by Nana Malone
“You’re walking a tightrope. Your birthday is in a few days.”
“And you said I had until my birthday to decide, so I’m taking the time.” Lex hung up before his father could say anything else. Even talking to the old man for five minutes was enough to make his temper bubble over.
A voice from his left startled him. “Everything okay?”
Abbie. The anger morphed into something else far more dangerous. “Shit, I didn’t know you were out here.”
She ducked her head as she stepped out of the shadows. “Yeah, sorry. We both had the same idea.” She held up her phone. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
Lex shook his head. “Just family drama.”
Her smile was rueful as she spoke. “Tell me about it.”
She shifted toward the balcony door, and his mind searched for something else to say to prolong the conversation. “How’s the camera?”
Her brows knotted together then rose as she tilted her head.
“Your camera? I figure since I was its knight in shining armor, I should ask after it. After all, I nearly died performing its rescue.”
She laughed, and Lex felt like he’d been lit up from the inside.
“Yeah, it’s good. You know, it was a tough ordeal. But with a little therapy and some new filters for medication, she’ll be all right.”
“Glad to hear it.” His fingers itched to touch her again, but he knew better even if she did welcome the touch, he needed to stay very far away from her. A girl like her would tear him up inside. He knew what he was. And once she found out the same, she’d run for the hills. He was better off staying away. “Next you’re going to tell me she has a name.”
Abbie grinned and took two steps toward him. Hell, if she came any closer, he’d forget about his damned don’t touch her rule.
“I call her the badass money maker.”
He laughed. “Are you serious?”
“Of course. I’ve taken all my best photos with her. I have another two cameras, but they don’t seem to do it the same way she does.”
He held up his hands. “Okay, okay. Fair enough. Bad ass money maker it is.” He rubbed his jaw. “My brother’s a photographer, and I don’t think he names his cameras. His other appendages yeah, but never his cameras.” The moment he’d let it slip abut Xander he wanted to bite his tongue off. He prayed she didn’t ask if she might have seen his work. Lex didn’t need her going all starry-eyed once she knew about the infamous half of the Chase brothers.
Abbie cocked her head. “You can’t mock her name. I like it. Besides, your name is Lex. Please tell me your parents had a sick sense of humor and your last name is Luther. That would be perfect.”
“A Superman lover, I see.” Well, wasn’t she full of surprises? “And Mum and Dad do not have a sense of humor, thank God. It’s Chase, actually. Alexi Chase.”
Abbie frowned “Is Chase a common surname?”
He inclined his head. “Common enough. I suppose it’s like the surname Smith. Why?”
She shook her head. “No reason.” She studied him carefully. “Anyway, I like it. Alexi sounds Russian.”
“My maternal grandmother is Russian. Grandfather was half Turkish and half British.” He cleared his throat and watched her carefully. She tucked one of her braids behind her ear and he longed to touch her. Who was he kidding? He couldn’t be casual with her, and he couldn’t let her get too close and see him for who he really was, so his only option was to stay away from her. He could try to be good.
“I think I prefer Alexi.”
“And is Abbie short for Abigail?”
She wrinkled her nose. “No. It’s Abena. Abena Nartey.”
He cocked his head. “Beautiful, like its owner.”
She ducked her head. “Uhm, thanks. I guess I should be grateful I wasn’t born on a less attractive sounding day.”
He furrowed his brow. “I don’t understand.”
“Like Sophie, I’m from Ghana. My name means born on Tuesday.”
“What a coincidence, Tuesday is my favorite day of the week.”
She laughed. “You’re almost as bad as Jasper now.”
“Oh, ouch. I like to think I bring my own flair.” He liked her. Enough to ignore the warning bells clanging in his skull. When she was relaxed, she was funny and sarcastic and kept him on his toes.
“Well, if it’s any consolation, I think you’re probably a better dancer.”
“Hell, yes. I can give you another demonstration anytime you like.”
Her gaze snapped to his, and a smile tugged at her lips. “I uhm, thought I already repaid my debt.”
“You did. This dance would just be because it’s fun.” Maybe he was pushing his luck. Maybe she’d scurry away again at a moment’s notice.
But she didn’t. He lost track of how long they stayed outside talking about nothing in particular. But he sure as hell didn’t plan on leaving before she did.
It wasn’t until Tamsin called her name from somewhere inside the house that she excused herself.
“Duty calls. I guess I’ll see you around, Alexi.”
Oh, hell. The way she said his name held him transfixed. Abena Nartey was going to be a problem.
38
When Lex opened the door to the barge on the morning of his party, he stood stunned for several seconds.
“Don’t look so surprised, it’s not like you’ve never seen me before,” his father said.
Lex didn’t move aside to let him in. “Well, I’ve just never seen you here before. Is everything okay with Mum?”
The older man sneered. “Your mother is fine, last I heard from her shopping detail. Now step aside, and let me in.”
Lex didn’t see any way around it. If the old man wanted in, Lex wouldn’t stop him, but he’d sure as hell have exterminators come through afterward and clear out the bad energy. “What’s up, Dad? I still have a day to tell you my decision.”
“I do know it’s your birthday tomorrow. I was there for the big event after all. I’m not totally oblivious.”
Lex frowned. “Considering that you’ve only been around for a couple of birthdays that I can remember, and given that you usually have your secretary pick my present, I’m pretty sure you’re not here because of my birthday.”
His father squared his shoulders. “Well, you would be wrong. Tomorrow, once you’ve properly turned twenty-five, I want you in the office. But for today, I’m here to give you something.”
Lex worked hard to keep his expression neutral. “Yeah okay, Dad, but you could have had someone bring whatever it is over.” He hovered near the door. “I’m actually late for an appointment.”
His father scoffed. “I think your friends can wait. After all, it’s only a party. You’re busy talking to your father.”
Lex gnashed his teeth. He didn’t have time for this bullshit. If he didn’t hurry, he’d be late for his meeting with Toshino. But the hell he was going to tell his father any of that. Lex just prayed the old man wouldn’t take it out on his mother.
“I really do have an appointment, Dad.”
His father shoved his hands into his pockets as he shook his head. “Fine, we’ll continue with our conversation tomorrow. Do you at least want to see your present?”
No, he didn’t. “Sure. What is it?”
His father pulled out a set of car keys and tossed them to him. The BMW key fob matched the one he already had for his car. “You bought me a car?”
His father nodded. “I asked my secretary to go and pick up something a young man in his twenties would want. She came back with this. A BMW 6 Series convertible. I don’t know what you’re driving these days, but I’m sure this is better.”
No. Not better. Exact replica was more accurate. Was his father that clueless that he didn’t even know what he drove or that he’d bought the car for himself? Hurt chased annoyance as Lex took the keys. “Yeah thanks, Dad.” He’d find a charity in the morning to see if they’d come pick up the car. At least he could do some
thing useful with it. “If that’s it I need to get going.”
His father eyed him up and down once more. Lex held his father’s gaze directly and wished he knew why his father had stopped loving him.
Once his father left, it didn’t take his mother long to call him. “How is one of my favorite sons?”
“You know that doesn’t actually mean anything unless you designate one of us your favorite, right?”
His mother sniffed. “You know I can’t choose. You and Xander are both so dear and darling to me.”
“Right. So what’s up?”
“I know your father just left.”
Ahh, so the old man had called to complain. “Really, Mum. I don’t want to fight about him today.”
“And we won’t.” She placated him. “I was just going to say, I have the perfect charity to drop the car off with.”
“You can relax, Mum, I’m not even that pissed. It’s not a surprise after all. Of course, he wouldn’t be paying attention.”
His mother laughed, and it made him smile. Her laugh was one of his favorite things. “Well, that’s a change. There was a time not so long ago that you would have both deteriorated into an all-out shouting match.”
“Yes, I like to call that period last week.” He sniggered.
“My, how you’ve matured since then.”
“Well, having it out with him would have ruined my birthday, and I’m not willing to do that.”
She was quiet for a moment. “You sound different.”
He had to roll his eyes. She was constantly trying to slink into mother hen mode. “No, I’m not sick. I’m eating, and I’m not working too hard.”
“Oh, stop. Let an old woman worry.”
“I doubt anyone would have the courage to call you old.”
She laughed. “They’d better not. But no.” She paused. “It’s something else. You sound lighter, somehow. Happy, almost.”
Yeah. Almost. “I don’t know what you mean.” Except he did. He’d be seeing Abbie again tonight. Except tonight, he was going to content himself with seeing her from afar. If he got too close, he’d do something stupid.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you met someone.”
He coughed. “Mum, stop. Have you forgotten, I’m with Gemma?”
His mother sighed. “No. I haven’t forgotten. I’m just saying as much as I adore Gemma, I don’t think you’re particularly passionate about her. I don’t think she inspires this kind of levity in you. Everyone deserves passion, Lex.”
“Uhm, Mum, this is fast becoming a very awkward conversation.” He shoved a hand into his pocket as he said a silent prayer that she didn’t expound on everyone needing passion.
She sighed. “Fair enough. I mostly just called to wish you a happy early birthday and tell you that your present will be delivered to the Brixton Youth Center tomorrow. I figure you’ll want to be on site for it. I’ve arranged for that basketball player Beef Bryant to visit.”
He frowned. “Uhm, do you mean Kobe?”
“Oh, yes, that’s the one.”
He laughed. “Thank you, Mum. That is a brilliant gift. Just send me the details. The kids will be so excited. I can’t wait to see their faces.”
“I’m glad you like it. After all, what does a mother get for the son who has everything?”
“It’s brilliant, Mum. Honest.”
“Good. But Lex?”
“Yeah?”
“I meant what I said about passion. I’d hate for you to let the past stop you from finding someone you can really love. No matter who that might be.”
39
If Abbie was going to continue hanging out with Sophie, she’d have to get some comfortable shoes and hydrate better.
Bending over, she adjusted the strap of sexy, black, sling-back stilettos. When Sophie had come home to the flat, Abbie and Tamsin had both been surprised, but their friend had only been there to grab an outfit and drag Abbie out the door with her. Tamsin had been smart enough to beg off with the excuse of having to work.
The glitterati life was fun, but Abbie was starting to see it for what it was. The same crowd at different venues, looking vaguely bored and searching for something to entertain them. A month ago, she never would have dreamed of this place. A few weeks and a transatlantic flight later, she was bypassing club lines, hanging out in VIP, and being flirted with by guys who were so beautiful they made her feel inadequate. Like Evan.
Nevertheless, she was kidding herself if she thought she was skipping Alexi’s birthday. Just the idea of seeing him again made her heart race. She didn’t want to examine those feelings too closely. Because then she’d have to think about what that meant.
As usual, Max and the boys took care of her while Sophie flitted about, hugging and air kissing the beautiful people. Abbie had always wondered how her friend managed it—to be equal parts sincere, but fabulous.
Two sake shots, and one absinth drink later, Abbie still hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the birthday boy. Head buzzing and needing some air, she trudged up the dingy back stairs looking for the roof. Maybe it was for the best that she’d yet to see Alexi. It didn’t matter what he did to her insides; he was first and foremost a guy, so she’d have to be careful. Secondly, he was out of her league, and finally, too much like Evan—too handsome, with access to money and power. She’d fallen for the smooth, good-guy image before. She wasn’t going to be fooled again. She couldn’t afford to be.
Abbie shoved open the sticky rooftop door, and the chilled air immediately cleared her alcohol-fogged mind of any Evan thoughts. She wasn’t going to think about him or what she’d left behind. Or worse how she’d let herself be treated. And she was certainly not going to think about how she’d left it all behind. She was going to focus entirely on this life. This new experience. She would only be able to live in this dream world for so long, and she wanted to enjoy every single aspect of it. Even if it did feel like a fantasy.
The dingy stairs and heavy door were misleading. Instead of the industrial landscape she expected, the club’s roof was a lush green garden. A massive trellis obscured most of the view of London nightlife, save one exposed ledge with padded bench seating.
Sucking in the air like it was fresh water after a drought, Abbie escaped to the bench and toppled onto it. She slipped off Sophie’s shoes and immediately started rubbing her feet, wondering what kind of hangover she’d have in the morning. Was there a rule against mixing sake and absinthe, like there was for beer and liquor? Hell, back home she barely even drank, save the occasional martini if she was out with Evan.
A couple of weeks with Tamsin, Sophie, and their rag-tag bunch of model boys, and she was buzzed on a rooftop in London. Maybe this was her Sex in the City moment. Though, she doubted Carrie, Miranda, or Samantha would have been up on a rooftop alone.
“So, first you crash my party, and then you crash my sanctuary. We have really got to stop meeting like this. It could be hazardous to your health.”
Abbie whirled around to find Lex sitting in a hidden alcove about three feet from her. “In case you didn’t know, it’s your birthday. I think you’re supposed to be at the party.”
Alexi shrugged, and she was fascinated by what the action did to his shoulder muscles.
“Well, the most intriguing girl there barely made time to talk to me. She was occupied by the DJ and a stream of would-be suitors, so I came up here to lament.”
A flush crept up Abbie’s neck. He’d been waiting to speak to her? “Sorry about that. Sophie can be Sophie. Apparently there were lots of people I just had to meet.”
“Yes, I saw you.” He cocked his head. “You looked visibly uncomfortable.”
Abbie snorted. “You caught that, did you?” She’d have to be careful with him. He was way too observant. “Not real big on hugging.”
He scooted out of the alcove and sauntered over to join her on the bench. She caught a whiff of cologne as he sat. Something musky, but also crisp and intoxicating.
“So t
ell me, how did you end up here? In my sanctuary.”
“Well, I didn’t see a sign, so sorry to crash your private party. And sorry to crash your actual party. I got enveloped in Sophie’s plan, as usual. I heard you guys planning the other day, but had no idea it was your actual birthday until we got here.”
He shook his head. “I was teasing. Any friend of Sophie’s…”
Abbie hid a smile. You don’t even know this guy. Well not true exactly. She knew he had a penchant for rescues and he had family problems. And he makes your skin tingle when he touches you. Yeah well, she needed to go ahead and forget that one. And he makes you feel safe.
“Well, I had too much sake and chased it with absinthe, so I seriously needed some air.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, that’ll do it.”
“I’m waiting for the hallucinations to kick in any moment now. Will I really see a green fairy?”
He chuckled low, and Abbie wanted nothing more than to melt into that sound.
“I think you’re safe from little green fairies. The absinthe they serve these days is missing the wormwood, so you’re unlikely to hallucinate.”
“What? Then what was the point of all that? The sugar cube and the flame? I thought I was getting something really extraordinary.”
“Well, you got the experience at least, if not the buzz.”
She sighed and slouched. “Bummer. Not quite the London experience I was expecting.”
“Oh, come on, at least you came to a cool party.” He winked.
“Yes. There’s that.” Her arm accidentally grazed his, and she sucked in a breath as she shifted away. “Not what I meant. I meant the first time doing something out of my norm. Stepping out of the box.”
“Ahh.” He nodded. “Seems I have a little adventurer on my hands.”
“Ha. I’m hardly an adventurer.” She shivered.
Lex shrugged out of his jacket and shifted toward her. Unsure of what he meant to do, she stiffened and leaned away from him an inch. His grey eyes met hers and his smile was soft. Careful not to move too quickly, he slid his jacket around her shoulders. The warmth of his heat cocooned her. Relax, Abbie, go with the flow. For once, be brave. She closed her eyes, and without thinking, snuggled into his coat and leaned into him.