Chapter 74
The second Alex hung up from her media call, her cell rang.
“Hey, babe. It’s been a long day. Searching for the girls made me hungry, plus I want to see you. Let’s grill some burgers tonight. Can you leave work early?” Tony asked.
Alex glanced at her messy desk and noticed the lenders’ offices were all dark, as usual. Often, the guys left the bank early to play golf. Why shouldn’t she do the same once in a while? “I can leave but we still need to have that talk.”
“Today? After I found Izzy?” Tony blew out his breath. “I’m beat. Can’t we just have a simple burger?”
Alex shut off her computer and reached for her purse. “Okay, okay. The talk can wait. I’ll head home.”
“Good. I’m still interrogating fake pizza asshole. He gets to spend a night in the slammer after all the trouble he caused. See you soon.” Tony hung up, obviously in full-on police mode.
As she drove home, Alex thought long and hard about their relationship. She knew they needed to have a heart-to-heart about Nikki and Joey, about his possessiveness, and maybe her confusion . . . but it could wait a few days. He did find Izzy after all.
Before Tony arrived, she had already formed burger patties, sliced red onions, and tomatoes. She took condiments out of the fridge, toasted onion buns, and grabbed a beer for Tony and poured wine for herself. She laughed wondering how Cheri would dress up the simple meal.
Tony was barely through her front door when Alex’s mood shifted. She crossed her arms. Not cracking a smile, she said, “I know it’s her.”
“Her what?” Tony asked.
“Your ex. Nikki’s calling and hanging up on me.”
He made a face. “Why would my ex call you?”
“Because she’s a bitch and wants to stalk me.” Alex knew she promised to delay their serious discussion but couldn’t contain herself from at least mentioning his awful ex. Sugar-coating and long, lead-in discussions weren’t her style.
Tony placed his keys on top of the fridge. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
I’m a woman. I know women.” Alex met Tony’s icy blue eyes. “I think she’s following me.”
“And I think your imagination is on overdrive. Come here. Let’s start over.” He reached for Alex but she stiffened. “Relax.” He rubbed her shoulders. “That’s better. Want to grill or—”
Alex’s phone rang on the counter. As she reached for it, she noticed Tony glanced at the screen. It read: UNKNOWN CALLER.
“That’s her. I bet she knows you’re here. She’s probably following you too.” She shoved the phone across the counter.
“You don’t know that’s her. It’s probably a salesperson or your college asking for a donation.”
“Doubtful.” She eyed her cell warily.
“But not implausible. As I said, let’s start over.” Tony grasped her hand and led her into the bedroom. “The burgers can wait. You’re tense and I know exactly how to relax you.” He grinned. “I’ve got my handcuffs with me.”
“Stop trying to change the subject.” But Alex couldn’t keep her lips from curving into a small smile. They hadn’t been intimate in a while, so she didn’t argue. Tony knew where she kept matches, lit Alex’s favorite lavender candles, and played soothing music. “Undress.”
“You’re bossy.” She tried her best to be upset with the cop, but as usual, he undid her.
Tony threw the luxurious, black comforter back revealing ivory silk sheets. “New sheets? Nice.” He patted the bed. “Hurry up. I’m giving you a massage.”
“If you insist.” Alex removed her black blouse and tan pencil skirt in one fell swoop. She placed them neatly on a nearby chair and climbed into bed.
“Why don’t you let your clothes fall to the floor like in the movies?”
She ignored him. “Take my OCD or leave it.”
“If you’re attached, I’ll take it. Got any massage oil?”
“There’s a bottle of eucalyptus gel on the nightstand. I’ll wait.” She grinned wickedly as she pulled the smooth, ivory sheet over her bare body.
“Hey,” he said as he unbuttoned, unzipped, and dropped his clothes to the floor.
She held the sheet high. “Just for a second. I’m cold.”
Tony rubbed the gel between his hands. The eucalyptus aroma filled the room.
Alex inhaled the soothing scent. “Mmmm. I’m more relaxed already. I needed this. Between Hannah the Horrible and your ex, I—”
“Shhh. Don’t talk.” Tony rubbed her shoulders and kneaded her upper back. He used his thumbs to trace her spine while Alex moaned. “Don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.”
“I’ve heard that before.” He chuckled.
As he massaged her lower back and legs, she said, “I could get used to this.”
“Shhh.” He continued with the massage for several minutes. Alex melted like butter into the bed. “Screw the burgers.” She closed her eyes and felt herself drifting off to sleep. Then Tony karate chopped her back.
“You just ruined it.”
“What?”
Alex leaned onto one elbow. “I hate the karate chop. It undoes all of the relaxation.”
“Way to show appreciation.”
“Sorry. Thanks for the wonderful massage, until the—”
“Got it. No more karate chop.” He pulled Alex toward him smoothing her hair away from her face. Kissing her eyelids, neck, and mouth, he stroked her long, golden hair. “You’re gorgeous, you know that? I’m one lucky man. I’m glad you rear-ended my patrol car last year.”
Alex thanked him with a passionate kiss, nuzzled his neck, and explored his chest.
Tony nibbled on her ear lobes before kissing her from her mouth to her toes and everywhere in-between.
“I think you missed a spot,” she chuckled. “Oh, God.”
“Stop talking.”
Alex obliged while Tony took her. Over and over. Their lovemaking was always at a fever pitch and rather noisy as they both climaxed. She had zero complaints in the bedroom department.
When they finished, he rolled over. “That was great, as always. I’m spent. Let’s save the burgers until tomorrow.”
“Good idea.” Alex kissed his broad back. “Be right back. I’ll put everything away in the fridge.” She tiptoed down the hallway and froze mid-step when she heard a chair move.