Alexis replied with a hum, “I've been busy with a case and barely slept a few hours each night. I finally got a chance to rest!"

She leaned back into her seat and said, "And you were dragging me into the Smith family's issues! Leonel, you're really something else.

He remained silent and just gently touched her face.

She had lost some weight but was still strikingly attractive.

He suggested in a soft voice, “What do you say we stop by the grocery store, pick up some beef, and I'll make you a stew?"