A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(18)
Well didn’t that make me feel like a f*cking teenager being given a chewing out? I seethed, no matter how well laid Alex’s intentions were, I did not want to be told what to do.
“Are you done now?” I snapped back unable to hide my agitation as I attempted to push past him. Alex grabbed my arm, hindering my progress at a dramatic storm off.
“Lexi. Stop.”
“Alex, you stop.” I was acutely aware that Dan, Taylah and DarNell had now been unwittingly drawn into our domestic spat.
“Alex, you can’t go the rest of your life trying to protect me from things that might happen. You have to trust me.” How could things have gone so completely wrong so quickly? We were happy. For the first time in what seemed like forever Alex had touched me, wanted me, laughed with me.
“I trust you, it’s him I don’t trust. And as for me going the rest of my life protecting you, that is absolutely the way it is going to be. I love you Lexi, I can’t take a chance on something bad happening to you. Not ever again.” While his voice was not raised, Alex was resolute. No person, let alone a man had gone “all in” like that with me.
It took every emotion I felt and threw them into one hell of jumble. I’d never dealt with this level of devotion before; I mean real heart and soul, epic proportion devotion. I had always done my own thing, sure I had been labeled a bitch in the past, it was status quo for a woman who didn’t fit society’s cookie cutter image. It had never bothered me and I had never wanted to change. Now I had to reconcile that with this, my now. The now that shares my life with this amazing man that I love and who loves me back. I needed to stop the mindset which interpreted being protected by Alex as a loss of control or a sign of weakness.
I pulled Alex into my arms. His body, unyielding at first, was caught by surprise by my sudden need for affection. I don’t know entirely why I did it, it was out of character as I normally didn’t like public displays of affection, especially in front of our friends, but more importantly it was without thought. Just like blinking and breathing without prompts, I needed him and my body sought what my stubborn head was not willing to give. His arms wrapped around me as I nuzzled close to his chest, allowing the comfort that his strong heart beat and intoxicating scent provided to wash over me.
“Is this over now? I hate fighting with you. I mean I like it when it leads to crazy make-up sex but somehow I don’t think that is going to happen right now.” I whispered into his chest.
Alex shook his head as he grinned, “Please tell me you didn’t start an argument with me in the hopes of great sex?”
“No it wasn’t the plan but you know I’m all for improvisation. It was you who called me an opportunist.” I became increasingly aware of the fact we were still standing in the back of a club with DarNell, Taylah and Dan waiting to take their cue from us and I really didn’t want to subject Taylah to Dan any longer than was necessary. “We should go. Safe to say, girl’s night has been a bust.”
“Is he coming back?” Alex looked around, not needing to explain that Nick was the he in question.
I shrugged. I doubted Nick Cass was going to be gracing us with his presence. Why would he when he could keep the whole mysterious * thing going for a little longer?
“There is more to this, I don’t know what it is but I don’t trust him.” Alex’s gaze intensified.
“Well I don’t think either of us are going to get any answers right now so I think you are going to have to let it go.” There was way more to this and I didn’t know what it was either but Alex couldn’t be part of it. Nick had made that clear when he told me to call him to set up a meeting. I needed to know. Whatever it was, I was going to have to find out without Alex.
Chapter 4 - The Way Back
The whole tone of the evening had taken a nosedive after Nick’s interjection, followed quickly by his disappearing act. Maybe that had been his plan the whole time, to rattle my cage? Assert dominance over the situation? Maybe it was sport for him? Regardless of his intentions, mine were set in motion. I needed to find out who he was and what he wanted.
DarNell was predictably annoyed but didn’t offer any criticism either constructive or otherwise on the situation. He did, however, insist on driving Taylah home, who readily agreed. I guess a few hours with me was enough drama for anyone. I felt a twinge of guilt that our night had been cut short but how was I supposed to know? It’s not like I had picked the club. It’s not like I had encouraged the stalking either.
After Taylah’s I expect a full rundown on this tomorrow pointed look, she gave me a hasty goodbye and made her way with DarNell back to the car. Dan also decided to make tracks with a busty redhead (I was hoping like hell his latest conquest wasn’t inspired by my new look) and chalked the night up to not being a total wash given that even in adverse circumstances he was still able to score. God love him, he was the supreme optimist.
Alex and I also took our leave, finding his sexy silver Maserati waiting where he’d left it, not far from the club. I discreetly tucked Nick’s card into my purse to deal with later. The drive home was silent but not uncomfortable, there just wasn’t anything much to say. Alex wasn’t going to miraculously forget about Nick’s interest in me nor was he going to stop worrying about me. So the words were left unspoken and I hoped our earlier step forward hadn’t also resulted in ten steps back.