Topaz’s gaze faltered and she sighed, setting down her glass. “Alex, I, um, I’m sorry if I implied something dishonest when I talked about the news business paying well. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
For a moment, Alex watched her inquisitively. Then the expression cleared and he smiled. “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression that I was offended.”
Topaz could sense there was something nagging at him, but she did not probe. “So how long have you lived out here?” she asked instead.
“Since I started the paper,” he shared, folding his arms across his massive chest as he leaned against the terrace railing. “It’s always been real quiet out here—I like that.”
“Yeah, that’s important when you finish a hard day’s work.”
“So what about you?”
Topaz shook her head. “What about me?”
Alex grinned. “You know, I’m supposed to pick you up tonight and I don’t even know where you live. Unless you want me to pick you up from your shop?”
“No, no, no,” Topaz whispered, waving both hands as she recalled the night Alex had offered her a ride from Goldie’s party. He had dropped her off at her shop where her rental car waited. “I forgot I hadn’t given you my address. Tonight I’ll be staying at my house.”
“Tonight?” Alex inquired, his lips twitching against a smirk.
Topaz chuckled in spite of herself. “I have a condo in the city and a house in a modest neighborhood,” she informed him.
“Modest, huh?” Alex drawled as though he didn’t believe her. “I’d expect the daughter of two lawyers to be livin’ high on the hog. Um, I hope that didn’t offend you.”
“Touché,” Topaz replied with a soft giggle. “I just prefer simpler things. My parents can’t seem to understand that; hence the condo in town.”
“So that was their idea?”
Topaz nodded, her light eyes clouding with recollection. “I rarely stay there, but they foot the bills anyway. I think it’s just that they prefer to think of me living in some fancy condo instead of a home that happens to be in what they call a ‘lived-in’ area.”
“Hmph.”
“Go on and say it. I don’t mind.”
Alex smiled. “Say what?”
“I come from a bunch of snobs.”
“I wouldn’t label your folks as snobs. Just caring parents.”
Topaz braced her hands along the short brick wall of the terrace. “I know they care and they really are great people.”
“But?”
“Sometimes they’re just a bit too overprotective,” she explained, giving him a skeptical look. “I don’t guess guys understand what that’s like, huh?”
Alex leaned over the wall. “What I understand is if I had a daughter like you, I’d want her to have the very best too.”
Topaz blinked at the subtle intensity and complimentary tone to the statement. Her eyes met Alex’s for a long while. Topaz was first to look away.
Alex cleared his throat. “We better get you back to your shop,” he decided.
Topaz nodded, deciding it was time to head back as well. She couldn’t wait until that evening.
SIX
When Alex arrived at Topaz’s home that evening, she had a phone pressed against her ear and appeared completely stressed. When he greeted her with a wave, the look disappeared to be replaced by a vibrant smile.
“Hold on.” Topaz spoke to the person on the other end of the line. “Come on in,” she whispered, after placing the receiver against her chest.
Alex hardly noticed the warmth of the lovely two-story brick house. He was too taken by how incredible Topaz looked. Her black jersey dress was airy and sexy. Its V-neck and empire bodice called attention to her prominent chest, while the uneven ruffled hemline accentuated the stunning length and shapeliness of her legs. Black wedge-heeled, sling-backs completed the chic, sensual outfit.
“Can I get you anything?” Topaz asked as she ushered him into the den.
“I’m fine,” Alex softly replied, his tone of voice belying the intensity of his gaze.
Still, Topaz made certain he was comfortable—even providing him with the TV remote before returning to her call. Alex crossed his trouser-clad legs and pretended to channel-surf while Topaz talked. For a while, he was so completely absorbed by her appearance, he couldn’t focus on another thing. Then he tuned in to her conversation. It sounded as though she was turning down a date; then he realized she was trying to get out of attending a party. Obviously, the person extending the invite refused to take no for an answer. Alex smiled when he heard her complain about the boring people and “boogie” men with their “tired” conversations.
“Why are you so set on having me there when you know how I feel about it?” Topaz inquired of the caller, rolling her eyes as the person issued a response. “I’m sure they won’t miss me,” she added.
Alex could barely contain his smirk as he listened to Topaz plead her case. After a few more seconds of whining, she finally gave in and accepted the invite.
“You all right?” Alex questioned when she’d clicked off the phone and bowed her head.
Topaz clutched the cordless receiver, intending to hurtle it across the small oak desk. She decided against that and set it down gently. She leaned back her head and sighed, her hair rippling in a straight black cloud.
“Every now and then my background hits me in the face like a bucket of ice water,” she solemnly stated, before turning to face Alex. “Please excuse my behavior. That was my aunt on the phone,” she shared, setting the handset on its cradle. “My father’s sister,” she explained, “she’s got this huge place out in the country. Like you’re headed out toward Kannapolis.”
Alex nodded, folding his hands across the front of his linen mocha shirt as he listened.
