Touched by a Phoenix (7 page)

“Let’s just enjoy a picnic.”

They walked down to the beach. Alexis removed her sandals as soon as they reached the sand. When they found a good spot, she took the blanket from him and spread it over the warm sand. Brad sat down and kicked his boat shoes off. He opened the basket and pulled out a bottle of Saracco Moscato d’Asti.

Alexis’s mouth flew open, “How did you know?”

“Alexandria, I did warn you, I am a man of many talents and observation is one of them.”

Alexis pulled two crystal wineglasses from the basket while Brad opened the bottle of wine, and held them for him to pour.

“To a bright and promising future for everyone at AAS,” he toasted as they tipped their glasses together.

“Are you hungry?”

“Yes, famished.”

“Well then, let’s see what we have here.” He began to pull items from the basket, “We have cold cuts, crackers and cheese, and of course, your favorite…strawberries.”

“I’m impressed!” He had gotten every detail right, from the wine to the strawberries, and even picked the perfect spot for a picnic.

The afternoon was relaxing and enjoyable. Curiosity was getting the best of her and now seemed as good as any to ask questions that had been plaguing her about this man. “So tell me—I know all about your professional career but I know very little about you as a person. Who are you, Mr. Scott?”

Brad eyed her speculatively. He didn’t like to share personal information, but this might be a good way to get her to open up. Finally, he decided to answer her questions, counting on the opportunity to ask his own later.

“Where should I start?”

“How about the beginning?”

“I come from a wealthy family, which by the way I don’t claim.”

“Why?” she asked with sincere curiosity.

“Social status was a higher priority than raising a family.”

“Are you close to anyone?”

“My sister Monica and Nan.”

“Nan, you mean your grandmother?”

“No, I mean my Nan.”

“Brad, I don’t understand. If she’s not your grandmother, who is she?”

“My Nan. My parents were busy with their own lives and traveling, so they hired a Nanny to take care of my sister and me. Her given name is Mary.”

“Do you keep in touch with her?”

“Yes, she still takes care of me.”

“OMG, Bradley Scott has a Nanny,” a fit of hysterical giggles befell the redhead.

“Hey, don’t laugh,” he pretended to pout. Although if he were honest, he might be willing to suffer countless indignities just to hear her laughter. It was magical—enchanting. “It’s not like that; Nan comes in a couple of times a week to cook and clean.”

The more Brad tried to explain, the harder Alexis laughed. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the sound of her laughter peeled through the air like bells.

“Oh, so it’s going to be like that…huh.” Brad balled up his napkin and gently tossed the soft linen at her. “I’m glad you think it’s funny.”

As her laughter subsided, she added in all seriousness, “Brad, I’m sorry your parents were absent, but I’m happy that you had someone to love and care for you the way Phillip and Catherine cared for me.”

Quietness fell on the two; no words were necessary. She meant what she said and gently reminded him that the loss of loving parents might be worse than having bad parents. The ocean was peaceful. Nothing else seemed important.

“By the way, you have not returned your RSVP for Phillip and Catherine’s anniversary party yet. You are planning to attend, aren’t you?”

“Well no, I hadn’t planned on it.”

“Why not?” she tried to hide her disappointment.

“Alexandria, it was sweet of you to invite me, but anniversary parties should be for family and close friends, not strangers.”

“Brad, you are family,” she stammered before fully registering her own words. “Uh, I mean part of the AAS family.”

Her confession surprised Brad; the sincerity struck a chord deep within him. Alexandria was not flippant, and it was definitely not like her to allow anyone to get close, which only meant one thing—she sincerely wanted him to attend. He was sure her genuine warmth and sincerity drove his obsession for her…she was the one person he could not figure out.

“If you are sure it’s all right, I’ll be there with bells on.” He would not refuse the lady. Besides, the event was to be a formal affair and he would not miss the opportunity to see her in an evening gown.

“Good, glad that’s settled.”

“Would you like to take a walk?” Brad asked as he leaned forward and began to roll up his pants legs.

The sun was shining brightly and the ocean was perfect as they walked quietly along the shoreline for a while with the gentle waves lapping at their ankles.

Alexandria’s mind began to wander from one random thought to another. What a wonderful afternoon he had given her. Playboy or not, he had turned out to be a gentleman, at least with her. She could relate to the sadness he felt as a child. Even though she had Phillip and Catherine, it wasn’t the same as the love of your parents. She understood how he must have felt as a child. No wonder he was so driven and poured his soul into his work. It was a way to make up for things you believed were lost, or hide things you did not want anyone else to know.

She watched him as they walked, the peacefulness of the ocean washing away his distant, brooding expression. He was a wonderful man when he let all the other stuff go. Alexis was sure Brad would make a wonderful husband and father someday.

The minute the thought entered her mind, it was too late to get rid of it.

Oh, crap!
What if…no…yes…no…have you lost your mind?

Her
demigoddess
appeared from nowhere with a mischievous grin plastered all over her face. “Well it’s about time you started getting the picture.”

“He would never be willing to do that!”

“No, I suppose you are right. There’s no fun in what you are thinking. God, talk about boring! By the way, how do you ask someone to donate their sperm?”

“Alexandria Nicole Saunders, you have definitely lost your mind,” she berated herself.

“You are absolutely right. You’re the lawyer, why don’t you draw up a contract and make a baby the old fashioned way? It would be so much more fun!”

“You know why, so shut up.”

“Oh no, just because you're a prude doesn’t mean I have to be one too! He’s gorgeous, and those are your words, not mine. So what’s the problem?”

“Go away. I don’t want to talk to you about this anymore. It has to be my way.”

“No love, if you continue to do things your way, you will lose.”

“I said go away!”

Alexis was so lost in her own thoughts that she did not see the oncoming wave. It crashed into her just above the knees.

In one swift motion, Brad reached out to catch her before she plunged into the sea. His powerful legs braced against the sand and waves to keep them both from toppling into the water. She was suddenly in his arms, tight against his chest. The hint of flowers filled his nostrils—it was sultry, sweet, exotic, and inviting.

His eyes darkened, matching storm clouds at sea. Threatening and intimidating—yet irresistible. He held her captivated with his gaze, unable to move or breathe. There was nothing but this moment—no past, no future, just the present.

His head dipped slightly, waiting, hoping for some sign of acceptance. She looked ripe for the plucking yet somehow so innocent. She was trembling in his arms; he was sure she wanted him to kiss her, but something—something tugged at his heartstrings. He wanted her to want him, as much as he wanted her. He drew in a ragged breath and gently released her.

Her heart screamed,
please don’t let go,
as she struggled to breathe. Her insides quivered, her legs were weak, and her heart pounded so loud she could not hear her own thoughts.

“Perhaps we should head back,” he suggested in a soothing voice.

As they turn to walk back, she realized they had walked a long way. It took several minutes before she calmed her nerves. How—no
why
did he have such an effect on her? And why couldn’t she control it?

“I told you so,” followed by soft laughter from her little demigoddess was all she heard.

Wanting to break the awkward silence and get her mind off her current line of thoughts, Alexis chimed, “Brad, thank you for the picnic this afternoon. It was wonderful.”

“My pleasure. Would you still like to stop at the vineyard on the way back?”

“May I take a rain check on the vineyard? I’m starving.”

“
Hmm,
a rain check. I’m going to hold you to it. Come on,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “The restaurant is only a fifteen minute drive.”

Chapter Three

“
A
lexandria, it’s my
turn to ask the questions,” he said as he drove.

“What do you like to do besides work twelve and fourteen-hour days?”

She hesitated for a moment—fair was fair, she thought. I’ve grilled him plenty. “I go to the gym a couple of times a week, I swim, and I spend Sundays with Phillip and Catherine. Saturdays are my day to read or lay by the pool. I love the symphony and go whenever possible. That’s about it.”

“What kind of books do you like to read?”

“I’m open to most all literature, but my favorites are suspense or mystery novels.”

“Really? What kind?”

“I’m currently reading
The Garden of
Betrayal.
”

“That is a good book. You might like
The Fallen Angel,
as well. You’re welcome to borrow my copy if you like. Now…what about music?”

“I love the new age classical type music.”

Brad turned his nose up, “Really…classical.”

She swiped at his arm playfully. “Hey now! I enjoy Beethoven and things but I’m more into the Yanni new-age type music.”

“
Hmm,
I don’t know if I’ve ever heard any of his music.”

“You should try listening to him sometime. I believe you would enjoy the genre. His gift is God given,” she smiled softly.

“Any other music besides…what did you call it.
New
age?
”

She glanced over at Brad with a bit of shyness and replied, “I like a variety of music.”

“
Ooh, do you now.
Would you care to elaborate?” His eyebrow arched—evasive meant she had something to hide and that intrigued him immensely.

“Not particularly,” she said sheepishly.

“Come on Alexandria, you’ve piqued my curiosity now.”

“It just depends on what I’m doing, I guess.”

He did a little Ricky Ricardo thing, “Xplain Lucy.” Now she was being far too coy, which meant he would catch another glimpse of the real Alexandria Saunders and he couldn’t wait to hear her answer.

“Fine, I’ll explain over dinner,” as they pulled up to the restaurant.

“Okay, but I reserve the right to continue my line of questioning.”

“What is this, the Spanish Inquisition? Do I need to remind you that I am the attorney here,” she mimicked his arched eyebrow.

He smirked, “I have learned a few things from you lately….” His mind finished thoughts he dared not say out loud. Like get her away from the office—add a couple of glasses of wine, and Alexandria was quite delightful to be around.

She threw him a devilish glance over her shoulder as she walked towards the door.

A pleasant young woman greeted them, “Sir, do you have reservations?”

“Yes, Scott.”

“Yes, sir. Mr. and Mrs. Scott, please follow me.”

Alexandria blanched as she glared at Brad suspiciously. “Mr. and Mrs. Scott,” she whispered angrily.

“Hold on Alexandria, I made reservations for two under Scott, she made an assumption,” giving her a boyish grin.

The hostess seated them at an outdoor table for two. The waiter arrived in no time and took their drink order; Brad ordered a bottle of white wine for them to share. They sipped on their wine as they made dinner selections.

As soon as the waiter walked away, Brad continued, “Now, let’s get back to my question about music. You have me very curious now.”

He had the most devastatingly handsome smile on his face. It was impossible to resist his charming ways when he turned on that smile. “I don’t like one particular type of music. The rhythm drives whether I like the music or not.”

Confusion flitted across his face, “What do you mean?”

“Oh, how do I explain? I like a little bit of everything; country, Latin, pop, rock, and heck I’ll even listen to some rap if it has a good beat.”

“
Hmm,
I get the classical, pop, and even some rock, but you definitely don’t appear to be someone who would listen to country, Latin, or rap…please elaborate.”

“Is it that difficult to imagine that I might like a variety of music?”

“Yes actually, it is. You are the most conservative person I have ever met. Now are you going to give me some examples or do I need to work on my interrogation techniques?”

“Okay, fine. I enjoy a variety of types of music like Egyptian, Indian, and Italian. It depends on what I’m doing, but when I want to relax, I listen to Yanni. When I’m at the gym, I like artists like Shakira, Becky G., Jessie J., Jason Derulo, etc., and at other times, I will put on some pop.”

With an arched eyebrow, he exclaimed, “You’ve got to be kidding me! Why?”

“Oh, don’t act so surprised. I love the beat, especially the Latin beats.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, have you listened to any Latin music? The voices fade into the background as the rhythm begins to beat within you.”

“I’ve heard some, but apparently I’m not hearing what you’re hearing. So, what makes Latin music appeal to you?” His face softened from distasteful hardness to genuine interest.

“The rhythm is perfect for dancing,” she said without thinking and as soon as it came out of her mouth, she regretted it.

“Oh, so now we’re finally getting somewhere. I take it that means you can dance as well?”

“I’ve been dancing for nearly twenty years,” her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Oh shit, I’ve insulted her. How do I get this conversation back on track quickly? “Wow, I bet you are an incredible dancer, what kind of dance. Ballet?”

There was that insulted look again.

“Good heavens no, ballroom type dancing.”

Damn, this was not going well—pretend to be interested or you’re going to lose the momentum. “Traditional?” His gazed was quizzical as if he were interested.

“Well yes, but you do realize there are other types of dance, right?” At his blank stare, she went on, “There’s Show dance, Latin, Contemporary, Belly dancing, and so on.”

His eyes grew wide with surprise. “Oh no, don’t tell me the Miss Uptight Alexandria Saunders would even consider Latin or belly dancing,” his light tone made it clear he was teasing as he laughed playfully.

Before she could think, she bit, “Yes my dear, you would be surprised at exactly what I am capable of.”

Oh, this was too good to be true. He hadn’t just gotten a rise out of her, she was in full challenge mode. He sat back casually as he said, “You’d have to prove that one. Dance with me.” His playful teasing, egging her on.

“Here…now?” Stunned disbelief turned to inexplicable determination as his smirk told her he didn’t believe she would do it. That look…absolutely infuriated her. She lost all good sense and in an instant made a rash and completely unconscious decision.

“Fine, but I pick the music.” She grabbed her purse and pulled out her tablet. “Come on.” She walked towards the larger opening at the end of the pier.

Brad followed obligingly, feeling incredibly proud of himself. He figured she would select a slow song, and he would get to hold her again. Her back was to him as she made a song selection. He was beginning to feel bad. If this backfired, he would be at square one. No, he’d be in the negative.

“Alexandria, I was only teasing. You have nothing to prove to me.”

Then she did something he never thought possible. She pulled her hairband out, letting her hair spill over her shoulders and flipped her head around. Her eyes met his, full of defiance.

He was stunned. There were those wolf-like eyes of hers. He couldn’t believe his luck. He had hit a nerve. This was too good to be true, he was about to get a glimpse of the woman hiding behind the steel façade. As the music started, his heart stopped. Oh my God! She selected a Latin song with a serious beat. His mind went blank. Good God…he had challenged her why?
What the hell had he
done?

Alexandria raised her hands above her head and began to sway her hips to the rhythm of the music.

Oh God, this was going to be bad. He tried to think. How many glasses of wine did she have this afternoon?

His eyes became fixated on Alexandria’s hips as she twisted and spun with the rhythm of the music. Her entire body moved in unison. Everything was moving and all at once. Hips lifted and dropped, rolled and slid, as if she did not have a single bone in her body and when she shimmied—she took his breath away.

He thought the music must be something by Shakira based on what she said earlier. Alexandria was killing it—killing him!

Think!
his mind screamed. You should stop her before this gets out of hand and she regrets it later.

Oh, hell no.
She was marvelously delectable. My God, the song was something about “Hips Don’t Lie,” and Alexandria had become one with the music, moving in perfect harmony with the beat. The heat began in his loins and started to spread.

She was the most exotic little creature he had ever seen. Simply amazing. He knew how to Samba and was positive she was mixing it with a little—no…a whole hell of a lot of what appeared to be belly dancing. Even in his wildest fantasy, he never would have pictured her capable of dancing, let alone dancing like this! All she needed was a veil and whatever those things were called…bells, symbols, or something like that.

His little devil appeared. “Give the girl a pole!”

Just when he thought he had seen it all, she did the most inconceivable thing he could imagine. She double tapped those hips with the beat of the drum as if she were performing some ancient African tribal dance. She was turning in the most provocative way, gyrating those hips in a way he had not seen—well not in public anyway. The women he dated were far too proper for this kind of dance; but hell, they could definitely learn a thing or two from Alexandria. As she came around to face him, her entire body rippled with movement. She stretched her arm towards him and made the come-hither gesture with her index finger, inviting him to join her…challenging him to match her movements, her eyes filled with pure fire.

He couldn’t…he couldn’t move. Hell, he couldn’t breathe. He wasn’t sure his heart was still beating. She was simply tantalizing. Then she was twirling in a circle and rolling her head in Samba type rolls, her hair floating around her like a halo. She was a wild little thing and with those hips, he was sure she would be an amazing lover—his lover. He simply must have her. He would let nothing stop him, not even her. As soon as he didn’t think she could drive his body any wilder, she did. She was pure sex as she leaned backwards and somehow managed to shimmy while thrusting her hips upwards.

His body was in motion. Moving towards her. Slowly stalking his prey. His hands spanned her shoulder blades and pulled her into him. His lips were so close to hers that he could feel her ragged breath against his. The wildfire burning out of control consumed him as he dipped his head and kissed her breathless.

He didn’t know, and to be honest he didn’t care if it was the dance…the heat of the moment…the dim light of night…or something else as she grasped his arms and returned his kiss. He had been waiting for this moment for months and he’d be damned if he’d turn it down now.

He backed her up, one slow step at a time, until she was against the railing. The kiss was hard and firm, yet soft and sensual. His tongue traced the line between her lips, caressing gently, until she moaned softly…opening to the pleasant invasion. He parted her lips with his tongue as she melded into his arms. His hand ran up her spine to the cusp of her neck, tangling his fingers in her hair as he deepened the kiss.

She gasped as his tongue darted in for a taste of her sweetness, dancing against her own, creating a tidal wave of warmth low in her stomach. Her hand wandered up his bicep, across his shoulder, and to his strong jaw, caressing his cheek.

He drew away slowly. She had taken his breath, his reasoning—his everything. He couldn’t think, he simply whispered against her lips, “You will be mine, Alexandria.”

His words were just enough to shock her back into reality. She put both hands on his chest and shoved him away. Her eyes blazed with anger as she fired at him, “Not in your wildest dreams, Brad Scott!”

“Alexandria.” He grabbed her arm as she turned to walk away. She was trembling. His kiss had done the job, and apparently, he had done it very well based on the fire raging within her eyes! Think…and think quickly, he thought.

He took a deep breath, “I apologize for getting out of line but dammit Alexandria, that dance was the hottest thing I have ever seen. I couldn’t help myself.” His tone softened to a tender whisper—almost reverent, “My God, do you have any idea how beautiful you are? What I said was stupid and I didn’t mean it like it sounded.” His eyes softened, pleading for her forgiveness.

She shot him the haughtiest look he had ever seen. “I suppose I shouldn’t have let you bait me that way. I’m sorry too.”

“Truce?” He flashed her that boyishly charming smile of his. “It has been a wonderful day and I don’t want this to spoil our evening.”

She nodded as she walked back to the table and downed a glass of wine trying to calm her quivering stomach.

How on earth would he get her settled down? “Perhaps we should get back to my line of questioning,” he tried to sound as casual and playful as possible…pretending nothing had happened. However, his mind told him he would never forget the pure fire dancing before him; the way Alexandria melded in his arms or the taste of her kiss on his lips. She was utterly magnificent, and his desire for her was out of control. She betrayed herself with the dance; just below the surface lurked the exotic wolf he saw during their first encounter, but for some reason, she was determined to hide part of herself.