Colton's Deadly Trap, page 13
Alexis sat back with a sigh. “Because I’ve never felt this way before.”
* * *
The Cloisters was crowded Thursday evening. Max wasn’t surprised. The parking lot had been packed. Alexis had been lucky to find a spot toward the far end of the lot near some hedges under a lamp. He took a firm hold of her hand, drawing her close to his side to keep from losing her amid the masses. She looked up at him. Her bright eyes were wide with surprise and curiosity. Staring into them, Max could barely breathe.
She was so beautiful. Her wavy raven hair was thick and loose around her shoulders. His fingers itched with the urge to bury themselves into the heavy mass. Her little black dress skimmed her firm, toned figure. The scooped neckline gave only a hint of her cleavage. The long, wide sleeves billowed around her arms. The knee-length hem showed off her long, shapely calves. Her low-heeled pumps boosted her height to his chin.
Max gave her a reassuring smile, then set a course for the bar. As he cleared a path for them, he scanned the posh interior. They were surrounded by polished white oak wood, shiny bronze fixtures and soft black leather furnishings. The air was redolent with well-aged liquors, seasoned, high-quality hors d’oeuvres and money. The ambience telegraphed wealth and prestige. It was so different from Mariposa’s warm, friendly environment. Could they find a bartender in this upmarket establishment who would fit into the resort’s culture?
“Let’s find seats at the bar.” Alexis leaned against him to be heard above the instrumental music and murmurs of conversation.
Max felt her warmth against his back and a shiver went through him. Unable to form a response, he nodded. Was his palm sweating against hers? He found two seats together at the bar. Max could see his reflection in the gleaming, rectangular wood surface. Beneath the cylindrical bronze fittings, bottles of liquors and mixes arranged against the mirror on the back wall sparkled in the light. The action was happening at the center of the bar where a young woman moved briskly in the open space, taking requests and mixing drinks.
“Is that her?” Max held the back of Alexis’s black leather barstool as she settled into the seat. She pushed her purse into the space on the seat beside her.
“Yes. That’s Kelli Iona.” Alexis watched her subject closely. “I recognize her from the photo in the magazine interview.”
The young woman appeared to be in her mid-twenties. She was tall, perhaps five seven or five eight, and physically fit. She wore a double-breasted black vest over a crisp white oxford service shirt and what looked like black stretch service chinos. Her long, wavy brown hair was gathered into a ponytail holder that swung from shoulder to shoulder as she attended to her customers.
As though she had eyes in the back of her head, Kelli looked over her right shoulder toward Max and Alexis at the other end of the bar. “Welcome to The Cloisters! I’ll be right with you. There are two customers ahead of you.” Her smile was warm as though they were next-door neighbors, the good kind.
Max made himself comfortable on the barstool beside Alexis. “Take your time.”
Maybe they could find a suitable bartender for Mariposa at this upscale bar after all. He should’ve known better than to have doubted Alexis.
“That was a good sign.” Alexis folded her hands on the bar’s smooth surface. “She acknowledged us as soon as we sat down.”
“Yes, that’s good customer service.” And she’d greeted them with a smile. Max shifted to face Alexis. “How did you find her?”
Alexis glanced at him before returning her attention to Kelli. “She was profiled in an e-zine that covers local restaurants, bars and events. Her interview was very charming and personable. She started bartending after high school. She just recently moved to Sedona.”
Max was impressed. “She must be good at her job, otherwise The Cloisters wouldn’t have hired her.”
He watched Kelli mix an order for one of the customers ahead of him. Her flair commanded her customers’ attention. She selected a napkin from the top of a nearby pile, spun it in the air with a flick of her wrist, then tapped it onto the bar. Holding a bottle in each hand by their long necks, she free-poured the liquors into a silver mixer, then brought the bottles down and around to stop their flow. She added a few more ingredients, mixing them together with a quick stir. She transferred the contents into a highball glass and set the glass on the napkin.
“Very impressive. And quick.” Alexis sounded like she was mentally applauding the bartender. “So far so good. She has one more customer before she gets to us. Do you have your drink order ready?” Alexis had asked him to request a complicated mixed drink to test Kelli’s ability.
“Do you have one?” He lowered his voice and leaned closer. The pretense gave him an excuse to breathe in her perfume. He felt her warmth in the comfortably cool bar.
“Yes.” She flashed a smile that dazzled him. “I had to look one up, though. I usually drink white wine. Or if I’m in an adventurous mood, a margarita.”
“So you’re experimenting tonight?” Max chuckled. “I may need to drive us home, then.”
Alexis laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll cut myself off if I start feeling tipsy.”
Kelli appeared before them. Max sensed her energy. Her big brown eyes sparkled with excitement as though she was inviting them on an adventure. “Thank you both so much for your patience. What can I get for you?”
“You didn’t keep us waiting long at all.” Alexis returned the bartender’s smile. “May I have an Aviation, please?”
Kelli raised her eyebrows. Her eyes glinted at the challenge. “A very good choice for the lady.” She spun a napkin in front of Alexis, then turned to Max. “And what can I mix for the gentleman?”
“I’d like a Dark and Stormy, please.”
Kelli’s eyes widened with pleasure. She swung her right index finger between Alexis and Max. “I like these choices.” She did her signature napkin spin for Max. “Ladies first.”
Max watched Kelli collect the bottles of gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette and lemon juice. She free-poured the liquids into the silver mixer with a balance of deft precision and captivating flourish. She poured the mixture into a cordial glass, added fruit and floral garnish, then presented the glass to Alexis.
“Thank you.” Alexis looked delighted.
“My pleasure.” Kelli winked at her. She pointed at Max. “And now for your Dark and Stormy.”
Max liked the drink but he’d only had it a few times. The last time had been years ago while training with a chef in the Caribbean. The drink only had two ingredients—dark rum and ginger beer—but finding the right balance of spicy and sweet was complicated. He watched her brisk, sharp movements as she made the beverage.
Kelli poured his drink into a cognac balloon glass and placed it in front of him. “What do you think?”
Max took a sip. His eyes widened in surprise. “Perfect.”
“Yes.” Kelli pumped her fist. “Thank you.” She turned to Alexis. “How do you like your drink?”
Alexis nodded. “It’s also perfect. Thank you.”
Kelli’s face glowed with pride and pleasure. “Thank you both.”
Max slipped Kelli his credit card to pay for their drinks. The young bartender inclined her head before bouncing away. He watched as she stopped to check on another customer near the opposite end of the bar. An older gentleman sat back on his seat, revealing the guest Kelli was speaking with.
Max stiffened in surprise. “Isn’t that Joshua?”
“Where?” Alexis followed his gaze. “You’re right.”
The youngest Colton was generous with his smiles as he chatted with the attractive bartender. She laughed at something he said before continuing to process Max’s card and print his receipt.
Kelli returned to their side of the bar with Max’s credit card and gave him his receipt. “I’ll stop by to check on you, but if you need anything else before then, just give me a wave.” With a wink and a smile, she turned away to check on her other guests. Max noticed she lingered a little longer with Joshua.
He took another sip of his drink. It was really good. “Does it look to you as though Kelli and Joshua have known each other for a while? It doesn’t look as though they just met today. They’re pretty comfortable with each other.”
“You could be right.” Alexis seemed to be nursing her drink, paying more attention to Kelli and her interactions with her customers. “She’s very talented. This drink is delicious, and she has a great attitude. She seems to connect easily with her guests, and not just the male ones. I’m going to recommend Laura bring her in for an interview.”
Alexis was right. More women than men sat around the bar and the women were just as comfortable with her. Kelli would be a wonderful addition for Mariposa, even for the temporary position. Max’s only hesitation was Joshua.
He watched the younger man’s interaction with Kelli. Other men tried to monopolize the bartender’s time beyond ordering a drink. She put them off firmly but politely. However, she always had a few extra moments for Joshua. Did Joshua come to The Cloisters to see Kelli or was seeing the bartender an added bonus of the venue?
Max took another drink. “Joshua’s attracted to her.”
Alexis glanced down the bar. She must have seen what he saw. “It does appear that way.”
“Doesn’t he have a rule against dating employees?”
“That’s what Laura told me.” She returned her attention to Max. “You’re not suggesting I tell Laura not to hire Kelli because her brother may have a crush on her, are you?”
Was he? “I think that’s another consideration. Suppose there’s something building between them. But because she comes to work at Mariposa, they have to pump the brakes on whatever that is. Is that something we’re comfortable with?”
Alexis looked at him as though she questioned his sanity. “What I’m not comfortable with is not offering Kelli this chance just because of what may or may not be growing between her and Joshua. Kelli should decide whether she wants to accept this career opportunity.”
Max raised his hands, palms out. He was embarrassed by how badly he’d misspoken. “You’re right. It’s her choice. But maybe you should tell Joshua you’re recommending her for the fill-in position.”
“I’ll leave that to Laura. She’s the assistant manager.” Alexis still sounded more than a little perturbed by Max’s suggestion. “I’ll let her know we saw—”
“Max. Alexis. It’s great to see you guys.” Joshua’s voice startled Max. Had the other man heard what he and Alexis were saying? Joshua’s tone grew somber. “Have you both recovered from the accident?”
Alexis’s eyes lit up. “Yes, thank you for asking. I’ve even started jogging again. My ankle’s a little tender, but otherwise fine.”
Joshua chuckled. “Of course you’re running again. Nothing keeps you down, at least not for long.” He glanced toward Kelli at the other end of the bar before addressing Max. “How’re you, Max? I’ve heard Noah has a suspect who’s not connected to that stuff in New York.”
“I appreciate his looking into it.” Max glanced toward Alexis. Her expression was tense. Was that because of Joshua’s sudden appearance or their topic of discussion? “I know we’re all looking forward to solving this mystery so we can put it behind us.”
“Yes, we are.” Joshua’s eyes drifted back to Kelli as though he couldn’t help himself. Max could empathize. He felt the same way when Alexis was nearby. “I hope you both have a good evening.”
Max joined Alexis in wishing Joshua well before returning to their conversation. “Joshua couldn’t keep his eyes off Kelli. But you’re right. Kelli deserves the opportunity at Mariposa. She’s an excellent bartender and the resort would be lucky to have her.”
“I know.” Alexis shook her head. “You’re a hopeless romantic.”
“I prefer to think of myself as a hopeful romantic.” Max had more of his drink. It didn’t pack as much of a punch as Alexis’s laughter.
“Fortunately for Kelli, you’re not the one making the referral. I am.”
“Are you hopeless or hopeful?” Max held his breath.
Alexis took a moment to answer. “I prefer to think of myself as practical.”
What does that mean? He exhaled. “Haven’t you ever met someone who made you want to flush practical down the drain and follow your heart?”
Alexis shook her head. “Have you?”
I have now. “I haven’t lost hope.” Max cleared his throat. “Since we’re here, would you like to get dinner?”
She smiled. “I’d love that.”
And he’d love it if the night never ended. But for now, he’d hold on to practical with both hands and hope his heart could stand the wait.
* * *
The host led them to a table not far from the bar. With her decision about the fill-in bartender’s position made, Alexis checked her evaluation of Kelli off her to-do list and focused on dinner with Max. That was definitely not a hardship.
The celebrity chef looked camera-ready in a casual brown suit. His black vintage shirt had a standing collar. He’d left the top button undone. The fabric stretched across his muscled chest. It featured a leaf embroidered pattern she’d dearly love to trace. Alexis curled her fingers under the table to resist the urge. His clean mint cologne was a distraction. So was his charm; the way he took her hand, held her chair, rested his palm on the small of her back. He made her feel like part of a couple. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed that. It was nice.
It also was scary. As she’d told Laura last evening, even if she decided to pursue a relationship with the charming chef, what would happen in three weeks when he returned to New York, leaving her behind? For tonight, she pushed the worry to the back of her mind.
They both chose the blackened salmon entrée. Descriptions of their days and their plans for the rest of the week carried them almost to the end of their meal.
“Where does love stand on your list of priorities?” Max’s question caught her by surprise. Were they back to the hopeless romantic versus practical relationship debate?
A forkful of salmon found its way into Alexis’s windpipe. She covered her mouth with her right hand and cleared it with a cough. That bought her a little time. “Excuse me?”
“Are you okay?” Max put his hand on hers where it rested on the table. His eyes were dark with concern.
“Yes, thank you.” Alexis took a steadying breath. The scents of cayenne, thyme and oregano wafted up from her salmon. “Um, well, I’ve never really thought about where my love life was on my list of priorities.” Not until recently.
His lips curved with amusement. “I think that answers the question of where it stands on your list. So, you and Jake have never dated?”
Alexis thought his tone was too casual. “No, we haven’t.”
“You’ve never been tempted?”
“I told you. Jake’s like a brother to me and he thinks of me as his sister. Dating would be too weird. Although our mothers, who are both crazy impatient for grandchildren, have brought it up more than once.”
Max smiled as he sipped his drink. “My mother wants grandkids, too. Mel and I have thrown Miri under the bus. She’s the only one who’s married.”
Alexis’s shoulders shook with amusement. “Oh, I’m sure she appreciated that. Well, Jake and I refuse to get married—especially to each other—just to satisfy our mothers’ need to spoil our as-yet-unborn children.”
Max lifted his glass in a mock toast. “Mel and I salute you.”
Alexis arched an eyebrow. “So what about your love life? Where is it on your list of priorities?”
“The same.” Max pierced his last piece of salmon. “I’ve been too busy building my restaurants to spend much time pursuing a relationship.”
“I know what you mean.” Alexis hesitated as she watched Max put the forkful of salmon between his lips. The act seemed so intimate. She dropped her eyes and forced her thoughts into a semblance of order. “With all of your projects, I’m surprised you have time to sleep.” She braced herself to meet his eyes again. “A relationship would probably put you over the edge.”
His myriad business pursuits were additional reasons a relationship between them wouldn’t work. She was building a career, but he was building an empire.
“My restaurants are my first love.” Max nudged his nearly empty plate to the side. He folded his arms on the white cloth that covered their table. “I want people to think of Out with Friends as a place to go for a great meal and a good time.”
“That’s how my mother described it.” Alexis admired people with a plan. She wiped the corners of her mouth with her linen napkin, then slid it and her plate to the side.
“My father had wanted me to join his production company, supporting documentaries and feature films that educated as well as entertained.” Max stared at his glass of water, but Alexis suspected he saw a different image in his head. “I’m very proud of the company he built, but my first love has always been cooking. I hated disappointing him, but I didn’t want to go into TV and film production.”
“I seriously doubt your father’s disappointed in you.” Alexis paused as their server came to collect their plates and deliver their bill.
Max claimed the black leather check holder before Alexis could even move. He glanced at the receipt, then returned it to their server with his credit card.
He waited until the young man disappeared again before continuing. “My father’s motto is, ‘You can do better.’ He’s said that to me and my sisters all my life.”
Alexis’s eyes widened with surprise. “That’s kind of harsh.”
“Tell me about it.” Max gave a humorless laugh. “My sisters and I think he’s trying to encourage or maybe motivate us. I think he’d be surprised to know it’s having the opposite effect.” He sat back against his chair. “We’ve finally decided one of us should tell him. I think it should be my sister, Miri. She’s the eldest.”
“Or maybe the three of you should tell him together.”
