Dangerous Conceit (Sample)

Chapter 4

Lexi leaned against the bar at the Sandy Shores, listening to the music overhead and observing the few customers who dined before the five o'clock rush. She enjoyed Miami. Lexi came from South Florida over the ocean split, but Homestead paled in comparison since Moretti had become mayor.

As she polished a wine glass with a white cloth, her surroundings faded to oblivion with her mind on plans of her own. She closed her eyes and imagined what it would be like to walk along the warm ocean's shore and be free from Moretti's grasp. She basked in what that kind of freedom would feel like. She could almost taste it when Rafa rested his arms on the opposite side of the bar and stared at her with his dark brown eyes.

"Are we working or daydreaming?"

Lexi snapped out of her trance and started to shine the wine glass again. "I'm working, always working," she said.

He smiled. "Do I make you nervous when I watch you work?"

"Yes," she admitted and looked at him, pondering what she had said. "I mean, no. You don't. I'm perfectly fine." Rafa chuckled as she put the wine glass below the bar.

"So you are completely relaxed right now. That's what you said, right?"

"Of course." She attempted to compose herself even though his presence affected her concentration.

"Then why didn't you hang the wine glass with the others?"

"Huh?" Rafa pointed down, causing a sheepish grin to spread across her face as she realized her mistake. "Mr. Paolini," she whispered. "I can't focus on my work if you're hovering over me."

"Why? Am I that irresistible?" His voice hinted mischief.

Lexi stopped and gave him a look. "You're familiar with the rules of this restaurant. So would you mind not fraternizing with the employees and taking your seat at one of the tables? A server will be with you shortly."

"All right. Who's my server?"

Lexi started to shine another glass to keep her mind busy as Rafa stepped away from the bar but was still staring at her. "Seth will serve you today."

"Then I mind." Rafa objected matter-of-fact. "Why don't you want to serve me?"

"That has nothing to do with anything. I took the last table. We take turns here."

"Then I guess you'll have to put up with me standing here until the next table comes."

"You're impossible." Lexi turned away, ignoring him and went to take one of her table's orders. True to his word, Rafa still stood in place as she slid her pen behind her ear and approached the computer to tap in the entrees.

"How about another date, Alexis?" Rafa put her on the spot.

"You must be kidding." Lexi glanced at him before hitting send. "I don't know why you asked me out in the first place."

"You seemed to enjoy yourself the other day. Why not go out with me again?" His brow rose as he waited for a reply.

"I did enjoy myself." She grabbed two margarita glasses and salted both rims.

"And you could enjoy yourself with me again."

"Okay," she said with purpose. "I'll go out with you again if you tell me when we met. I don't remember meeting you at all."

"We'll talk as you serve me." He pressed forward against the bar and whispered, "Customer is always right." Rafa walked away, sitting at the same table as he had the first day that Lexi saw him.

Before she had a chance to ask him anymore questions, Rafa's phone buzzed from his jacket pocket. She found it interesting how his entire demeanor changed when he answered his phone. Her guess was that Angelo was the one who called. She could not hear what was said, but Rafa's jaw tightened as he ended the call and shoved it back to his pocket. He pushed out his chair and marched out of the restaurant.