Page 81 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Cheri could almost feel her heart stop as heavy footsteps approached the clearing. “That is not a small animal. It’s getting closer. Someone, or something, is out there.” Gripping Cole’s arm, she snuggled closer and asked, “What should we do?”

Cole put a finger to his lips indicating she should stop talking. She noticed his jaw clenched as he reached into his jeans and retrieved a small pocketknife. Both of them stiffened as a towering image emerged.

Cheri put her hand over her mouth to stifle a scream.

Chapter 73

Padding around Cheri’s ultra-modern apartment, Alex thought,A kid would destroy this place.Stepping from room to room, she hoped there weren’t hidden cameras. She wasn’t exactly snooping but was curious about the socialite.Maybe Tony’s cop genes have rubbed off on me.

At the top of her list was admiring Cheri’s massive closet. It contained enough outfits to clothe a female army. Every label was from a designer—some she recognized but most she didn’t. Tempted to try everything on, Alex knew she didn’t dare. Plus she was taller than Cheri and at least one size larger. Between the rows of shoes and purses, a gleaming jewelry armoire caught her eye. “Jewels.”I think I need coffee before I snoop through those.

Alex peered at the ceiling, still wondering about surveillance.Surely Cheri wouldn’t have watchful eyes in her closet. Still . . .As she contemplated her next move, Alex headed toward the gleaming kitchen.

For an apartment, the kitchen was huge, which made sense for a caterer. Admiring the light gray cabinets and white quartz countertop with ribbons of a darker gray, Alex spotted a Keurig coffee maker and plunked a pod inside. Fishing through cabinets for a mug, she found gorgeous China and white mugs, naturally.She must love white.

While the coffee brewed, her mind skittered to Tony.I feel like I’m cheating on him, but I’m also torn about Gage. I’m not calling Tony. I deserve this getaway. Besides, he’d probably somehow trace my call and be on the next plane.After the coffee brewed, she sipped the java and attempted to push thoughts of her mostly intolerable relationship out of her mind. Glancing out the window, hurried businesspeople and tourists rushed along sidewalks, seemingly ten people deep in every direction.You’d think it was Christmas Eve.I love the energy, but our slower Midwestern mojo is fine by me. I wonder if Gage would be bored in Crystal City. I wonder what Tony would think of Manhattan. What does it matter? I have to figure out what I want.

Already brewing a second cup, Alex devoured a blueberry muffin and banana she had bought at a deli across the street. There seemed to be a deli, florist, or camera shop on every corner.At home there’s a church on every corner.Both New York City and Crystal City could use some variety.

Rinsing off her plate, she placed it in the dishwasher. After reheating her coffee in the microwave, Alex retreated to Cheri’s closet where she decided she could live a long and happy life.

In awe of her expensive clothes and accessories, plus a three-paneled mirror on one end like freaking Saks, Alex was almost giddy when she spotted bottle after bottle of expensive perfumes lined up on a glass shelf.

Spritzing both wrists, forearms, behind her knees, and her belly, she wrinkled her nose.I must smell like a brothel.Once again, her eyes landed on the armoire.I’m going in.

After fishing through a massive amount of silver, gold, turquoise, pearls, and diamonds, Alex felt like a kid playing dress up. Eventually tiring of the activity—and feeling somewhat guilty—Alex reached for the door to close the jewelry cabinet, but a blue Tiffany’s box pushed to a far corner caught her eye. She held the box for a few seconds before putting it back untouched.I shouldn’t open that. It looks like a gift.But the jewelry box seemed to double dare her.

Unable to resist, Alex opened the signature blue box. Her mouth fell open. The biggest diamond engagement ring she had ever seen was inside.This is a massive, no joke engagement ring.I don’t understand.Cheri’s engaged? Was engaged? Why didn’t she tell us? I’ve got to tell Suzy and Hope. Shit. I can’t tell anyone. They’ll scold me for snooping.

Alex glanced behind her, even though no one else was around. Temptation got to her and she shoved the ring onto her finger. Admiring the gigantic diamond from every angle, she couldn’t believe her eyes.I’ll never have a ring like this. I wonder who gave it to her. I wonder if Gage knows. I can’t breathe a word to him either. Crap.

Letting out a low whistle, she browsed Cheri’s massive closet.I don’t dare try any of these gorgeous clothes on.I’ve spied enough. Staring again at the ceiling, she peered back at her diamond ring-bearing hand.I’ve got to take it off before I lose it.

Removing the ring, Alex did her best to remember exactly where the box had been in the armoire. After placing it on the left side, then the right, she settled on somewhere in-between and scolded herself for invading her friend’s space, especially after Cheri had generously offered to let her stay in her apartment.

I guess Miss New York has a few secretsof her own.

Chapter 74

Shivering from fear, Cheri moved closer to Cole and linked her arm through his. A taller than average, extremely slender man emerged. His image in the shadowy reflection of the fire made him appear enormous and monster-like.

“Well, well,” the man said in a shrill voice that didn’t fit his physique.

Cheri’s eyes widened. Clapping her hand over her mouth, she muttered, “Oh. My. God.”

Cole jumped to his feet still clutching his pocketknife. “Who are you?”

“None of your damn business, cowboy. I see Cheri’s been a little busy while I was working in Dubai the past two years.”

Poker-faced and as cool as a glass of sweet tea, Cole asked, “Mind tellin’ me what’s goin’ on?”

Crossing his arms, the towering man approached. “I could ask you the same thing.”

Standing beside Cole, Cheri’s mouth went dry. “I can’t believe this.” Holding onto his arm, she felt his biceps flex in anticipation of whatever was about to happen.

“Exactly what do you plan to do, cowboy? Stab me with your tiny knife?” The tall man laughed for far too long. “Cheri, have you lost your ever-loving fucking mind?”

Cole turned toward Cheri. Her face had become ghostly white.

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