Chapter 53
At the sound of Tony’s voice, Alex jumped and stumbled. Gage caught her before she landed on the gravel. She glared at her cop boyfriend. “Dammit. You’ve got to stop sneaking up on me.”
“After the fallout with my ex, I drove back to your house and saw you were gone. I thought you might be here with your girlfriends. Obviously, I was wrong.” Tony’s jaw clenched as he eyed the limo driver.
Alex shifted her purse. “This-This is . . .”
“Gage.” The limo driver extended his hand but Tony kept his in his pocket. Gage gave Tony a steely gaze. “And you are?”
“Lt. Tony Montgomery, otherwise known as Alex’s boyfriend. I’m sure you remember me from the other night.”
Gage’s mouth curved. “Yeah, I remember. You ate all the meat.”
Tony squared his shoulders and reached for Alex. “I’ll take over from here.”
Alex stood in place beside Gage. She didn’t like Tony’s possessiveness, especially after the Nikki incident. “I’m fine to drive home . . . alone.”
Tony scowled. “I’d hate for you to get a DUI. I don’t think the bank president would approve.”
“I’m not drunk. I’m fine.” Alex shifted her purse. “I’ll drive slowly and take back roads.”
Tony reached for her again. “Come on. Let’s go. How about a pizza?”
“We just ate,” Gage said with a wide smile, obviously enjoying the dueling match.
Alex noticed Tony’s eyes flickered and not in a good way. She decided to neutralize the situation. “I have an early day tomorrow. Like I said, I’ll drive myself.”
Tony took a step forward and so did Gage.
“I’m not sure the lady wants to leave with you, Mr. Cop.”
“That’s Lt. Montgomery to you.”
Gage snorted. “I see. You can call me Mr. Carver.”
Alex gulped as they eyed one another like two bulls. She and Gage had been having fun until Tony spoiled it.
After a few, long seconds, Gage reached into his pocket for his key fob. “Looks like you two have unfinished business. Nice chatting with you, Alex. Here’s my card. Call me any time.” Alex surprised herself by blinking back tears. If he even shows up to open an account tomorrow, he’ll probably never want anything to do with me again. What’s wrong with me? I just met this guy. She glanced at the simple, yet tasteful black and white business card.
Tony reached over, snatched the card, and shoved it into his pocket. “You won’t be needing this.”
Alex crossed her arms, leaned against her car, and fumed. The cool night air had already sobered her. She glared at Tony. “Where’s your darling ex?”
“How would I know?” Tony reached for her. His voice was husky. “Since we got rid of limo asshole, let’s go to your house.”
“He’s not an asshole.” Alex ran her fingers through her hair. “Besides, I thought you had Joey tonight.”
“I’ll be the judge of whether or not he’s an asshole.” Tony leaned against a car. “As far as Joey’s concerned, Nikki was so pissed about you, not to mention the fact that Joey was also apparently upset, so she took the little guy to play mini golf.” He reached for Alex again.
Alex weighed her options. She was still furious about the encounter with his ridiculous ex-wife and now she was confused about Gage. “I’m tired. I don’t understand what’s going on any more.”
“What are you talking about?” He put both hands around her face but she pulled away.
“Not here.”
“That never used to bother you before, even when I was married.”
Alex could barely swallow past the huge lump in her throat. “I need time to think about . . . everything. I think-I think I need some space.”
Tony’s jaw tightened. “You met some New York prick and now we’re on the skids?”
Alex shrugged, feeling weary from the day’s extreme events. “I’m confused. That’s all. Maybe after a little time and space—”
“I don’t know what the hell you’re confused about. You couldn’t wait for me to get a divorce and now here I am—single—and you’re pushing me away.” He spit on the gravel. “This is rich.”
Tears threatened her eyes. She angrily brushed them off her cheeks. “I said I’m confused, okay? This has been a shitty day and I have an early meeting tomorrow. As I’ve said numerous times, I’m leaving.”
“Have it your way. But I want to see you soon. I need to see you soon.” He brushed her lips with his and stormed off.