“They’ve had no hot water all day. It’s the least I can do.”
“I saw them this morning, a dear old couple. Been together fifty years. This is their anniversary week.”
“They never said. I’ll send them up a bottle of fizz compliments of the house.”
Lexi beams at me. If I knew it was only going to take me being nice to my guests to get her to like me again then I would have done it already.
“I was going to come and see you later. I think from Monday, I’ll be back to working from my head office. Kate is more than capable of taking over things, and I’m just being a hindrance.”
I wasn’t expecting that. I don’t know how to feel about not seeing Lexi float around the hotel. Even if we’ve not been on good terms the last couple of days, just the sight of her here and there was enough to keep me happy.
“Okay. If that’s what you want. I’ve not had much interaction with Kate, but I trust your judgement.”
Lexi rocks back on her heels and looks down at the floor. Her unease is palpable, and I hate that she doesn’t know how to react around me anymore. Her confidence is one of the things I love about her, but right now she seems very far away from that person I originally met.
“Alexa.” Lexi looks over at Jess the receptionist. “This delivery is for you.”
Shit.I forgot about those. I didn’t want to be in the vicinity when Lexi got them, but now that I am, I’m intrigued to see the look on her face.
“For me? Are you sure?” Lexi walks over and takes the bouquet from the delivery guy and smells them. She smiles the brightest smile I’ve seen on her face in days. The twinkle in her eye is magnificent. “Thank you.”
“Someone’s a lucky girl,” says Jess.
Lexi puts the bouquet on the desk and takes out the card. I know what I wrote on the card.
To Lexi,
We don’t need blurred lines; we just need to adjust our focus. I don’t know if I can ever be the man you need, but I’m willing to try if you’ll give me a chance.Let me show you that the spice of life is only the beginning for us. Meet me tonight at seven p.m. in the spa.
Yours always,
Max
“Well… who are they from?” asks Jess.
Lexi looks up at me through her hooded eyelashes. “Just an admirer.”
Just an admirer.Really? I guess I should be grateful that she didn’t call me something horrible, because let’s face it, there are plenty of derogative terms that I deserve.
“Well, he’s a keeper if you ask me. Any man who sends flowers that size is something else.”
Lexi clears her throat, smiles, and puts the card back inside the flowers. “It’s not the size that matters, it’s the thought that counts. However, you’re right about one thing. This man is something else. A strange breed.”
I roll my eyes at that comment. I don’t know whether to take it as a compliment or an insult. One thing is for sure, she’s going to make me grovel for her forgiveness. The sadder part is that I will grovel at her feet and beg. The mighty have fallen, and I’m not afraid to admit that.
I clear my throat because I feel like I’m just in the way. I don’t need to hear what the girls are saying. “I guess I’ll see you ladies later. Some of us have work to do.” I wink at Alexa and walk off towards my office.
“Hold on, Max…” I look over at Lexi and she’s jogging to keep up with me. “I’m not finished with you yet.”
I continue walking towards my office because out here there are too many eyes and ears. “What can I help you with Alexa?”
“Don’t play games. Games are what got us into this mess. You’re giving me whiplash. What do you want from me?”
I manoeuvre Lexi into my office, close the door, and click the lock in place. With my back up against the door, I have a bird’s eye view of the frustration oozing from Lexi’s pores.
“I’m sorry, okay.”
“What for?” She puts the flowers down delicately on my desk and turns her steely gaze onto me. That look right there is enough to make my dick rock hard and tent my pants. “No, wait.” She holds up her finger. “Is it for being a dick? Playing with my emotions? Making me fall head over heels for you? I can continue…” For every point she makes she puts up another finger. “I can’t do casual, Max. I’ve told you this.”
