Page 31 of Get Lost

“Sutton.”

Alexander’s mom batted at his arm. “What is thisArroyo, Suttonnonsense, you two?” She looked back at the gorgeous blonde woman standing closely behind the two Arroyos. “Alyson, this is Alex’s childhood friend, Kelsey,” Mrs. Arroyo said. “They have been friends for so many years. How long now, Alex?” She looked up at Alex expectantly. “Twenty years?”

“More than that.” His dark eyes hadn’t left Kelsey’s.

“Alyson Sands.” The blonde woman stepped forward between them, positioning her body between Alexander’s and Kelsey’s, extending her hand. “Sands Commercial Real Estate Firm.”

Kelsey shook her hand, smiling as politely as possible, then glanced back at the table where her girlfriends sat quietly watching. Rapt.Assholes.They’d finished off at least three bottles of champagne between the four of them and now Kelsey was face to face with Alexander and hismomwhile nicely buzzed.

Ugh.Countdown until she said something stupid and heardallabout it from her own mom. Flashing what she hoped was a polite smile, she motioned toward the brunch babes and prayed they’d have her back as she said, “Well, if you don’t mind, I was just saying goodbye to my friends.”

“You’re leaving?” A hint of disappointment softened Alexander’s deep voice.

Because things couldn’t get any worse, the waitress chose that moment to appear with their main dishes. She set Kelsey’s pina colada French toast down at her place setting. Kelsey closed her eyes on a long blink, and when she opened them, Alexander was smirking.

“Excuse me, miss,” he said to the server. “She’s going to need a doggy bag.”

Kelsey sighed, then shook her head. “No, no, it’s okay. I can stay.”

“Yeah, Kelsey, stay,” Nessa said, amusement clear in her tone.

You’re dead meat, Ness.

“You’re obviously short on time,” Alexander said with a smile. “We’ll let you enjoy your meal.” He inclined his head as he turned away from her and began to usher his mother and the blonde woman toward their table. Which was right on the other side of the large fountain, just a stone’s throw away from Kelsey’s table.

“Arroyo,” Kelsey called after him.

When he turned around, pinning her with that familiar dark gaze, something tightened in Kelsey’s belly. But that wasn’t acceptable.

Eh, it was probably gas.

He raised an eyebrow because she’d spent too long debating feelings versus flatulence.

Finally, she asked, “What are you doing here?” She had to know if he wasactuallystalking her. But would he admit that? Wasn’t secrecy a big part of stalking?Shoot. She’d watched too many true crime documentaries.

Alexander flashed her a satisfied smile. “My friend is the chef,” he stated as if it should have been obvious.

Becauseof coursehe was friends with the chef.

When Alexander turned away from her, Kelsey refrained from sticking her tongue out and plopped back into her seat. “We have to find a new brunch place.”

Brynn leaned forward conspiratorially to whisper cross the table. “First of all, that’s not happening. Second of all, did you see the way helookedat you?” She moaned. “Ladies, get yourself a man that looks at you the way that man looks at Kelsey.”

Nessa squealed quietly. “I know, right? Christ on a cracker, he’shot. Andsointo you.” Nessa fanned her face with her hand.

“Gross.” Kelsey scowled.

But the knowing looks in her friends’ eyes collectively told her she was full of shit.

Even though she wasn’t.

Okay, fine, she was. A little bit. Alexander was definitely hot. But that weird tug in her belly whenever he was around was still just indigestion.

Probably.

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