Page 97 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Placing the manila envelope on his lap, Tony said, “You know I prefer your size. My brother’s a different story. He’s the big boobs guy.”

“Whatever.” She pointed toward the envelope. “Is that the will?”

“Yep.” Already fidgeting in his chair, Tony said, “I hope this doesn’t take long. I hate this legal mumbo jumbo shit.”

“I’d say three mil is well worth every minute.” Standing, Alex straightened the skirt of her sleek, new red suit.

Whistling, Tony said, “Speaking of, you look like a million bucks. Why don’t you dress like that for me?”

“For burgers, pizza, or the Tony and Alex Show? Nah. I’ll pass. Nice of you to notice, though.” Motioning with her finger, she said, “Follow me. We can grab coffee on the way.” As Alex and Tony crossed the lobby, she glanced outside and spotted Hannah talking with Sean.

Tony followed her stare. “What the hell?” His eyebrows shot up. “Do they know each other?”

Hannah and Sean were standing too close for strangers. Their stance looked much too familiar for a banker and a customer. Alex thought back to the time she thought she saw them at Coconuts. It was dark inside, as usual, and the bar had been overflowing with a Happy Hour crowd. She couldn’t be positive it was them but had had a niggling feeling ever since. Mind racing, she wondered whether to tell Tony. Knowing her cop boyfriend would overreact and possibly make a scene about the bank president’s daughter, Alex downplayed it. Shrugging, she said, “I saw her speak to him in the teller line earlier. Maybe he forgot something and she brought it to him.”

Tony eyed the couple. “Sean never forgets anything.” Narrowing his eyes, he continued. “He likes big boobs and probably those big lips. I bet she could do some crazy unmentionables with those things.”

“Gross. I don’t want to envision my intern and your brother,” Alex said, “Trust Department, remember? That’s our mission. Follow me.”

Chapter 89

Two hours later, Tony descended the bank stairs two at a time. All smiles, he crossed the lobby toward Alex’s office. Not bothering to sit in a chair, he closed the door. “It’s done. The CCPD Fallen Officer Fund has been established. I can’t wait to tell the Chief.” Pacing, he said, “I don’t want any publicity, though. I’m not sure how I’ll go about this.” Mid-step, his face lit up. “I also set up a college fund for Joey and kept enough to get a new car and add to my pension. We should take a nice vacation, Alex.”

Feeling as though she was betraying both Tony and Gage, Alex forced enthusiasm. “Well done.” She stared at the board reports and dreaded the upcoming meeting. “Were the officers helpful in the trust department?”

“They’re called officers too?” Tony snorted. “That short, bald guy was a real snooze fest, but he made the process fairly painless. It took forever.” Flexing his fingers, he said, “I’ve got a cramp in my hand from signing paperwork.” Reaching for her hand, Tony’s voice softened. “Seriously, thanks for helping me. I wouldn’t have known where to begin. Want to celebrate tonight with a romantic dinner?”

Still clinging to memories of New York City and Gage, Alex wasn’t ready to jump in the sack with Tony, nor to have a festive dinner. “Let’s postpone the celebration or go to Coconuts for a quick cocktail.”

“Coconuts?” Tony winked. “I can afford a steak place now. I’m not relying on a crappy cop’s salary.”

“You know I love Coconuts.” Faking a yawn, Alex said, “Besides, I have jetlag. I wouldn’t make it past eight o’clock.”

Frowning, Tony said, “Are you in competition with the trust guy for the snooze fest crown? I thought you’d be more excited.”

“Rain check, okay?”

Obviously confused, he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Whatever. I guess we can postpone a nice dinner—or there’s always the Tony and Alex show.”

For some reason, Alex felt like she was cheating on Gage. And when she was with Gage, she felt as though she were disloyal to Tony. “Tony, I can’t think straight right now. I have to make a big presentation to the board this afternoon. I’ve got to clear my mind.”

Hanging his head, Tony said, “You’re a real killjoy. I’ll see if little Joey wants to go to a movie or have pizza.”

“That’s the spirit. I’m sure Joey would love that.” She still thought of little Joey as Tony’s son since he was when they met—or so she thought. “Tell the little man I said hi.” Tony left the bank without a goodbye and didn’t bother turning around.

This was a big day for him. I know he’s disappointed I didn’t celebrate with him. I’m a jerk.Sighing, Alex began opening her mountain of mail.

When Hannah returned from lunch, Alex bombarded her intern with questions before she had a chance to sit down. “Exactly how do you know Sean Montgomery?”

Blushing, Hannah said, “We met when he opened an account here, remember?”

“Your pink cheeks don’t lie. Are you dating a married man, Hannah?” Clearing her throat, Alex added, “Granted, he’s married to a royal bitch.”

Hannah jutted out her big chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Right.” Alex stiffened when she spotted several bank board members mingling in the lobby. “It’s almost showtime.”

Chapter 90

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