Summer Reads Box Set: Volume 1

by Freethy, Barbara

  "I'm always game."

  "I've been wanting to try it, but it never seemed to be the right time. And Michael isn't an adventurous eater. It will be my treat. It's the least I can do." She smiled as she stood up. "I kind of like this, picking the restaurant, paying for my guest. I think I'll even drive."

  "Whoa, slow down. I'm driving."

  "You don't think I can drive?"

  "I like to be the driver."

  "So do I, and I've been the passenger every time we've driven so far. Come on, Alex. You can trust me. I promise not to hurt you."

  He sighed. "Fine, you drive. But I warn you, I am definitely a backseat driver, only you'll be hearing my comments from the front seat." As they left the apartment, Alex thought about what Julia had just promised. He didn't believe he was risking his life to ride in the car with her, but he had a distinct feeling that by spending more time together, he was definitely risking his heart. And the funny thing was that until Julia had entered his life, he'd almost forgotten he had a heart.

  * * *

  Julia entered the restaurant, feeling as if she'd just stepped into another world. The tented ceiling, the thick brocade tapestries on the walls, took them straight to Morocco. They sat down on low, soft cushions, the room lit only by candles. It was a lush, sensual atmosphere, and Julia felt a shiver run down her spine as she glanced over at Alex. He was as comfortable here as he was anywhere. She'd never met a man who could adapt to any environment as easily as Alex did. He made whatever room he was in his own.

  A waiter came by to explain the menu and suggest drinks. As soon as he left, a beautiful woman entered and performed a belly dance for them. She seemed especially interested in drawing Alex's attention, and Alex seemed to enjoy every second of her performance. In fact, he looked as if he'd forgotten Julia was even present.

  It didn't matter, she told herself. They weren't on a date. They weren't involved. They weren't committed to each other. Alex could flirt with the belly dancer. Heck, he could take her home and sleep with her, and Julia wouldn't have a thing to say about it, except that she really wouldn't like it.

  Julia frowned at the turn of her thoughts. She took a sip of wine, relieved when the woman moved away. "She was pretty," she commented, feeling completely insincere.

  "Beautiful," he said with a smile. "I'd like to see you in one of those costumes."

  "I doubt that will ever happen. I'm far too inhibited." She licked her lips as his gaze roamed her face, as if he were searching for all her personal secrets. There were some things she didn't want to share with him.

  "Are you inhibited?" he asked. "Or is that just the way you've been raised to be?"

  "It's the same thing."

  "It's not. I believe we're influenced by our environment, the people in our lives."

  "I suppose that's true. My mother was very big on rules and doing the right thing, telling the truth, never going astray. She and my father made such a big, happy family life for us that it was easy to be content in it. It wasn't until she died that I started to look around and wonder what else I wanted. I must say it's difficult to believe she might have been the biggest liar of all." Every time Julia thought about the lies, her heart hurt.

  "She didn't lie about her love for you," Alex said in a tender voice. "She obviously took care of you, protected you, tried to make you happy. That's the important stuff, Julia."

  "I'm trying to focus on that, but it's not easy when I'm hit with a new problem every time I turn around."

  "You have had a busy week."

  "Tell me about it. I can't believe I just walked out and left my apartment in such horrible condition. I should have cleaned it up."

  "It will be there when you get back. What's your sister up to?"

  "I think she went to my dad's house." Julia sighed. "I don't want to talk about any of it right now. Do you think we could put a moratorium on the subject through dinner?"

  "Absolutely," he said with so much relief she had to laugh.

  "I'm glad you agree. You know, this is nice."

  "It's a cool restaurant."

  "I wasn't talking about the restaurant. I was talking about how good it feels to spend time with you—away from all the drama."

  "For a few minutes anyway," he said lightly, lifting his wineglass to hers. "To you, Julia, whoever you are."

  "Whoever I am," she echoed.

  * * *

  An hour later they'd stuffed themselves on stewed vegetables, slices of fried eggplant, and a melt-in-your-mouth lamb dish. They'd also shared a lot of conversation about anything and everything—books, politics, religion, and world events. There was no topic that was out of bounds. They argued, debated, and laughed. Julia didn't think she'd ever laughed so much in her life, which made her feel guilty when she stopped to think for a minute. She should be sad that her engagement was over and that she'd probably hurt a very nice guy. Instead, she felt free. That was wrong. Yet it was right, too, and feeling bad wouldn't make Michael feel better. Hopefully time would open his eyes to who she really was and why they never would have been happy together. With that rationalization, she was able to put Michael out of her mind, as well as the rest of the problems in her life. She would have so many things to deal with tomorrow—her apartment, her mother, her past—but for the moment, she wanted to be carefree. And she couldn't have picked a better partner for this outing than Alex.

  She loved the way his mind worked. He was sharp, perceptive, interesting—a truly fascinating man. He lived a life that she wanted. Not the photography part, but the traveling part.

  "Do you think you'll ever quit?" she asked, as they left the restaurant and headed toward the car. "Ever decide to stay in one place and just take pictures at the local mall?" she added with a teasing smile.

  "I'd rather shoot myself than work at the mall." He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm used to my life. It works. It's challenging, too. I love being able to get the shot that no one else can get."

  "And you really believe that your job is enough for you?"

  "It has been so far."

  "Even though I just broke off my engagement, I still want to get married—someday."

  "Of course you do."

  "Why do you say it like that?" she asked.

  "I said it before. Most women want to be married."

  "And most men—"

  "Want to have a lot of sex."

  "You can have a lot of sex in a marriage," she pointed out. She saw his teasing smile and had a feeling that no matter how hard she tried, she wasn't going to get a more serious answer out of him.

  "I'll keep that in mind," he said. "So, Julia, are we sleeping together tonight?"

  At his question, she almost tripped on the uneven sidewalk. "What?"

  "You heard me. You need a place to stay, don't you? I'm offering my bed."

  "And where are you going to sleep?"

  "I'm waiting to hear my options. In the meantime, can I drive home?"

  "No," she said, hoping she could bring the same definitive no to the bed question.

  She walked around to her side of the car and reached into her purse for her keys. Suddenly a man appeared out of nowhere, tall, burly, and he was heading straight toward her. She didn't have a chance to move, but Alex did. One minute she was standing up; the next she was hitting the ground with her backside and Alex was chasing some guy down the street. Her heart pounded against her chest as she tried to get her bearings. Her handbag was still on her shoulder, although now that she thought about it, she had the distinct feeling that man had been trying to take it from her. If Alex hadn't moved so quickly, she would have lost the doll and her necklace.

  She stood up, feeling nervous and abandoned. Alex and the man had disappeared. She was alone in the dark. Suddenly aware of how isolated she was, she searched hastily for the keys. They were at the bottom of her bag. With a shaky hand, she hit the open button, and slid inside. With the doors closed and locked, she felt a little better. But where the hell was Alex? God, she hoped he was a
ll right.

  What if the guy had a gun or a knife? Alex had no way to defend himself. He was on his own. And so was she.

  * * *

  Alex increased his pace, narrowing the gap between himself and the man who had tried to attack Julia. His heart was beating double time, his breath coming quick and fast as he followed the man around the corner of Union Street, up a short hill and into a small park. It was darker here. No streetlights. Plenty of shadows.

  Alex could barely make out the man now. Only the light blue streak of his Windbreaker glittered in the moonlight as he dashed among the trees. Alex couldn't lose him. He had to find out who he was and what he wanted. This was his chance.

  But that chance was elusive and fast.

  One minute the man was in his sights. The next he was gone. Alex stopped, looked around. The park was empty but edged with a thick line of trees. There was no apparent way out of the park. The man would have to come back in his direction.

  Was he hiding?

  Alex tried to catch his breath, make his mind work. He had to think.

  An eerie feeling of being watched crept down his spine. He turned slowly, sharpening his gaze on each flickering shadow. There were too many trees, too many bushes, all rustling in the whispering breeze. As he listened, the sounds of the night grew louder: the crickets, the faint honk of a distant horn, the rumble of traffic on a nearby road, the sound of laughter from one of the open apartment windows surrounding the park.

  "Come out, dammit," he said aloud. "Talk to me. Tell me what you want."

  Nothing but silence answered his call. Was the man waiting, watching? Or was he gone? Had he found a way out that wasn't obvious to Alex?

  If he had...

  Julia was alone in the car. And she was the one they wanted.

  What the hell was he doing?

  Turning, Alex ran back the way he'd come, desperately hoping Julia was all right.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Julia flinched at the sound of footsteps coming down the street behind her. She was almost afraid to look. What if it wasn't Alex? What if it was the man who had tried to grab her bag? What if he'd hurt Alex and had come back to get her?

  She sank down into the seat, hoping he wouldn't see her.

  The footsteps drew closer, then paused. Someone whistled. A shadow moved across the front seat, and the door handle on the passenger side was flipped. It was locked. It didn't open. The man stumbled as he tried the door again.

  She couldn't breathe. She didn't know what to do. Should she start the car, try to pull out? What if Alex came back and she wasn't there?

  Before she could come up with an answer, the man moved on.

  It wasn't the same guy, she realized. This man was older, wearing a bulky coat and pants. His hair was long, and he wore a woolen cap on his head. He had a paper bag in his hand, and as she watched, he raised it to his lips and took a swig. He continued on, trying the door handle on every car parked along the street.

  He was probably homeless and looking for somewhere to sleep, she realized. He wasn't after her. She forced herself to breathe again.

  Until she heard the sound of someone running.

  She'd never been as scared of the night as she was right now.

  Please let it be Alex, she prayed. She closed her eyes, afraid to look. Someone tapped on the window. She tensed, then relaxed when she heard his voice.

  "Julia, it's okay. Let me in."

  She flipped the locks with a wave of relief, and Alex slid into the passenger seat. "Thank God, you're all right," she said, flinging herself into his arms. She hugged him tight, not wanting him to let her go. He didn't. He pressed her face into the curve of his neck, his hand cupping the back of her head. She could feel his pulse jumping beneath his skin, and she could smell the sweat of his desperate chase. But he was safe. So was she. And they were together.

  Finally, Alex pushed away, his eyes glittering in the shadows. "I lost him. I was afraid he'd come back here, afraid—" He cut himself off. She could finish the sentence in her head. He'd been scared for her, and fear was a character flaw as far as Alex was concerned. But in her mind, fear was a normal reaction to a terrifying situation.

  "I'm all right," she assured him. "I was worried about you. I thought he might have had a knife or some other weapon."

  "He ran into a park and disappeared. I didn't even get a good look at him. All I know is that he was fast."

  "Was he blond? Did he have a baseball cap on his head? A man came up to me at the radio station earlier today, and he made me really nervous."

  Alex's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

  "There was a guy watching me when I was talking to Christine Delaney. He came up to me when she left, and he said something I didn't understand. I think it might have been in Russian. My friends interrupted us, and he took off. Do you think it was the same guy?"

  "Could have been. Why didn't you tell me about him before?"

  "Didn't I?" she asked in confusion. "I guess I told Michael or Liz. I can't remember now. Did I also mention that Liz said a man with a thick, probably Russian accent called our apartment yesterday?"

  "Goddammit, Julia," Alex swore. "What else don't I know?"

  "I think that's it. I'm sorry, but everything is happening so fast, and I don't know what goes together and what doesn't." Overwhelmed, she had the terrible feeling she might burst into tears at any moment.

  Alex put his hand on her leg. "It's okay. It's fine. We'll deal with it all, Julia. Don't worry."

  "The man who came at us just now... He was after my purse, don't you think?" She'd had a few minutes to think, and she distinctly remembered the man trying to rip her bag off her shoulder.

  "Yes," Alex said, meeting her gaze. "I'd say it's a safe bet he couldn't find whatever he was looking for at your apartment, so he decided you have it on you."

  "Should we call the police?"

  "Let's go back to my apartment first and take another look at the doll and the necklace. Maybe we missed something."

  She nodded and turned the key in the ignition. She didn't realize she was shaking until she flooded the engine with too much gas.

  "Easy, Julia," he murmured.

  "I was so scared," she whispered. She gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white and her hands stung, but she didn't care, because it felt good to have something solid to hang on to. "When you disappeared, I didn't know what was going to happen." She looked at him and saw nothing but understanding and support. "I just got back in the car and protected myself. I should have gone after you, but I was a chicken."

  "Sh-sh," he said. He leaned forward, putting a finger against her lips. "You did exactly the right thing."

  She blinked back a tear. "I was so worried that I was going to lose you, Alex, and I've lost so much lately that—"

  Alex cut off her words with a tender kiss. "I'm not that easy to lose," he murmured against her mouth. "I'm fine, Julia. He ran. He wasn't looking for a confrontation."

  "Maybe not this time. What about the next time?"

  "Don't think about all the things that might happen. It will drive you crazy." He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear.

  "I'm already feeling crazy. Should I stop looking for answers? Should I try to go back to my normal life? How do I even do that?"

  "You can't go back to normal, because it doesn't exist anymore."

  "If it ever did. What I thought was normal was a fictional story my mother created for me to live in. Nothing about my life was based on anything real."

  "That's not true. Your mother may have created a cover story, but she lived her life with you, your sister and your stepfather. I don't think she was spying for the government when she was taking you to Girl Scouts," he added lightly. "In fact, we don't know if she was spying for the government at all. Maybe she simply went on that trip to Moscow because she wanted an adventure, and my father gave her the opportunity."

  "I'd sure like to believe that. But if that wer
e the case, why would she have hidden it from me? Why would she have disappeared from her parents' lives? Why would she have changed her name? Lived a lie?"

  She wanted Alex to give her the answers, but she knew she was asking for too much. "She might have been spying the whole time I was growing up. How would I have known? Apparently she was very clever."

  "I think your mother got out of the spy business, if she was ever in it, after that trip to Moscow, or maybe when she married your stepfather. From what you've told me about your idyllic childhood, I can't believe Sarah was anything but a devoted homemaker."

  "I don't know what she was anymore, and that scares me, too," Julia confessed. "We were so close. We shared so many conversations. All the best moments of my life were with my mother. And now I can barely remember those times. My memory is blurred by all the terrible lies that continue to be revealed. Now when I close my eyes, I see Susan Davidson's face crumpled in pain when she realized Sarah had been alive. I hear Brady telling me that Sarah was in Moscow. Even your voice echoes through my head—your words, 'I saw your mother in the square that day.' What's real? What's not real? Why don't I know?"

  "Your brain is too full," Alex replied, a smile spreading across his lips. "You've had a lot of shocks tonight. Give yourself a break. You don't have to figure everything out in the next five minutes."

  "Maybe I do," she countered. "Who knows what the next five minutes will bring?"

  "Nothing bad, I promise. Even the bad guys need to rest."

  "How can you joke?"

  "Because worrying is a waste of energy. Let's go home." He paused, his eyes suddenly sparkling. "I have an idea. Why don't you let me drive?"

  His obvious attempt to regain control of the car made her smile back at him. "No way. I drove us here. I'll drive us back."

  His sigh was long and dramatic, and eased the tension of the moment. "If you must."

  "I must," she replied, her hands steadier now as she pulled away from the curb.