Chapter 9
LEXIE
It’s been four days since Reed broke into my apartment and left me wanting more.
Not that I condone breaking and entering, because I absolutely do not condone that at all.
But that's besides the point.
He left me with another mouth-watering kiss. I could’ve leaned against that wall and let him kiss me all night long.
It’s absolutely asinine because I should be terrified of him. Who in their right mind thinks breaking into someone’s apartment to wait on them to get home is a smart thing to do?
I want to ask Lainey about him, because I’m sure she knows some about him because of Kalix, but I don’t want her to think I’m interested in him. She’ll probably ask me a million questions that I don’t want to answer.
I’ve picked my phone up at least a hundred times over the last few days, waiting for a text from him. I sure as hell am not texting him first if that’s what he’s waiting on. This all could be just some game to him.
I huff out a sigh as I step out of the elevator on my floor. Digging the keys out of my purse, I stop in my tracks when I notice two decent-sized packages by my apartment. One bigger than the other.
I didn’t order anything, so I look for the name on the address so I can get it to the right person, but pause when I see that there’s no packing label. Just Lexie scribbled across both cardboard boxes.
Standing upright, I look around to see if there is anyone in the hall, but come up empty.
I quickly unlock the door and shuffle both boxes to my kitchen island, before crossing my arms and examining them. I should probably open them.
Grabbing a knife out the drawer, I slice the tape on the bigger box.
Lifting the lid, my jaw drops. Inside is a comforter that is the same color, but not the same pattern as the one that got ruined, with two matching decorative pillows.
Damnit, there’s no question who this is from because the box smells like him.
An envelope lays on top with my name.
I open it up and read it out loud, under my breath.
Lexie, I couldn’t find the exact comforter that got ruined. But I found something similar. Hope you like it, if not find another one you like and I’ll get it for you. -Reed
When I told him he was going to buy me another one, I didn’t actually think he would do it. I open the plastic that the comforter is in and pull it out. It’s so soft and perfect. I’ll have to admit, he did a damn good job of getting a similar one.
Before I text him to thank him, I open the other box.
Inside is a new box of my favorite perfume that mysteriously went missing, and two boxes of four wine glasses. “What the fuck. Why does he think I need that many?”
I examine them and notice they are both shatterproof glasses, one box stemless.
I smile to myself and shake my head and notice that there is another black box inside with a sticky note on top. “Lexie, figured you could use these for your wooden tables. I made them myself. -Reed”
My hands shakily opens the box. Inside are four wooden coasters with a floral pattern carved into them.
My breath hitches at the thoughtful gift. They are absolutely gorgeous. I pull my phone out of my pocket and hoist myself up on the counter, thinking of what I should say.
I write and erase the message at least five times before I finally have something.
LEXIE:
Thank you for the gifts. I wasn’t being serious when I said you had to get me a new comforter, but it is greatly appreciated.
The handmade coasters are gorgeous. I would’ve never guessed you’d be handy like that.
Also, shatterproof wine glasses… funny. And I don’t even want to know how you knew I lost my perfume.
I nervously hit send and throw the phone down on the counter. I watch the screen waiting for a response and after about five minutes I decide to go set up my new bed stuff.
I go back and forth with myself for a moment on if I should wash them. Would it be gross if I didn’t because I want to keep his scent?
Normally, I’m super anal about it but I decide to not wash them.
As soon as I get it on my bed and situate the pillows where I want them, my phone dings, waking the butterflies in my stomach.
I jog into the kitchen and open my phone. It’s him.
REED:
There’s a lot I can do with these hands.
I roll my eyes. Of course, that was the only thing he’d make a comment on. I go to respond but another text comes through, followed by a third.
REED:
You’re welcome.
REED:
I already washed the comforter and pillow cases, so you don’t have to. I spent hours looking for the same brand you had, but that pattern is discontinued.
I bite my bottom lip as I reread the texts. He washed them for me? What man does that?
LEXIE:
I don’t know what to say. You didn’t have to, but I appreciate it.
REED:
It’s no problem.
I contemplate messaging him again, but decide against it and instead, put my cleaning playlist on and hook my phone up to my speakers. I pull the wine glasses out of the boxes to wash them and get to wiping down every surface.