Touched by a Phoenix (6 page)

At the office, Stephen, Nathan, and Zachary were waiting with their attorney. Alexis couldn’t hide her amusement. As many times as she had visited over the recent months they always looked rumpled, as if they had slept in their clothes.

She shook her head. She wondered how Nathan’s wife put up with his work-crazed schedule. Nathan was the only married man in the group. He and Linda were expecting their first child in a few months. She thought Stephen might be a little young to be thinking about marriage and Zach—well Zach was Zach; he would probably never marry.

Each of them had donned a suit, appearing rather spiffy. The room was clean and neat. They had even taken the time to clean the multitude of white boards covering the walls. They all sat down at the conference table. Brad elected to sit at the opposite end of the table from Alexandria.

“Does anyone have any questions about the agreements before we begin?” she asked.

Her eyes scanned each of the men, awaiting their response. Each shook their heads negatively. Alexandria passed out the first packet of documents.

“There are three original copies of each document. Each of you will receive fully executed copies for your records upon completion of the sale.”

“The first document is the lifetime nondisclosure agreement. As previously stated, nothing you research, discover, or work on while employed by AAS may be discussed or disclosed with anyone other than current AAS employees. If you are in agreement, please sign and date.” She watched cautiously as each signed the documents, passing them back to her upon completion.

She moved onto the next document. “The next is conveyance of ownership and rights related to all research, development, and technological advancements in any form. This agreement states that AAS will retain sole ownership of intellectual property rights for technology developed during your employment with AAS. In addition, you may not engage in side work during your employment. However, as negotiated, you will be allowed to suggest a list of three names for any software designed or created for use by AAS. You will be given credit for all participation in the development.” She handed each of them a document for signature.

“Next is your contract. Gentlemen, as agreed, you each are being given a ten-year contract with two ten-year renewal options. The terms and conditions of your employment are stated within your individual contract, as previously agreed upon. Each will receive a salary of a quarter-million a year plus bonuses and benefits. In addition, each of you will receive a five-million dollar signing bonus payable upon full execution of all documents.”

The transaction continued for another hour, until only the final document remained.

Alexis took a deep breath. “The final document is the purchase agreement for Bio-Space Technology, LLC. By providing your signatures, you transfer all title, rights, assets, and liabilities from Bio-Space Technology to AAS. Please sign as instructed in the document.”

The men were confident with their decision to sell Bio-Space to AAS. Each quickly signed the last document and passed it back to Alexandria. She was now in possession of the agreements and began to sign each document.

She soon reached the purchase agreement—the single most important agreement. A sense of uncertainty filled the air at her hesitation. Alexis raised her eyes to study Brad. He returned her gaze with that easy yet infectious grin of his. The one that radiated from his lips until his dimples revealed themselves. Like sun shining through a raindrop, his smile continued to spread until it reached his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat. His eyes sparkled with light just before darkening to the deepest blue she had ever seen—filled with passion for his work and desire to do something incredible.

Brad gave her a sweet little wink as if to say…
trust me.
With this simple gesture, he told her he would make it work.

She had to tear herself away from those eyes, my God; she could not think. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and signed the final document.

The room erupted with cheers, men patting one another on the back, congratulatory comments, and even some chest bumping! Testosterone filled the air; Alexis needed to retreat, she stepped out of the office and headed for the door. It was finished.

A while later, Brad found her pacing the sidewalk. “Thank you for believing in me.”

“You’re welcome.”

As they pulled into the hotel parking lot, Brad asked, “Would you like to go out for dinner and a drink to celebrate?”

“Thank you, but I still have some work to do.”

“Work…Alexandria, it’s Friday and you’re in San Diego. We’ve—no,
you
’
ve
made tremendous progress this week. There’s not much to do until Monday.”

“It’s personal.” She left him no opening or room for interpretation.

“Oh, okay. Well, since we will be here over the weekend, how would you like to visit one of the vineyards tomorrow? There is a fantastic little seafood place sitting right on the water; we could stop for dinner if you’d like?”

Alexandria arched her eyebrow skeptically.

He sensed she might say no, so before she could get a word out, he went on to say, “It is our last trip to California, and I’d like to show you around. No strings attached.”

She chuckled, “Do they have steak?”

“Steak, are you serious?”

“I’m just teasing. Seafood sounds delicious and yes, it sounds like a nice diversion.”

“Great, I’ll see you in the morning then.”

“Good night, Brad.”

Later that evening, Brad sat on the balcony watching the night sky darken. His thoughts drifted to Alexandria. Diversion—what kind of diversion, and diversion from what? He had racked his brain for months trying to figure the woman out, all to no avail. He was no more successful now than he was the first night at dinner. She was the most complicated individual he had ever met.

He replayed all that had occurred over the past few months, all that he had learned about Alexandria: her charm, her wit, her intellect…her beauty. She was so warm and soft in his arms—had
quivered
in his arms at the gazebo. Her reaction to his touch shook him in a way he had not previously been willing to consider. On Monday, he thought she might be toying with him but as the days passed, she continued to put a strange distance between them. He sensed she might be struggling as well. The attraction was more powerful than he bargained for. He wondered if she could feel it too. Was she trying to hide from it? What did she need a diversion from? She was off-limits. Phillip had made that very—very clear early on. Still, he couldn’t shake the vision of her dripping wet. He needed one night with her to satisfy his curiosity, and then his life could get back to normal.

They met in the lobby shortly after ten.

She stepped off the elevator in a cute little sundress and strappy wedges. Her eyes glimmered with a brightness he had not seen in days.

Brad suggested, “Why don’t you grab a comfortable pair of flats in case we decide to walk the vineyard?”

“What’s wrong with the shoes I’m wearing?”

“Nothing, except I’d hate for you to step in a hole and break your ankle.”

“Good point.” She turned to catch the elevator.

He needed a few more minutes; the surprise he planned for today had not arrived yet. Brad stepped outside as the roadster purred into the valet entrance. Brad asked, “Did you pick up the packages?”

“Yes sir, Mr. Scott, everything you ask for is in the trunk.”

“Perfect, thank you,” Brad replied as he handed the young man a hundred-dollar bill.

Brad rushed back into the hotel and waited impatiently now. Today, he would make progress with Alexandria and if he got lucky, by morning, he would rid himself of the terrible need to have this woman. As she stepped from the elevator, a smug grin tugged at the corners of his lips. She had changed into flats as he suggested.

“Ready?” he asked eager to get the day started.

“I think so,” her smile brightened.

“You might need this.” He pulled a ball cap from behind his back.

Her brows furrowed, “What’s this for?”

“You’ll see.” He gently put his hand on the small of her back as he guided her out of the hotel.

The valet opened the door to a stunning silver Mercedes Roadster.

“Nice car,” her eyebrow rose. “Didn’t you get enough the first time?” she asked, running her hand down the smooth, sleek surface.

Brad swallowed hard, remembering all too well the last time she ran her hand down his car. “Thought you might like the car,” he said as he took her hand, helping her into the passenger’s seat. He then stepped around the car and smoothly slid into the driver’s seat.

Alexis pulled a couple of pins from the back of her hair, releasing the tresses. Waves of red spilled over her shoulders.

God she is beautiful,
was his only thought as she pulled the massive amount of hair into a ponytail and topped it off with the ball cap he gave her.

The engine purred as Brad pulled off, heading north towards the I-5.

After a short drive, Brad exited from the I-5 onto Highway S21, heading towards Torrey Pines.

Confused by the change in direction, Alexis ventured, “Where are we going?”

“Since we were rained out the other night, I thought a drive up the coast was in order. We can celebrate, relax, and enjoy the day.” He noticed a glimmer of disappointment cross her face. “Don’t worry, we’ll still have time to stop by a vineyard on the way back if you’d like.”

“
Hmm,
that sounds wonderful.” She decided, laying back her head to enjoy the ride.

The engine purred softly as Brad slowed the car, pulling into a secluded area of the beach.

“Seriously?” she asked as she took in the view. “We’re going to the beach?” she exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Yes, I thought we’d stop and have lunch—that is, if it’s all right with you.”

“Of course it’s all right.”

Brad slipped out of the driver’s seat. This was going much better than he expected. She was quiet in the car but appeared to enjoy the drive. He walked around to open the door for her before heading to the trunk for the picnic basket.

Alexis eyed Brad suspiciously for a moment. “When did you have time to plan this?” she asked.