Page 54 of Heart of Stone

CHAPTER 15

I was never one to primp and prune for a lavish amount of time, but I sanctioned a solid two hours to prepare for my night out with Alexander. I wanted to look perfect for whatever was to come.

I fretted over wearing a skirt that was just the tiniest bit too short and worried about how to tame my crazy hair. At some point during a wild frenzy of ripping apart of my closet in search of the perfect shoes, it occurred to me that I never officially gave Alexander an answer about going out with him tonight and I hadn’t heard from him all day. A part of me wondered if I was wasting my time getting ready for an evening that might not even take place.

However, the thought quickly passed, as I felt confident that Alexander was a man of his word. He had said that his driver would be here at six o’clock, and I was sure that he wouldn’t bail on me.

Prepared and ready to go, I took the stairs down rather than the elevator, anticipation filling me with a restless sort of energy. I was surprised by how much I was looking forward to the night out, and a giddy smile curved my lips as I made my way across the lobby of my apartment complex. As usual, Philip was at the door to greet me with his friendly smile.

“Looking awfully sassy tonight, Miss Cole. That’s the second time I’ve seen that fancy ride outside. Is it here for you again?” asked Philip, eyeing me up and down with one eyebrow raised.

“It sure is, Phil,” I said, blushing under the older man’s scrutiny. I tried to nonchalantly tug at the hem of my black miniskirt, feeling very aware of its short length. I got the impression that Phil didn’t approve of my clothing choice, even though he didn’t comment about it. He was so dad-like, always looking out for the women in the complex. I often wondered if his watchful personality was the reason why my mother and stepfather were so insistent that I lived here.

“Have a good time. And be careful,” he warned, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.

Why is everyone always telling me to be careful?

“Don’t worry, Phil. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

After giving him a reassuring smile, I moved past him and stepped through the door that he held open for me.

I felt a sense of déjà vu as I headed down the walkway. Alexander’s driver was waiting for me outside of the sleek black Porsche, just as he had less than twenty-four hours earlier. However, this time, I was taken by surprise when Hale opened the SUV door. Alexander was seated inside the car.

He was looking down at his phone, but looked up at my arrival. I briefly saw a look of relief flash across his face.

Was he worried that I would stiff him?

“Good evening, Krystina,” Alexander drawled out slowly.

A bad-boy smile curled the edges of his mouth and his gaze traveled leisurely down the entire length of my body. The heat in his eyes caused butterflies to quiver in my stomach. I nervously tugged down the edges of my skirt. For the second time since putting the article of clothing on, I felt very self-conscience over my bare legs that teetered on heels that were just a little too high.

“Alexander,” I greeted, nerves causing my voice to sound slightly breathy.

“You look amazing, Krystina. Stop pulling at your skirt,” Alexander scolded, climbing out of the vehicle. Turning to his driver, he said, “I’ll call you when we’re ready, Hale.”

“Yes, Mr. Stone,” Hale said all official-like.

So the silent driver was capable of speech after all.

That was the first time I had ever heard him speak, as my previous interaction with him had been so reserved and formal, with only a few short nods used for communication. The raspy voice that he had just revealed suited the persona that I envisioned him to have. In fact, I half expected him to salute Alexander before he turned back towards the car.

“Ready for what?” I questioned, looking back and forth between Alexander and the Porche. “I thought we were going to your place.”

“We will eventually. It’s a nice night and I thought we would walk for a bit. Although, you should go back up and change your shoes first,” he advised, looking down at my feet and frowning.

“What’s wrong with my shoes?”

“You won’t be comfortable walking more than a short distance in heels that high.”

“I’ll be fine,” I said, albeit stubbornly.But in all honesty, I was secretly wishing for a pair of sneakers. My stylish four-inchers were definitely not made for an evening stroll.

“If you think so.” He looked skeptical, but didn’t push the issue any further. Instead, he set his hand on the small of my back and we began to walk.

“That’s quite an impressive ride that you have there,” I observed, pointing to the SUV as Hale pulled it away from the curb and merged into traffic. “Is that a Turbo or a Turbo S?”

“Cayenne Turbo S,” he said proudly. But I noticed his slight hesitation before he continued. “Expensive cars are a weakness of mine.”

I glanced up at him and was able to detect a cautious smile on his face through the dim lighting of the street lamps. I was surprised by his hesitancy. He was normally so sure of himself.

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