Page 67 of Enchanted Hero
The real question was why. Was it because of the men’s questions, ones she also wanted answered? Was it because he was afraid she’d share too much? Or did he want her near for some other reason?
Everleigh followed Alexander into the familiar scent of books and nostalgia, the cluttered shelves of knick-knacks, period clothing and vintage jewelry of her favorite antique shop. Normally, the eclectic space calmed her, but Alexander made her anything but relaxed as he strode so close their sides brushed. He possessed far more secrets than lined these shelves.
“Do you shop here a lot?” Alexander picked up an old rotary telephone and turned it in his hands, before placing it down carefully. He traced his fingers along the hilt of a gleaming sword.
She nodded. “We sell a lot of antiques, although I’ll consider a newer item if there’s something special about it. I look for items that have meaning, regardless of age.”
“Can I help you?” Everleigh and Alexander turned to a pretty, college-age brunette. Usually, the clerk sat at the counter with her cell phone, a fast food bag and a grimace, yet today she gazed at Alexander like he was a Big Mac with supersized fries. Everleigh smothered the urge to tell her to get her own Happy Meal.
“No, thank you,” Alexander replied with his billion-dollar smile. “We’re just browsing.”
“Okay then.” The clerk giggled. “If you need anything, I’ll be right over there.” She sauntered away, swaying her hips and pretty much everything else.
Everleigh grimaced. “In all the years I’ve been shopping here, that woman hasn’t said a word to me. Is there anyone you can’t charm?”
Hand on his chin, he pretended to think. “No, I don’t believe so.”
“Actually, that’s not true.” She notched up her chin. “I don’t find you the least bit charming.”
“That can’t possibly be true.” His voice was a deep baritone as itcharmedher. “You find me extraordinarily charming.”
“Nope. Not even a little bit.”
“I’m growing on you, aren’t I?”
“Perhaps just a little.”
“I knew it.”
They both grinned, and the mood lightened as they browsed the antiques. Alexander seemed genuinely interested in her opinions, listening as she talked about past finds and asking thoughtful questions. After an hour in the store, she was far more relaxed, enough even to tease him. “This must be some sort of record for you. It’s been a whole hour, and you haven’t blackmailed or kidnapped me.”
He feigned a deep frown. “Clearly, I need something with which to blackmail you. Have you been involved in any illegal activities besides breaking into my home?”
She picked up a vase, put it down when the remnants of a discount store price tag peeked out. “No, although I was considering painting my business partner’s Ferrari neon pink with yellow stripes. What do you think?”
“I wouldn’t advise it.” He straightened his sleeves. “After that, he could blackmail you for anything. Although…” He winked. “It might just be worthwhile.”
What would he demand in payment? She fanned herself as the temperature rose a thousand or so degrees. She hadn’t managed a response when he stopped, his visage hardening as he walked to a table stacked with precariously perched books. Somehow he managed to grab one in the middle without anything falling. He opened it, shut it quickly. He perused every other book on the table, before turning to her. “We only have a few hours before the press conference. Do you want something to eat?”
That was a sudden change.“What did you find? Can I see it?” She held out her hand for the book.
“It’s nothing.” He moved back, covering the title with his palm. “It just caught my attention.”
It was the same thing he’d said about the relic in her apartment. She peered closer, then gave a slight gasp. “Hey, I recognize the writing. It’s identical to the book you took from my storage room.”
He glanced at the antique. “Is it?”
Yes, it was. The intelligent man couldn’t possibly have missed something so obvious. “Is it for the store?”
“No.” He turned the book so it was out of her sight. “I’m keeping this one. It just seems unusual.”
The vague response was no answer. She’d selected a dozen items for New Age Treasures, but, despite his interest, Alexander hadn’t chosen everything before now. What was he hiding? “I’m ready to go,” she said quietly.
The mood was heavier as they strode to the cashier, who once again simpered over Alexander. Everleigh just managed to refrain from commenting as Alexander paid for the items, the book with his personal card and the others with the business account. They remained silent as they returned to the car and pulled onto the street. “Where would you like to eat?”
She bit back a demand to return home, a useless exercise with a man who overcame all challenges. Perhaps she could conduct a little investigating of her own. “I’m open to anything, as long as it’s reasonable. I’m on a budget.”
He frowned. “You think I’d take a woman to lunch and expect her to pay?”
