“No, my visit ispersonal.”
Alexandra had no idea what this woman was up to, or whether Crockett was screwing his realtor, but she didn’t have the time or the patience to deal with her. “I’ll tell him you droppedby.”
Tammy’s eyes narrowed. “And youare?”
“With Crockett.” Her heart bloomed at the thought. “So, if he never thanked you, let me. You found us a fantastic place tolive.”
“You can’t be that important. He never even mentioned you.” As the agent tightened her raincoat sash, Alexandra spotted a diamond weddingband.
“Would your husband appreciate this late nightpersonalcall?”
“Why, you littlebitch.”
Arching her eyebrow, Alexandra said, “I call it like I see it. Please, no more surprise visits.” She closed the door, flipped the deadbolt, and marched into the kitchen.I might have overstepped. Nah. She wasn’t right for himanyway.
She didn’t know if Crockett would grab something to eat before Incognito, but when she was done with him, he’d be famished. She pulled up “Mayhem” by artist Imelda May and as she sliced mushrooms, peppers, and onions, her spirits lifted for the first time since she’d returned. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cooked dinner for a man. After sautéing the chicken with the vegetables, she added rice to the steamer and set thetimer.
With him in mind, she dressed in a lacy push-up bra, low-cut cashmere sweater, and black leather skirt that brushed against her thigh-high boots. On went the blonde wig, then a heavy dose of eye makeup. Lastly, she tied on a black and pink masquerade mask. Eager to sleuth and play, she headed to theclub.
On her way, she wondered how she’d get Sage to open up about her bruises. Anticipating she’d have one hell of a time even locating her, Alexandra refused to get discouraged. Somehow she’d find that timid employee. She parked and headedupstairs.
Cozy club members lined the red sofa, so, as they agreed, she moseyed into the lounge. Wall-to-wall people made it impossible for her to slink over to the bar. Instead, she snagged a booth tucked in thecorner.
Seconds later, the familiar server with purple-streaked hair appeared. “Hey, good to seeyou.”
“Wendy,right?”
“Yup. I’m good with faces, or in this case, masks, but can’t remember names. No offense. I’ve got over thirty cousins and I still get themconfused.”
“I’mElectra.”
“Yes, you are. We’ve got a great new red wine. How ‘bout a glass or maybe aspritzer?”
“I’ll take a top-shelf manhattan with an extracherry.”
“I’m impressed. Being a southern belle, I figured you’d want something sweet with a cutesy pink umbrella sticking out ofit.”
Alexandra laughed. “Even us southern gals like the burn of bourbon now andagain.”
“Sorry. My big mouth gets me into more trouble. Some guy I waited on the other night said something to Francois about a comment I made.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Now I’ve got a target on my back.” Wendy zoomed off and returned with her drink but said nothingmore.
Fifteen minutes later, Crockett walked in. Her heart leapt. The quarter zip black sweater stretched against his bulging pecs. Black pants showed off his strong, muscular thighs. And a black mask framed those piercing blue eyes.Simple, elegant and smokin’hot.
When his eyes met hers, heat shot through her belly, settling between her thighs. With a cool smile, she slipped out of the booth to greet him. As he approached, he studied her like she was a priceless work of art. Inches away, his clean scent wafted in herdirection.
“Evening, Electra.” Brushing his mouth against her ear, he whispered, “Chicken was delicious. Can’t wait fordessert.”
His husky voice rumbled through her sex-starved body. Desperate to touch him, she curled her hand around his hard bicep. “Good to see you,Huntah.”
“May I joinyou?”
“Please.” She slipped back onto the bench. Instead of sitting across, he slid next to her. Close enough that their legs touched. Her body came alive. She’d craved him all day. Before she could check herself, she caressed histhigh.
A raspy groan shot out ofhim.
“Good workout?” sheasked.
“Not as good as the one I’m going tohave.”
