I come to a stop outside of the rink just in time. “Oh, but I’m not—” She’s already opened the door with no interest in hearing my defense and grabs her bag from the backseat.
She leans in through the open window. “Thanks for the ride. See you at home. Remind my dad that I need new cucumbers for my eyes, he always forgets. Something tells me that he’ll listen to you.”
“Why is that?”
“He actually lets you near us. That’s rule number one in his book, don’t let hisfriendsaround his kids.”
She walks away, and despite her attitude that needs a strong adjustment, Lori is quite… insightful.
And I’m not sure why a sprinkle of a special feeling forms somewhere within my body.
6
HOLDEN
Iwatch Lexi as she compares paint samples against the wall next to the fireplace mantle in the lobby.Last night, I think she was hiding from me, as she went to Summer’s for dinner then retreated to her room as soon as she was back. Like any sane person, she avoided breakfast in my house before school, too.
But now I do owe her a few words. I approach her slowly, as she seems completely unaware that I’m behind her. My inkling has me believing that we both experience a sort of electricity around one another that heightens the tension in the air, but it only causes us to have relaxed smiles because we both enjoy it.
“Hey there.”
I startle her, and she drops the paint sample sheet. “Oh, hi, I was lost in my thoughts and didn’t notice you were here.”
We both lean down to save the swatch, and our arms graze in the battle of who will pick it up first. Our eyes connect, and I hiss a breath. “Thoughts about me?” I tease her, and her cheeks heat.
Even though I managed to beat her at collecting the swatch, we remain kneeling, lost in a simple touch and my enjoyment of the gleam in her eyes.
“Wishful thinking, Holden, since my thoughts normally only include how to use mason jars in staging a room or debating in my head whatisthe best position for nighttime activities.” Her breathy rasp is a taunt that I’m here for.
“Mmm, if it is designated to only nighttime, then he is the wrong man for you.” We both stand as she stifles a laugh, and I hand her the paint sample. “Anyhow, before my indecent thoughts go any further into the gutter, I should probably keep us on neutral ground.”
Lexi looks at me with interest. “Oh yeah? That’s a sudden one-eighty,” she flatly states.
I love when I smirk, it’s good for the facial muscles. “The thing is… I owe you a massive thank-you for helping yesterday with Lori. I know she’s, well…” I love this kid, but I need to accept her current state. “Feisty and moody. She probably even slammed the car door for extra effect.”
Lexi relaxes in her stance as her enjoyment of my presence doesn’t seem to fade. “It’s… not a problem, and I hate to be the one to remind you, but it might only go downhill from here until she heads to college. It’s the joys of pre-teen and teenage life.”
Blowing out an exhausting breath, her words instill fear in me. I really need to step up my plans to prepare for all of it. But I have no plans, I’m just going with the flow. I bring a finger to my chin and rub for a few seconds while I follow Lexi to the couch in the middle of the lobby and then notice that the coffee table is already gone.
“You’re really speeding along with everything,” I compliment.
“Of course, you need the lobby done ASAP. It’s your statement room for making first impressions. Plus, we’re packing up so they can sand the floors and walls before they paint. I managed to get some of the furniture to arrive next week, a friend owed me a favor,” she explains as she grabs her coat slung over the back of the couch.
I really am impressed with her ability to dive deep into this project. “Sounds great, a lucky friend to have, I guess.” I fill my jeans pockets with my hands to keep them occupied and in check, because how I would love to touch her ass right now.
She begins to button her coat. “I guess. I went on a few dates with him a couple of times, and I assume that helped.” Lexi isn’t even attempting to keep me on edge, she’s simply relaying a fact.
My body tenses, and for the life of me, I’m not entirely sure why a wave of possessiveness is like a match when she said that. “Oh? Is this recent?”
Lexi stares at me and then nearly snorts a laugh. “Subtle, are we? And no, not recent. Like, two years ago maybe.”
Stepping forward, I want her whole body to feel my presence, which is why my hands come up as I invade her space, and her breath hitches. I even sense a shiver when I reach around to grab the belt of her coat. Slowly, I wrap the fabric around her waist.
“Good. That topic’s closed.” Our eyes are fixed to one another as I continue to tie the belt. “Any plans for tonight? It’s Friday, but it is Lake Spark, so…” My voice drops low, and without regard for Stuart at reception who is our audience, I tie Lexi’s belt.
Lexi gulps a breath. “I think I’m going to take it easy, you know a glass of wine or read a book.”
I yank on the knot to tighten, and it causes her to press against me and yelp from surprise, and her hands can’t help but find a resting spot on my shoulders to ensure she doesn’t lose her balance. “There is a hot tub at my house if that’s your thing.”
