Her head tilts slightly, and here we go, I know that sexy-as-fuck look forming on her face, her mouth about to retort with a comment I will appreciate. “You own a spa here at the Dizzy Duck. I think I would rather use the hot tub and pool here.”
“Yeah… but tonight is an unusual night at my place.”
“Why might that be?” Her voice is hoarse.
“I’m going to order in Chinese food if you like that. You must get hungry for dinner.”
She rolls her head and looks defeated yet doesn’t let go. “That is true, and I do love sweet-and-sour chicken.”
“Great, I’ll order.”
“As long as Lori and Harry enjoy it then sounds good.”
A gruff humorous sound rumbles under my breath, and it causes Lexi’s eyes to flood with alarm,clearly waiting for an explanation.
“Except Lori and Harry are away for sleepovers at their friends’ houses.”
She backtracks at record speed, creating space between usas she steps away. “Come again?” She blinks.
“Again? Geez, let me first make round one happen.”
Her eyes roll at my demeanor that must be driving her crazy. “This is not…” Her face falls into her hands and then appears again with her lips in a grin. “What the hell, fine. Dinner, and then our best behavior in the hot tub, and we can talk furniture ideas.”
I begin to walk away without even looking back, instead taking satisfaction from my triumph. “Agreeable as always.”
* * *
With hesitation,Lexi walks down the hall then slows when she reaches the kitchen. I don’t give her much notice as I’m unpacking white boxes from the bag, the smell of Chinese food hitting our senses.
“Here I am.” She’s still in jeans from the day but has replaced her blouse with an old Hollows University t-shirt.
“Got eggrolls and fortune cookies.”
She grabs the packet of chopsticks to prepare. “Then I won’t be running away.”
I circle around the island to join her on the high stools. Sitting at the dining table would be too formal, and the couch would just be a mess.
“You weren’t going to run away anyhow,” I confidently inform her.
Lexi’s eyes have a glimmer of something that I can’t quite describe, but it feels positive for me. “Maybe true. Now pass the eggrolls before I get cranky.”
I do as I’m told, and we decide to ditch plates and just eat from the boxes. “Eating Chinese food without plates. I feel like this calls for sitting on the floor, eating behind a coffee table,” I state.
A peculiar look floods her face. “That is not what I expected you to say, but I couldn’t agree more.”
“Want to do it then?”
Her shoulder lifts. “Why not, the rug is the perfect material for sitting on,” she notes.
We both grab a few things and head to the living room. I manage to grab the bottle of wine and glasses too since she’s carrying the brunt of our dinner.
Once we are settled on the ground, I pour some wine for us, and then an odd silence hits us when our eyes catch, and her face turns soft and shy.
“What are we doing, Holden?” She gets straight to the point.
Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s just too fun and exhilarating to have a connection that streams between two people. I know I have kids relying on me, and I shouldn’t be distracted, but…
“There was an instant click between us, and you’re familiar with my situation. In a way, it’s refreshing to have someone who doesn’t assume I’m one way purely because they’ve never met me.”
