“Oh, we’re done,” she said, throwing her purse over her shoulder. But Addison stayed behind because the more she thought about it, the more perfect comebacks she came up with.
Who does Felix think he is? She wasn’t some smitten little girl who’d lost her head just because some guy was interested in her. It wasn’t like she didn’t have anything riding on this mystery. But Phillip was innocent. She was sure of it. He’d even offered to help in any way he could. Now that was a supportive man.
Felix on the other hand had to be backed into a corner before he’d agreed to help her. Something had to be in it for him. He clearly thought that “something” might be her.
As if, she thought. Felix wished. What kind of fairytale ending would that be for me?
The longer she stood there and thought, the more incensed she grew. She began pacing back and forth in the living room.
Felix was cocky and arrogant, and it’s not like he even had a good job. He was a struggling bartender, well, struggling under the circumstances. As was she, but still.
Besides, he had a kid. Children just weren’t in the cards for her anymore. She hadn’t considered it in years. Not that she’d had much choice in that matter. The hysterectomy had made that decision for her.
But that might have been for the best, she told herself, just like she’d convinced herself a million times before. She was twenty-eight and unattached. She could do anything, go anywhere, nothing to tie her down or hold her back. She could fulfill any one of her fantasies.
Phillip would be a great life partner to share that with. Yes, she could see her life with him now. More or less.
Whipping out her phone, Addison brought up Phillip’s earlier text, the one she’d completely forgotten about for some reason, and hit the reply button.
I would love to come over for dinner Wednesday night.
Tapping the send button with a flourish, she grinned triumphantly to herself. “Just using her,” my ass, she thought. That would show Felix.
She wanted to see the look on his face when she told him about her date with Phillip. She’d tell him as soon as he came back down. Then she’d leave.
Just where was Felix, anyway? What was taking him so long?
Addison glanced at the time. It had been nearly twenty minutes already. Well, she certainly wasn’t going to wait around for him all night. She would tell him he’s on his own for the investigation on Wednesday, and then she was out of there.
Trudging up the stairs, she headed for the room at the end of the hall with a picture of a crown on the door and Naia written beneath it. Addison gripped the phone in her hand, ready to shove it in Felix’s face.
“Ha!” she would say. “How about that for ‘he’s just using you’?” Or something slightly more clever.
Maybe she wouldn’t say anything at all. Yes, let the message speak for itself. Much more refined. Like Phillip.
Addison poked her head through the cracked door, but Felix didn’t exactly look like he was ready to continue their discussion. Or even cared about Phillip anymore. He was curled up on My Little Pony bed sheets next to Naia, drooling on a heart pillow.
The sight brought Addison up short. She hovered uncertainly in the doorway. There’d been a time when she’d wanted that life. Had dreamed of a family, before the chance had literally been ripped out of her, and she’d been tossed aside like damaged goods.
Addison hadn’t thought about it much since then. She figured she’d end up with someone who didn’t want any kids with her, who maybe even saw it as a bonus that they couldn’t accidentally knock her up. That this life wasn’t destined for her. Or maybe, just maybe that they loved her so much that she was enough for them, unlike her ex.
But as she stood there watching Felix and Naia, she could see it like a movie playing out in her head, the scenes flicking by like a montage to a Sarah McLachlan song. Evenings with the three of them making dinner while dancing to music in the kitchen. Felix casually kissing her as he stirred the spaghetti sauce. The look on Naia’s face on Christmas morning when she saw Santa had come. Nights spent tucking Naia into bed and reading her a fairy tale. And of course there was tucking Felix into bed after.
It gave Addison a flutter of excitement to imagine it. Not just her and Felix together, but all of it. Was that what he’d meant when he said he wanted something more? Not just for last-call hook-ups on pool tables, but for all of it.
But he was a dad. A dad. He was responsible for a little life. Cared for her full time, provided for her, fed her, clothed her.
All along, Addison had imagined him as a guy who rolled out of bed in the morning and grabbed any old scruffy T-shirt because he was too lazy to find a half-decent one. But it was because he was too busy getting someone else ready, too busy being a full-time dad, a full-time bartender, to care. That, and he probably had poor fashion taste as well.
Suddenly, the whole argument Addison had built up in her head seemed trivial now. She put away her phone. For a few minutes, she watched them and considered the little Sleeping Beauty breathing quietly next to her dad. Considered both of them, the life they lived. The life Addison could have if she chose him.
It certainly wasn’t the perfect setup she imagined. Felix wasn’t her white knight in shining armor. It wasn’t a fairy tale. It was … real.
Marilyn’s words from earlier that day came back to Addison.
Sometimes life doesn’t always give us what we want. If you’re lucky, it gives us what we truly need.
Addison knew what she wanted, or at least she’d thought she did. But what did she need?
Shutting the door softly, she turned and headed back downstairs. She tried to imagine her life with a man like Phillip. She could think of a million things she wanted from him. But what would she need from him? And could he provide those things?
Addison was going to go to his place for dinner on Wednesday, he’d probably wine and dine her over the weeks to come, romance her, and then if things went well, whisk her away to all sorts of places. And then what?
Addison climbed into her Mini and glanced back at the shabby row house, considering the life she could have with the sleeping pair inside. It was no fairy tale, that was true. It was real.
But was it too real for her?
22
Barking Up the Wrong Tree
The date was perfect. The wine glasses sparkled in the moonlight, a gentle breeze blew the fragrant scent of roses from the garden below, the roasted lamb fell apart delectably in Addison’s mouth. Phillip looked perfect. The way he was staring at her in her strapless dress let her know she looked perfect too. Just perfect, perfect, perfect.
“This is wonderful.” Addison indicated the balcony, the candles, and the soft music in the background. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Phillip took a sip of his wine. “A special meal for a special lady.”
Addison’s cheeks warmed. She was special. Well, at least he must have thought so, since he went through all the trouble of making their wonderful dinner.
“This dish is delicious,” Addison said.
“It’s Raphael’s, my chef’s, specialty.”
Addison slapped herself mentally. Of course he didn’t make the food himself, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t worth the effort. He probably never cooked. However, he obviously had requested his chef’s specialty for their date, so at least he’d put thought into it that way.
“He makes it every Wednesday night,” Phillip added.
Or not, she thought.
Oh, well. Who cared if Phillip didn’t make it when it tasted that good? Although, Felix had made the picnic for her and Naia a few days earlier, and that turned out to be surprisingly tasty. And it had obviously taken a lot of time and effort, which was very thoughtful.
Never mind about Felix, Addison told herself. She was with Phillip in his beautiful house, on his terrace, for an evening spent under the stars. It was such a romantic idea for Phillip to come up with.
“The balc
ony was a wonderful idea,” she said. “It’s such a nice night.”
“Yes, my butler saw how mild the weather was going to be this evening and suggested it.”
“Oh, that was thoughtful of him.” Okay, well, he may not have had anything to do with dinner or the idea for the terrace, but his touch could be seen in the details. The moment she’d sat down at the table, she’d noticed a vase of periwinkle hydrangeas arranged as the centerpiece.
“You remembered my favorite flowers.”
Phillip seemed pleased she liked them. “How could I forget when you’re all I can think about?”
Addison’s eyes dropped to her plate, embarrassed by the dazzling smile he gave her. “Thank you.”
“So I had my maid pick them up from the flower shop this afternoon, especially for our evening.”
“That’s so”—she hesitated a beat—“thoughtful.” Of his maid, she added in her head.
Addison struggled not to roll her eyes. But at least he’d thought about the flowers, and it was the thought that counted, right? Unable to find anything else to say, she took another bite of Raphael’s lamb.
Silence settled over them except for the tinkling of silver on plates. She paused to take a sip of wine. The rich flavor burst in her mouth and she almost moaned with delight. Oh! The wine. Addison had never tasted one so complex. Phillip must have picked it out himself. Such good taste he had. Such refinement. “This wine is amazing.”
“Yes, it is,” Phillip agreed. “I enjoy a good wine. Although, my wine cellar isn’t quite as grand as Alistair Yates’s is claimed to be.”
Addison shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Alistair. She was still bothered by her run-in with him at the park.
Phillip turned and called over his shoulder. “Hugh, could you please grab us another bottle from the cellar?”
His butler seemed to appear from the shadows. “We’re all out of that particular Cabernet, sir.”
“No problem,” Phillip said. “Just choose whatever you think is best. You did a fine job with this one.”
So the wine wasn’t exactly his idea either. At least he’d thought to invite her to dinner, she told herself. Unless, of course, he outsourced his text messages too.
When they’d finished their meal, Phillip invited her to sit on a marble bench on the other side of the terrace. He sat close enough that she could smell his cologne. Her nose wrinkled at the citrus tang of it, reminding her a little of a toilet bowl cleaner. She made a mental note to jot cologne down as a potential Christmas gift and instead tried to focus on the scent of the flowering vine that draped over the bannister behind them and fell all the way down to the garden.
“You look lovely tonight,” he told her.
“Thank you.”
“I’m so glad you said yes to dinner tonight. I know it’s been a difficult couple of weeks for you. You probably have a lot keeping you busy right now.”
“It’s been a little crazy.” To say the least, she thought, but it wasn’t like she could babble about that on a date, about undercover ops, and weird dog-themed sex parties, and dog show intrigue, and Felix.
The only person who would understand her crazy life at the moment and what she was going through was Felix himself. But she wasn’t exactly talking to him at the moment. Not after how they’d left things at his house on Sunday. But Addison’s life had been so consumed by all of their crazy adventures that she didn’t have much else to talk about.
“But I’m sure it will all turn around soon,” she said, giving her best peppy cheerleader smile.
“That’s the spirit,” Phillip said, clearly oblivious to the strain in her voice.
“I just feel so bad for all those owners who lost their dogs,” she said. “I hope they find them.”
“I couldn’t imagine losing Baxter.” He shook his head. “I’m even hesitant to bring him to the gala on Friday evening, but they assure us it’s completely secure. Are you going?” he asked her, with a hopeful expression.
“Yes, I was planning to. My friend Zoe is the event coordinator, and I can assure you it will be very secure.”
Phillip slid closer to her on the bench until their legs were brushing against each other. “Well, if you’re going. And I’m going,” he said suggestively. He laid a hand on her bare leg where the slit in her skirt had parted. His fingers felt stiff and clammy, making her shiver. “Perhaps we should go together?”
“I’d love that,” she said, when she’d recovered, hoping he thought it was a judder of excitement.
Felix had originally been booked to work the gala. Although, if they didn’t solve the case before then, he wouldn’t be.
Annoyed with herself for thinking about Felix when she was on a date with Philip, Addison looked deep into those perfect blue eyes in front of her. Not muddy brown like Felix’s. Well, not muddy exactly. Felix’s eyes were a bit warmer, like a rich polished mahogany wood. Very much like Naia’s. And Naia’s sparkled when she smiled, she supposed a little like her dad’s.
But she wasn’t going to think about Felix. She was focused entirely on Phillip’s perfect hair and perfect teeth. She noticed his perfect eyes studying her mouth, and his perfect lips as he brought them closer to hers. His perfect hands reached for her face and he ran his fingers though her wavy blonde locks.
“Ouch.” She winced as his watch caught in her hair. “I think I’m stuck.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” He tried to pull away but froze as she flinched again.
“That’s okay,” she said. “It’s just pulling a little.”
“Here, let me help.” He fiddled with his watch, tugging on her hair for a few seconds until she was free. “There. That’s better.”
“Thanks.”
He gave her a sheepish look. “Were you ready for some dessert?”
Now that the moment between them had been totally blown, Addison didn’t know what else to do but nod. “Yes, thank you.”
Addison needed something sweet to calm her nerves. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Her hands had turned cold and clammy while anxiety buzzed through her whole body until she just couldn’t sit still. Something wasn’t right.
I’m just overly excited, Addison told herself. A hot date with Phillip Montgomery III? What girl wouldn’t be thrown off her game?
Phillip got to his feet and headed for the French doors leading into the drawing room. “I’ll go see what’s keeping Hugh.”
“Sure thing.” Addison watched Phillip go back into the house, noticing that his butt was perfect too.
The moment he disappeared from sight, she frantically smoothed her locks back into place. She rearranged herself on the bench into a come-hither position to await Phillip’s return. No, she thought, maybe sultry’s better. She crossed one leg over the other. The slit in her dress gaped open to reveal just enough thigh to be seductive but not slutty. Yes, seductive was definitely best. She decided to nudge the slit open an inch wider and waited in that frozen position.
In the silence that could only be found in an oasis like Phillip’s property, there was a faint rustle. Breaking her pose, Addison glanced behind her, half-expecting a wild animal. But she saw nothing in the creeping vines along the bannister.
Addison returned to her seductive pose, only to be startled by another noise a moment later. This time the rustling was closer. The green leaves along the bannister vibrated like there was something caught in the ivy, too big to be a bug or a bird. Maybe it was some kind of animal. Faint grunts and heavy breathing reached her ears. A very big animal.
Leaping to her feet, she backed away from the bench. She was about to scream out when a hand reached over the bannister, gripping the vines for dear life. A head of dark curls surfaced over the edge, followed by a pair of mahogany eyes.
“Felix?” Addison hissed.
He gave her a strained, lopsided grin. There was a snap. The vine he was gripping broke away. He grunted, disappearing from sight.
Addison gasped and ran to the edge of the terrace
. Fearing the worst, she peered over the bannister on her tiptoes. She saw Felix’s hand clamped desperately around a flimsy vine just on the other side. It groaned ominously under his weight.
“Oh my God.” Addison lunged forward and gripped his wrist.
She tugged and heaved as Felix grunted his way up the wall of ivy. She probably wasn’t helping much, but by the time he’d thrown his leg over the bannister and landed safely on the stone terrace, she was panting from the effort.
“What are you doing here?” she whispered between gasps for air.
Felix flopped down on the bench, face red, arms bright with pink and red welts from climbing the vines. He glanced up at her. “What am I doing here? What are you doing here?”
“What do you think I’m doing here?”
His eyes widened as he took in her dress. He started to nod with understanding. “You’re spying on him, aren’t you? Deep undercover stuff. That’s good. That’s good. You really went all out.” He ran a finger down the front of her dress, and she felt it like hot candle wax running from her breast to her belly where his touch lingered.
“You look”—Felix’s eyes darkened—“seductive.”
His words were like honey, thick and sweet. She glanced at his lips and felt the urge to suck more of those words right out of his mouth.
Addison shook her head, trying to clear her mind. “Is that what you’re doing here?” she demanded. “You’re here to spy on Phillip?”
“Of course, we still haven’t crossed him off the list yet.” He clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “So what have you found out so far?”
“Nothing.” Addison tried to drag Felix to his feet, but it was like trying to move a mule. “You can’t be here right now.”
“Why not?” A devilish smile curled his lips, and his fingers found their way to the slit in her dress. He laid his palm against the inside of her thigh, caressing her smooth skin. As it rose higher and higher, her legs automatically parted ever so slightly, enough for him to run a finger along the silk between her thighs.
Beauty and the Wiener Page 23