Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Lexi
“Do you think she’ll like it?” I stand in the center of the studio staring up at the sign and all the girls also look it over with smiles on their faces.
“She’s going to love it.”
Rhythm and Motion
We all came together and had a sign made for Sutton’s studio. Brantley helped us with the measurements for directly behind the front desk. It’s the first thing everyone will see once they enter.
Lit up, purple, more of a lavender which is Sutton’s favorite color. It glows against the light grey wall behind it. Secretly Brantley had a plug wired and kept her out of here the past week, so she wouldn’t see the sign.
I’m nervous she won’t like it. I just want this day to be perfect for her.
She’s dreamed of this for so long, drew up plans, schedules, and with Brant at her side it’s become a reality.
I love that he supports her no matter what.
I used to think that the girls and I were her biggest cheerleaders.
But Brant, she is his queen and he treats her as such. It is a beautiful thing to watch.
“That turned out great.” I try not to react to the sound of his voice, but his touch, that is a completely different battle. “Hey, Lex.” With his hand on my shoulder he leans in and kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful.”
I swallow past the lump in my throat and then glance back at him. He wears his signature grin, the one that screams I know I’m good looking and can get away with just about anything as long as I wear it.
“You clean up nicely too,” I offer and he chuckles.
“Are you trying to say I look good, sweetheart?”
“Well, you don’t look bad.”
“Is it that hard to tell me you like what you see?”
“There are so many guys here, wearing nice clothes, looking real good. I’d say you blend in, but nothing makes you stand out,” I challenge him, turning around and crossing my arms over my chest.
“Is that right?”
“That’s so.” He holds my stare and I’m not sure how we got where we are. I told myself I’d keep a distance, hold my composure, yet here I am.
He’s never brought up the kiss I gave him and the words I said during a weak moment in my best friend’s basement. I’ve been trying to forget it, thinking the reason he’s avoided it was so he didn’t have to reject me again.
The last thing I need is to chase after any guy, especially Bennett. Heartache isn’t something I think I need to deal with right now.
Bennett steps closer surprising me and I drop my hands to my sides.
“Are you sure there isn’t anything that makes me stand out?”
My hands shake and I fist them at my sides. “I can’t think of one thing.” I taste the lie, it’s bitter.
Suddenly he cups my face, leaning in closer.
“I think the fact that I love you makes me stand out from all these other guys here.” Again I swallow hard as he stares into my eyes.
“It’s all I wanna do, love you.” With that he kisses me and I’m blown away by the advance.
In the middle of the lobby where everyone else can see Bennett kisses me so deep he takes my breath away.
“All you have to do is let me.” He says it so softly I almost miss it as he steps back creating distance between us. The corner of his lips tip up in the sweetest smile, one that I swear lights up his entire face.
Then he backs up a few more steps, turns and walks away like it’s all natural for him to be kissing me.
“You started it,” I jump in reaction to Rory’s voice as he shoulder bumps me.
Pausing at my side I stare at him like he’s lost his damn mind.
“You can’t expect the guy’s head to be clear after you waltzed in to Brant’s basement and laid a big wet one on him.
Then declaring that you don’t want to love him, but you do.
That’s got him all fucked up, upstairs.” He taps his temple.
“He told you?”
“Sweetheart I had a front row seat to that show, a VIP pass. You didn’t even notice me in the chair right next to you two.
” I can only shake my head feeling like the room is closing in around me.
“You left, he was off-kilter and thought he dreamt the entire thing up. Hell for a second I thought I did too, but nope, it was real.”
“I’m so embarrassed,” I whisper, hanging my head.
Rory leans in and totally knocks my world sideways. “If I tell you something equally embarrassing, will it make you feel better?”
“Depends, because I’m not sure you could get embarrassed.”
He gets all serious and I’m intrigued, then he chuckles. “Yeah, you’re right, I got nothing.”
I slap his chest and he attempts to grab my hand, making me laugh.
“Really though, Lex.” Rory’s face takes on a stern look.
His brows furrowed, his forehead wrinkled.
“I’ve never seen Bennett so scared, never seen him show more concern for anyone, than you.
He was destroyed that night, not getting to you soon enough.
It was his wakeup call and we all saw it.
He’s different. His way of thinking, we’ve all noticed. ”
“That night wasn’t his fault.”
“It may not have been his fault but the idea that you were in that position eats at him. All I’m saying is this Bennett, this version, it’s new for all of us.”
Rory offers me a kiss on the cheek before taking off toward Jayden, his little boy, and scooping him up. Instantly I notice Adley smile and I wonder why everyone in my group of friends so easily hides what they feel.
Adley puts on that she is such a player, flirting with everyone, making comments to hide what she truly wants.
But I see it, I think we all do, she has feelings for Rory.
Almost instantly she was attracted to him and that hasn’t faded.
But being fearful of rejection can trigger anyone to hide behind walls.
As I scan over the room I find Bennett near the food table, holding a small plate and walking back and forth taking it all in. The guy is like a bottomless pit, but his body doesn’t show an ounce of fat.
“So that was some kiss.” Sutton enters my view and I smile, feeling my cheeks heat.
“Unexpected.”
“All the really good ones are,” she adds, walking closer and holding out her hands to me. When I place mine in hers she offers me a squeeze. “Thank you so much for my sign, it’s perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it Lex, you ladies mean so much to me and now every single time I walk in here I am going to be reminded of each of you. It is like you are all here, even if you’re not.”
“I’m proud of you.” She quickly wipes away a tear before it escapes. “Your happiness makes me happy.”
“Do you want to know what would make this day perfect?”
“What?” I arch a brow already knowing she has something up her sleeve.
“If my very best friend in the whole world would let go of her fears and finally chase her own happiness.”
“I am happy.”
“You have an amazing poker face.” She smiles. “But Lexi Lou you forget I know you best and what I need is for you to open up your heart for the right person and let him love you.”
“How do I know he’s right?”
“Because there is no other man in this world that will love you the way an O’Shay man will. Trust me, once you have his heart, there are no limits. And sweet girl you have his heart.”