Page 45 of Undefeated Love
She winced in pain as her lower abdomen unexpectedly twinged. It was time to go home and catch some sun on her rooftop, which these days, was code for taking a nap in the sun.
CHAPTER19
Ten Minutes Later
Katlin Gone Three Months
Alex had arranged to meet JJ at one of his favorite upscale restaurants, a place to be seen. It was also a Guardian client so he had complete control of the security videos. To keep with the proper image, Alex pulled up to the valet in one of the company’s sports cars. He heard several cameras clicking as he exited his vehicle. With his back to the paparazzi, he slipped the young valet a twenty and asked him to park it close. He had no intention of staying long but wasn’t sure how his plan was going to work with JJ.
To his good fortune, JJ’s driver pulled in before he reached the top of the steps. She gracefully exited the black town car, stopping to pose for pictures. Alex waited patiently as she slowly made her way up the three steps to the large Victorian porch, stopping halfway with one leg on the next step so that her little black dress pulled tight across her shapely legs. Alex had to agree, they would look fantastic in the photographs.
Finally on porch level she approached him. When she leaned in, obviously for a kiss, he gave her a small peck on her cheek.
“That wasn’t the kind of kiss a man gives his fiancée who he hasn’t seen in over a month,” she whispered in his ear, her face hidden by his.
Alex leaned back and said through his smile, staring into her eyes, “I’m not your fiancé. I’m having a hard time being your friend right now.”
Her eyes went wide with surprise.
“JJ, let’s see that ring,” someone called from the circular driveway.
“Of course.” She turned in profile, straightened her back so her breasts jutted out, and bent her knee in front of his, giving her flattering lines across her butt. She laid her left hand over Alex’s heart.
He didn’t smile. He hoped his face screamed aggravation. He scanned the area once again. Ever since he’d left the Guardian office, he felt as though he was in someone’s crosshairs. As the photographers clicked away, Alex stared into space. Visions of Katlin filled his mind.
For some reason, Katlin had been on his mind for the last several days. He wasn’t sure why, but he seemed to miss her more lately. Every Guardian location he entered brought back memories of the few short months they’d traveled together. He’d felt closer to Katlin during that time, sharing little things as well as the big ones. He had accompanied her to mass every week, a habit he’d continued since she’d disappeared. He’d light a candle and pray for her health and quick return.
“Finally, a nice smile. Thanks, Alex.”
At the sound of his name, Alex decided he’d had enough.
“Let’s go.” He turned away from her, so her hand automatically dropped. He wasn’t surprised when she grabbed his closest hand and wove her fingers through his. As they walked toward the front door of the restaurant, she looked back over her shoulder and waved at the photographers and videographers.
The rich mahogany wood, famous prints framed in matching mahogany on deep claret walls, gave the upscale restaurant an instant distinction. Quiet, soothing music surrounded the foyer.
A stunning woman in her thirties in a jewel tone designer dress and red-soled three-inch heels approached them, hands demurely folded in front. “Mr. Wolf, your table is ready.” The hostess guided them to a table covered in forest green linen with napkins edged in matching color located in the middle of the restaurant.
JJ looked longingly at the private booths that lined the outside walls.
Alex held out JJ’s chair and waited until she was seated before he stepped around to the other side of the table and sat down.
JJ pointedly stared at the chair beside her. “Don’t you think a man would want to sit as close to his fiancée as possible?”
“As you well know, you are not my fiancée.” Alex continued in the same low tone, “If I were having lunch with Katlin, that’s exactly where I would sit.”
The server arrived immediately, and he recited all the lunch offerings. “While you consider which delicious appetizer you’d like to order, what cocktail may I bring you?”
“I’ll have a Scotch on the rocks.” Alex knew it was rude for the man to order before the woman, but today, he didn’t care. He proceeded to name his favorite eighteen-year-old import. Then, as though it were an afterthought, he looked across the table. “What do you want, JJ?”
He shouldn’t have been surprised that she ordered the most expensive champagne they had in their well-stocked wine cellar.
She glanced around the restaurant, smiling and nodding at the other patrons. “I’m so glad you called, Alejandro.” JJ reached her hand to the middle of the table, expecting him to do the same. He unfolded his napkin and laid it in his lap, along with his hands. She leaned forward, exposing her ample cleavage.
“You’d better be careful,” he warned. “The girls might just jump out of there. You don’t need a costume accident in this chic restaurant.”
“What the hell is wrong with you, Alex?” JJ leaned back, withdrawing her hand.
Their server arrived with their drinks. He made a great show of popping the champagne cork and handing it to JJ before offering her a tasting. As though she’d done this ritual all her life, she swirled the bubbling wine around the glass, sniffing before she watched the light-yellow liquid flow down the inside. She then tipped up the tulip flute and delicately sipped. “This is divine.” With her single nod to the starstruck server, he filled her glass.
