Penthouse Prince(13)
“And maybe download that dating app I keep telling you about?”
I give her a knowing look. “One step at a time, SJ.”
? ? ?
I’m sitting in my car outside of Lexington Dane’s house. That is definitely a sentence I never thought I would say again.
I used to drive over to his house all the time the summer after my junior year, right before he went off to college. Sometimes we’d cruise down to the beach and just talk. Other times, we never left his mom’s driveway, too busy making out under the cover of darkness. Now, with his mom’s house just down the street from Lexington’s new place, the déjà vu is real.
I take a deep breath, trying to slow my clamoring heart. As I walk up the brick path to the front door, I realize that my knees are actually shaking a little.
Why am I so nervous? If anything, Lexington should be the nervous one. He’s the one who made a major mistake all those years ago. All I have to do is keep my cool and try not to unleash ten years’ worth of angry questions on him in front of his daughter because once I start ranting I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.
I press the doorbell, and moments later, I hear the uneven patter of Grier’s tiny feet toddling across the floor, followed by the slow, measured steps of her father. When the front door opens, I spot Grier first. She’s got on ladybug-patterned pj’s, her blond hair gathered into a teeny ponytail on the top of her head. But as cute as she is, the real view is behind her.
If I thought Lexington looked good yesterday, it’s only because I hadn’t seen him totally in his element yet. He’s dressed in all black, from his joggers to his T-shirt to his baseball cap with some team logo I don’t recognize.
Okay, I was so not prepared for these hot dad vibes. But if the typical dad bod is supposed to be soft, Lexington is failing at this, because his body is broad and firm, and filled out with more muscle than he ever had before.
A sweet, easy smile pulls at his lips as he runs a hand over the scruff along his jaw. “Good morning. Sorry, we’re a little bit slow getting started today.”
“Is this still a good time?” I say, holding back what I really want to ask. Is this seriously how good you look first thing in the morning? Because, fuck me running, this is not okay.
“Of course. We’ve been excited to see you all morning.” Squatting down to Grier’s level, Lexington lays a protective hand on her shoulder. “Do you remember Corrigan from yesterday, love bug?”
Grier blinks her bright blue eyes at me, starts to smile, then squeals and hides her face against Lexington’s arm.
“She’s shy around new people at first,” he says as he stands and motions me inside. “C’mon. I’ve already got the coffee ground.”
Following closely behind him, I step into a house that is shockingly put together for someone who’s only lived here a few days. Sure, there are still quite a few cardboard boxes stacked in the corners, and Grier’s toys are spread all across the living room rug, but the crisp, clean design he’s going for is already emerging.
I trail my fingers along the back of a pale ivory-colored couch. Bold choice for a man with a toddler. Not my circus. Not my monkeys.
“Okay, love bug, let’s pick out a toy to play with while the grownups are talking.”
Grier squeals as he scoops her up and carries her over to the center of the living room. “Bat.”
At first, I think maybe Grier is super into baseball or something, but then Grier jabs one finger toward a stuffed bat that looks more like a Halloween decoration than a toy.
“Bat, it is.” Lexington laughs, grabbing the bat and smirking in my direction. “My weird kid, right?”
I smile back, watching as he makes the stuffed bat flap its wings, earning giddy applause from Grier.
It’s crazy to see him like this. This big, muscular man, being so soft and gentle with his beautiful little girl. It almost makes me forget how awkward this whole situation is.
Until yesterday, I hadn’t spoken to him since he broke my heart a full decade ago. Now I’m standing in his house, watching him play with his daughter, who I just found out existed. Strange doesn’t even begin to cover it.
With Grier all settled, Lexington pushes to his feet, sweeping one hand toward the kitchen. “Shall we?”
Lord, let the espresso give me strength.
6
* * *
LEXINGTON
I show Corrigan into the breakfast nook that connects the kitchen and living room, where I can keep an eye on Grier playing while we talk. “Have a seat. I’ll just be a sec. Do you, uh, want any cream or sugar or anything?”
She just shakes her head.
“You sure? This new machine has a milk frother. It’s pretty crazy . . . heh.” Shut up, you idiot. I might actually be dying here.
My chest aches when I look at her but I can’t tell her that. Can’t tell her how many times I’ve regretted what I did and wanted to beg for her back. But back then, I did what I had to do.
“Nah, black is fine,” she says. A beat passes before she adds, “But thanks for offering.”
I let the noise of the espresso maker cover my total lack of intelligent things to say. Holy shit, this is awkward. The other half of the best relationship I’ve ever had is in my house, looking even more beautiful than I remember—which is saying a lot—and is clearly still furious with me.