“Ah, the economy is malfunctioning, so it might not be his piece of technology at all.”
“He really is a smart kid.”
Pride and fondness come over me. “The math club is starting up again, so he will be in his element.”
Appreciation floods me too. Lexi asks about my kids because she’s generally interested. They are not a deterrent to her.
“That’s good because he will need to count how many pieces of cheesecake have been stolen because peanut butter and jelly cheesecake is hands down the best thing in my life in the last few weeks.”
I feign a scowl. “Sorry for not making you come on a regular basis.”
Her smile stretches. “Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder.”
We both seem to settle back to sinking into the mattress and take in the air around us that’s filled with lust.
“But seriously, the last few weeks have been fun.”Fun, huh. I’m beginning to hate that word. “I guess I’ve been so busy in a life of wanderlust and then the spontaneity of every project that it’s refreshing to just be steady and having a chance to really observe life floating by.”
“Doesn’t sound half bad.”
Lexi presses her lips together and ponders for a second. “I guess so. Nearly makes me want to put down roots and settle. My parents would be thrilled with that.”
Holding her closer, it dawns on me that I haven’t really asked. “I keep forgetting who your father is.” I smirk to myself.
She points at me. “Good. Most men try to get into my bed because of my sports connection. You’re way past your prime game days, so I don’t need to worry.”
I shake my head. “Great way of explaining that. Love being reminded of my expiration date.”
“Oops, sorry. It just makes you hotter.” She soothes my chest with the print of her fingers.
We both begin to shuffle. “I’ll take that.” I spot my clothes on the floor and yawn as I leave the bed.
“Really need to talk to the owner. There are no snacks in this room,” I comment.
“The owner was busy today.” She smirks.
“That he was.” I grin proudly.
Lexi and I acknowledge this moment while she ties up her hair. “I was going to run to the grocery store. Now that I’m comfortable with your kids not poisoning me at breakfast, I can finally buy yogurt and not live in fear. Need anything?”
“You’re not scared of them,” I state.
She shrugs. “Why would I be? They’re kids and great kids. If I run into the PTA mom at the store, I will even run my cart into her for them.”
Lexi makes everything sound so simple. It’s comforting, it’s new, it’s… hopeful?
Don’t do it. No, Holden, don’t go down this road.
DO. NOT. DO. IT
“Hey, Lexi, uhm, Lori and Harry are going to stay at my parents’ up north. Forgot to mention.” They live just far and close enough all the same.
That hint doesn’t count, does it? I can still back out.
Lexi holds onto the post as she slips on a shoe, pausing for a quick second. “That’s… an interesting piece of information.”
I scratch the back of my head. “Yeah, so we’ll have the house all to ourselves.”
Damn it, man, don’t suddenly have nerves when I’m perceived as the man with a heart of steel.
