With her, he was honest and not holding back. "I am making new plans for my life. There's no point staying in the FBI."
"Except for the threat on your life." She moved nearer to him and even though the garage still had the car engine smell, his nostrils picked up her strawberry scent. "The House of Morgan tempting you back."
He gestured toward the house but she stayed still. John straightened his back. "I left Miami because of Victoria."
Her voice softened. "She's alive."
He nodded. "And I don't know what I'm supposed to do any more."
She came closer. His world went from gray and lifeless to full color. Her brown hair had a shine to it, and her pert lips tempted him. She clearly wasn't affected because she acted angry. "Live. It's what we're all supposed to do. We find a way in the world to give back to our community and shine as the individuals we truly are on the inside."
She was like a big human puzzle. He tilted his head to try to figure her out. "What if I turn out like my father?"
"Impossible."
If John planned on making the money to prove his father wrong, he'd need someone next to him to remind him. A smile spread across his face. No one ever said that with so much conviction. He almost believed her. "Why?"
"'Cause you care too deeply."
His heart did a double beat in that second. "Most people think I'm cold."
She shook her head. "That's because you went into the law where there is black or white, no room for color."
Alice was the most fascinating woman he'd ever met. She must spend her evenings thinking up witty answers, and if so, he hoped she carried the pen in her purse. "Will you come inside now?"
He opened the door and said a silent prayer that she approved of the mansion he had keys for but never saw. From the living areas they could see Key Biscayne and the clear blue bay of Miami. He flipped on the lights and she followed him into his house. "Okay, but John, I can't stay long. I have no idea how I'm going to explain this to my mother."
They weren't in high school anymore. He spun on his heel. "We're adults, Alice."
She sighed and ignored the house. Her stare was on his face, and his entire body lit up from her interest. "I moved home to take care of my father after his heart attack. Now Mom and Dad are moving to the beach. Besides, until I'm married and with children of my own, then there's no excuse with her."
He'd marry her tomorrow if it meant she'd never disappear, but now wasn't the time to say that. Instead he tugged on his ear and went into the kitchen. He'd get wine and help her unwind. "I wish I had your mom."
She rubbed her arms and walked into the living room. The ocean was dark now as evening fell, but tomorrow with the sunshine, life would be good. Alice's smile kept his every attention. She was beautiful in her black dress with the sweetheart neckline that modestly hid her curves.
Chapter Eleven
This mansion with the view of the bay made Alice's body tremble. She hadn't been in a home this austere since she'd picked up Victoria from her father's house to go to school. Modern art gave splashes of color on the walls, but the entire space was sterile and lifeless. Alice rubbed her arms. She couldn't live without warmth for long. Unlike his family, hers was in her life and not going anywhere. Her parents and brother checked on her every day.
John called out from the right, "Are you hungry?"
He must be in the kitchen. She turned and followed his voice, but then her phone rang. She saw her mother's number. Her heart raced as she answered, "Mom?"
"Where are you? Are you okay? I saw the news."
Alice touched the pendant. She couldn't lie to her mother, ever, and she wouldn't start now. She gazed out a window that overlooked the blue water. "I'm fine. I can't come home tonight."
"Why? What happened?"
Alice had no idea how to explain. She wasn't a child, but her mother was the closest thing she'd had to a friend for some time. She held her breath and chose her words with care. "Someone was shot at the funeral."
Her mother's voice had an edge of steel. "Come home. I want you here."
Alice paced back to the living room. "Mom, I'm fine."
"Then why aren't you with your family?"
"It's complicated."
"Which of those Morgan brothers is trying to steal you?"
Score one. Alice gritted her teeth and cleared her throat. "Mom…."
"You'd be home if that wasn't the case. Peter is just like his father and you never liked Jennifer. John?"
"That's not it." Alice should have moved out long ago. Her mother had no idea. Other women her age moved to the city and had sex every night, maybe even with a different guy. Alice swallowed. Her television probably lied about that life, but that didn't stop how her face heated. "Mom, I'm staying with John tonight."
The disgust in her mom's voice was palpable. "Where? I'm coming to get you."
This wasn't happening. Alice went back to pacing. "I can take care of myself, Mom. Victoria is alive."
"Don't divert this conversation."
She envisioned her mother with her arms crossed and blowing smoke like a dragon. "It's true. Vicki is alive."
"Is she there? Put her on the phone."
Alice knew her mother had her hand on her hip like she didn't believe a word. Alice shook her head and swayed on her feet. "That wasn't on the news?"
"I don't believe you. If you don't tell me where you are, I'm calling the police."
Dad's health meant Alice had spent too long at home. To help. She remembered the four wonderful years she'd been away to college when no one questioned anything she did. "Mom, I'm fine. I'll explain everything soon."
"You'd better. If John hurts you then I'm having your father shoot him."
This was ridiculous. Alice lifted her chin. "You're being silly. Don't include Dad in your insanity. We want him to live a nice long life."
"You were holding John's hand and the news reporter said you were his girlfriend."
She swallowed. Reason always won with her mother. "Stop. You know better. The last time I saw any of them was at Vicki's funeral. Right now, what I do doesn't concern you."
"Yes it does. I'm your mother."
This conversation was too much. "And I'm an adult." Alice hung up, shaking her head. So much for being reasonable. She put her phone on the small end table by the couch and turned back toward the windows.
If this were a week later, then her mother wouldn't even know that Alice hadn't returned home. She'd be at her own condo in Brickell and living a city life. Her temples ached.
John's arm brushed against her back. She closed her eyes and the scent of cedar and pine filled her nostrils. She leaned into his back as he rubbed her shoulders.
"That didn't sound like a fun conversation."
"Did you know we're dating?"
He massaged her shoulders. "We are?"
His hands took away some of the stiffness in her back and her body grew warm and soft. "It was on the news."