Touched by a Phoenix Read Online Free PDF

do.”
    “ Hmm, there’s an excellent steak house down the street, but it may be a little out of your comfort zone.”
    “Why?”
    He could not wait to see how the most conservative women he had ever known would react. “It’s called the Strip Club.”
    “Are the waiters dressed like the Chippendales?”
    Deep laughter filled the air. Alexandria never ceased to amaze him, so intelligent, yet somehow so naïve. “No, the servers are fully clothed. It’s just the name of the restaurant. Since it is a lovely evening, we can walk down through the Gaslamp district and back along the boardwalk if you’d like. I’ll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes.” He got up and walked away before she could protest.
    It suddenly dawned on her that she only had a few minutes to freshen up. Bolting out of her chair, she headed for the elevator.

    Brad debated whether he should warn Alexandria about selecting and cooking her own steak. No, he decided, this was too good of an opportunity to let pass by. First, he would enjoy watching her squirm and second, she would have to ask for his help, which he would take great pleasure in. Before the evening was over, he might have one up on her.
    As they walked to the restaurant, the sidewalk began to change from concrete to cobblestone. Buildings began to step back in time from modern to the old-world style with beautifully arched storefront windows and decorative masonry details. They approached a charming gray building with red trim and black and white fabric awnings covering an open-air seating area for those who elected to enjoy their meal outdoors.
    “Welcome to The Strip Club,” Brad said as he placed his hand on the small of Alexandria’s back and gently guided her through the doorway.
    Warm wood, brick, and rich leathers greeted them as they entered the restaurant. Photos of beautiful women decorated the brick walls. Brad was confident that the photographs would intimidate Alexandria or at least offend her delicate senses. A large bar with beautifully ornate wood stretched to the ceiling, adding a touch of elegance to the two-story building. Three large stainless steel cooking stations graced each section of the restaurant.
    “This is lovely,” Alexis commented as she scanned the room.
    Brad watched Alexandria survey the room with a pleased expression. A strange sensation washed over him. The warmth in her eyes lit a fire somewhere deep within. He had hoped she would be offended, perhaps even needy. Instead, she appreciated the beauty and ambience of the quaint little café. Her eyes glowed with a childlike innocence, which soothed him, and soon an overwhelming satisfaction took hold. Alexandria hid behind a cool aloofness, which made her appear unapproachable. He didn’t believe many people, if any, were allowed to see her for who she really was. Nonetheless, he was determined to figure her out.
    “Good evening, would you like a table or booth?” the hostess asked.
    Brad glanced at Alexandria; she shrugged her shoulders as if to say you pick.
    “Booth,” Brad replied.
    The waitress arrived to take their drink orders. Alexis smiled as she stated, “I’ll have a Saint Archer Pale Ale, please.”
    Brad sat in stunned silence for a brief second. “G-gin and tonic, please,” he stammered. After the waitress walked away, he couldn’t resist. “I thought you were jesting about the steak and beer.”
    “What do you think Lawyers eat?”
    “Shark,” he replied. A boyishly charming grin spread to his eyes, making them dance.
    Alexis always noticed the striking blueness of his eyes, which held a constant distance to them. However, tonight they sparkled, softer somehow, gleaming in a playful, relaxed way. Why did this man stir such emotion in her?
    She simply smiled and smoothly explained, “We don’t eat our own kind. I’d much rather take a bite of raw flesh!”
    “Touché!”
    “How did you know about this restaurant?”
    He shrugged as if it were no big deal. “I