Free Betrayal by Fern Michaels Page B

was almost too good, she thought. No, it was just perfect. Nothing would ever change her feelings for Alex. And Kate knew Alex. He would always love her, stick by her, no matter what. They would make it to the “till death do us part” for sure.
    Arms wrapped around one another’s waists, they made their way to the kitchen. Kate brewed a pot of coffee. It was too early to call it a night. Besides, they knew Gertie and Jay would come up to the house when they felt Bella was ready to be alone with the pups. Maybe she’d be a little more sober by then.
    She drank two cups of coffee to Alex’s four. She wasn’t much of a coffee drinker, but it was the only beverage she knew to lighten the load when she had one too many.
    â€œI’ll have one more cup, and that’s it. This crap tastes like . . . crap,” Kate said to Alex.
    â€œThen why drink it?”
    â€œâ€™Cuz I had too many glasses of champagne.” Kate’s words were slurred.
    Alex laughed. “I think you’ll be okay, hon. It’s not like you drink all the time.”
    Alex was right, hence her inability to handle a couple of glasses of champagne.
    â€œI’m gonna go upstairs and shower ’fore Gert ’n Jay get here.” Kate stood on wobbly legs.
    â€œNeed some help?” Alex asked.
    â€œI’ll be jus’ fine. Back in a flash.” Kate whirled out of the room, waving her arms like a bird.
    Alex just laughed at her. She rarely drank. He was happy today. Bella and the pups had survived. Gertie was the best damned employee there was. Jay took excellent care of the animals. Marriage to Kate was beyond his wildest dreams in every way. Nothing in his life was bad. He thought that was good.
    Heck, I’m a tad on the sloppy side of drunk myself.
    He was about to go upstairs to join Kate in the shower when the phone rang. He hoped it wasn’t Jay or Gertie calling from the kennel to say something had happened to Bella or her pups.
    â€œHello,” Alex said into the receiver. Again, he said hello. Nothing. The phone went dead. “Well, make up your mind.” He placed the phone back in its cradle. It rang again.
    â€œYes, hello.” Alex raised his voice. If it was a phone solicitor, he hoped they would hang up on him when they heard his unfriendly tone.
    â€œIt’s me, Alex.”
    â€œWhy the heck didn’t you speak up? I’ve been wondering why you haven’t called, old buddy. Think you’re too good to call your best friend? You down there in Florida with all those swanky houses you’re working on, huh? All those rich folks,” Alex teased. “I’m glad you called. I have some good news. I was going to call you tomorrow anyway.”
    â€œAlex, wait. I have something I need to talk to you about. It’s very serious. Do you have a few minutes?” Don asked.
    â€œI always have time for my best bud,” Alex replied, wondering what Don could mean.
    â€œHave you been drinking, Alex? You don’t sound so good.”
    â€œWe had a bottle of champagne. I might’ve had one too many slurps.” Alex burped into the phone. “I did have one too many. But hey, I’m a big boy. I can handle it. Why so serious, my friend?”
    â€œI’ve . . . I’m not sure how to say this,” Don stated seriously.
    â€œLike I always say, ‘say it the way you’re supposed to.’ Hit me, old man. What’s up?”
    â€œIt’s Sara.”
    â€œIs she okay? She didn’t get hurt or anything, did she?” Alex asked, all traces of his liquor wit gone.
    â€œPhysically, she’s fine. Or at least she says she is. I would think you’d know more about this than I, Alex.”
    Alarm bells rang loudly in Alex’s ears. “Why would I know this, Don? I haven’t seen or spoken to Sara since you all left.”
    â€œI know that,” Don said, his voice even more somber.
    â€œThen get to the