Chapter 33
Gabriel
I know. I know. I’m acting like a prick. But, for some reason, I can’t seem to help myself. I’m upset about the fact that she would rather spend the evening talking to another man, a stranger, than talking to me. I’m dismayed that she doesn’t seem to need me.
When the car pulls up in front of her apartment, I reach for the door handle. Before I can get it open, Lexie touches my forearm. “No. Don’t trouble yourself.”
“It’s no trouble,” I say opening the door. Stepping out onto the curb I reach my hand out to assist her. She doesn’t take my hand. Instead, she uses the car door. “I said no. I can take care of myself. I have for years. Goodnight, Gabriel.”
“Goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Her only response is a gruff, “Sure.”
Back in the car, Eric has dropped the partition down, and I can see his eyes in his rear view mirror. “What?”
“You’re fucking up with her.”
“No shit. Really?”
“She’s not like the others.”
“I know.” I snap. I lay my head back on the seat running my hands over my face. God, I’m tired.
“So, do you want my advice?”
“No.” Yes. Eric is a good guy. He’s still married to the same high school sweetheart he knocked up in college. He loves his wife and four kids. It’s fucking adorable.
He chuckles. “Well, I’m going to tell you anyway. Ready?”
“Ready.”
“Whatever you used to do with the others, do the opposite with her.”
“Huh? What the hell are you talking about?”
“Well, with the other women, you were distant, aloof.”
“Um, hmm.” Aloof works for me.
“So, be the opposite. Be attentive and doting.”
“Doting? What is this, the 1950s?” Oh, wow. Lexie is all about another era, at least her clothes are representative of that time. “What else?”
“You only took them out. You never took any of your previous women to your place. It’s impersonal.”
“I like impersonal.” I rub my face again. “But, I see what you mean. I considered taking her to my place tonight.”
“She’s also not that kind of girl.”
“What kind of girl?”
“You can’t just take her home and expect her to jump into bed with you.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Boss, if you haven’t figured it out yet, then I’m not sure my spelling it out for you is going to help.”
“Figured what out, damn it. Spit it out, Eric.”
