Steal My Heart (Heroes of Seaside Point, Book 3) Read online

  “Okay, dinner it is. I’ll see you then.”

  She disconnected her call and bit her bottom lip. His cock twitched in the confines of his jeans.

  “I’m sorry,” she said again.

  “For the kiss?”

  “Oh, God no! For the phone call.”

  “I knew what you meant, Sexy Lexi. No apologies necessary.”

  “I usually answer my calls when I can. Tourists really don’t follow a schedule, so I try to be available.”

  He nodded, hypnotized by the movement of her mouth – the same one that had opened over his and nearly swallowed him whole a few minutes ago – and attempted not to tune her out.

  “Anyway,” she continued, “that was a business associate. We’re going to have dinner tomorrow night to discuss a sale.”

  “Good thing I’m on call tomorrow night.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I would’ve asked you to dinner.” Especially since you just whet my appetite.

  “Believe me, if you promise me dessert like I had a few minutes ago, I’d definitely go with you.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind for the next invitation.”

  “Why don’t you come by my office and we’ll look at the properties available for purchase?”

  “Have a time in mind?”

  “Since your schedule is the wacky one, you tell me.”

  “I work twenty-four hours on and forty-eight hours off. I’m scheduled to be at work at seven o’clock a.m. tomorrow until seven o’clock a.m. Tuesday morning.”

  “Well, then how about Tuesday, late afternoon, right before the game?”

  He nodded. “I’ll swing by your office about four o’clock and then take you to the field.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  He glanced at his watch. “Did you bring your bathing suit?”

  “No. Why?”

  “It’s time for the car wash.”

  “You wish.” She grinned. “I’m planning to wear a t-shirt and shorts, just like the rest of the team.”

  “You realize I sized those shirts this time, as well, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but I made sure to add an extra shirt to your order – an appropriately-sized one for me.”

  He stepped close and returned his hands to her hips. “You always find a way to challenge me, don’t you, Sexy Lexi?”

  “And you like it.”

  “Hell, yeah.” He lowered his head and took her lips in another hungry kiss, careful not to get too carried away before he released her. “Let’s go before I change my mind about your t-shirt.”

  An hour later, Maverick stood in front of the first engine bay at the Seaside Point Fire Department, took one look at Lexi bent over the hood of a red, two-door sports car, and groaned under his breath. The woman might as well have been naked.

  Although he’d made doubly sure her t-shirt was at least one size too big and on the opposite end of the tight spectrum, her firm, full breasts still managed to fill out the cotton and make his mouth water. And even though her shorts were a respectable length, the hem crept up the creamy skin of the back of her thighs and tightened around her enticingly-rounded ass. He fought the urge to slobber like a rabid dog.

  “Close your mouth, Mav.”

  He shook himself free of the magnetic pull of Lexi’s body and grinned at Travis, who now stood beside him. “Aren’t you supposed to be filling buckets with water?”

  “They’re all full and the girls are using them. We’ve got a pretty long line.”

  “Looks like a profitable afternoon.”

  “That might have something to do with the crew.”

  Maverick chuckled and looked back at the three cars currently being washed. The twins and Verity were all in on the action and he was willing to bet Dane, Casey, and Travis were just as distracted as he.

  Intent on watching Lexi a little longer, he frowned when a black sedan pulled up to the end of the line and caught his attention. There were plenty of similar vehicles like it in Seaside Point but he knew from experience this particular one didn’t belong. And when the driver exited, anger climbed his spine.

  “Damn,” Travis mumbled.

  Maverick took a quick glance around the area. Eight-year-old squeals and giggles filled the air while the girls enjoyed earning money for their charity. This was not the time or place for a confrontation.

  He folded his arms across his chest and widened his stance as he moved his stare for half a second to see if Casey had noticed the visitor. His friend gave him a slight nod and then headed his direction. With an iron clad control he certainly didn’t feel, he then focused on the man walking toward him and braced himself for battle. He had the distinct feeling Dimitri Santos was not here for a car wash.

  Casey stood next to him at the same time Santos approached.

  “Santos.” Travis spoke before he had a chance, most likely in an attempt to maintain control. “You here for a car wash?”

  The other man nodded. “I’d like to lend my support.”

  Travis nodded. “The girls are almost finished with the last car. Just pull up to the curb.”

  “And my donation?”

  “I’ll take it.” Travis held out a hand.

  Maverick pursed his lips when Santos handed him a fifty dollar bill.

  “Thank you. We’ll get you out of here as quickly as we can.”

  “My pleasure. You’ve got quite a team.”

  Maverick clenched his teeth as Santos glanced at the curb – at the exact car Lexi just happened to be standing next to. Thank God she stood upright. And since she faced the opposite direction, she didn’t acknowledge him.

  “Yes, I do.” He managed to say. “And they’re all very dedicated.”

  “Good luck with the season. Maybe I’ll take in a few games.”

  Maverick could only nod in response. If he even dared open his mouth this time, the virgin ears around him would be forever scarred.

  Once Santos stood next to his car, Vanessa and Annessa and their group of girls swarmed the area, sponges and hoses in hand. Maverick snickered when that car was squeaky clean in a matter of minutes. His heart swelled at the loyalty and protection of his friends. Santos didn’t have a chance of penetration.

  This time.

  He quickly cleared his mind of negativity and unfolded his arms. “That was a quick fifty bucks.”

  Casey slapped him on the back. “I don’t know, I think you earned every penny of it. Gotta hand it to the Dupree twins though, they took care of business.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a flat tire before the end of the day.” Travis grinned.

  He lifted an eyebrow. “You know something we don’t?”

  “Annessa washed the tires.”

  “I didn’t hear that.” Casey shook his head. “She’s already got a rap sheet a mile long.”

  “Good thing you’re making an honest woman out of her.”

  “We’ll see about that,” the sheriff mumbled.

  “Why do you suppose Santos decided to contribute?”

  He released a hard breath. “Hell if I know, but I don’t think it was generosity.”

  “I haven’t seen him around for a while.” Casey frowned. “I thought he closed his property office.”

  Maverick pushed past the nausea that bubbled his gut. He knew for a fact Santos had closed his office and why. The other men did too; it just wasn’t a subject anyone wanted to discuss.

  “He did, but I’m pretty sure he still owns the condos down by the Seaside Hotel. I saw him yesterday at McGill’s.”

  “He’s probably just checking on his rentals.” Travis shrugged. “He’ll be long gone by morning.”

  Maverick dug deep within his soul to find the ability to agree with his friend. On one hand, Travis made perfect sense; on the other, Maverick knew from experience Santos usually had his own agenda. He glanced back at Lexi and grinned. Since her group of girls had finished washing their car, they now turned the hose on her. She squealed and danced i
n the water until she managed to grab the hose from one of her tormentors and turn the tables.

  He took a deep breath and released it slowly, releasing the tension from his nerves. Surely he was overthinking things. Fate could not be so cruel a second time.

  ***

  He drove several blocks away from the action and then stopped in a vacant lot, more than nervous to make a necessary phone call.

  His fingers shook as he dialed and he took a deep breath when his call was answered. “We may have hit a snag.”

  “Explain.”

  Although he fully expected the demand, fear lifted the hair on the back of his neck. “Our target appears to have a personal interest in the property.”

  “This is not positive. Do you have confirmation?”

  “Visual. I observed the target myself.”

  After several agonizing seconds of silence, the other man finally spoke. “The messenger has endangered the operation. You are aware of the protocol.”

  “I do, and I have informed him.”

  “Are you still as confident he can proceed?”

  He refused to admit defeat, especially when he would be held responsible for the failure. “I didn’t give him an option. And I reiterated that time is of the essence.”

  “The deal must proceed. He has no other choice but to comply.”

  “I’m in control. I will see that we succeed.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Lexi took a look around the crowd at McGill’s, hoping to find her business associate already seated at a table. If not, their dinner meeting may very well last all night. Thanks to Blake McGill’s Monday night special, free beer with an order of fish and chips, there wasn’t an empty seat in the place.

  After a few more glances around the room, she finally spotted him at a table near the bar and headed that direction. Once she arrived at the table, he stood and pulled out her chair.

  “Alexa, thank you for coming.”

  “Well, you did say it was important, Dimitri.”

  “It is. What can I order you to drink?”

  “White wine, please.”

  He signaled for the waitress and within the next few minutes, her drink was set in front of her. Lexi really wasn’t surprised, Dimitri Santos had two things giving him an advantage – handsome good looks and money.

  She took a swallow of her wine and then returned the glass to the table. “Are your Seaside Point properties doing well?”

  “Yes, quite well. And, I have another opportunity in which I think you’ll be interested.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  He nodded. “I have an investor who would like to purchase the property on Willow Road.”

  “There isn’t an available property there.”

  “The vacant lot.”

  “The ball field?”

  “Yes.”

  She laughed. “I don’t think so.”

  “Alexa—”

  “That’s just ludicrous, Dimitri. The baseball diamond has been there forever. Selling that property would be like destroying a landmark.”

  “It’s a very lucrative offer.”

  She tilted her head to one side, immediately suspicious. “Why?”

  “He wants to build vacation condominiums on the property.”

  “I know for a fact the owner will not agree.”

  He chuckled. “I think the owner may be interested. At least review the contract.”

  “You drew up a contract?”

  “Nothing’s final. I wanted you to have something to consider.”

  Anger turned her stomach. Pompous ass. “Damn straight, nothing’s final,” she told him.

  “I didn’t mean to anger you. I’ll courier the contract to your office tomorrow. Please, just review the document and then see what you think.”

  “Fine.” She took a deep breath in through her nose and exhaled slowly. “I’ll read it. But I won’t agree to push the sale until then.”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He gave her a sly smile. “Are you sure your reluctance isn’t personal?”

  She frowned. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I dropped by the Little League carwash yesterday. I noticed that you participated.”

  “So? I’ve been helping with the team and I donated their t-shirts.”

  “Does Maverick Ryder still coach the Seagulls?”

  “Yes. How do you know that?”

  He took a drink of his beer and then returned the bottle to the table. “Seaside Point is a relatively small place, Alexa. Besides, community activities are well publicized.”

  “Are you implying that I won’t make a rational, professional decision?”

  “Not at all. I apologize for my curiosity.” He buckled his hands and rested his elbows on the table. “I don’t need to remind you that property is very desirable in Seaside Point. Condominiums that could be rented to tourists would provide ample income to the town.”

  “I don’t dispute that fact. However, the locals aren’t willing to sacrifice the reputation of their town for money.”

  “You don’t believe they would agree to let the field go as long as tourist money flowed freely into the town’s revenue?”

  “No, I think promoting the welfare of the community is more important.”

  “We could probably work the sale from a different angle.”

  “You mean lie?”

  “Maybe, maybe not. It has been my experience that money talks.”

  She suddenly saw red. “Are you trying to bribe me?”

  He shrugged. “It would be a nice commission for you.”

  Lexi felt her heartbeat in her throat. Her skin burnt with the force of her blood racing through her veins and she didn’t need a mirror to see that her cheeks were most likely cherry red. In an effort to maintain control, she lifted her wine glass, finished the contents, and then very carefully returned the glass to the table.

  “Challenging me will get you nowhere, Dimitri.” She narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice. “In fact, you don’t have a chance at that purchase without my blessing and we both know it.”

  Maverick stopped just inside the front door of McGill’s and stared. The place was jam-packed. No doubt, it was filled to capacity tonight.

  “Holy hell,” Travis said from behind him. “At least we called ahead.”

  Maverick agreed. No way would they even have a chance at placing an order before midnight. They walked to the bar and he gazed around the room while Travis paid Blake for the crew’s take-out orders.

  His radio squawked on his hip as he took in the crowd, a mix of both locals and tourists. Several waitresses flew by with platters of both food and alcohol. The jukebox sang with an eclectic selection of music while several couples danced in the center of the bar on the allotted dance floor. And then he paused, his gaze glued to a certain couple seated in the back.

  What the hell was Lexi doing with Santos?

  The radio squawked again and he reached to adjust the volume. His fists opened and closed. His blood boiled and his brain warned him not to start a brawl while on duty.

  Travis released a low whistle behind him. “What the hell is he doing here?”

  “Don’t know.”

  “Did you tell her anything about him?”

  “No.”

  “Not so smart on your part.”

  “I’m beginning to see that.”

  “You think he’s interested?”

  “Probably, but according to Lexi they are here to discuss business.”

  “I thought you said you didn’t tell her.”

  “I didn’t.” He quickly explained the previous day’s events and the phone call. “I’m assuming Santos is her business associate. Apparently he wants to discuss a sale – which would explain why he’s in Seaside Point.”

  “Did you kiss her?”

  Kiss her? Hell yes, he kissed her. In fact, his cock still jumped at the memory. “Yeah.”

  “Uh, Mav, that’s all
the more reason to tell her.”

  “No. In fact, I don’t even want her to know I’m here. I trust her, Travis. If she says it’s business, it’s business.”

  “She doesn’t look too happy. Should we interrupt?”

  He, too, noticed her narrowed eyes and furrowed brow. Obviously, the conversation wasn’t pleasant.

  He shook his head in denial. “I’m supposed to meet her tomorrow. Maybe I’ll bring it up then.”

  “Maybe?”

  “Yeah, maybe.”

  “You’re call, bro, but I speak from experience when I say keeping secrets usually has a way of biting you in the ass.”

  “I agree, but I don’t want to jump to any conclusions.” He fought a wave of nausea as déjà vu turned his stomach. “Let’s get this food back to the crew.”

  ***

  The next morning, Lexi slammed papers around on her desk and attempted to assemble them into some sort of order, still peeved at Dimitri’s assumption she would agree with his proposal to sell the ball field to an unknown investor. On top of that illogical request, the property wasn’t even for sale! What kind of jerk would agree to something so unreasonable?

  Although Dimitri owned a generous amount of property in Seaside Point, he didn’t spend time here. She knew from experience his interest was purely financial and his single goal was to make a substantial profit on his investments. That’s why it didn’t surprise her that he hadn’t taken time to realize that demolishing the baseball field to build condominiums on the plot would devastate the town. Generations of children had played softball or baseball on that lot. Families gathered to cheer on the team. Even those citizens who didn’t have children made it a point to support the organization.

  Idiot.

  And just where did he get off thinking he could intimidate her? She prided herself in being an honest individual, both in her personal and professional lives. How could he believe she would agree to something so shady?

  Double idiot.

  She released a hard sigh just as she heard the bell over the door in the reception area.

  “Lexi?”

  Already accelerated by anger, her heartbeat picked up even more speed at the sound of Maverick’s voice. “In here. Come on back.”