Chapter 4 #2
Now she lets go, and her gaze circles to the floor. “I think we can all agree that hockey is number one for him, and I’m a distant second. My dad, I mean sure, he loves me and is protective, but his time is consumed by hockey.”
“Protectiveness, for sure. The first pep talk of the season was always for everyone on the team to stay away from you. It’s supposed to be a lifetime oath.” A small grin forms on my lips.
Her mouth slants halfway up as our moment holds from my words. “Well then, oaths are not meant to be broken.” It feels like she is testing me.
I’m not sure what to say except, “Want more wine?”
Lexi softly shakes her head. “Nah, it’s okay. I’m going to go use a shower that actually works and get some shuteye. The carpet guy is meeting me at nine tomorrow.”
If my kids weren’t here, then I would storm right after her to help her undress and join her in the shower so I can get a little relief. I’m not immune to having someone on call for physical gratification, but it’s been a solid few months since I got laid.
Attempting to gather some composure, I decide to be the exemplary older one. “Of course, and thanks.”
“Anytime. Communication isn’t breaking an oath… even if it’s dirty. Night-night.” She wiggles her fingers at me, pleased with her closing sentence.
The moment she’s gone, my upper body collapses over the counter, desperate to do everything to her that’s in my mind right now.
Walking into the Dizzy Duck after school drop-off, I debate if it’s good for morale for my staff to see me carrying coffee from another establishment, but I think they understand the need for real caffeine.
I glance at Stuart behind the reception desk as he’s typing away on the laptop. “We’re going to switch to tablets soon to give this place a sleeker feel.”
Stuart looks up. “I know, but some things only really work on laptops.”
“Solid point.” I have to agree. “I’ll be in my office,” I say.
Starting my walk, I only manage to get a few steps before I backtrack to look at the empty spot on the wall. “What happened to the moose?”
“Lexi had it taken down. You know, she really has great ideas. She should have her own television show. She’s hot enough for—” I shoot him a sharp glare, and he must get the sentiment of my scowl. “Or not.” He swallows.
Pursing my lips, I decide to find the woman of the hour.
It doesn’t take long, as she’s in the hall that leads to the private reception room.
I missed the detail that she’s in skinny jeans and heels, since she left before I made it downstairs this morning.
The carpet guy is getting a gift to his eyes since Lexi’s ass is in the air as she leans over to check two swatches against the wood.
She’s completely unaware. “No, let’s still do wood. The carpet doesn’t work.”
For some reason, a wave of protectiveness hits me. Partly because I am a territorial motherfucker when it comes to a woman that I shouldn’t pursue but probably will anyhow.
Clearing my throat, carpet guy looks at me and meets my warning glare. He adjusts his posture and slides his eyes away from Lexi.
“Lexi.” Saying her name seems to surprise her, and she looks over her shoulder from the samples that the man way below her league is observing.
“Oh, hey.” She stands up to greet me with a smile.
I crook my finger to gesture her over. “A word.”
Lines form on her forehead. “Excuse me for a second,” she tells the guy. Her saunter to me is nearly in slow motion. “Yes…” she leans in quickly, “Master,” she whispers her taunt.
My face remains stoic, trying not to let her have the upper hand. “The moose is gone.”
“Yeah, because you said it could go.”
“Where is it?”
“A closet, why? Does it deserve a ceremonial funeral or something?”
I’m being absolutely ridiculous. “No…” I just need a reason to bother you. “Let’s just save it for sinking it to the bottom of the lake or something when the Dizzy Duck is all remodeled.”
She nods. “A good idea. We could even get a special buoy to mark his resting place.” Is she teasing or is she serious? I can’t tell.
“The room warm enough for you? Enough bounce to the mattress for your special time? The drawer the right size for your supplies to get you through the moments when you have some frustration to work out?”
Lexi’s face flushes red, with her eyes blazing as I stand in front of her casually drinking my coffee.
“Uh…”
“The old first-floor guest room of the inn for your designing stuff, of course.” Absolutely not.
“You wanted to keep your supplies and samples there. I can imagine you just use the bed as a shelf and probably tuck some scissors and tape measures in the drawer. Naturally, being a good boss, I wouldn’t want you to freeze in there. Why? What did you think I mean?”
She attempts to avoid my gaze, but I only step closer. “Do I make you nervous, Lexi?” I speak so only she can hear. The tension between us causes a shiver for us both, but we try to keep our bodies in check.
Lexi partly opens her mouth but only a croak escapes, then she gathers her thoughts. “No.”
My voice turns rather chipper. “Thought so, considering you were spying on me yesterday when I went to take a shower.” I get to enjoy a second of her jaw dropping before I turn to leave on that note.
Because yeah, I’ve been holding onto that fact.
My phone dings with a reminder, and I swipe my screen while juggling my coffee. Lucky me, each of my kids are at a sleepover with friends tomorrow.
Oh, look at that. Seems to mean I’ll be alone with my house guest.