Touched by a Phoenix (26 page)

They were musing over the brunch menu when startled by an “Ahem.” They glanced up to see Catherine and Phillip standing at the end of the table.

Brad immediately stood, “Good morning Phillip and Mrs. Kincaid.”

Catherine gave Brad a hug as Alexis slid out of the booth. “Good morning Mom,” she greeted, hugging Catherine. Alexis stepped closer to Phillip as she acknowledged, “Good morning Father,” placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Good morning, my dear.”

“Would you like to join us for brunch?” Brad asked.

“No, no, we don’t want to bother you two, but thank you for the offer,” Catherine insisted.

“Mom, you wouldn’t be bothering us at all.”

“Not at all. Please, we insist,” Brad reassured her.

“Then we’d love to.” Catherine seemed pleased with the turn of events.

“Brad, why don’t we let the ladies order and you and I take a walk,” Phillip said in a stern tone.

“Yes, sir.” He turned to Alexis, “Darling, we’ll be back shortly,” as he kissed her gently on the forehead.

Phillip led Brad to the gardens. “Are you in love with Alexis?”

“Yes sir, I am.”

“Brad, do you know what that child means to me,” his tone quite firm and overbearing.

“Yes sir, I believe I do,” Brad said with a genuine tenderness.

“Catherine told me Alexis has told you about Marshall and Ellen. You know she had a difficult childhood and had to overcome enormous obstacles.”

“Yes sir, Alexis shared the tragedy with me along with the years before and after, including how you helped her to learn to walk again, became her dance partner, and even taught her to fight. She loves you and Catherine deeply.”

“There’s more to my protectiveness than guardianship, I owe her father a debt I can never repay. My problem is twofold son. I want Alexis to be happy and I need to keep a promise to my brother—to keep his daughter safe. He risked his life to save mine,” his voice softened remembering his friend.

“Sir, I didn’t know.”

“Neither does Alexis. I never wanted her to think we took her in because I owed Marshall something. We have loved her from the day she arrived in this world.”

“I understand—it is a burden she should never know,” Brad stated matter-of-factly.

“Marshall and I started AAS on loyalty and respect for each other, so let me make myself clear—I hired you for a specific reason—to move the company into the next century. I did so to ensure that Alexis would always be taken care of…even when I am long gone from this world. AAS will be hers one day and I fully expect you to live up to my expectations.”

“Yes sir, I understand your concerns. I will keep my promise to you and more importantly, I will keep my promise to Alexis.”

“Brad, you’re a player. I do not believe people can easily change without proper motivation so let me put it to you this way, if you ever hurt that child—there will be nowhere you can hide from me. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir, indeed you do. You are correct about my past. I have never known anyone as special as Alexis. She is my world…what makes my life worth living and I love her with all I am. I can assure you, I will not hurt her intentionally or otherwise,” Brad’s voice softened with love for the beautiful vixen who had captured his heart.

“Brad, those are big words for such a young relationship, are you sure you know what you are feeling?”

“Yes sir, I have never been more sure of anything in my life,” as he met Phillip’s stern gaze with his own. “Sir, I would sacrifice everything for Alexis, regardless of the circumstances…even my life.” He went on, “Since we’re here and having this discussion, I would like your permission to ask Alexis to be my wife.”

Phillip’s shock was obvious. “Brad, are you sure this is what you want? This is all very sudden. You have only known each other a few months,” Phillip’s voice was laden with concern for his daughter.

“If you doubt me, perhaps you should talk to Alexis.”

“Perhaps I will. But until then…my answer is no.”

“Fair enough, sir. That is all I can ask.”

They headed back into the restaurant in silence, nothing left to say. Brad knew he would have to
prove himself worthy of Alexis
before Phillip would give him permission to marry his daughter.

They joined the ladies for brunch and light conversation, mostly between Catherine and Alexis. Brad was lost in his own thoughts. Phillip denied his request to marry Alexis and he had no idea how long it would take to regain his respect or to earn his permission. If Phillip continued down his current path, refusing to support their relationship, he believed Alexis would have a difficult time defying her father. He would have to find a way to change Phillip’s mind, whatever that took. The outcome of their future weighed heavily on Phillip’s approval, he was sure of it. He promised her he would make it right and somehow…he would find a way to keep his promise.

Phillip switched into observance mode; he watched Alexis chat happily with her mother, possibly happier than he had ever seen her. He studied the way Brad kept Alexis close. It was clear that Brad doted on her and yes, perhaps even loved her, but the real question was could he change?

Alexis glanced at her watch…7:00 PM. It had been over a month since she and Brad had any real quality time together. He had been working fourteen-hour days, six and seven days a week since the anniversary party.

Brad was working furiously on the surveillance system and had added additional phases for future work. She had picked up lunch and dinner and sat with him every day. He was eager to share the technical details with her while they ate. At his side, she helped with little task and had a couple of good ideas, adding to his master plan. She was very proud of his accomplishments.

She understood how important his work was and the sooner he finished, the sooner they could begin building their life together. However, tonight…that damn drone could wait for one evening! There had been too many nights where he had fallen asleep with his laptop still in his lap. It was more than she could stand…she missed him.

Alexis had plans for this evening. She smiled mischievously to herself. She left work early to prepare his favorite meal…Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, salad, fresh Italian bread, and for dessert, cheesecake with a raspberry topping.

She hoped Brad wouldn’t mind eating in the dining room this evening, as she placed the last of the candles on the buffet. After surveying the room to ensure it met her satisfaction, she bounced happily off to the kitchen to check on the bread. When Alexis opened the oven door, a yeasty aroma filled the kitchen. A pleased smiled lingered on her lips as she lightly brushed the golden crust with garlic butter. Putting the timer on for another twenty minutes, she had just enough time to change before Brad got home.

Alexis slipped into a beautiful little summer dress. As she finished the last two buttons, she eyed herself critically in the mirror.

Oh, the heck with this! She unbuttoned the top two, revealing just a little cleavage. Thick tresses curled around her face from the summer humidity. She pinned it up loosely, allowing a few wayward curls to spill down her back. Finally satisfied with her appearance, she opened the dresser drawer where all the little negligees she bought lay, waiting to be worn.

Grrr!
She growled to herself, as she rummaged through the drawer for the perfect one. Her mouth formed the perfect
O.
She had forgotten all about this one as she pulled the electric blue satin chemise out of the drawer.

Yes, she thought, this should definitely entice him with the black lace trim at the neckline and hem. She rummaged around another minute or so finding the matching panties when she heard the timer beeping in the kitchen. She tossed the lingerie in the bathroom and headed to the kitchen, checking the clock. Brad should be home any minute—no, he was home now as the garage door opened.

“Darling…,” as he entered the house.

“
Mmm,
I love you,” as she wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a soft kiss on his throat.

“Wow…what was that for?” he murmured as he wrapped his arms around her waist for second helpings.

“Nothing in particular,” she beamed brightly at him. “Dinner will be ready shortly. Would you like to change first?”

“I’d rather have more of these,” as he pulled her back into his arms for another kiss.

She giggled at his attentiveness, “Sweetheart, we have all evening. Why don’t you get comfortable so you can enjoy it?”

He laughed, “All right, I will do as I’m told.”

As she turned to make her way to the kitchen, he gently and playfully popped her bottom, making her squeal with delight.

She eyed him skeptically.
“Promises…promises,”
with the sultriest voice she could manage.

He growled as he headed for her. She tried to run, but was not quite fast enough. He caught her around the waist before she managed to hide behind the safety of the island. Carrying her to the sofa, he plopped down, turned her over his knee, and proceeded to pop her backside not once…but twice, in the most loving way.

Alexis continued to squeal with delight, her laughter filling the house. She squirmed in his lap until she was sitting. All laughter subsided as she ran her hands through his hair and pulled him close, whispering, “I have missed you so much these past few weeks.”

“I have missed you too, I promise to make it up to you this evening,” as he kissed her sweetly.

As they ate, he asked, “How would you like to spend the weekend on the boat?”

She hesitated, “That would be lovely.”

“Alexis…,” he questioned.

“I’d rather spend the weekend alone,” she stated quietly.

He grinned, “God, I love you,” as he scooped her up and carried her to the porch. He sat with her on his lap, “Why don’t we take my boat then? She’s a bit smaller but I can manage her alone. It will be just the two of us.”

“Oh Brad, that would be perfect.”

He lit a cigar, “You’re not going to ask what kind of boat?”

“As long as I am with you, the rest doesn’t matter,” she flashed him a brilliant smile.

“Okay. But you should be aware; she’s much smaller than my parents’…only a 62-footer.”

“I’m sure she will be perfect and I’ll help if you tell me what you need me to do.”

“Are you offering to be my slave for the day?” he ventured with a huge grin.

“Your sex slave…
mmm…
yes…I’m sure I can manage that task,” giving him that doting look.

She listened quietly as Brad talked about work. He told her all about the progress he had made with the drone. Not only had he enhanced the surveillance, but he’d also created full listening capabilities. Now, she would be able to perform both voice and facial recognition at 40,000 feet.

“I’m hoping Phillip will be pleased with the results,” he stated.

“Of course, he will. You’ve done more than he asked you to do.”

“That’s the point,” Brad smiled smugly.

“Brad, what are you up too?”

“Nothing in particular darling.”

“Bradley…,” she warned. “Father does not like surprises.”

“Yes I know but it was necessary.” He was quiet for a moment, “Alexis, I’ve been fiddling with and AI system since MIT. I was never able to get it to a conscious state. It lacked the capacity to balance logic with emotion but something you said a few weeks ago made the pieces click. Nate and I have been working after hours to fine tune the development. I’m hoping to have it ready to demonstrate for Phillip on Friday,” he finished with boyish excitement.

Alexis watched his eyes danced with excitement. He looked like a kid in a candy store who had just been told he could have anything he wanted. “Okay, I’ll bite, what is it?”

“Alexis, I figured out how to give the drone her own DNA. Between the surveillance system, the new laser capabilities, and the DNA—I hope it will be enough to impress your father. She is learning and growing just like a child. The more she learns, the more she matures. She is phenomenal. When we’re finished, she will be able to assess any situation, report to command with a full recommendation for action, and take direction from command thousands of miles away, without a pilot operating her.”

Alexis’s heart filled with dread. She knew his discovery and development would please her father, and deliver far more than Brad had promised. If Brad were successful, the development would change the military’s strategy during war times. What would it mean for them…their future? The world would want what his knowledge. He would become a moving target. Fear settled in the pit of her stomach.

“Brad….”

“It will be all right, I promise. As soon as I’m finished with the technical development, we’ll move to the production phase.”

“No Brad, it’s not all right. Do you have any idea just how dangerous this development is? Do you know how many people will want what you know…or how far they will go to get it?”

“My sweet Alexis, I promise you everything will work out in the end. Please try not to worry,” as he kissed her tenderly.

One kiss led to the next, each becoming more passionate than the last. He made her forget all of her worries—there was nothing but this man.