Free AKA Lexi Frost (Lexi Frost Series) by Tori Brooks Page A

particular case.”
    Lexi agreed with a curt nod. Paul let the subject drop. He didn ’t want to push her too far, she was already uncomfortable. Hopefully lunch would set her at ease.
     
    Lexi relaxed when they entered the crowded restaurant. She’d been afraid of a quiet, intimate lunch where she couldn’t avoid Paul’s uncomfortable questions or attention. As the hostess led them back toward a series of semi-private alcoves, Lexi gave herself a mental kick. Of course Paul wasn’t going to let something as simple as witnesses thwart his plans.
    The hostess led them to an end alcove , more secluded than the rest courtesy of a floral arrangement custom-ordered to fan across the side of the table as a screen. An aromatic mixture of roses and carnations filled the alcove. Lexi raised an eyebrow at Paul and smiled in appreciation of his efforts.
    “ You went all out,” she said as he sat down across from her.
    “ Why hold back? You know what I want.”
    “ Do I? Just what do you expect of me, Paul?”
    “ I want you to allow me the pleasure of dating you. To entice you, with the option to spoil shamelessly in the future.” He smiled softly. “You are the most unique and interesting woman I’ve ever met. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind.”
    “ Have you tried?”
    “ Twice.”
    “ Really? I’m hurt.”
    “ No you’re not, you’re curious. I think I’ll keep it that way for now. Needless to say, I failed.”
    “ Bet you didn’t like that.”
    He laughed lightly. “That was a failure I could accept.”
    “ And me walking away?”
    “ Is not,” Paul said, suddenly serious again. “You know I have wealth, power, luxury -”
    “ Kayley.”
    “ She recognized my interest and wished me luck.”
    “ That’s very sporting of her.”
    “ That’s the kind of relationship we have. I don’t begrudge her attempts to find love and she doesn’t begrudge mine.”
    “ I see.”
    “ I doubt it, but that’s fine for now.”
    “ No menus?” Lexi looked around the table, tying to move the afternoon along.
    “ Already planned.”
    “ Of course. And the topic of conversation? You’ve planned everything else.”
    “ To be honest, I’d love to talk about you.”
    “ You have investigators that already told you all about me. You’ve seen the spoilers, so why bother?”
    “ Facts on a sheet are dry and lifeless. You are full of energy and imagination.”
    “ Don’t forget the drugs. Anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, anti-histamines, caffeine. It makes for quite the cocktail.”
    Paul smiled. “Everyone drinks caffeine and takes anti-histamines. I understand the anti-anxiety pills with the crowd you have at home. I wonder if you even still need the anti-depressants. It’s been awhile now since you lost Allen. Is it still so bad?”
    The question brought Lexi up short. She wasn ’t prepared to discuss her late husband. Instead, she reached for her glass of water.
    “ I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him up. Clearly it is still affecting you.” Paul reached across the table and took Lexi’s other hand. She flinched briefly at his touch, but then forced herself to relax. Lexi set down her water to watch as Paul slowly stroked her fingers, the inside of her wrist, and traced the lines on the palm of her hand.
    “ Are you going to tell me my future?” she joked uncomfortably at his tender caress.
    “ I’m going to let you get to know me better. Then you’re going to fall hopelessly in love with me and we’ll be blissfully happy together,” Paul smiled. He turned her hand over and fingered the empty spot where her wedding ring used to be. Lexi fidgeted uncomfortably.
    “ Paul, can I be blunt?”
    “ You’re asking?” Paul raised his eyebrows in disbelief. She waited and he sighed. “Of course, say or ask what you will.”
    “ You don’t really seem like the stalker type.”
    He laughed. “You would certainly know.”
    She froze in surprise and then rolled her eyes in