Page 54 of Enchanted Hero
She lifted a finger. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”
“Probably not.”
She gave a wry smile. “Believe it or not, I’m not a career criminal. Besides work, I like to spend time outdoors. I try to be physically active by running and exercising. I enjoy movies and festivals and craft fairs because I love seeing what people can create. I spend time with friends and family.”
“Do you have a large family?”
“Not too large. Just one sister, my parents and a handful of cousins, aunts and uncles. No one lives local. I have some good friends, though. What about you?”
“Mine is pretty sizeable,” Alexander shared. “There are five of us, and each of my parents had four siblings, so family gatherings are large. From my businesses, I’ve amassed colleagues and friends all over the world.”
“I’ve always wanted to travel more.” Everleigh sighed. “Where have you been?”
“Pretty much everywhere.”
“Oh yeah?” she teased. “What about the moon?”
“Only twice,” he answered without a pause. “There’s not really a lot to do there, but I’m considering investing in a bowling alley.” His eyes twinkled. “I love exploring different cultures.”
“I’m surprised you get to spend so much time abroad with all your business ventures. I’ve seen pictures of you at state dinners and royal visits.”
His smile widened. “You’ve seen pictures of me?”
“You’re all over the Internet.” She plucked at her napkin. “I wasn’t investigating you.”
“It’s okay. I investigated you.”
Her stomach somersaulted, even as she pressed forward. “You’d think it would be easy to investigate you. You’ve had more news coverage than most celebrities. But there’s still something mysterious, as if there’s an entire side you keep hidden.”
He sobered in an instant. “There’s nothing special about me except my business acumen. Reporters make thousands of dollars taking pictures of me. If there was anything unusual, they would’ve found it long ago.”
It seemed logical, yet logic hadn’t played a large part of her life since Alexander Stone entered it. Still, she didn’t want to hurt the tentative camaraderie they’d found. “How do you keep up with such a hectic schedule?”
He visibly relaxed. “I don’t get a lot of sleep. I employ trustworthy people and have my own private transportation.”
“A rocket ship?”
He laughed. “That’s it.”
Somehow, he was even more gorgeous now, his smile brilliant against the deep blue night. “People go to extreme measures just to get an audience with you.” She brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. “Everyone bows down to you like you’re royalty. Do you know how many women would love to be in my place right now?”
“Three?”
“Try three million. And I’ve been trying to get rid of you all day.”
“How’s that working out for you?”
She gestured to the boat. “Not great, as you can see.”
They both laughed again, then talked more about their likes and dislikes, activities and experiences. They converged a surprising amount, especially on important matters, such as political views. She was laughing at one of his childhood tales, when he rose. “Be right back,” he said with a wink. A few minutes later, he returned with two generous servings of tiramisu.
The man knew how to impress a woman.
She sighed as she bit into thick layers of cream and cocoa. “I’m seriously going to steal your chef. Not that I could afford him, but still. Maybe I’ll kidnap him.”
“Have I led you to a life of crime, Miss Lacey?”
She took another bite of the delectable pastry. “This dessert might just be worth jail time.” She regarded him carefully. “How long are you planning to spend with New Age Treasures? We’re miniscule compared to your other holdings.”
