Chapter 19

Kate was unable to talk to Alexandra about Garret. Her sister was so rattled over the attack that Kate couldn’t find the right time to approach her.

The days slipped by, and Christmas was less than a week away. Coulson Enterprises was hosting its annual Christmas party, inviting most of the active members of the Chamber of Commerce.

It had been a long time since Ryan and Alexandra had been out together. Alexandra bought a low-cut, long, red dress that hugged her curves and glimmered with sequins. She paid special attention to her makeup and curled her hair. It framed her face in gentle, feminine waves. She slipped on high heels, stood in front of her bedroom’s full-length mirror, and pivoted her body to the right and then to the left as she examined herself critically.

“Wow, you look terrific!” Ryan complimented as he stood in the doorway.

“Thanks.” Alex smiled and then noticed Ryan was wearing jeans and a western shirt. “Hey, you aren’t dressed yet.”

“Sorry, Honey. I’m not going to be able to make it. They called when you were in the shower. The bartender called in sick.”

“Damn it, Ryan,” Alex moaned, then sat on the edge of the bed and began to slip off her shoes.

“Don’t be silly, Alex. You can still go. You know everyone that’s going to be there.”

“I don’t want to drive.” Alex still was afraid to drive at night.

“That’s what I figured.” Ryan sat on the bed next to Alex and draped his arm around her shoulder. “I’ll drop you off. If you can’t find a ride home, I’ll come pick you up.”

“I don’t know.” Alex hesitated.

“Come on. You look great.” Ryan kissed her cheek. “Let everyone see what a lucky guy I am.”

Coulson Enterprises’ Garden Pavilion was a massive room, a combination of paneled walnut and glass panes, decorated for the season. In the center of the immense lobby towered the Christmas tree, decked out in red and gold shiny balls. Snippets of holly and mistletoe contributed to the holiday décor, as did the live poinsettia plants placed strategically throughout the enormous area.

The room was smoky and already crowded with formally attired guests when Alex arrived. Champagne flowed freely. Harrison Coulson, Garret’s older brother, was the first person to greet Alexandra. She had never met him before, yet it was obvious who he was. He looked more like Russell than Garret, and his hair was completely gray.

Garret was just stepping out from the hallway leading from his private office to the Garden Pavilion when Alexandra arrived. He watched silently as his older brother took her hand in his and brought it to his chest in an overly affectionate greeting. Garret wanted to throttle Harrison.

Garret had never seen Alexandra look so exquisite. For a moment, he forgot to breathe as he watched her full figure move provocatively in the confines of the form-fitting red dress. Even from where he stood, he could see the cleavage spilling from the top of her low neckline. It was as if her ample bosom was being offered up, and by the prying eyes of the male guests, more than one man was considering diving into the soft folds. Lights shimmered off the sequins, making the dress come alive. He couldn’t imagine a husband allowing his wife to be seen wearing such a seductive gown.

Garret pushed himself through the throng of merrymakers, heading in the direction of Alexandra. En route, he grabbed two full champagne glasses from a passing serving tray and held them precariously over his head in an attempt to avoid spilling the contents. When he reached Alex, she was already being jostled around by the incoming crowd. He called her name. She looked in his direction and smiled at the familiar face. Garret gestured to the glasses overhead, then maneuvered one into Alex’s hand, spilling just a few drops onto the carpet.

She attempted to take a sip, yet someone bumped her from behind, sending half of her champagne splashing onto the toes of her shoes. Alex laughed, looked up to Garret, and shook her head over the impossibility of the situation. He nodded toward a less congested area of the room. She returned his nod and then followed him to the open area.

“You look terrific!” Garret’s gaze washed over Alexandra. “Where’s your husband?”

“Had to work.” Alex sipped what was left of her champagne.

“How are you feeling?” Garret’s concerned gaze sent shivers traveling down Alex’s back. She hadn’t seen him since the night of the attack.

“Better. Garret, I want to thank…” she began, but Garret stopped her by grabbing her free hand and squeezing it reassuringly.

“You don’t have to thank me, Alex. I’m just grateful that you’re all right.”

Garret removed the empty glass from Alex’s hand and passed it along with his to a server, then picked up two full glasses of champagne. He offered one to Alex.

“Better luck with this one.” Garret winked. She accepted the glass.

“Well, I’ll be damned if it isn’t Alex Chamberlain,” greeted a tall man wearing a dark suit and tie.

“Well, Mickey, long time, no see.” Alex smiled warily at her one-time boyfriend, noting his cocky grin. Mickey didn’t hesitate; he swept his arm around Alex, pulling her forward, crushing her body against his, and sending her second glass of champagne tumbling to the floor. He attempted to plant an unwanted kiss on her mouth, yet she quickly averted the attempt when she turned her head, and the wet kiss landed on her cheek.

“Damn, Mickey,” Alex whined as she roughly pushed him away and then used the back of her hand to wipe his kiss from her face.

“You’re still hot.” Mickey grinned like an idiot.

“You’re still a jerk,” she countered.

“Good to see you too, kid.” Mickey laughed, then gave Garret the once over before he walked away.

Garret’s entire body had tensed when Mickey grabbed Alex. His first instinct was to drag the man away from her and hurl him into the refreshment table. He managed to stop himself before he embarrassed Alex. She obviously knew the man, yet Garret did not like men touching Alex. That realization struck him like an unexpected bolt of lightning.

“Who was that?” Garret frowned incredulously.

“Do you believe I used to date that guy in high school?” Alex grimaced as she spoke.

“Looks like he never got over you.”

“I’m afraid wounded egos have a long memory.” Alex helped herself to Garret’s champagne, finishing the glass.

“Egos?”

“You know, high school boys whose brains are in their pants? Mickey planned a home run. I had different ideas.” Alex smiled sweetly.

Garret nodded knowingly, yet thought to himself, Yes, I was once one of those high school boys. Sometimes I feel like I still am!

Garret escorted Alex through the crowd, mingling with the other guests and finding conversation difficult over the noise. She managed to secure another glass of champagne, which she was able to consume without tossing half of it to the floor. Garret switched from champagne to scotch but procured another glass of the bubbly for Alex. She was becoming wonderfully lightheaded.

Alex had been at the party for well over an hour when Garret excused himself to go to the men’s room. He had already walked away when Alex realized that she too needed to visit the restroom. She looked in the direction of where Garret had disappeared and started that way. Certain he had exited through the first paneled door, she slipped unnoticed from the Garden Pavilion.

Alexandra found herself in a long hallway with a series of closed doors. She didn’t see any restroom signs but noticed light coming from under one closed door. She opened the door and found Garret standing beside a large desk. It was obviously his office.

“Oh, Garret, I’m sorry. I was looking for the restroom.”

“Come in, Alex,” Garret said softly. “You can use my private restroom. It’s right through that door.”

Alex entered the office shyly and gently closed the door behind her. She walked across the width of the room toward the door Garret had indicated. He stood silent, watching. After she used the restroom and stepped back into Garret’s office, she was surprised to see the lights turned off. Moonlight flooded the room. Garret was still standing silently, leaning against the edge of his desk.

Alex quietly made her way across the room. Her head was a little fuzzy. When she began to pass the desk, Garret reached out his hand and stopped her. Slightly confused, she turned and faced Garret. He took several steps and positioned himself directly in front of Alexandra. Both of his hands reached out and gently cupped her face, caressing it tenderly. Alex’s eyes were wide, her arms rigidly by her side. He tilted his head ever so slightly and closed the distance between their mouths, bringing his lips to hers. His tongue gently traced her closed lips, urging them open. Alex did not move. He applied more pressure, and to his delight, he found her mouth opening to his, inviting him in.

His tongue slipped into her mouth and boldly explored her sweetness. In turn, Alex’s tongue greeted his, shyly exploring. His body shook with desire and need. But he didn’t want to scare her away. Her arms were still at her side, she did not attempt to embrace him. The fact that she was returning his kiss, returning it with such fever, made Garret hard with desire.

Alexandra pulled away. She looked bewildered, her eyes incredibly wide in wonder. Or was it fear? She was speechless.

“I’ve always wanted to do that,” Garret whispered, his voice husky from the ache that was building within him. His chest was incredibly tight, as if it might explode. His outstretched fingertips gently traced the outline of Alex’s face. She blinked, as if attempting to recapture some sense of normalcy. She turned and bolted from the room.