“Third time’s a charm?” Lexi teased.
Trevor gave her a real smile, making her feel more at ease. “Something like that.”
She took a step closer. Still trying to ease some of the stress that phone call had obviously caused, she suggested, “Maybe we can pick up where we left off.”
Zipping the bag closed, Trevor closed the distance between them and cupped her face with one hand. “This thing with us...it’s not just about that.” He tilted his head toward the bed behind him. Raising his other hand, Trevor now held her face with both. “Please tell me we’re on the same page, angel.”
Vulnerability shone behind his dark chocolate eyes as they searched hers, making her oddly happy. Knowing this strong, courageous man was worried she didn’t want more than just a casual fling was exhilarating.
Raising onto her tiptoes, Lexi pressed her lips against his. “Definitely the same page.”
He started to smile, but it faded quickly. “I hate leaving you. Especially now.” His thumb caressed her cheek. “Promise you’ll be careful while I’m gone.”
Lexi leaned into his touch. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me, Trev.”
“Not possible, angel.”
Standing a little taller, she took his hands into hers. “I’m serious, Trevor. I don’t know what’s going on, but I could tell from the look on your face it’s not good. So, whatever it is...whatever you have to do...you need to stay focused on that. Not me. Besides, you heard what Derek said. Rob’s in California. He’s not going to risk getting arrested by coming back here. It’s not like he’s obsessed with me or anything. He was drunk, and his ego was bruised. That was it.”
“He has a record, Lex. Including previous assault charges.”
“Even more reason for him to stay away.” Desperate to take the worry from his eyes, Lexi looked down at the clothes she was wearing. “I hope you’re okay with me wearing this home. I’ll wash them and have them ready for you when you get back.”
His lips curved. “Tell you what”—Trevor placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer to him—“how about you just keep those. You can put them on when you get to missing me.”
“Keep them? They’re huge on me!”
Trevor chuckled. “And you look sexy as hell in them.”
Lexi shook her head. “You’re crazy.” She leaned up and gave him another quick kiss. “I’ll sleep in them every night until you get back.”
Groaning, Trevor tilted his head back. “Damn, you make it really hard to leave. But...” He checked his watch. “I really do have to get going. Derek is on his way over, and I’d rather you be gone before he gets here.”
Unable to hide the hurt from her face, Lexi started to pull away. Trevor easily held her where she stood.
“That came out wrong. I don’t want you here when Derek gets here, but only because I don’t want you to have to deal with him and his razzing.”
Her muscles loosened with relief. “I like Derek.”
“Trust me, angel. The guy has no tact. He’ll bombard you with questions about us. I just didn’t want him making you uncomfortable. That’s all.”
“Oh.”
Pulling her flush against his chest, he assured her, “You’re special, Lex. Any man would be proud to show you off. Myself included.”
He leaned down and kissed her slowly. This wasn’t like the short, chaste kisses she’d given him. Trevor took it slowly, letting them both say goodbye in the most delicious way.
When it was over, Lexi laid a hand on his chest and whispered, “Stay safe, Trevor. Do what you have to do and then come back to me.”
An emotion she couldn’t quite put a name to filled his eyes. He shook his head, almost in disbelief and said, “That’s the plan, angel.”
****
