“What do you mean?”
“It’s obvious that the lawyer guy is just a player—probably charms every woman he meets—but Jeff Finch . . . He’s protective of you. And you know what that means.”
Alicia blinked. “And how do you know he’s protective of me?”
“Well,” Gwen said, leaning close to speak in a low voice as the front doors to the restaurant opened. “When I was bringing their drinks, I heard Jeff say to his friend, ‘She’s off-limits, Dawson. If you even think about asking her out, I’ll be suing you.’”
Alicia’s mouth dropped open.
“Like I said, protective,” Gwen said with a wink, then turned and went back into the main restaurant.
Alicia didn’t know what to think. And it was possible that Gwen was baiting her to get a reaction. She didn’t have time to analyze what Jeff may or may not have said because a group of four was walking toward the hostess stand.
“Welcome to Alpine Lodge,” she said, feeling like she was on auto-pilot. When she led the group of four to their table, she didn’t even look toward the terrace to see how Jeff and Dawson were faring. She’d just have to trust Gwen to take care of them, and in the meantime, she needed to stop all the “what if” questions forming in her mind.
Jeff laughed as Dawson told him a ridiculous story of one of his blind dates. Apparently, even high-powered lawyers got set up on blind dates by their mothers. “And this was a week after your divorce?” Jeff asked.
“No,” Dawson said, shaking his head. “A week after Romy moved out. My mother was pretty excited to see her go, I guess.”
“I guess,” Jeff said, still chuckling. “Not even my mom is that brave.”
“You’ve never been on a blind date?” Dawson asked, taking another sip of his wine.
“Nope.” Jeff was the driver, so he wasn’t drinking. This was also beneficial so he could keep his wits about him when he visited Paige later that night. She’d texted him several more times, begging for him to talk to her in person, and he’d finally told her he’d stop by after his dinner appointment.
“Meeting a woman on my own has always been better,” Dawson said. “I mean, it should be better.” He spread his hands. “Yet . . . no girlfriend, no wife, maybe I am doing something wrong.”
Jeff shrugged. “I’m not doing much better.”
“So what happened with Paige?” Dawson asked.
Jeff took another bite of the sautéed asparagus, stalling. “Some women are beautiful on the outside, but not so much on the inside, if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah, I do,” Dawson said. “I married one of those.” He looked past Jeff. “Alicia isn’t like that though, is she?”
When Dawson refocused his gaze on Jeff, it was his lawyer, don’t-lie-to-me gaze.
“No, she’s not,” Jeff said. “Like I told you, we’ve been friends since we were kids, and she is one of the good ones. Too good for you, that’s for sure.” He spoke in a light tone, but he also gave Dawson his own don’t-mess-with-her-gaze.
“I got it the first time,” Dawson said, narrowing his eyes. “She’s not just a friend, is she? I mean, you’re not thinking of her as a little sister you’re watching out for, are you?”
“I don’t have a sister.”
“Exactly.” Dawson tapped the table. “You’ve been friends forever, so what’s the delay?”
“What delay would that be?” Jeff said in a stubborn tone. He wasn’t going to admit anything, not to himself or to Dawson.
Dawson leaned forward. “Why haven’t you asked her out? I mean, it’s pretty clear that you’re into her way more than ‘as a friend.’”
Jeff rubbed at his neck; he was too hot. “It’s a long story. But the end of that long story is that I’d never push anything onto her. She’s not someone I’d ever want to hurt.”
Dawson nodded thoughtfully. “Who says you’d be pushing yourself onto her? Even a blind man could see the tension between the two of you.”
Jeff reached for his ice water and downed the rest of it. “The tension isn’t what you think it is.”
“Oh?” Dawson’s eyes brightened. “Enlighten me, my friend.”
So, Jeff did. He told Dawson the whole story with most of the sordid details. He left out the issues that Alicia had with her mom, and he didn’t mention the flower incident. But by the time he’d finished, Jeff had told Dawson more about Alicia than he’d ever told anyone.
Dawson blew out a breath. “I really didn’t expect that.” Another swallow of his wine. “You’re right, man. She’s off limits to me. But I think you’re in real danger of making a complete fool of yourself over her.”
“Why do you say that?” Jeff asked.
“It takes a long time for a woman to forgive a man who treated her like dirt,” Dawson said, his tone knowledgeable. “Believe me, I know. I don’t think Romy will ever let me live some stuff down.” He poured more wine and took several long swallows.
“Good thing I’m driving,” Jeff observed in a dry tone.
“Talking about my ex-wife seems to bring out the best in me.” Dawson finished off the wine in his glass and poured another. “And since it sounds like Alicia’s well on her way to forgiving you, I can see that you’ve already fallen hard.”
“You’ve had way too much wine to make any sort of assessment. I haven’t fallen for her.” Jeff moved the bottle of wine out of Dawson’s reach. He wasn’t going to let the man get too drunk. “We’re friends, that’s all. Friends who go a long way back.” How many times did he have to point this out?
Dawson looked at the wine bottle for a moment, then refocused on Jeff. “And you just happened to break up with your girlfriend hours after seeing Alicia for the first time in ten years?”
“That was a pure coincidence,” Jeff said, although he wondered if Dawson was right—at least on that point. Not on any of the others, of course. Seeing Alicia had reminded Jeff of how difficult his relationship with Paige was, and how exhausting it had been to keep her happy. The difference with Alicia was that he wanted to be her friend, wanted to spend time with her, wanted to help her in any way he could.
“Would you fellows like to see the dessert menu?” the waitress asked, coming back to their table.
Jeff recognized her as Gwen, the woman who was a friend to Alicia.
“I’m fine,” Jeff said, then looked at Dawson. “What about you?”
“No, I’m full,” Dawson said, his eyes on Gwen. “And besides, looking at you is dessert enough.”
Jeff groaned. “Sorry about that,” he said to Gwen. “He’s had too much wine.”
Gwen smiled sweetly, but her eyes weren’t so sweet. “That’s okay. The only reason I’m not going to double your drink bill is because you know Alicia. But if your friend ever comes back, I’ll make sure he gets charged premium prices.” She slapped the bill folder on the table and walked away.
“Ouch,” Dawson said, rubbing a hand over his face. “I think I drank too much.”
“You think? Weren’t you just talking about how we should treat people?” Jeff pulled out two one-hundred-dollar bills and put them into the bill folder. “Let’s get out of here before you get us kicked out.”
Dawson rose to his feet, using the table to keep his balance. “I need to find her and apologize.”
“No, we need to leave.” Jeff moved toward him and grasped Dawson’s arm.
Dawson nodded. “All right. Maybe your friend can tell her.”
“Maybe,” Jeff said, in a noncommittal tone.
They walked through the restaurant, with Jeff on alert in case Dawson did or said something else stupid. But the man stayed subdued. Alicia wasn’t at the hostess stand when they passed by, and Jeff glanced about for her, but he didn’t want to wait around. The sooner he got Dawson in the SUV, and home, the better.
By the time Jeff dropped off Dawson at his condo, the man was nearly asleep. He watched Dawson unlock his door and flip on some lights. Good enough, Jeff decided. He pulled out of the parking
lot, then drove to Paige’s apartment. He didn’t want to be on her turf, but he wanted this over, and he hoped this would be the last time he’d have to see her.
When he knocked on the door, it opened almost immediately. Had she seen him pull into the parking lot?
“Come in, babe,” Paige said in a sweet voice—one Jeff didn’t trust for a moment.
She wore a silky white robe, and her blonde hair was piled on top of her head, as if she were just lounging around her place late at night. But he didn’t miss the fact that her makeup was immaculate, and she even wore red lipstick. Music played in the background, and several candles had been lit in the front room. Paige always liked candles.
He took a step back. “Hey, it’s late, and I thought we could maybe meet for coffee in the morning.”
“Oh, no you don’t,” Paige said, grasping his hand and tugging him inside the apartment.
But Jeff held his ground. He stayed by the front door. “Look, I’m not here for this.” He waved his hand toward the set of candles.
Paige pushed her lips into a pout. “This? I’m just reading, you idiot. You know I love candles. Chill out and come in. I deserve better than an argument on the phone. Plus, it’s freezing outside.”
“I wasn’t trying to argue with you on the phone,” Jeff said. “I told you I wanted to talk in person, but you forced me to explain why over the phone.”
Paige folded her arms, and Jeff didn’t miss how sheer the fabric of her robe really was.
“Okay, then let’s talk,” she said. “That’s all I want to do. You really shouldn’t flatter yourself, Jeff Finch.” She reached past him and shut the door.
At least she didn’t lock it, and Jeff took courage in that. He walked to one of the stuffed chairs and sat down. “Look, I’m sorry for how everything’s played out, but like I said, things haven’t been going very well between us for weeks.”
Paige didn’t say anything. She picked up a water bottle from the coffee table and took a long swallow. Then she turned to him and held it out. “Thirsty?”
“No, thanks,” Jeff said. Just sit down so we can get this over with, he wanted to tell her.
Paige released a sigh, then walked toward him. “I hate it when you’re mad at me.”
“Paige,” Jeff said, his sharp tone stopping her advance. “I’m not mad at you, but we’re over. I’m really sorry.”
“I’m really sorry I had to bail early on our Valentine’s date,” Paige said as if she hadn’t heard a word he’d spoken. She untied her robe and let the silky fabric slide from her shoulders.
Jeff blinked. She wore a white negligee that was completely transparent. Before he could react, she straddled his lap and wrapped her arms about his neck.
“Don’t be mad, baby,” she said, then pressed her mouth against his.
Jeff had frozen, in shock or disbelief, or both. His hands moved to her hips as she kissed him. He might be a man, and she might be a beautiful, very tempting woman, but this wasn’t happening. He gripped her hips and lifted her off his lap.
“Oh, that’s better. Carry me to the bedroom,” Paige said with a giggle.
Jeff stood with her still clinging to him, and it took more effort than he imagined to peel her off of him. “I’m leaving now. Don’t call me or text me.” He strode to the door and tugged it open.
“Don’t you dare walk out on me,” Paige yelled. “You’re cheating on me, aren’t you?”
Jeff hurried down the walkway, then cut across the yard, ignoring the snow that would soak his shoes and socks. The short cut was more than worth it.
Apparently Paige wasn’t done yet. She came out of her apartment, gracing whoever cared to look out their windows with her attire. Her voice went up a notch on the hysterical scale. “If you leave, I’m never taking you back! No matter how much you beg. I can find a new man tomorrow if I want. Or tonight! You’re a loser, do you hear me, a—”
Jeff started the engine and roared out of the parking lot, drowning out her screeches. If her neighbors were smart, they’d call the cops. He slammed his hand against the steering wheel. How did he get himself attached to someone like Paige? He was done making stupid decisions with women. He shouldn’t date anyone for a long time, maybe a year.
By the time he reached his house and pulled into the garage, his breathing had calmed down, but he was still angry at himself. He knew what Paige was when he’d met her.
Jeff climbed out of his SUV and shut the garage door. Inside his house, he left all the lights off and made his way to the living room, where he sat on the couch. The blinds were open, and the pale moonlight filtered across the floor in stripes.
He closed his eyes and exhaled. Then he pulled out his phone and stared at it. There had been no message from Alicia. Surely she was off work by now. He sent a text, hoping that she wasn’t mad at him or anything. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. I was hoping to talk to you about Gwen.
The text was delivered and read, but there was no return reply. That’s okay, Jeff told himself. It had been one crazy day, and it was time for it to end. Court, being chewed out by Mrs. Waters, dinner with his drunk lawyer, then Paige . . . Jeff turned off his phone and plugged it in. Then he changed and climbed into bed. Sleep didn’t come for a long time, but at least tomorrow would be a new day.
Last night, Alicia had seen the moment Jeff’s text had come in. It had been nearly midnight, and she decided to not reply yet. She’d heard about what his lawyer had said to Gwen, and she was glad that Jeff had stuck up for Gwen. But it also reminded Alicia of why she hated the dating scene. Why did some guys think that making sexual comments toward a woman would make them interested, or heaven forbid, secure them a date?
Gwen had been livid, and when she told Alicia, Alicia had to take her into the kitchen to calm her down. Alicia knew how much Gwen needed her job, and if she let one customer who was a jerk ruin the rest of the night, they might have even more problems. So Alicia hadn’t seen Jeff and Dawson leave, and that was probably a good thing.
Ironically, it was their manager, Seth Owens, who had been able to talk Gwen off the ledge, and she’d gone back to work.
Now, it was nearly 5:00 p.m., and Alicia had just pulled up to the restaurant to start her shift. There hadn’t been any more texts from Jeff, and Alicia felt bad about still not responding, but she wanted to see how Gwen was doing first. If Gwen was all right, then Alicia might be able to call Jeff without cursing out his lawyer.
Gwen was at the hostess stand, writing down reservations, when Alicia entered. Gwen looked up, and Alicia was glad to see that her friend was clear-eyed and looked fine.
“How are you?” Alicia asked.
Gwen shrugged. “Fine. Why do you ask?”
“Well, considering you almost quit your job last night, I just wondered.” Alicia winked.
“Well . . .” Gwen echoed. “I actually need to thank Mr. Dawson Harris if I ever see him again.”
“What?” Alicia couldn’t be more surprised.
“Apparently our boss has a protective quirk for his employees, and he told me he was approving the raise I requested,” Gwen said with a grin.
“Oh, wow, that’s great,” Alicia said. “I guess that’s a nice consolation prize?”
“It doesn’t excuse Mr. Harris’s behavior, but honestly, I’ve heard much worse,” she said. “I guess I was just extra moody last night. Who would have thought? Moodiness works on our boss.”
“Works on him?” Alicia asked. “What else are you trying to get out of him?”
Gwen pursed her lips, raised her brows, then turned and walked away.
“Gwen? That’s not fair,” Alicia called after her. “You can’t leave me hanging.”
But Gwen had disappeared into the kitchen. Shaking her head, Alicia started to look over the reservations for that night. Her gaze skipped over the list, searching for a name she knew, which she always did out of habit. No Jeff Finch, or anyone else that she knew was coming tonight.
The front door
s opened, and Alicia looked up, expecting to see one of the waiters or kitchen staff arriving. Instead, the blond man who stepped inside was unexpected.
“Dawson? What are you doing here?” Alicia said, before she could stop herself.
“I, uh, Jeff told me that I could find Gwen here—and you,” Dawson said, coming in. He was still dressed to the nines, but his confidence seemed about ten levels lower than it had last night. “I needed to make an apology.”
Alicia folded her arms. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to come here.”
“Please hear me out,” Dawson said, raising a hand. “I know I was a jerk, and even though I’d had too much wine, that’s no excuse. I wanted to apologize last night, but Jeff hauled me out of here. Which was probably a good thing.”
Alicia nodded. She could agree with that.
“Please, can you tell Gwen I’m here?” Dawson said. “Let her decide if she wants to talk to me.”
Alicia exhaled. “All right. But if she doesn’t want to talk to you, and you refuse to leave, I’m calling security.”
“Okay, okay,” Dawson said, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Believe me, I get it.”
Alicia turned and strode to the kitchen. Inside, Gwen was chatting with one of the other waiters. Their chef was chopping greens, and their manager was training a newer waiter on the cash register machine.
When Alicia told Gwen that Dawson Harris was in the front foyer, their manager came over.
“It’s all right,” Gwen said, looking from Alicia to Seth. “I’ll talk to the man. He can give his apology, then leave.”
“I’m coming with you,” Seth told her.
She raised her brows in surprise, but Alicia could see that she was pleased. “I’ll be fine.”
“Because I’ll make sure of it,” he continued.
Gwen shrugged. “All right.” She walked out of the kitchen, with Seth and Alicia following.
Dawson looked up when the group of them came into the foyer. If he was surprised, he didn’t show it.
“Hi,” Dawson said. “I came to apologize for what I said last night.”
Worth the Risk Page 8