Touched by a Phoenix (22 page)

Brad’s intuition led him to believe that Mrs. Kincaid knew their secret. She seemed genuinely happy for them.

“Yes ma’am, the evening is indeed perfect,” he agreed in a gentle and loving tone.

As everyone finished their entrees, Alexis stood, “If you would excuse me for a few minutes, I need to check in with the coordinator to make sure the rest of the evening goes smoothly.”

Brad stood long after Alexis walked away, his gaze following her, feeling as though something was missing. He was astounded at how quickly their love had grown and how lost he felt without her by his side.

Gentlemen began making their way to the lounge for their after-dinner cigars, while the ladies huddled, socializing in their small groups. He was sure their conversation was more gossip than true conversation. He snorted—thank goodness Alexis was not like those women. He smiled; Alexis either anticipated the situation well or had been forced to endure more time playing the socialite than she cared for—for she knew these people all too well.

He headed over to the bar, ordering a cognac.

“Mr. Scott, would you like a cigar?”

“Thank you, but I think I’ll pass this evening.”

“Sir, you might want to reconsider,” as he brought a silver tray from below the counter.

His favorite cigar lay in the center of the tray with a lighter and a note. Brad’s curiosity got the best of him—what was she up to now? He moved the cigar to the side and picked up the note.

“Meet me on the pier. Love, A.”

A huge grin spread across his face as he picked up the cigar and lighter. “Thank you, sir,” he said as he turned on his heel and walked towards the pier.

“My pleasure, Mr. Scott.”

Brad stopped on the lawn to light the cigar. As he closed in on the pier, Alexis leaned against the rail focused on the water gently lapping against the shore. The moonlight streamed down around her as if it were trying to frame her beauty. She heard him approaching and turned to flash him a brilliant smile as he walked towards her.

“I was afraid you might not stop by the bar.”

“Alexis, I believe you may know me better than I know myself these days.”

Her kiss was passionate and inviting; both hands snaked around her waist pulling her close as his lips devoured hers. She did not hesitate to wrap her arms around his neck as he filled himself with her love. He softened his kiss, “My sweet Alexis, you drive me to the verge of madness.”

His lips tenderly touched hers with the sweetest of kisses. She gave herself over to his loving hold, matching his love and tenderness with her own.

“Alexis, when I first gazed upon you, I saw lust. When I first held you, I saw love, and when I first made love to you, I saw the future. I will give you anything you want my love, all you need do is ask.”

His heartfelt hushed words took her by surprise. “Sweetheart, I used to dream about the one who would kiss me with love and make me forget the past.” She reached up to caress his face, “What I found was a raging storm and in the midst of the storm—just below the surface, I found the greatest love I will ever know. I need nothing more,” she said devotedly.

He trembled at her unconditional love. How could anyone be so pure and giving? Her honesty still shocked him. She loved him for exactly who he was, as he was, without boundaries or conditions, and most importantly, she was his. Not to dominate or to control but to love, and to cherish.

They stood in the peaceful quietness for a while as he smoked; she inhaled deeply as he puffed on the Montecristo. “I love the smell of your cigar.”

“Alexis, you are the most unusual woman I’ve ever met. Most women don’t care for the smell.”

“I think it’s romantic and definitely sexy,” as she gazed up at him.

His eyes darkened, “Perhaps I should have one every night after dinner.”

“Brad, are you intentionally trying to drive me crazy this evening?”

“Yes, my darling. So tell me, is it working,” he said playfully.

As he stepped closer, a chill ran down her spine, and she became quiet. “Alexis, are you all right? You’re shivering?”

“Yes, love, I am fine.”

“
Hmm,
I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t like being the center of attention and I feel as though we’ve been watched all evening.”

“Believe it or not; neither do I.”

The incredulous look on her face gave way to full-blown laughter. “Mr. Bradley Scott does not like to be the center of attention! You have got to be kidding me. You have been interviewed by a dozen Tech magazines, GQ, and the world falls at your feet.”

He laughed, “Point well-taken, Miss Saunders. I don’t seek the attention though; however, it does follow me around…much like the plague. You are correct in your feeling though, we have been the center of attention tonight. You are far too lovely not to draw attention. I believe there is more to this than you are telling me though.”

“Brad, I have this feeling, something I just can’t explain.”

“Alexis, what do you mean?”

“Technology is a cutthroat industry in itself, but when you add military technology advances to the mix, people will shake your hand as they plunge a jeweled dagger in your back. Promise me you will be careful with the developments.”

She was genuinely concerned. “Alexis, is there something I should know?”

“Nothing in particular, just a feeling.”

“Explain Alexis,” his tone firm.

“I can’t, it’s just a gut feeling.”

“Alexis, please try.”

“Brad, I have grown up in this world. I’ve been coming to work with my dad and Phillip since before I can remember and while I can’t do all the various jobs, there’s not much I don’t know. I’ve seen how deceitful people can be, and I’d bet my job that half the people here have already run full background checks on you. They may well already have a good idea what you are working on.”

“Alexis, this is serious. How do you know?”

“Brad, it’s just that gut feeling, something I can’t explain, I just know. You have to promise me that you will watch your step.”

“All right. If it will make you feel better, I’ll be conscious of your feelings,” as he kissed her on the forehead. He didn’t like dismissing her instincts as insignificant. What he was working on would change the world, and if she believed trouble was closing in, then he believed her.

“We should get you back. I believe you have a toast to give, and I want the first dance.”

They walked back slowly holding hands.

“Oh, you do. How do I know you won’t step on my toes?” she asked teasingly.

“Darling, I believe I have told you that I am a man of many talents. You name the dance, and I will rise to the occasion.”

“Really,” she raised a quizzical eyebrow.

“Yes, really!”

“And exactly where did you learn to dance?”

“It was part of the package growing up—my parents remember. Ballroom dance was expected. Heaven forbid; I might be an embarrassment at one of their social functions, in front of their so-called friends,” he sneered.

“Brad,” she admonished in that playfully little tone of hers, “We’ll have to see just how good you are then.”

Before either stepped back into reality, he pulled her close for one more tender kiss. “I love you,” he whispered. Tucking her hand in his arm, he escorted the most beautiful woman he knew into the most romantic setting he had ever seen.

Chapter Ten

T
he Master of
Ceremonies came back on the microphone.

“If everyone would take a glass of Champaign as the servers come around, Alexandria will present the official toast to the happy couple in a few moments. Cutting of the cake and the first dance will follow.”

Alexis stood before the three-hundred’ish guest as she took the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you so much for being part of the celebration this evening. It means so much to my family to share this evening with you. Thirty years ago, the most wonderful man I know married the most inspirational woman I know. Aristotle once said,
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”
Phillip and Catherine have always known when to listen to the music with quiet and giving hearts, each knowing when to lead and when to follow, but always dancing as one.”

“If everyone would join me in raising your glasses…,
“Love is like a friendship caught on fire, in the beginning—just a flame, very pretty, often hot and even fierce, but still only light and flickering. As your love continued to grow over the years, your hearts matured and your love became as coals, deep burning and unquenchable.”
To my parents, I wish you both many more long and happy dances, filled with love and friendship. I love you both.”

Cheers followed the toast, congratulations all around, as Phillip and Catherine made their way to the cake. The white cake sat on a beautiful gold stand. The seven tiers stood tall and majestic like Phillip. Trimmed with fresh flowers, white rosebuds, and pink satin ribbon representing the delicate softness Catherine brought to the relationship. Phillip and Catherine danced a graceful waltz as their first dance. Again, everyone cheered for the happy couple of so many years.

People had begun to relax and enjoy the evening, when Phillip found Alexis.

“The second dance belongs to my beautiful daughter.” He extended his hand, “May I, my dear?”

Alexis extended her hand as she curtsied as if she were a child learning to dance again, “Of course, Father.”

The orchestra played a peaceful tune as they slowly danced. “Honey, thank you for this beautiful evening, your mother and I will never forget it.”

Alexis smiled up at the man who had cared for her for so many years. “Father, it has been my pleasure. You and Catherine have taken care of me for most of my life and I wanted to do something special for you.”

“So, would you like to tell me what’s going on?”

“What do you mean, Father?”

“Brad.”

Alexis took a deep breath, “Yes, Father.”

“Yes Father, what?”

“Yes Father, we are seeing each other.”

“Is it serious?”

“Yes Father, it is.”

“Alexis, do you have any idea what you are doing? He’s a playboy.”

“You have no idea what you are talking about, Father. Brad is the most wonderful and loving man I know.”

Shocked at her outburst, Phillip stepped back. “You’re serious about him, aren’t you?”

“Yes Father, I am. He means the world to me.”

Phillip missed a step, teetering perilously.

“Father, are you all right?” she asked with genuine concern. “Do you need to sit down?”

“No, I do not need to sit down, I’m fine,” he barked.

“Are you sure?”

His tone softened to almost a hushed whisper, “Yes, honey I am fine. You took me by surprise, that’s all.”

She took a deep breath, “Father, I don’t know what to say. This thing with Brad took me by surprise, but I trust him with all that I am and I do love him.”

“Does he love you?”

She blushed as her love for Brad illuminated her eyes. “Yes Father, he does. Will you please try to be happy for me? Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“Yes honey, I wanted you to find someone to build your life with. I just didn’t think it would be one of my employees. I was hoping for one of your mother’s doctor friends.”

“Father, I can’t explain, it just happened. Please, please try to be happy for me.”

Phillip gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “If he makes you happy, you know I will support your decision. But Alexis, you must promise me that if he ever hurts you—you will tell me immediately.” His tone reflected his marine instincts to protect those he loved.

“Father, that is the one thing you do not have to worry about. Brad would never hurt me.”

“So when are you going to tell your Mother?”

“Well, we were planning to wait until after the party. We didn’t want to interfere with your evening. I guess we didn’t do discrete well, did we?” she finished sheepishly.

Brad stood on the far side of the dance floor watching Alexis dance with her father. She danced with grace, as he expected, no wonder she wore a challenging gleam in her eye earlier.

Mrs. Kincaid was at his side, “Bradley, would you mind dancing with an old woman?”

He smiled brightly, “I’d be honored to dance with the bell of the ball,” he acknowledged charmingly as he bowed and took her hand.

“So how do you like working for Phillip?”

“It’s an honor to work with your husband, ma’am.”

“Perhaps you should start thinking about calling me Mother.”

Brad tried desperately to keep from tripping over his own two feet, “Ma’am that would be inappropriate.”

“Are you denying that you are in love with Alexis?” she raised the same quizzical eyebrow as Alexis. The same look she had given him earlier this evening and every day since they met.

“I’m not sure what you mean ma’am.”

“Bradley, don’t be foolish, I’m not blind. So tell me, how serious is the relationship between you and Alexis?”

Brad glanced over at Alexis dancing with her father; his face softened with his voice, “Mere words cannot describe how much I love your daughter, ma’am. Would you mind telling me how you figured it out?”

“Alexis was different last Sunday. When she called me Mom, I knew she had met someone.”

“I can imagine that was a surprise. She loves you and Phillip very much. You are much more than her guardians—to her, you are her parents.”

“You know about the car accident?” she asked in a shocked tone.

“Yes, ma’am. It’s difficult for Alexis to trust, but when she does…she trusts with all that she is,” his smile was tender and loving. “It’s a shame she lost Marshall and Ellen so early in life, but I am grateful she had you and Phillip to care for her.”

“Bradley, I don’t know what to say. Alexis is a very private person, I never thought she would open herself up and share those painful memories with anyone.”

Brad smiled fondly at Mrs. Kincaid, “Your daughter is a beautiful mystery, ma’am—a mystery I plan on unraveling for the rest of my life.”

Tears of joy welled in Catherine’s eyes, “Oh Bradley, I am so happy for both of you but why didn’t she tell us?”

“We discussed it earlier this week, and decided that we didn’t want anything to distract from yours and Phillip’s special evening. It seemed better to wait until after the party.”

“Oh nonsense, this is happy news and has made tonight perfect.”

Brad’s expression changed from loving to tense. “Mr. Kincaid must know as well,” as he nodded towards the seemingly heated conversation between father and daughter.

“Why don’t you dance me over to my wonderful husband?”

He smiled knowingly, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Alexis my dear, may I cut in?”

“Yes, of course, Mother,” as she gave her mother a grateful smile.

As Phillip released her, Catherine gave Alexis a warm hug and kissed her on the cheek as she whispered, “I am so happy for you, you’ll have to tell me more when we have time.”

Phillip turned to stone at Brad’s appearance. Neither man spoke. Catherine took Phillip by the hand for her stolen dance.

Brad took Alexis by the hand as they began to dance. “Are you all right?”

“I think so,” she said, “he’s angry.”

“It appears as though you were angry as well,” he pointed out in a caring voice.

“No…well yes. He suggested that you were a playboy and that I would get hurt,” she explained gruffly.

“And you defended me to your father?”

“Of course I did.”

“Alexis, I don’t want to be the reason that you and your father argue. He and I will work this out among ourselves.”

“Brad, I love Phillip with all my heart, but I will not allow him to attack you for no reason.”

Brad’s eyebrow raised—she was serious.

“Darling, I will talk to your father and everything will be fine. On the positive side, your mother is thrilled,” he smiled with that natural boyish charm.

Alexis brightened instantaneously, “Really, how did she know and what did she say?”

“You called her ‘Mom’ last Sunday and she knew then you had met someone, she just didn’t know who until tonight. After she had finished quizzing me, she seemed genuinely happy for us. Still, I will have some work to do to make it right with your father.”

Huge tears welled in her eyes at the thought of the man she loved being at odds with her father. “Brad….”

He kissed her on her forehead as he always did when soothing her.

They continued their dance, both lost in thoughts of how to fix things with Phillip. As the music ended, Brad sweetly said, “This is not how I pictured our first official dance. May I have another…a waltz perhaps?”

The challenging glint in her eyes sprang to life, sparkling like flames rising from nothingness as she said, “Give me a moment to provide the orchestra with a little direction.”

As Alexis walked away, his heart pounded.

Let the games begin, my little wild
one.

“Honey, I love you, but dammit Phillip, what did you say to Alexis?”

Phillip was shocked. Catherine never cursed. “I told her he was a playboy and he would hurt her. She needs one of your doctor friends.”

“Nonsense, Phillip, he is quite charming.”

“Bullshit!”

“Phillip Edward Kincaid, you listen to me. That boy loves your daughter and I do not believe he would ever hurt her. Just look at them.”

“How do you know?”

Her face softened, “Because he looks at Alexis the way you look at me.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Phillip, honey, when have I ever been wrong?”