SEBASTIAN checked the clock on the wall again.

“Damn it, Alexandra,” he grumbled, frustrated.

She had told him not to call off the dinner before she raced out of the house almost two hours ago. Since then, Sebastian hadn’t heard a thing from her about where to meet. Getting Clint out of the house was a complicated enough feat without having to worry about where they were going.

He silently admitted he was more agitated about the way she ran off without an explanation. He wondered if something might’ve happened to Maxwell at the hospital or whether she needed help, and then reminded himself she was a capable adult.

And, it’s none of my business.

Coming out of the living room, he found his phone and called over to Clint. Beth answered, and Sebastian let her know he would pick them up within an hour. His thought was, even if Alexandra couldn’t make it anymore, he and his friends would pick a restaurant downtown and enjoy the night out without her.

He got showered and dressed with less enthusiasm than he would have had if Alexandra were coming out for sure. Fully aware his sullen mood was unwarranted, he didn’t care.

I’m in the privacy of my own home.

I can be a grouch if I want, after how this month has been.

He adjusted his tie and quickly checked the mirror before heading downstairs for his phone, wallet and keys. On the drive to Clint’s, there was a tension in the air he couldn’t explain. Deep down, he sensed something was up, and quickly dismissed it as anxiety.

My buddy and his common-law wife are possibly about to meet the fantasy woman I told them about—and she’ll be dressed as a guy.

Fuck, no wonder I’m nervous.

Across town, he pulled into Clint and Beth’s driveway. They were expecting him, because the door opened before he put the Jeep in park. Beth emerged first, and her upbeat smile helped to evaporate Sebastian’s bad mood. Clint rolled out after, and wheeled down the ramp in his electric wheelchair, dressed and ready to go.

“Hi Beth. Wow, you look great,” Sebastian complimented her.

Beth smiled. “Thanks Bash. You look great yourself.” she answered, waiting for Clint at the bottom of the steps.

“I’ve been looking forward to this all week, buddy,” Clint said in a deep chuckle when he made it down the ramp. “I thought for sure you would have phoned for a raincheck tonight, you big flake.”

Sebastian smiled, getting ready to tell him Alex would probably be a no-show. “Which seat is more comfortable for you, buddy? Do you want to ride shotgun?”

“No, man. I prefer the back seat, if you don’t mind. Help me up.”

He opened the door behind the front passenger seat, and with a grunt, helped Clint into the back seat of the Jeep, reaching up for the seatbelt.

“Hang on there, Bash. I got this part,” Clint reminded him, taking the seatbelt from Sebastian’s hand. “There are still some things I can do myself.”

“Got it. Hey, do you remember that time I got so drunk after the firehouse Christmas Ball, you had to carry me out and strap me in your truck to take me home? Well hell Clint, I’m just returning the favor.”

Clint nodded, laughing harder. He remembered. They had enjoyed a lot of good times over the years. Sebastian decided tonight was about having more of those good memories, whether Alexandra showed up or not.

With Clint inside, Beth reminded him how to load the electric wheelchair into the back, and they were ready to go.

“Beth, do you want to sit in the front seat?” he asked.

“Oh, no,” she told him, following him around to the door behind the driver’s seat. “I’ll sit with Clint.”

Back in his seat, he looked at them in the rearview mirror to break the bad news. “Guys, I hate to do this to you, but it may just be the three of us tonight.”

Clint leaned forward. “What happened to meeting your new girlfriend? I thought that was the whole reason for dinner?”

Sebastian hesitated. “I’m still not sure if she’ll come out. Something came up, and it might overlap with our plans. She said she’d call and tell us where to meet if she gets freed up in time, but—”

His phone rang just as he was finishing his explanation for Alex’s absence. The anticipation shot through him when he answered.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Bash. I just wrapped up what I had to do. Are your friends at the house yet?”

“I just picked them up at their place. Are we still on?” he asked tentatively. The way she left earlier in the afternoon, he had no idea what to expect.

“That’s why I was calling. Sorry about the last minute changes, but do you think we can make it just drinks and a few hors d'oeuvres tonight?”

“Hang on, let me ask.” He turned to Clint. “Are you guys okay if we only do drinks and appetizers?”

“Sure. We’ve already ate. We’re used to having dinner by six, buddy.”

Sebastian held the phone to his ear again. “No problem.”

“Great. Thanks for understanding, Bash. I’m at a restaurant patio downtown. Check your text messages in a minute. I’m sending you the address. There’s a friend here I want you to meet, too. When you get here, ask for Eva’s table, okay?”

“Got it. See you soon.”

The text came in shortly after the call ended. Sebastian keyed the address into his GPS. Although it was on a familiar street, he couldn’t remember ever eating there. It wasn’t until he made it downtown and parked out front that he recognized it by name. Tucked between similar establishments, Salutto’s was one of the city’s finest restaurants.

“Now, this is fine dining,” Clint said, letting out a low whistle. “Beth, didn’t we hear about this place winning that foodie award?” She nodded. “It was on TV, I think. It sure isn’t one of those cookie cutter franchises.” Clint tapped on Sebastian’s shoulder from the back seat. “Your friend has good taste.”

“Yes. By the way, dinner’s on me. Tonight is my treat, even if I didn’t pick the spot.” It occurred to him that he should explain a few things before they went inside. Clint and Beth didn’t know they were about to meet Alexandra while she was dressed as a guy. He scrambled for the right words to prepare them. “About my friend. There’s something I need to tell you. First of all, when you meet her, please don’t stare.”

Beth and Clint looked at each other, then back at Sebastian. “Of course, we won’t,” Beth answered. “Who would be so rude?”

He could tell they wanted details, but he couldn’t say much more. His eyes darted to Clint, who gave him a reassuring nod. “I guess I didn’t have to say that, did I? I just want you to know in advance. I can’t describe her, other than to say she’s a great looking girl with a lot of personality, once you get past the surface…She might take some getting used to. Just don’t point out that she’s…different from what you expected. I’ll explain everything after you meet her.”

Clint guffawed. “More and more, you’re making her sound like a secret agent, Bash. What did I tell you, Beth? She’s some kind of mystery woman. Let’s just get in there so I can see for myself.”

The three of them entered the restaurant, and the anticipation was growing. A hostess smiled pleasantly as they approached. She asked about their reservation.

“Eva’s table, please,” Sebastian said, to which the young woman nodded and motioned for them to follow her.

Soft sounds of a live pianist played in the background. It underscored the hush of conversation from the well-dressed patrons. He scanned the room, appreciating the mellow, yet elegant ambiance. The faint hum of Clint’s electric wheelchair trailed behind him as he looked around for Alex’s familiar face.

They walked past several small round tables and exited through a back door to a cobblestone courtyard with more diners and loungers under the softly lit outdoor area. With each step, his chest tightened, his palms got sweatier, and the nervousness combined with the aroma of rich food almost made his stomach churn.

Why am I getting worked up?

If anything, Alexandra should be nervous.

The hostess gestured to the table, and all the air rushed out of his lungs. It felt like he had been punched in the gut.

“Holy shit,” he said softly. He stepped forward in a slight haze as his vision zoomed in on them, and everything around them seemed to hit a big pause button.

Against a dusky twilight sky at a table in front of him was none other than Lexxi Rock. She was seated next to a striking, tanned woman he didn’t immediately recognize because he couldn’t stop staring at Lexxi. Everything about the girl who used to live next door seemed more saturated, richer and more vivid than he remembered. Eyes peered out from her pale, flawless face. Her lips were a pale pink, and the purple hair flowed down her back and around her shoulders, piling into her lap. Her long legs were crossed, and the shapeliness of her calves drew in his stunned gaze.

Sebastian clutched at his chest.

This cannot be happening now.

Beth put a hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“Lexxi Rock,” Clint said in a calm, hoarse voice.

Sebastian looked down at him, and Clint looked up. The two nodded in awareness. For Clint, he was meeting his celebrity idol. For Sebastian, this was over the top.

This is it.

Alex Roberts is revealing herself as Lexxi Rock.

Here?

What the fuck am I supposed to say to her?

Lexxi appeared to save Sebastian from himself. The rock star gracefully rose from her seat and faced them. She was much taller. Sebastian looked down and noticed heels that looked a mile high. He never would have pictured her in the shoes or the dress she wore, but it was a perfect fit. The stretchy pink fabric clung to her narrow waist, revealing her slim, yet shapely figure.

Other patrons looked their way when Lexxi stood in front of them, and surrounding conversations hit a low hush as more and more people seemed to become aware they were in the company of someone famous. A flash of light nearly blinded Sebastian. He looked around Lexxi and noticed a man with a Nikon camera, squatting nearby as he rapidly took more pictures.

Lexxi smiled apologetically. “Sorry about that. Just try to ignore them. That’s what I do.”

The woman sitting at Alexandra’s table waved politely at them from her chair on the other side of the table. “Hello, everyone! I’m Eva. Lexxi invited me to tag along. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Sebastian noticed the slight accent, realizing she was Evangeline Reese from his research into Lexxi Rock only a few weeks ago.

So that’s where Alex went.

Lexxi shook Clint’s hand, then turned to Beth and shook her hand.

“I’m Lexxi. My cousin, Alex, told me my dad’s neighbor had some friends who wanted to meet me.”

Sebastian’s jaw dropped.

No. She can’t be going there.

Still, Sebastian mentally applauded her for not making it seem as though he was in on this mammoth-sized surprise. Clint would have probably punched him if he thought Sebastian was a part of this.

When Lexxi turned to Sebastian, he swallowed hard.

“Hi…Lexxi?” He forced out the words as she reached for his hand and asked him if she could have a word in private. Their palms made contact, and an electric spark shot through him again, sending a flash of memories from the past few weeks.

“Let’s have a quick word over there,” Alexandra said as the hostess showed Beth her seat and removed a chair for Clint to fit at the table.

“Sure,” he answered, following.

She turned at a quiet corner of the patio. “I’m sorry about this.”

“I…I’m…Why would you do this here?” He searched her face for something familiar of Alex.

She smiled nervously. It looked practiced, hollow. In fact, she reminded him of a beautiful mannequin, like she was put together to look perfect, or to sell something. There was no closeness, no familiarity.

“Please let me explain later. Is that okay?”

“Um…do I really have a choice?”

“Please, Bash.”

Is she trying to tell me she’s going to keep up the Alex routine and balance it with Lexxi while she’s here in Tucson…and she wants me to be in on it?

Sebastian nodded mutely. His smile slipped right off his face. “Fine.”

She thanked him and turned, moving back to their table.

He remained silent as everyone settled into their seats. Lexxi charmed Clint with her soft-spoken, completely spun story about how she had just flown in to stay a couple of days with her father after a vacation in France. Not only was her voice more feminine, her behavior and mannerisms were foreign. He caught himself making comparisons for much of the time at that table.

Alex would never say that.

Alex wouldn’t hold her hand to her face like that.

Alex would laugh about that.

Alexandra’s friend, Evangeline, looked at him curiously for the entire time. He pretended not to notice her avid interest, as he had no idea what she knew. He found himself looking at his watch repeatedly, hoping the evening would end. The only bright spot was Clint and Beth seemed to be having the time of their lives schmoozing with the stars.

When pulled into the conversation, Sebastian made polite small-talk, but had trouble fully engaging. Lexxi told them to order anything they wanted. She told him as well, leaving him disoriented and out of his depth. It would be rude to decline her invitation to pay the check, but to him, the gesture was a silent judgment. The walls of their differences were erected.

She’s richer. She’s famous. She’s a celebrity.

I must be a fan at this table too.

Then, it hit him.

This wasn’t even Alexandra Storme. Lexxi Rock was just another alter ego. In a way, he wanted to get to know her, but not like this, not before she came clean and let him meet the real Alexandra. Whatever he might’ve hoped for wasn’t going to happen.

So much for a satisfying conclusion.

He leaned back in his chair, allowed Beth and Clint to have their once in a lifetime experience, and looked on without touching his drink or tasting an appetizer.

When the time passed and the celebrities were ready to make their exit, Alexandra leaned forward. “Well, I for one had a great time meeting all of you. Bash, is it?”

“Sebastian,” he said tensely.

She paused as they made eye contact. Sebastian wondered exactly how he was to take her seriously anymore.

She continued, “My cousin told me to let you know he’ll be back around your place later tonight since he couldn’t make it to this dinner date. I’m so sorry on his behalf. I hope I made up for it.”

She lifted a brow, smiled nervously, casting a pleading look. Sebastian looked over at Clint, who was now shaking his head at him in disapproval. Even mild-mannered Beth seemed to wonder what had gotten into him.

Sebastian sat up in his chair. “It was great to meet you too, Lexxi.”

Clint and Beth relaxed a bit, and were elated when Alexandra and Evangeline gave them their autographs. The minute it was polite to leave, he hurried out with Beth and Clint to get the hell out of there. The drive to Clint’s place was punctuated by Beth and Clint reliving the evening. For Sebastian, it was a chaotic jumble of thoughts. He didn’t know how to feel. There was only a general sense of disappointment.

Rather than go inside, Sebastian helped Clint back into his wheelchair and gave a quick farewell before getting into his Jeep, explaining that he would visit them another time. His drive home was just as disorienting. Finally home, he left a note for Alexandra in the living room and trudged up the stairs to his room. Changing into a t-shirt and sweat pants, he relaxed on his master bedroom sofa to wait for Alexandra.

Alexandra has some explaining to do.