Meaningless sex is not new to me. You just have clear guidelines, and when it runs its course, then you move on. Except staying and working with the man while you enjoy mind-blowing sex?
That's new.
And I'm not sure about the rules or limits.
Even worse, I've been known to only accept intuition when it's too late.
8
LEXI
Grabbing my glass of orange juice, I notice Lori and Harry looking at me strangely. Is it because they sense that their father did dirty things to me? He just arrived and went straight to the coffee pot. We aren't obvious. We are putting in effort to be the opposite. That's how passion can work in a platonic way. You can switch it off when needed.
Why are his kids quiet? Hmm.
Bringing the juice to my lips, I take a sip and nearly gag. I swallow with great difficulty while his kids laugh hysterically."Oh God, what the hell?" Holden whips his sight to me to see what's happening. "There is tabasco sauce in here." Seems my suspicion of spiked coffee was a misjudgment, and I should have given care to other beverages.
In unison, Holden and I snap our eyes to his kids, knowing who the culprits are. He begins to shake his head as his mouth tightens.
"This again?" Stern-voice Holden, here we come.
"Again?" I croak out.
Harry shrugs. "It's a classic move."
Holden drags his hand across his jaw. "Great way to start the day." He takes the juice from my hand and walks to the sink to pour it down the drain. "I'm sorry, Lexi. I thought they got the memo that you arenotthe nanny." His kids receive a serious warning glare. "You don't do this when your aunt stays here. Lexi is a house guest, so treat her the same."
"But she seems like she can handle it," Lori explains before bringing a spoon of cornflakes to her mouth.
"Doesn't mean you won't say sorry because A) it's not cool, and B) how am I supposed to ask her to do me a solid and drop you two off at school because I need to meet with my accountant?"
"It's fine, really. I'll just start a tab at Jolly Joe's, and they can send it to you, since I have a feeling that I'll be eating a lot of safe breakfasts there."
Holden looks at me with pleading eyes. "Deal. But I need to ask…" His face squinches.
I sigh. "Fine. I'll take your little criminals and bring them in their chariot to school."
He smirks and brings his hands together in prayer. "Thank you. I owe you one." The glint in his eyes informs me that there is some innuendo there.
I have to ignore it if I want a chance to get on with my day. "Okay, shall we go in five minutes? I need to grab my laptop," I tell the kids.
"Fine," Lori groans.
Won't this be a fun ride.
* * *
Arrivingat Lake Spark Academy after a quiet drive, since Lori had earplugs in and Harry seemed to be reading something on his tablet, the conversation was simple, actually minimal, except the random pointing out a deer or sign about the upcoming market. Apparently, Harry loves a good market churro stand too.
Coming to a halt in the drop-off lane, I shiver from the mom holding the sign. She looks like she’s completely on a power trip with her ability to call us all out for stopping too long.
Easing up the line after the lady waves for me to continue, before I barely brake, Lori is already unbuckling. "Thanks, houseguest." Now she's just teasing me, which seems hopeful for no future pranks.
"Have a good day. I think your dad is picking you up for figure skating."
"I don't have skating today. I have ballet." She slams the door then hurries to a group of girls waiting on the sidewalk.
I glance over my shoulderto see that Harry isn't so eager to exit. "Enjoy school," I tell him, giving him the clue that now is the time to head out of my car.
