Cat Got Your Tongue? by Rae Rivers Read Free Book Online Page B

“They concluded that the locks were picked. A professional. How …” His words trailed off as their food arrived. The waiter left and Cole reached for his chopsticks. “How did you know there was no sign of forced entry?”
    Shit. “I think I heard it on the news or something,” she replied, hoping he hadn’t noticed the quickening of her breath. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw two women approaching their table and Alex’s instincts and habits sprang into action. “Can I help you?” she asked them.
    “We were wondering if we could have an autograph?”
    As her signature wasn’t worth anything exciting, she figured they wanted Cole’s. She felt the sudden shift in his mood and saw the way his eyes narrowed. He’d mentioned the day before that he’d never understood the relevance behind people wanting his signature.
    “Ladies,” Alex said in a cool voice, “as you can see, we’re having dinner. Do you mind putting this off for now?”
    They hesitated and trailed off, disappointed, and settled back at their table on the opposite side of the restaurant.
    “Smooth.” Cole studied her across the table as she snagged a chicken strip and popped it in her mouth. His focus shifted to her lips and his blue eyes darkened.
    “I see why you like coming here. Their food is great.”
    “It’s one of my favorites.”
    Cole watched her eating her meal with enthusiasm, and she caught a hint of amusement in his eyes. She imagined he seldom witnessed his dates actually eating their food instead of pushing it around on their plates.
    But she wasn’t his date and she was ravenous.
    “Stop staring at me,” Alex said quietly, noticing he’d stopped eating. “It makes me all nervy and I can’t help but wonder what’s going through your mind when you look at me like that.”
    The smile that curved his lips was all mischief. All sexy. “I think if I told you what I was thinking you’d run a mile.”

Chapter Six
    He liked her.
    More than he should considering he was about to enter into a business agreement with her. She was smart, strong, independent, and had sparked his curiosity.
    Employing a female bodyguard was something he’d never considered, but Max had given her a strong recommendation—and he trusted his old friend’s judgment. His security team needed improvement and she’d have some valuable input. As for his personal security, he could take care of himself, but it would be useful to have someone between him and the fans that often rallied around him. The press was a headache he could do without and if he could employ her to deal with them, it would be money well spent—and they would love her.
    The fact that he wanted her around simply because she fascinated him was a thought he chose to ignore.
    He signaled to the waiter for the bill and raised an eyebrow when Alex handed him two clean napkins and a pen.
    “Your signature,” she said with a smile.
    Before he could question her further, the waiter handed him a black folder. He scribbled his signature on each napkin and reached for his wallet.
    While he paid for dinner, Alex darted to the table where the two women who’d approached him earlier were sitting. With a bright smile, she handed them each a white napkin.
    He cocked an eyebrow when she joined him in the doorway.
    “Got to keep the fan base happy,” she whispered, her lips curving in a grin, and took the lead out of the restaurant.
    Surprised, Cole smiled and followed her.
    “Max seems to have his hands full with his ex-wife,” he said as they made their way to the limo. The way Alex had handled Vera Slade in their earlier exchange was impressive—it had been entertaining to watch a woman of her size outsmart a woman far bigger.
    And Cole hadn’t missed the comment about her having sex with Max.
    He frowned, unsure if she’d said it to aggravate Vera or if the statement held any truth to it. Why it bothered him remained unclear, but he dismissed the thought and stole a glance at