A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(42)

“How very thoughtful of you! However even before he was married to me, and I get that you purchased this gift prior to our union, did you really think he need any additional assistance to see naked women? I mean, really?” As much as I hated to admit it, Alex had never had any shortage of women more than willing to get naked on a whim. While his taste was more discerning than Dan’s, he had still been spoilt for choice. He’d also been more than willing in the past to enjoy the perks.

“A man’s got to have porn Lexi, I don’t know how many times I gotta tell you. Even Stone and his revolving door of *.” Dan explained, reiterating what I already knew about Alex’s past but still not assuring me that the porn was in fact necessary. “It’s completely irrelevant how much sex you’re having.”

“Dickwad, you can’t say that. They’re married now!” Troy punched Dan hard in the arm before pointing to me, obviously hoping to spare me any hurt feelings over my husband’s previous dalliances.

“Why? I’m not making shit up. Lexi knows the score.” Dan rubbed his arm, confused about why Troy was getting angry when he was only speaking the truth. The fact that he was admitting to me that Alex had been with a lot of women was lost on him.

“So are we about done talking about my husband’s past exploits? I actually do have work to do. Why don’t you tell me the real reason you are here, because we both know it wasn’t just to say hi.” Although I was aware of Alex’s past, I preferred it to stay there; in the past. I too had been no angel but I didn’t want either of our histories to be replayed, especially not by Dan.

“Go on,” Troy encouraged. “You heard her.” He relaxed into his chair, enjoying watching Dan squirm.

“So much for having my back, asswipe!” Dan ignored me as he fired back at Troy, smacking him across the chest.

“BOYS! Dan, what is it that you want?” It was like watching two children fight and as amusing as it usually was, I still had a pile of work to do, not to mention Matt and Anna’s impending return would mean that I would have to deal with that issue as well.

“Fine, I was trying to romance you a little but you really know how to buzz kill the foreplay.” Dan rolled his eyes, annoyed I hadn’t let his game plan play out.

“Please don’t talk about us and use the word foreplay in the same sentence.” I tried to distance myself from anything remotely sexual where Dan was concerned because if I gave him an inch, firstly he’d make some wise crack about the size of his dick and secondly he would take a mile.

“Would it be that bad if you were with me? I mean all jokes aside. I’m a decent guy. I make sure the lady is always taken care of. I’ve even been known to buy flowers and shit. I can be f*cking romantic.” Dan asked this so earnestly that I was almost shocked by the question. Was this a real question or a hypothetical? I didn’t want to contemplate either scenario but I wasn’t looking to hurt his feeling either.

“Dan, are you serious?” I turned off my monitor and gave him my full attention. Perhaps he was genuinely looking for feedback? He had shown me his sweet side in the past, not that I would ever advertise that.

“Yes, I’m f*cking serious. I want you to go on a date with me.” Dan looked me dead in the eye as the words I couldn’t believe I was hearing spilled from his lips.

“Ok, now I know you’re f*cking with me.” I laughed. Date Dan? This hadn’t been a possibility despite his best efforts before and now Alex and I were happily married, this surely had to be a joke; his version of rattling my chain as it were, because that’s what Dan did.

“Sadly Lexi, he isn’t. Now you see why I had to be here. Figured the least I could do was drive him home after the beat down you are going to give him.” Troy smiled, amused and obviously privy to whatever was going on.

“Troy, you aren’t helping me brother.” Dan muttered under his breath.

“Dan, have you completely lost your mind? I mean of all the f*cked up shit you’ve pulled, you’re asking a married woman out on a date? Did you hit your freaking head on the way over here?” I struggled to understand why we were even having this conversation. He had certainly joked in the past about the two of us, but it had always been a joke. He would never make a play for me now, would he?

“Now hear me out, I’m not asking you for sex. I mean Stone’s my brother and all and that shit wouldn’t be right.” Dan tried to justify his stance by illustrating that the fact he wasn’t asking to sleep with me was making this acceptable.

“Wouldn’t be right? Wouldn’t be right? Do you hear yourself? This whole conversation is not right! Does Alex even know you’re here?” I ran my hands through my hair as I stared at Dan incredulously. Did this man have any moral compass? Like even the slightest inkling of what is right or wrong?

“You’re your own woman, I figured I’d speak to you first. Besides he’s just as * whipped as James.” Dan figured he’d play to my independence while taking a slight dig at Alex. Note to Dan, being considerate to someone you care about is not * whipped. There was no way I had time to explain the difference.

“Dan, let me be clear. I am married, therefore I don’t date anyone else. Especially not my husband’s friends.” I articulated clearly, hoping this conversation was over.