“Wait… so, we’re alone… the whole weekend… together.” It dawns on her, and she even gulps in this adorable way.
I work the buckle of my jeans. “Something like that. Maybe we can find an antique store or farmers’ market, hiking maybe.” Okay, ready to spit it out. “Maybe do adult things like dinner or wine, in case we need to leave the bed.”
Lexi has an odd look as she stands then brings one hand to her waist as she tips out her hip. “I hate hiking,” she flatly informs me. “But, uhm… the other things are appealing.”
We both walk to one another to meet in the middle of the room, as if we are walking on a balance beam. Once we’re close enough, our eyes meet to be certain, and her face softens. From an automatic response that’s formed recently around her, the back of my knuckles caress her cheek and her fingers play with my shirt.
“Other things it is,” I whisper.
“Yeah… just to be sure I’m not confusing things. You mean, like, kind of spending the weekend together as more than friends with benefits?” She isn’t nervous, she is well aware what I said, but she wants to hear it.
“Exactly.”
We smile at one another, both blushing. Something new floats between us because we have a fresh horizon.
Because I completely did what I said I wouldn’t.
I’m asking for more.
15
LEXI
“Big plans?” Summer asks as she appears next to me. She was in town on errands and saw me.
I stare at Piper’s lingerie boutique on Main Street. The owner designs her own creations and just so happens to be married to a football coach that everyone raves about. My head cocks gently to the side as I contemplate for what feels like twenty minutes but is probably only two.
“Not sure it’s a great idea. Oh, what the hell. Why not? We have an entire weekend to shake things up, after all.” I speak my subconscious thoughts more than directing my sentence to Summer.
She grabs my arm to break me from my daze. “Weekend?”
I wince. “Holden’s kids are away which means we’re alone. Avoiding one another could be an option, but he kind of suggested… maybe we can grab dinner or have wine together. Stepping up our game.”
Her eyes blaze open. “Damn it, I knew I should have picked up popcorn at the grocery store,” she teases. I give her an unimpressed look. “I warned you that this could get complicated, except sometimes complications unravel into perfect relationships. A chance you could run with.”
I shake my head. “I think it’s better that I just see this weekend as purely that. Two people who enjoy one another’s company. Besides, he has kids and his hotel. I’m not sure a relationship is what he wants. Otherwise, wouldn’t he have had one by now? He has options.”
“Sometimes you have to wait for the right someone to drop from the sky.”
My sight returns to the window. I do see a white number including garters. White is perfect; it reminds us that I’m an innocent soul who has no intention to complicate his life. Except the low plunging line of the lace bra leaves little to the imagination but an A+ for effort.
“Don’t think.”
I sigh. “What the hell. I’ve always been fearless.” That thought instantly causes my heart to dip slightly. “He has great children who are excellent at causing trouble which makes them all the sweeter. I would never want to insert myself into his life where it affects him or them in a confusing way.”
Summer’s closed smile begins to stretch. “Lexi… the fact that you’re even considering that is a sign that you can’t help but imagine what the future might hold. You want to explore something and with care. So let him lead the way.” I smirk to myself, and she notices. “Outside of the bedroom, Lexi. Outside,” she clarifies with a tight smile.
My body relaxes and an ease hits me from her sound logic. “You’re right. I’ll just relax because there isn’t really any pressure or anything. This is a big adventure.”
“Great. You listen to me. Now, I think you’re in luck. Piper has a sale this week.” She winks before leaving me.
My feet take the lead and head over to the door to go on in.
* * *
I beginto smile to myself when my hand turns the knob of the front door, and I let go of any nerves. There is no reason to feel this way. If Holden can be calm, then so can I. We’re always on the same level in everything we do, and right now is no different. That’s the lucky thing about us; the ease. We keep one another on point.
The sound of someone shuffling around in the kitchen informs me that Holden is already home. He must have finished early with the staff meeting at the Dizzy Duck. It doesn’t matter. It’s officially the weekend now.
