“I don’t think it’s anything I need to do,” I declare and I hear Jaxon snort-laugh from his side of the table. “Do you know if you are stuck up there, it’s like hard to get out?”
“Why would you be stuck up there?” He shakes his head.
“Mechanical issues.” Both my hands go up. “It’s more common than you think.”
“I have never been to an amusement park and seen one get stuck,” Ariella says.
“Well, count yourself lucky,” I mumble.
“That is so random,” Lexi notes, “and so unlike you.” She smirks and then turns back, her face to the table. “Roller coasters,” she repeats.
“You are all welcome. Now it’s going to show up on your algorithm and then you can message me and thank me for opening your eyes.” I lean back in my chair and fold my arms to the side, placing my hands at the back of my neck. “Back to you, Jaxon.”
We laugh through the never have I ever until I see Lexi yawn more than twice. “I should get going.” I stand up. “As much as I want to hear about all the places Jaxon has had sex in, I’m going to head home and try to wash my brain.”
“We should do this again,” Ariella suggests. “It was so much fun.”
“Was it?” Lexi asks her and then she laughs. “I can’t believe none of you have gone skinny-dipping.” She shakes her head. “Especially you.” She points to Jaxon.
“Why me?” He points to himself, insulted. “What about the Mr. I Played Strip Poker before?” He points over to me as we make our way to the front door. I reach for the handle before turning to look at the three of them. Jaxon is standing next to Ariella with his hand on her shoulder and pulling her to him.
“This stays here.” I motion with my hand and wish she could walk me out to my truck so I can kiss her. “Lexi,” I say her name and she looks up at me, and I wonder if she was maybe perhaps thinking the same thing. “Good luck with the house hunting.”
“Thank you,” she says. “Fingers crossed I can pick something.”
I hold up my hand and walk out into the warm night. The soft breeze runs through me as I get into my SUV. I pull out of the driveway before I do something stupid like go back and ask her to take a walk on the beach, or literally anything that would prolong us spending time together.
I get home and toss my keys on the island in the kitchen as Jefferson comes in and jumps up on one of the stools. “Hey,” I say, walking over to her and rubbing her neck, “how was your night?”
I pull out my phone and text her before I chicken out.
Me:
Have you thought about the job offer?
I press send and then look at Jefferson. “I might have a friend who might come over and see me,” I tell her, smiling.
My phone beeps and I see that it’s her.
Lexi:
I have…
Me:
What does that … mean?
Lexi:
I think you want to give me the job because you feel sorry for me.
I snort and my fingers fly over the keyboard, and before I can even contemplate what I said, I press send.
Me:
Trust me, I feel a lot of things for you but sorry isn’t one of them.
“That was too forward.” I look at Jefferson, who jumps onto the island and stretches her two front paws before turning and walking away. I walk upstairs to my bedroom, and she still hasn’t answered me. I pick up the phone and text her one more time before shutting my phone off.
