Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding #1)(27)

Just then a hand snaked around her waist from behind and a head nuzzled into her neck. "Hey babe, I've been looking for you all over. I thought you were going to stay at the bar," Spencer said leaving one last kiss on her neck before straightening and turning towards her.

She stared at him dumbstruck. "I…uh," Lexi stammered.

"Did Chasity give you anything else?" he asked concern evident in his voice. "You're not going to be sick are you?"

"Oh, well…" she began fumbling for words. "I just ran into a friend."

Spencer glanced up and looked around completely ignoring Jack who was standing directly in front of them. "Where did she go?"

Lexi couldn't help laughing out loud. "No, no, this is my friend," she said gesturing to Jack, but being careful not to touch him as she directed Spencer's attention towards him.

He glanced at Jack uncomfortably. She could tell that Spencer wasn't too happy that this was her friend, but regardless he stuck his hand out. "I'm Spencer."

Jack took his hand in his own and gave a quick squeeze. Lexi saw the smirk cross his face. "Jack."

Spencer looked between Jack and Lexi awkwardly. "Sorry if I was looking for a chick, but, well, I don't think I've ever heard her mention you before."

"Not surprising. We haven't seen each other in a really long time," Jack said. "Anyway, I've got to get out of here. My friends were just heading out when I ran into you. So I'm gonna go catch up with them."

"Alright. Nice meeting you, man," Spencer said putting a deliberately protective arm across Lexi's shoulders.

"Likewise I'm sure," Jack responded that smirk never leaving his face. "I'll see you around Lex."

She watched his departing back sad that he didn't even give her a backwards glance. Had that really just happened? She couldn't be sure, but all of a sudden she felt incredibly uncomfortable in Spencer's grasp.

"I thought you didn't like being called Lex," Spencer said turning to face her and sliding his other arm around her.

Lexi smiled. "I don't."

* * *

K.A. Linde

The Country Club

So lately, been wondering

Who will be there to take my place

When I'm gone you'll need love

To light the shadows on your face

If a great wave shall fall

Yeah fall upon us all

Then between the sand and stone

Could you make it on your own?

- The Calling "Wherever You Will Go"

* * *

Chapter 5: Present

Navy blue covers crinkled and scrunched around Lexi's lithe form. A down pillow lay crushed against her chest. One bare leg was slightly revealed while her feet remained tangled in the matching sheets. A sharp knock on the door roused her from her reverie, and she buried her face farther into the pillow. The door creaked open uninvited. "Lex, it's time to get up," Jack whispered into the darkness.

"Nuh uh," she grumbled shaking her head against the pillow.

"I thought you could use a shower," he said flipping the light switch and holding up a white fluffy towel. "I realized that I had washed all the towels before I left so there wouldn't be any in the extra bathroom. But if you don't want it," he said tauntingly waving the towel back and front in front of his face.

Her head popped up from the comfort of the pillow, and she looked at him groggily. They had been up way too late and her eyes weren't happy with the early morning wake-up. She flipped over on her back and leaned back against her elbows giving her eyes time to focus. "What are you going to do?" she asked stifling a yawn. "I don't mind walking around naked...and wet." She bit her lip at her own suggestive behavior.

She successfully elicited her desired reaction from Jack. He tried to stay calm, but she had known him long enough to be able to interpret his subtle movements. His eyes bulged slightly as they slowly crawled down her body, his imagination running away with him. He licked his lips as he thought of her wet, naked form sauntering around his apartment...or in his shower...or on his bed...or pretty much anywhere. His chest rose and fell irregularly, and the crotch of his pants jumped just a little bit, just enough for her to notice. He gulped uneasily. "Uh...yeah...well then, I guess you'll need this," he stammered walking into the room, and placing the towel at the foot of the bed, trying not to show his arousal. Then he quickly turned to leave before he did anything he might regret...or she might tell his girlfriend.

"Jack," she said stopping his exit. She kicked the sheet to the foot of the bed and stretched out arching her back. She was so bad. He just stared at her hungrily.

"Uh...yeah?" he asked his hands clenched in fists to restrain himself.

"Things aren't going to be awkward today after you know...last night, are they?" she questioned him, sitting up and hugging her knees to her chest.

"No, things will be fine...normal." She wasn't sure what normal was for them. Normal could be so many different things. "You look concerned."

"It's just...you did tell your girlfriend you were coming back last night, right? She knew I was staying here?" Lexi asked watching his eyes shift uncomfortably.

"Well..."

"You didn't tell her," she said interpreting his behavior once again. "As I thought."