“Oh, she laughs,” Dax mutters, and I’m not sure if he’s talking about Eden or one of the other girls.
“She’s not laughing for you,” I say, issuing a warning.
He raises an eyebrow but quickly looks away from me and glances at the table. Biting his bottom lip, he rubs his hands together.
He doesn’t answer, but I glare at him to show that I mean it. I’ve never challenged him before. I’ve never needed to, but I will in this instance. He raises both hands in surrender, but he seems amused.
When the waiter returns, I say, “Don’t let the table directly across from us have any more drinks.”
“They’re adults,” Dori says.
“It’s for their safety, sweetheart.” Dax puts his hand on hers, and she nods at him.
“Of course. I’ll take care of it.”
“You need to work on your people skills, you mean fuck.” Dax shakes his head at me in disappointment.
We resume eating, but moments later, I feel someone staring down at me.
Dax’s chuckle makes me look up.
“What?” I say to Lexi with a sigh.
She knows not to approach me. If I need her, I get in touch with her. We meet up, fuck, and I go home. There’s no contact until I get the itch again. That’s the agreement.
“I saw your car.” She tosses her long, dark hair.
“And?” I snap when she continues to stand there.
“I can come meet up tonight,” she offers.
“No,” is all I say.
Dax chuckles, puts down his knife and fork, and watches us.
“What are you laughing at?” Lexi asks in a dismissive tone.
Dax’s flirtatious demeanor from earlier disappears, and he scowls at Lexi. She shrinks under his glare.
“I can stop by in the morning and take care of you.” She sounds desperate, and that annoys me.
“Stop by where?” My tone is sharp, but I’m confused by what she means because this woman has never set foot in my house and never will.
“Anywhere you want.”
“I’ll let you know,” I lie so she can get away from me.
It works, but she huffs and stomps away.
“Oh, this is getting even more interesting.” Dax whistles and tilts his head to the side.
Lexi is at the other table, chatting with the women. Eden makes room, and they sit next to each other.
This is a plot twist I could have never anticipated, but I should have. Shadow Cove is a small town, and they’re about the same age. Of course, they would know each other. They’ve probably attended the same schools their entire lives. But the truth is, I haven’t thought of my arrangement with Lexi since I laid eyes on Eden. And it’s only an arrangement. There’s no commitment, feelings, or attachment.
Lexi is there to fulfill my biological urges. In return, I’ve bought her a car and pay for her apartment. I don’t do those things for the sex, but for her discretion.
Maybe I shouldn’t worry. Lexi knows the rules. She knows what she has to lose if she outs us. There’s no reason for Eden to ever know about my arrangement with Lexi because it was only a transaction, and Lexi might not know it yet, but we’re over.
