On The Run, page 1
part #1 of The Real Thing Series
Table of Contents
Copyright
Title Page
Book Description
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Additional Works
About the Author
Copyright Information
All rights reserved.
© 2014 ArchStone Ink
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. The reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form whether electronic, mechanical or other means, known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written consent of the publisher. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This edition is published by ArchStone Ink LLC, South Jordan, Utah.
www.archstoneink.com
First eBook Edition: 2014
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the creation of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Alexa Fulbright doesn’t expect the man she’s been trying to forget for the past 7 years to show up on assignment from the FBI…and she really doesn’t expect him to kiss her.
Sam Dubois doesn’t want to be on this assignment, even though he requested it. He doesn’t want to see Alexa and he definitely doesn’t want to put away the thug she calls her boyfriend…but most things in life aren’t fair when it comes to her.
After Sam shows Alexa proof that her boyfriend is a drug dealer with connections to the Columbian cartel, she refuses to believe it. Until a gun is pointed at her head and ‘said boyfriend’ puts a bullet in Sam’s shoulder.
Now Sam has to get her out of dodge and Alexa has to make a choice—face the past or live a lie that could destroy her and everyone she’s ever loved.
Chapter 1
Alexa decided that today might be a good day to punch someone in the face. She was done with this client. “I already told you, Mr. Huxley, that I think your company needs to present a united front right now.”
Andrew Huxley, son of James Huxley, owner of Huxley Products Inc., fixed her with a glare. “I want to make a statement explaining that we didn’t know our crackers would cause such a bad allergic reaction. I want to give them what’s real.”
Alexa didn’t glare back, instead she put on her best ‘public relations’ smile. The smile that her father had told her would get her anything in life. “What is real—is a matter of what you tell people.”
He frowned. “I have lab reports that show we tested the crackers and there were no standard allergens.”
Alexa shook her head. “You know that, and I know that, but your competitor is trying to do more than put out a false allergy report. He’s trying to sway public opinion against you. He’s trying to take down your company. I already spoke to your father about this.”
“I know you spoke to my father but we disagree.”
She sighed. Amateurs. That’s why they needed her. Her eyes flipped to the agreement in front of her. “Your father has dealt with these types of situations for a long time.”
His brows pulled together. “So that’s it, we’re going to put together a campaign to take down his company?”
Alexa cocked an eyebrow. That wasn’t her call. She never made that call. “We already have a team working on a strategy.”
He looked down. “It’s not about how it looks, it’s about the truth.”
Alexa stood, cutting him off and coming around her desk. “I wish that we lived in that kind of world, but we don’t.” She moved toward the door. “Don’t worry, Fulbright PR is ready for every possible outcome. You are in good hands. We provide the best service in town, but you know my hands are tied when it comes to how to proceed with your father.” She put her wrists together, smiling at him sweetly.
He didn’t move. “I understand that, Ms. Fulbright, but I really think that you should convince my father to simply tell the truth.”
Alexa heard shouting through the thick, wood door. “It sounds like there’s something that needs my attention.” She opened the door and saw her assistant, Mary, standing toe to toe with a dark-haired man.
Alexa threw back her shoulders. She was ready for another conflict. That was her life, managing conflicts for people. Making conflict look like something else for them, at least, changing the way the public saw it. She always faced the public with a smile on her face. She moved toward 'the conflict'.
The man stepped back from Mary, turning to face her.
Alexa tripped, her very professional and stylish red heels feeling like anchors pulling her down.
He reached out for her, pulling her into him, like he’d expected this. “Alexa.” He breathed into her hair. “You still wear shoes that are too tall for you.”
She felt her body mix with his and closed her eyes, inhaling a whiff of his fresh rain cologne. “Sam?” She held perfectly still, wondering if she were to open her eyes if he’d disappear like he did many mornings after a perfect dream.
He pushed her back from him, gently swiping a blonde curl out of the way. “And your lipstick matches the heels, nice touch.”
She opened her eyes, still unable to speak. His black hair was gelled and spiked up in that FBIish way that all James Bond prototypes had.
He looked her up and down slowly and then frowned.
She could hardly breathe, the moment froze.
Without warning, his lips met hers. Gently at first, then with more intensity.
The spark between them woke her from her trance. “Sam.” She pushed him back and reached back to smack his face.
He grabbed her hand and glared at her, holding it for a second, and then dropping it quickly. His voice softened. “Do I really deserve that, Lex?” The way he said Lex was so intimate, so…
Alexa’s fingers went unwillingly to her lips as if they had minds of their own. She couldn’t stop herself from looking at his lips, thinking they still tasted like mint even after seven years. “Why are you here?” She took another step back smoothing down her clothes.
The sound of soft, amused laughter filled the air. She’d forgotten about Mr. Huxley.
“Yes.” She turned, feeling her face burn. “Mr. Huxley, I’ll be in touch.”
“It looks like you’re not quite as prepared for all outcomes as you thought,” he quipped at her as he walked to the elevator.
Alexa glared at Sam and turned to her secretary, Mary’s shocked face. “Um, Mary, could you hold my calls this morning?”
Mary nodded, still frozen in place with her mouth open and a paper file held in her hand. Her red, punk hair was spikier than usual. Her black horn-rimmed glasses fell slanted on her face.
“Close your mouth, Mary.” Alexa turned to her office and then called back to Sam. “You coming?”
Sam caught up with her, pushing the door open and letting her walk by.
She walked across her office in measured steps and tried not to let the kiss pulse her. She leaned against the front of her desk. “Have a seat, Sam.” She met his eyes, daring him to sense any more weakness from her.
He sat heavily in the chair in front of her, leaning easily back and relaxing into the chair's plush back. His blue eyes sparked a war with hers. The smirk on his face was more mature, darker than it had been seven years ago. His suit was nice, formal, and, Alexa noticed, fit him perfectly.
“You look well.” Her voice was stiff. The butterflies inside of her stomach seemed to be getting larger and were flushing out into her whole body. It was the same feeling she had before big presentations. “But I could have done without the surprise kiss.”
He held her gaze, the side of his lip tugging up. “Well, I guess life doesn’t always give us warning now, does it?” His eyes grew more intense, accusing her.
The veiled retort wasn’t lost on her. So what, she’d left him seven years ago without any more warning than a letter taped to his apartment door. If he knew why, he wouldn’t accuse her. But he would never know. She would never tell him. She broke the spell between them and circled to the back of her desk. “You look good, Sam.” She would spin him. She would PR him until he walked out the door.
He raised his eyebrows and nodded. “And you.”
Alexa sat and tried to appear nonchalant. “Can I help you with something?”
Sam smiled, crossing his legs. “I was in town. I thought I’d stop by.”
She thought of the picture hidden away in her closet. Every so often, she got it out and stared at him. She leaned back. “Really?” There was no reason not to trust him, but something didn’t feel right.
“Yep.” He rubbed his thumb against the
“I don’t believe you.”
He laughed like he’d been caught and stood up. “Have dinner with me?” He put his hands on the table and leaned over the desk. “C’mon, Lex. Humor an old boyfriend.”
His face was close…too close. Her heart picked up speed again. “Why?”
Sam sighed, standing straight and reaching into his pocket. “Do I need a reason?” He looked at her innocently and pulled out a card. “Tonight. Seven o’clock. Costa Verdi.” He nodded his head, gesturing to a restaurant down the street. The card scraped on the table as he pushed it in front of her. “I’ll see you then.”
Her intercom buzzed. “Ms. Fulbright, Mr. Hernandez is here.”
Alexa didn’t know why, but hearing Marco’s name in front of Sam made her feel like she’d been doing something wrong. She stood, heading for the door. She knew Marco would burst in. “I’ll let you know.”
Sam quickly moved next to her. “Lex, I need to talk to you.”
She pushed Sam out of the way. “I said I’d let you know.”
The door opened. Marco stood there like a Hispanic Greek God.
He stepped to her and pulled her into his arms. She smelled his tropical aftershave and couldn’t help be crushed to him. “My dear, your wish is my command.”
Alexa felt her heart lighten at his exuberance and she laughed. “Marco.” She glanced back at Sam.
Marco released her and cleared his throat. “Why, excuse me, I am sorry for the interruption.” He stuck his hand out. “My name is Marco Hernandez.”
Sam nodded and shook his hand, an eyebrow lifting.
Marco stepped back. “Uhh, Mr.--.
“Smith.” Sam provided before she could say anything.
Alexa hesitated, but took Sam’s cue and played along. “Mr. Smith is a new client of mine.” Alexa smiled brilliantly at Sam like she really was trying to get his business.
Marco clapped his hands together. “Well, this is great news.” He took Alexa’s hand. “Let us celebrate. I’ll take you both to lunch.”
Alexa shook her head and frowned at Marco. “That is so sweet, but I’m meeting him later for dinner to hash out marketing details . He was just telling me that he has a lot to do.” She nodded at Sam expectantly.
Sam held her gaze for a second, then turned to Marco. “I think I could go to lunch.” He gave Alexa a professional smile. “I would like to get to know you better, Mr. Hernandez. You seem fascinating.” Sam crossed his arms.
She fumbled for her phone and brought up her schedule. “I just remembered,” she said turning to her desk. “Lunch today is with another client. It won’t work out.” She turned very business-like to Sam. “But I will see you tonight and I'll bring my ideas, Sir.”
Sam opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, then he shut it quickly, smiling at her. “Tonight works.” He turned to Marco and shook his hand. “You’re a lucky man. So nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Marco smiled easily and waved goodbye.
Marco crossed to her, slipping his arms around her waist. “I wanted you for myself tonight.” He kissed her neck gently.
His touch was always intoxicating to her. “Really?” She relaxed playfully against him.
“Do I need to have a word with the boss for working you so hard?” He laughed to himself. It was the joke between them about Alexa owning her own company and still working too much.
“I’m sorry. The client is only here for two days.” She told herself that he could be a client. This could be the truth. She shook her head. “I’ll cook for you tomorrow night, I promise.” He would forgive her if she cooked for him.
“Ahh, well, that is tempting, querida, but I will be on a plane for Paris by the time you make your famous salmon for me.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot.” She turned in his arms and kissed him lightly on the lips. She couldn’t help but notice that Marco’s lips were spicy, like a wonderful, exciting Mexican dish you can’t quit eating. “What about lunch at Monica’s tomorrow before you catch your flight?”
There was a moment’s pause. Alexa knew he was disappointed. She thought of his strong arms holding her and how the world seemed safer when she was in them.
“If that is the only card you’ll give me, my dear, then that is the one I will take.”
Alexa laughed. “You hold all the cards.” She thought of Sam’s serious blue eyes and felt butterflies in her stomach.
“Okay, I will see you tomorrow. I love you.” He kissed her, lingering at the end. “It seems I can never get enough of you.”
“I love you, too. See you tomorrow.” She walked him to the door and waved him off. She sat down on one of the couches in her office and stared out the window. The usually brooding San Francisco sky was uncharacteristically clear. Alexa couldn’t stop the memories that flooded her. She closed her eyes and there he was…coming toward her after college graduation, swinging her in the middle of the field filled with all the chairs and people. The memory was so innocent and happy. Thoughts of the Saturdays they’d spent at the Flat Irons, hiking and talking. Warmth spread through her chest. Where had those days gone? How had it all slipped away so fast? A tear came down her cheek and she touched it away, surprised to see it there.
This was not a day for staying in the office. If she didn’t occupy herself with something other than work she would never survive the afternoon. She grabbed her laptop and walked out through the big doors. “Mary, I’ll be working from home today, I have a big project that demands my full attention.”
“Yes, Ms. Fulbright.”
Chapter 2
The museum wasn’t very busy. Alexa flashed her membership card and walked quickly past the front desk. It was silly they even needed to see her card anymore. She smiled to herself thinking that if there were a gold club membership for museums, she would have it. If she could make it to the paintings, she would be calmer, more in control of her thoughts and this mind-numbing headache that had started the moment Sam had walked back into her life.
Then she stopped. There it was; clean-lined and staggeringly beautiful. She paused and reached her hand into the air, closing her eyes and tracing the strokes it would take to re-create this painting perfectly. She had done it. She had done it many times, but still felt such pure delight every time she saw an original. How had Van Gogh done Starry Night? Peace filled her.
Alexa sat on the bench, not breaking the invisible link she had with the painting. She crossed her legs and took a second longer to marvel. She had been marveling since she could remember, since her mother had brought her here for the first time when she was twelve. From Garden City, Idaho, it had taken ten hours and two stops for gas. It was the biggest trip she’d been on up to that point in her life and she was so excited that she chatted incessantly to her mother the whole way. Another pain ripped through her at the thought of her mother. She hated it. Hated the pain associated with the painting. Even though she had accepted the pain. She would not let grief destroy this painting for her. Her mother wouldn’t have wanted it to be something that made her grieve. She put her head down into her hands.
Her mother would have known what she should do. Her mother would have told her exactly what to do. She pulled out her phone, thinking of her dad, and for a second, thought calling him might be a good idea. Then, looking back to the painting, she pulled Sam’s card out of her pocket and punched in the number.
“Hello.” His voice was softer than when he’d spoken to her in her office.
“Hi.”
“It’s you.”
“You’re not surprised it’s me, c’mon, you’re the FBI, right?”
“Alexa—”
“Save it. Whatever. Not Costa Verdi.”
“O-kay.”
“Pier 39. I’ll meet you by the men on stilts at five o’clock.”
“Alexa…”
“I’ll see you then.” She hung up.
***
Alexa took one last look in the mirror and sucked in her breath. It was thirty-two minutes past the time she'd told Sam she'd meet him. Her heart picked up speed every time she thought about him. How was she going to make it through the night? Should she even go? What did he want?
There was a knock on the door.
She panicked and prayed it wasn’t Marco.
There was another knock. She opened the door.
