Touched by a Phoenix Read Online Free Page A

at men!
    Alexis could not put her finger on why this conversation angered her so but she had had enough.
    She continued to study the silly banter between Brad and Britney. She didn’t see what all the fuss was about. Yes, Brad was dark and devastatingly handsome, but still, it was just wrong. He stood an inch or two above six feet. Coal black hair set off the richest blue eyes. She still could not describe them accurately, a deep sapphire or perhaps a dark ink with long, dark lashes. A straight aristocratic nose fit his chiseled features perfectly. His strong jaw line set-off the most boyishly charming dimples when he smiled.
    Alexis felt herself shiver at her thoughts. OMG, what was she thinking! Her pulse quickened. She had managed to put any thoughts of Brad aside since their first meeting, yet a single thought sent her senses into a whirlwind. She mentally shook her head. Regardless of how handsome Brad was, she didn’t have to throw herself at his feet.
    “Ugh, I’m heading to my room,” she stated flatly, as she spun on her heel and walked towards the elevator. She entered the elevator with Brad right on her heels. He turned and pressed the 4th and 7th floor buttons.
    Dead silence filled the small space until Alexis blurted out. “Do you enjoy having women fall at your feet wherever you go?” she asked sarcastically.
    The elevator ding announced that they had reached the 4th floor. Brad picked up his bag and started to exit. “Not particularly. I like my women strong and confident.” He paused in the doorway. Not looking back, he added over his shoulder, “Much like you,” as he stepped out of the elevator and walked away.
    The doors closed, leaving Alexis standing in stunned disbelief. Her mouth formed a perfect O. There it was again, the feeling that wouldn’t allow her to breathe, to think. My God, what just happened? A flurry of thoughts whirled in her brain, all at once, none of which made sense. She had been so lost in thought that she missed her floor and was back at the hotel lobby. Damn, she groaned. What was the matter with her?
    Let’s try this again, she thought as she tried to shake off the feelings—feelings she was neither prepared for nor understood. As she walked to her room, she chided herself. Today was not the day to allow her thoughts to linger on Brad. It was Sunday and she had the rest of the day to herself, time for her research. She decided to unpack and settle in before heading to the pool for the afternoon.

    Tablet and full stack of papers in hand, Alexis headed down to the pool. She soon found a quiet area and a comfortable lounge chair to settle in for the afternoon.
    A young man approached and asked, “Ma’am, may I get you something to drink?”
    “Would you happen to have Saracco Moscato d’Asti?”
    “Not at the bar ma’am but if you give me a few minutes, I’ll see if one of the restaurants has it on-hand.”
    “Oh no, please don’t go to any trouble, any semi-dry Moscato will be just fine if you have it,” she smiled.
    “It’s no trouble, ma’am. I’ll be right back with your wine.”
    The young man returned shortly, grinning from ear to ear. “Here you go.”
    “That is so sweet, thank you,” she said warmly.
    “You’re welcome, ma’am,” he said somewhat shyly as he departed, leaving her to her own devices.
    First things first, let’s review the contracts and get them out-of-the-way, she thought. Then the rest of the afternoon would be hers to research. Alexis started flipping through the documents. Her brows began to furrow—what the heck is he doing? What does he need fiber optics for? She picked up another document and scanned through it…electrodes. Really, what the hell is he doing? She scanned a few more documents, nitrogen and… Oh hell no, he is not getting a 500MW generator.
    Individually the purchase agreements meant nothing but together, well that was a different story. She sat puzzled for a minute. What the hell was he up to? Then it