Page 15 of Redeemed (Redeemed #1)
Chapter Fourteen
Kennedy
I t’s been two weeks since my coffee date with Alexander, and I’ve never felt more validated in my decision to apply for membership at Emerald Nights.
Yes, of course, the intention of confronting Michael Ellis is still my main goal, but the bonus of meeting Alexander Carter is the cherry on top.
Our schedules have kept us apart physically, but talking every day, whether it’s via text or FaceTime, has been a welcome distraction.
Our conversations are genuine and relaxed.
He makes it easy to imagine what life outside of the Rose Empire could look like, but there is still work to be done.
Now that I have access to Michael Ellis, there needs to be a plan before I can act.
I obviously can’t attack him at the lounge because there are rules in place that would only make more trouble for me.
I also recognize that he could provide answers to questions my father won’t answer about my mother.
This man was one of the people in my mother’s life who was closer to her than most. Not to mention, my father’s hesitance to attack him lets me know there’s more to this story.
The importance of determining my next move has overshadowed the joy that connecting with Alexander has brought me.
I’m waging an internal war between doing what feels right versus doing what I’ve been trained to do.
The possibilities of exploring more with Alexander is enticing.
Everything about our relationship would be different from anything else I’ve allowed myself to experience.
The simple thought of more with Alexander has a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth, even while pouring over excel spreadsheets.
My office door swings open and in walks Nathan, looking and smelling like he could use a shower. He’s been working in the storage buildings all day with some of the other leaders, checking inventory.
“What has you smiling so big?” He plops down in the chair in front of my desk looking seconds away from passing out.
“That wasn’t a smile, it was a grimace. I’m tired of spreadsheets.”
I close out of the open documents before sliding my chair to the center of the desk, giving my best friend my full attention.
“I’ll trade you. Next week you can work in the storage units, and I will handle the paper pushing.” Nathan leans back, tucking his hands behind his head with a wide smile on his face. Life with Nathan is what I imagine having a brother would be like.
I snort out a laugh. “What’s the update on our inventory?”
“The storage building has been cleaned up and things are stocked where they should be. We should add more weapons to the order this week; I had to issue new ones to the guards at the gate.”
“Okay. I’ll reach out to the dealer to add more to the shipment. Just let me know what else we need.”
I move back to my computer, pulling up the email with information I requested about Antonio Garcia and Michael Ellis’s working relationship.
Nathan clears his throat. “When are we going to make a visit to Hill’s restaurant?”
“Let’s go Friday. We can handle Will’s money drop—they won’t expect us. We can discuss how we are going to handle that meeting closer to that time.”
The mention of these issues reminds me that I still haven’t spoken to my father about any of this.
Nathan opens his mouth to respond but is cut off by the ringing of my phone. My eyes catch the name on the screen, and I fight the smile tugging at my lips when I look up to find Nate watching me.
“I need to take this call.”
I turn away from him and begin clicking open windows on my computer as if the call is business related, signaling that he is excused.
Nathan grunts as he stands. “I know when I’m not wanted.” He makes a sad, puppy dog face.
I snort out a laugh. “It’s business, crybaby. Get out and get those weapon numbers to me before you leave the estate.”
He stands at attention like a soldier, giving me a salute, before walking out of my office and closing the door.
I answer the call right before it rolls to voicemail. “Well, this is a lovely surprise.”
“Is that so? Did I catch you at a good time?”
The Pope could’ve been sitting in my office, and I would’ve kicked him out to answer the call.
“Just finishing up a meeting with staff. What’s up?” I’m trying to keep my tone calm and collected, while inside I’m doing cartwheels.
“I know it’s last minute, but I wanted to see if you would be free tonight for dinner. I had a late meeting cancel and this may be the only chance I have to see you this week.”
“You continue to miss me, huh?” A deep chuckle comes through the line before I say, “I think I can make myself available for dinner. Do you have a place in mind?”
“How do you feel about seafood?”
I can hear his smile through the phone, and I close my eyes to conjure that beautiful image from my memory.
“One of my favorites. Where are you thinking?” The stupid smile is back on my face and bigger than before.
“There is a place downtown. Since this is a proper date, I would like the chance to pick you up and drive you myself.”
I spin slightly in my chair, turning toward the window with a smile forming on my face. I lift my eyes to see Nathan standing across the yard watching me through the window. The smile slips in an instant.
“That sounds like a plan. I’ll send you my address.”
“Oh, and Kitten, to answer your question, of coursing I’m still missing you. See you soon.
The phone disconnects, and I spin back to face my computer, allowing myself to truly feel the giddy emotion that Alexander’s confession brings out of me.