Alexis leaned her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes. How could she plan a course of action when she lacked the most basic information? She was out of her depth and so exhausted she could barely think at all.
“Leigh? Wake up, Leigh.”
The low, warm voice seeped through the barrier of half-sleep to stir her conscious mind awake. Alexis forced her heavy lids apart. For a second she had no idea where she was or why this incredible stranger was bending over her.
“I know you’re tired, but it’s too hot to sit in the car. I appropriated one of the tables in the shade. It may not feel all that much cooler, but the ice cream should help.”
Loggy, she stared at his handsome features. Her fingers started a quest toward the strong line of his jaw.
“Hey, you awake?”
She lowered her hand, confused. “I’m not sure,” she admitted.
He reached across her to unfasten her seat belt. Awareness tightened her nipples as his bare arm brushed her chest. He pretended not to notice, stepping back and extending his hand to her. Her body responded as if it was a different sort of invitation altogether.
His large, warm hand enveloped hers, making her feel small and delicate and surprisingly feminine. For a dizzy, disorienting second, their gazes locked. She came out of the car and swayed slightly.
“Easy, there,” he said.
Anticipation rippled through her. He released her hand and stepped back quickly.
“Why don’t you go over and have a seat? I’ll grab our stuff and be right with you.”
He’d felt it, too. His eyes had reflected the same spark of awareness that had sprung to life inside her, tightening her belly and making her aware of him on a sensual level she’d never experienced before.
What was she thinking?
Shaken, Alexis turned away and started across the parking lot. This was crazy. She was so exhausted that her mind was playing dangerous games with her. If she didn’t get control she was going to make an utter fool of herself.
Relieved to see that the empty table he’d indicated was near the edge of the treeline, she headed there quickly. Several people nodded greetings as she passed. A few offered sympathetic smiles. Thankfully no one approached, wanting to talk. She sat quickly with her back to the other tables and hoped no one would.
Wyatt had said he didn’t know Leigh very well. That was the only reason she’d gotten away with her masquerade so far. She’d never be able to maintain the pretense with anyone who really knew this Leigh person.
When he joined her a few minutes later she had her reckless emotions under control. Until Wyatt set down a tray full of food on the table.
“What is all that?”
“Lunch.”
“You said ice cream.”
“Yes, ma’am. Best milk shakes in the state.” He placed an enormous paper cup full of thick liquid in front of her.
“I can’t drink all this.”
“They make great hamburgers, too. I figured we could share the fries.”
Alexis stared at the thick hamburger in dismay. “But I’m…” On the verge of telling him she was a vegetarian, she stopped. Leigh might not be a vegetarian. That was something Wyatt might know about the woman.
“When did you eat last?” he demanded.
Her mind went blank. “I don’t—”
“That’s what I thought. You look like a stiff wind would blow you away. One bite. Please, Leigh?”
She looked at the hamburger, then at the determined set of his strong, firm jaw. “Could I start with a French fry?”
He offered her another of those devastating grins. “Help yourself.”
She was sure she wouldn’t be able to swallow the thick, chewy potato, but at the first taste, her stomach let her know it had other ideas. She hadn’t known she was hungry, but she was. The milk shake was so thick she needed a spoon, and true to his word, there were chunks of candy blended into the mix. The cold ice cream tasted even better than the French fry.
“Oops. Forgot the napkins. Let me return the tray and grab some. I’ll be right back.”
As Wyatt headed toward the building, Alexis quickly tore the meat from between the bun and tossed it into the underbrush nearby. With all the lettuce and tomatoes, maybe he wouldn’t notice. She picked up the bun and bit into it. Her stomach eagerly accepted that offering, as well.
Wyatt returned, looking slightly more subdued.
“The Krolberths asked me to offer their condolences. I told them you weren’t up to talking with anyone right now.”
Alexis swallowed quickly. “Thank you.”
Wyatt nodded and took a bite from his sandwich. For several seconds they ate in silence. She studied him covertly. Her instincts said she could trust him, and she needed to tell someone the truth.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Her head jerked up. Her heart hammered against her rib cage. Had he just read her mind?
“Talk about what?”
“You could tell me what’s bothering you,” he said, “or we could start with your mother’s murder.”
Chapter Three
For a second Alexis thought Wyatt had said he wanted to discuss her father’s murder. Her father had been murdered, the lawyer was dead, and now the mother of the woman who looked like her had also been murdered? Why? What was happening here?
The briefcase!
She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten all about the briefcase full of money. She’d left it sitting in plain sight on the back seat of Wyatt’s unlocked car! Not only that, she’d put her purse inside it this morning.
Alexis was on her feet and moving. Panic sent her running across the tarmac, dodging cars and people. The money must belong to someone. This Kathy person might want it back. What would Alexis do if it was gone?
Maybe she should hope it was. Maybe if the murderer got the money, she’d be safe.
“Leigh, wait!”
No one was near his car. She was almost there when Wyatt caught her by the arm and spun her around. Alexis jerked free. Her heart thudded painfully against her rib cage.
“Keep your hands off me!”
Wyatt sent a quick glance around. “Calm down.”
So, he didn’t want to create a scene. Well, too bad. A scene was exactly what he was going to get. If she could make him mad enough, maybe he wouldn’t push her for answers she didn’t have.
“I don’t want to calm down.” Alexis steeled her heart against the genuine regret she could see on his strong, handsome face. “‘We don’t have to talk, Leigh,’” she mimicked. “‘I’d just like some company.’”
“You’re right,” he agreed quietly. “I’m sorry.”
His sincerity made it all the harder to pretend indifference. She liked Wyatt. On some level she even trusted him—but she couldn’t tell him the truth. She didn’t know the truth. Besides, the truth could get him killed.
“Come back and finish your lunch.”
“I am finished.” Her personal feelings had no place in this. She had to get away from Wyatt.
Pivoting, she turned back to his car. Despite the open windows, the briefcase sat on the back seat, exactly