Reveal: A Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Rock Star Romance Book 2) (9 page)

“Sure. We’ve already ate. We’re used to having dinner by six, buddy.”

Sebastian held the phone to his ear again. “No problem.”

“Great. Thanks for understanding, Bash. I’m at a restaurant patio downtown. Check your text messages in a minute. I’m sending you the address. There’s a friend here I want you to meet, too. When you get here, ask for Eva’s table, okay?”

“Got it. See you soon.”

The text came in shortly after the call ended. Sebastian keyed the address into his GPS. Although it was on a familiar street, he could not remember ever eating there. It was not until he made it downtown and parked out front that he recognized it by name. Tucked between similar establishments, Salutto’s was one of the city’s finest restaurants.

“Now, this is fine dining,” Clint said, letting out a low whistle. “Beth, didn’t we hear about this place winning that foodie award?” She nodded. “It was on TV, I think. It sure isn’t one of those cookie cutter franchises.” Clint tapped on Sebastian’s shoulder from the back seat. “Your friend has good taste.”

“Yes. By the way, dinner’s on me. Tonight is my treat, even if I didn’t pick the spot.” It occurred to him that he should explain a few things before they went inside. Clint and Beth did not know they were about to meet Alexandra while she was dressed as a guy. He scrambled for the right words to prepare them. “About my friend. There’s something I need to tell you. First of all, when you meet her, please don’t stare.”

Beth and Clint looked at each other, then back at Sebastian. “Of course, we won’t,” Beth answered. “Who would be so rude?”

He could tell they wanted details, but he could not say much more. His eyes darted to Clint, who gives him a reassuring nod. “I guess I didn’t have to say that, did I? I just want you to know in advance. I can’t describe her, other than to say she’s a great looking girl with a lot of personality, once you get past the surface…She might take some getting used to. Just don’t point out that she’s…different from what you expected. I’ll explain everything after you meet her.”

Clint guffawed. “More and more, you’re making her sound like a secret agent, Bash. What did I tell you, Beth? She’s some kind of mystery woman. Let’s just get in there so I can see for myself.”

The three of them entered the restaurant, and the anticipation was growing. A hostess smiled pleasantly as they approached. She asked about their reservation.

“Eva’s table, please,” Sebastian said, to which the young woman nodded and motioned for them to follow her.

Soft sounds of a live pianist played in the background. It underscored the hush of conversation from the well-dressed patrons. He scanned the room, appreciating the mellow, yet elegant ambiance. The faint hum of Clint’s electric wheelchair trailed behind him as he looked around for Alex’s familiar face.

They walked past several small round tables and exited through a back door to a cobblestone courtyard with more diners and loungers under the softly lit outdoor area. With each step, his chest tightened, his palms got sweatier, and the nervousness combined with the aroma of rich food almost made his stomach churn.

Why am I getting worked up?

If anything, Alexandra should be nervous.

The hostess gestured to the table, and all the air rushed out of his lungs. It felt like he had been punched in the gut.

“Holy shit,” he said softly. He stepped forward in a slight haze as his vision zoomed in on them, and everything around them seemed to hit a big pause button.

Against a dusky twilight sky at a table in front of him was none other than Lexxi Rock. She was seated next to a striking, tanned woman he did not immediately recognize because he could not stop staring at Lexxi. Everything about the girl who used to live next door seemed more saturated, richer and more vivid than he remembered. Eyes peered out from her pale, flawless face. Her lips were a pale pink, and the purple hair flowed down her back and around her shoulders, piling into her lap. Her long legs were crossed, and the shapeliness of her calves drew in his stunned gaze.

Sebastian clutched at his chest.

This cannot be happening now.

Beth put a hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“Lexxi Rock,” Clint said in a calm, hoarse voice.

Sebastian looked down at him, and Clint looked up. The two nodded in awareness. For Clint, he was meeting his celebrity idol. For Sebastian, this was over the top.

This is it.

Alex Roberts is revealing herself as Lexxi Rock.

Here?

What the fuck am I supposed to say to her?

Lexxi appeared to save Sebastian from himself. The rock star gracefully rose from her seat and faced them. She was much taller. Sebastian looked down and noticed heels that looked a mile high. He never would have pictured her in the shoes or the dress she wore, but it was a perfect fit. The stretchy pink fabric clung to her narrow waist, revealing her slim, yet shapely figure.

Other patrons looked their way when Lexxi stood in front of them, and surrounding conversations hit a low hush as more and more people seemed to become aware they were in the company of someone famous. A flash of light nearly blinded Sebastian. He looked around Lexxi and noticed a man with a Nikon camera, squatting nearby as he rapidly took more pictures.

Lexxi smiled apologetically. “Sorry about that. Just try to ignore them. That’s what I do.”

The woman sitting at Alexandra’s table waved politely at them from her chair on the other side of the table. “Hello, everyone! I’m Eva. Lexxi invited me to tag along. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Sebastian noticed the slight accent, realizing she was Evangelyn Reese from his research into Lexxi Rock only a few weeks ago.

So that’s where Alex went.

Lexxi shook Clint’s hand, then turned to Beth and shook her hand.

“I’m Lexxi. My cousin, Alex, told me my dad’s neighbor had some friends who wanted to meet me.”

Sebastian’s jaw dropped.

No. She can’t be going there.

Still, Sebastian mentally applauded her for not making it seem as though he was in on this mammoth-sized surprise. Clint would have probably punched him if he thought Sebastian was a part of this.

When Lexxi turned to Sebastian, he swallowed hard.

“Hi…Lexxi?” He forced out the words as she reached for his hand and asked him if she could have a word in private. Their palms made contact, and an electric spark shot through him again, sending a flash of memories from the past few weeks.

“Let’s have a quick word over there,” Alexandra said as the hostess showed Beth her seat and removed a chair for Clint to fit at the table.

“Sure,” he answered, following.

She turned at a quiet corner of the patio. “I’m sorry about this.”

“I…I’m…Why would you do this here?” He searched her face for something familiar of Alex.

She smiled nervously. It looked practiced, hollow. In fact, she reminded him of a beautiful mannequin, like she was put together to look perfect, or to sell something. There was no closeness, no familiarity.

“Please let me explain later. Is that okay?”

“Um…do I really have a choice?”

“Please, Bash.”

Is she trying to tell me she’s going to keep up the Alex routine and balance it with Lexxi while she’s here in Tucson…and she wants me to be in on it?

Sebastian nodded mutely. His smile slipped right off his face. “Fine.”

She thanked him and turned, moving back to their table.

He remained silent as everyone settled into their seats. Lexxi charmed Clint with her soft-spoken, completely spun story about how she had just flown in to stay a couple of days with her father after a vacation in France. Not only was her voice more feminine, her behavior and mannerisms were foreign. He caught himself making comparisons for much of the time at that table.

Alex would never say that.

Alex wouldn’t hold her hand to her face like that.

Alex would laugh about that.

Alexandra’s friend, Evangelyn, looked at him curiously for the entire time. He pretended not to notice her avid interest, as he had no idea what she knew. He found himself looking at his watch repeatedly, hoping the evening would end. The only bright spot was Clint and Beth seemed to be having the time of their lives schmoozing with the stars.

When pulled into the conversation, Sebastian made polite small-talk, but had trouble fully engaging. Lexxi told them to order anything they wanted. She told him as well, leaving him disoriented and out of his depth. It would be rude to decline her invitation to pay the check, but to him, the gesture was a silent judgment. The walls of their differences were erected.

She’s richer. She’s famous. She’s a celebrity.

I must be a fan at this table too.

Then, it hit him.

This was not even Alexandra Storme. Lexxi Rock was just another alter ego. In a way, he wanted to get to know her, but not like this, not before she came clean and let him meet the real Alexandra. Whatever he might have hoped for was not going to happen.

So much for a satisfying conclusion.

He leaned back in his chair, allowed Beth and Clint have their once in a lifetime experience, and looked on without touching his drink or tasting an appetizer.

When the time passed and the celebrities were ready to make their exit, Alexandra leaned forward. “Well, I for one had a great time meeting all of you. Bash, is it?”

“Sebastian,” he said tensely.

She paused as they made eye contact. Sebastian wondered exactly how he was to take her seriously anymore.

She continued, “My cousin told me to let you know he’ll be back around your place later tonight since he couldn’t make it to this dinner date. I’m so sorry on his behalf. I hope I made up for it.”

She lifted a brow, smiled nervously, casting a pleading look. Sebastian looked over at Clint, who was now shaking his head at him in disapproval. Even mild-mannered Beth seemed to wonder what had gotten into him.

Sebastian sat up in his chair. “It was great to meet you too, Lexxi.”

Clint and Beth relaxed a bit, and were elated when Alexandra and Evangelyn gave them their autographs. The minute it was polite to leave, he hurried out with Beth and Clint to get the hell out of there. The drive to Clint’s place was punctuated by Beth and Clint reliving the evening. For Sebastian, it was a chaotic jumble of thoughts. He didn’t know how to feel. There was only a general sense of disappointment.

Rather than go inside, Sebastian helped Clint back into his wheelchair and gave a quick farewell before getting into his Jeep, explaining that he would visit them another time. His drive home was just as disorienting. Finally home, he left a note for Alexandra in the living room and trudged up the stairs to his room. Changing into a t-shirt and sweat pants, he relaxed in his master bedroom sofa to wait for Alexandra.

Alexandra has some explaining to do.

ALEXANDRA hurriedly changed back into her Alex Roberts gear in Eva’s hotel suite.

“How do you think it went?”

“It went,” Eva answered.

Alexandra frowned, wriggling out of her dress with a yelp. She washed off her makeup and removed her wig as Eva slinked around the suite in a lush robe. Eva made her way over to her, grabbing her shoulders and forcing her to sit down.

“Listen to me, Lexxi. You really fucked up tonight.”

“What? I thought it went well?”

“Sorry for saying this, but are you blind or stupid?”

Alexandra looked up at her, speechless.

Eva continued. “Before I drag you through the coals, let me tell you this. Your firefighter is hot! When you said he was attractive, you didn’t mention he was damned irresistible. Shame on you for keeping that secret from me, woman.”

Alexandra giggled slightly, but she knew that was likely the only good thing Eva was going to say now. “There’s a ‘but’ coming somewhere, isn’t there?”

Eva sat beside her and crossed her legs. “I don’t think you’re giving that man any credit. You can’t flip flop between Lexxi Rock and Alex Roberts that way.”

“I did what you suggested, Eva. I pulled him aside and told him I would explain later.”

“Bravo to you, Lex, but you also sucked him into your lie in front of his friends. The man looked like he was shell-shocked.”

“Well, if he was, he certainly kept his cool better than I expected.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind you offended him tonight.”

“How?”

“Seriously? Didn’t you see him? He could barely look at you. I don’t think he said four words all night. Then you mentioned covering the bill as though he couldn’t possibly afford it…What were you thinking?”

“Was that bad?”

“Of course it was…Before you go back to his place, tell me more about him. Maybe we can figure out how he’s known it was you all along. That’s the only reason he would go along with what you did to him tonight. He’s a firefighter, right?”

“Yes. He’s been off work for the past few weeks with a knee injury.”

“You’ve never actually seen him going to work?”