back. “I wasn’t aware that Mr. Copeland was here. Will you be dining with him, Mr. Reed?”
“No we—”
“You know what?” Alexis yanked on Kevin’s arm. “I think eating with Grant would be a great idea. He looks like he’s dining alone.”
“Let’s see if Mr. Copeland would like the company.” Sam headed over.
“This is stupid.” Kevin pinched Alexis’ side.
“Ow.” She jumped and rubbed her hip. “That hurt.”
“Cut it out,” Kevin whispered. “We’re not doing this.”
“The hell we’re not.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because I have to show Grant that I can beat him at his own game.” She smoothed her hands down the sides of her dress. “He thinks he’s going to get one over on me but he’s not.”
Kevin pointed at Grant, who tasted his red wine. “The man is just sipping wine! He probably doesn’t even know you’re in here.”
“That’s what he wants me to think.” She lifted her index finger. “That man never does anything without an ulterior motive.”
“You seriously want to have dinner with Grant?” Kevin gawked at her. “Maybe it’s me who’s crazy.”
Alexis pulled him to Grant’s table.
Chapter Three
“Isn’t this a lovely surprise?” Grant set down his glass of red wine and stood when Kevin and Alexis made it to the table. “You look absolutely radiant, Firecracker.” He kissed Alexis’ hand. “I’ve never seen you so beautiful. That dress looks like it was made for you.”
Try not to throw up, Alexis.
She held his hand longer than she wanted to. “Grant.”
A mist of his cologne, which smelled like various woods and spices, flowed her way.
“What?” That sneaky smirk always seemed to pop on his face when she came around. “You won’t say it’s nice to see me too?” He sat and held his hand out, his gold, Audemars Piguet watch dangling from his narrow wrist. “I’d love nothing more than for you two to join me.”
Kevin held Alexis’ chair for her as she sat down.
He sat beside her, grumbling.
The waiter brought them menus and Grant requested some time to choose their meals.
“Anything you want is yours, Firecracker.” Grant peered at her over the menu. “Money’s no object.”
“What about you leaving town and never coming back?” She winked. “Is that on the menu?”
Grant leaned back and pointed at Kevin. “I asked you before, but are you sure you can handle her?” He snickered.
“I do just fine, Grant.” Kevin’s jaw puffed out. “Also, thank you for offering to pay for our meals but that won’t be necessary.” He put his arm on the back of Alexis’ chair. “Alexis is my date and I can pay for whatever she needs.”
“You know me.” Grant’s mouth curled up on one side. “Whenever you need my help I’m there before you can even ask.”
“And I appreciate that.” Kevin pulled Alexis’ chair closer to him. “But Lexi is probably one of the few things I don’t need your help with.”
Alexis grinned.
Get him, baby. My man has fire.
Kevin touched her cheek. “What would you like?” He glanced at Grant. “Once again, money’s no object.”
“I’m still trying to decide.” She moved her finger down the list of expensive items. “Are my eyes still in my head?” She blinked. “Because if I keep looking at these prices they won’t be.”
“Man.” Grant chuckled while sipping wine. “She’s beautiful, smart, and funny.” He sat back, staring at her. “Just like her mother.”
She set the menu down. “That’s not the only way I’m like my mother.”
“I’m enjoying the view very much.” His gaze traveled to her cleavage.
Kevin cleared his throat and moved his arm from Alexis’ chair. “You know what you want?” He asked her, looking at his menu.
She kept her gaze on Grant.
“I hope you haven’t lost your appetite.” Grant set his glass down. “I know I haven’t. In fact, I didn’t realize how hungry I was until you showed up in that dress.”
“Wow,” Kevin whispered.
Don’t vomit. Don’t vomit. Don’t vomit.
Alexis stroked the back of her neck. “I think I’ll have the shrimp stuffed beef mignon.”
“That sounds delicious,” Kevin said. “I’ll have the same.”
“Me, too.” Grant raised his arm and snapped his fingers.
A waiter dashed from another table and took their orders. He brought over glasses for Kevin and Alexis to share Grant’s wine, kissed Grant’s ass, and then left.
“So.” Grant propped his elbows on the table. “May I ask what you two have planned for this evening?”
“Just this,” Kevin said. “We both have to work in the morning as you know, so we wanted to spend a quick evening together.”
“Are you going back to her place after this?” Grant rubbed his hands. “Or is she going to yours?”
Kevin took a deep breath. “Don’t mean to be rude but that’s not your business, Grant.”
“I know it’s not.” He stared at Alexis again. “I just wanted to know if I should be any more jealous of you than I already am.”
Kevin groaned, balling his hand into a fist.
Alexis pretended not to pick up on his anger. “And why would you be jealous of Kevin?”
“What man wouldn’t be? He gets to spend so much time with you.” Grant picked up his glass. “Will you reconsider my offer to have dinner with me alone, Alexis?”
Kevin cleared his throat. “That’s not happening.”
“Excuse me?” Grant asked.
“Are you really asking my girlfriend to go out with you right in front of me?” Kevin glanced at Alexis. “It’s not happening. I don’t care what the reason is.”
“I am having dinner with you right now, Grant.” She sipped the tart red wine.
“I just wanted a chance for you to know me.”
“And how many times do I have to say that I know you well enough?”
“You know what others have said.” He raised his gray eyebrow. “You can’t judge me by that.”
“I can’t judge you on how you seduced my mother, your best friend’s wife and ruined my parents’ marriage?” She set the glass down. “How because of what you did my mother was branded the ‘Jezebel of Tate Valley’ and you acted like you did nothing wrong? We moved away because she couldn’t deal with how everyone treated her.”
“And I’ll say again that I didn’t do anything to your mother that she didn’t want.” Grant looked her in the eyes. “Yes, she married Stossel but her heart was always with me.”
Alexis clenched her teeth. “You son of a bitch.”
“Lexi, I think we need to leave,” Kevin said.
“I’m not stupid, Grant,” Alexis said. “I know you don’t take me seriously and you probably think I’m just some cute little woman who talks a big game, but you’re wrong.”
“You’re wrong.” He wobbled his head, grinning. “Firecracker, I have the deepest admiration for you. And yes, I do think you’re very cute, too.” He sipped wine, watching her over the rim of his glass. “Talked to Base again lately?”
She slowly swallowed wine.
“I keep telling you I know everything that happens in this town.” Grant waved his finger at her. “You’ve also been talking to Leo Pacheco, haven’t you?”
She could’ve denied it but once Grant asked about something, it meant he already knew.
“Yes, I’ve spoken to Leo.” She smiled. “I’ve spoken to him about Nolan Armstrong’s accident. I’m sure you knew that, too.”
“Lexi—”
“I’m glad.” Grant cut Kevin off.
“You are?” she asked.
“Yes, of course. Nolan was a dear friend and big asset to Copeland Enterprises.” Grant poured more wine into his glass. “I’ve been going over the accident in my head, and I think you’re on to something. Maybe someone is behind it.” He sipped. “I didn’t want to think it wasn’t just an accident, but it’s possible that someone wanted him dead.”
“Oh, we definitely agree on that.” Alexis crossed her legs.
“Tell you what.” He leaned toward. “Why don’t we team up and find out what really happened? With your brilliant detective mind and my connections in this town…the possibilities are endless.” He smirked.
“Tell you what.” She subdued the urge to jump over the table and strangle him. “I’ll think about that and get back to you.”
Chapter Four
“I just can’t believe that bastard.” Alexis yanked off her earrings as Kevin pulled his silver-gray Porsche 911 Carrera S up to her Nantucket beachside home. “Did Grant Copeland really try to play me?” She laughed. “Did that really just happen?”
Kevin parked and took the keys out of the ignition. “You had fun playing your little game with Grant?”
“You have every right to be mad.” She took off her seatbelt and kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry if I let Grant hijack our evening. I’ve been talking about him ever since we left the restaurant.” She kissed his pouty lips. “You took me out for a wonderful dinner, and I have to repay you.” She took his hand and placed it over her breast. “I can think of a way we’d both appreciate.” She got out of the car. “Come on.”
“No, I’ve got to be getting home.”
“What?” She stooped down to the passenger window. “You’re kidding me. You always come in after you bring me home.”
“Not tonight.” He put his hand on the steering wheel. “I’m tired.”
“Well, I wanna fuck,” she demanded.
“Lexi.” He wrapped his fingers around his keys. “You have no idea how mad I am right now. The last thing I wanna do is fuck you.”
She swallowed the hurtful comment. “You’ve been pouting all night like a damn child. At least be man enough to tell me what’s really on your mind.”
“Okay, you want to know?” He got out of the car and marched toward her. “I’m fuckin’ pissed because it seems like you don’t give a damn about anything but Grant and this vendetta of yours.”
“Oh God.” She moaned. “Here we go again.”
“And every time I bring it up, you make me feel like the bad guy, Lexi.”
“What’s wrong?” She took his hand. “I know you didn’t want to eat with Grant and I sure as hell didn’t. I did that to see what the hell he’s up to.”
Kevin took his hand from hers and rubbed his face. “I’m getting a feeling that I don’t like, Lexi.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” She held her waist.
“I’m your boyfriend.” He glared at her.
“Yeah and—”
“Remember when we were kids? We promised to trust each and be honest with each other, didn’t we?”
“Kevin—”
“I need an honest answer for what I’m about to ask.” He pointed to her. “No bullshit, Lexi. Grant’s attracted to you.”
“Ugh.” She touched her stomach. “You want to wear that beef mignon I just ate?”
“I’m serious. He’s attracted to you because you remind him of Elizabeth. He loved your mother more than anything.”
“I don’t care if he’s got a hard-on for me, Kevin.” She almost threw up saying the words. “He’s repulsive and old enough to be my father, and he tore apart my family. I will never feel anything for Grant but hate.”
He swayed, clasping his hands in front of him. “Are you attracted to him?”
“Oh!” She put her hand over her mouth. “Here it comes.” She bent down. “You better stand back.”
He grabbed her arm. “I’m serious.”
“You can’t be serious!” She laughed. “I know you didn’t just ask me if I’m attracted to the man I hate more than anything. Grant is a lying snake, and I know he’s connected to Nolan’s so-called accident no matter how much he tries to deny it. Do you seriously think I could be attracted to someone like him? I’m disgusted you even asked.”
“I’m disgusted that I felt I had to ask.”
“Are we really having this conversation?” She turned to the side. “Are you nuts? Grant and I had wine at dinner. What the hell did you have?”
“Sometimes you can become attracted to someone even if you hate them.”
“No.” She shook her head. “No way in hell I’m attracted to Grant. Look into my eyes, Kevin. I hate him. I hate him so much that I could kill him with my bare hands.” She pushed him. “You know this. How can you even ask something like that?”
“I’m sorry but it looked like the flirtation was genuine on your part.”
She stood back and scoffed. “Then you’ve lost your damn mind. I’ll do whatever I have to do to prove that Grant‘s hiding something.”
“Would you sleep with him?”
“What?�
� She felt as though he’d knocked the wind out of her.
“How far would you go to get the information you need? Huh? Would you sleep with him if that’s what it took?”
She slapped him.
He looked at her, rubbing his cheek.
“Go to hell, Kevin.” She got her house key from her purse and headed toward the porch.
“How can I know you wouldn’t?” he shouted.
She stopped on the first porch step.
He held his arms out. “After what I saw at the restaurant tonight and what you just said…how can I know?”
She turned around. “You should know me. If not, then what the hell are we doing together?”
She stomped up the steps.
* * * *
Alexis and Penelope peeked into the employee lounge of the Tate Valley Hospital the next day. Two black men dressed in blue scrubs looked up from their plates.
“Hello.” Alexis stepped inside and took out her badge. “I’m Detective Alexis Adams and this is my partner Penelope Dao.”
Penelope waved.
“We’re homicide.” Alexis put her badge up. “We need to speak to Khalil Williams. We heard he was in here.”
“I’m Khalil.” The dark-skinned man with the round face and neat afro wiped his mouth. “Is there a problem?”
“We need to speak to you about a recent homicide,” Penelope said. “Can we talk to you alone?”
“I’ll leave.” The other man gathered his tray and gave Khalil a strange glance. “Check you later, man.”
They bumped fists and the man left.
Penelope shut the door.
“What’s going on?” Khalil’s voice shook. “Am I in some kind of trouble?”
Alexis took out her notepad. “Why would you be?”
“I don’t know about you but when the cops wanna talk to a brotha it’s usually not just to shoot the breeze, if you know what I mean.”
“A young woman named Alicia Bellows was found beaten to death behind Kel’s,” Penelope said.
“You mean that old raggedy ass club on Soviet Avenue?” He grimaced. “If you think I know anything about that then you’re wasting your time. You’d never catch me in an area like that, and I don’t know why you need to speak to me.”
