Chapter 20 #2
Lori throws some popcorn at her brother while we’re all set in our places in the living room.
Harry and Lori on the other ends of one sofa and Lexi and me on the other.
We all have a blanket and snacks as we watch a movie.
I should be a little stricter with what Harry watches, but I agreed to PG-13 since it was his choice to pick, and he wanted to watch an action move.
Lexi rests her head against my shoulder as she snuggles into me. Never thought I would see this scene where someone else joins the three of us for casual family time. Nor did I expect to have a woman in my arms who isn’t just instant gratification behind closed doors.
This feels like a right fit for all of us.
My phone vibrates on the side table next to the couch, and I feel compelled to answer it to ensure that everything is fine at the inn, as I haven’t checked in all weekend.
My screen only shows me an alert related to news…
on me. Probably not the brightest idea, but long ago I set up alerts about my name in the news.
It was more to ensure Lori and Harry wouldn’t have to be blindsided by anything from others, although I do my damnedest to keep them out of the public eye.
Another reason that I appreciate Lake Spark Academy; they take these kinds of things seriously, especially as there are other high-profile parents too.
Swiping my screen, I’m not sure I want to smirk to myself or be kind of pissed.
“What is it?” Lexi asks as she notices my interest on my cell. Her eyes travel down then move in different angles. “Is that us?”
“Yeah, seems it is. I forgot there was a photographer at the charity event yesterday.”
Holden West in a Relationship with Former Coach’s Daughter.
The photo only shows us holding hands, but it shows enough to make assumptions.
Lexi pops her lips. “At least it’s a good angle,” she quips.
It’s been a hell of a long time since I’ve appeared in any photos this way, but I guess I don’t seem to mind.
“Ooh, someone is going to get some glaring eyes on them at the next school drop-off.” Lori seems excited.
“Yep, my life’s goal,” I joke.
Lexi yawns. “Just roll with it.”
“It’s fine. Nobody will care tomorrow, and there are no photos of Lori and Harry.”
Stretching her arms, Lexi gives me the clue that she’s tired. “Guys, are we sure we’re close to the end?”
“Five minutes,” Harry informs us.
“Okay, I can cope with that,” Lexi promises.
But it felt like a long five minutes, even for me. The movie dragged, and after picking up kernels of popcorn that seemed to have scattered everywhere and folding blankets, everyone was ready to call it a night, as tomorrow is a school day.
Every night lately, it’s been the same routine.
Harry and Lori to their rooms. Harry to check his financial portfolio on his tablet and me promising to actually talk to my financial advisor.
Lori scrolling her social media on her phone, and me reminding her to turn her phone off.
They both make their way to sleep on their own, and it works.
Lexi? It’s a humorous scene every damn time. I lie on the bed waiting for her, and she hesitates in the doorframe of my bathroom, doubting what she should do.
I offer the same easy and assuring smile every night. “Come on, woman. I’m getting impatient.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Shaking my head, I’m not sure how many times I need to repeat this. “Yes.”
She takes a few more steps, slowly adapting to the idea. “I mean, it must be a little weird for them to know that I’m in here.”
That’s why I’m waiting as a man ready to pounce her. “Trust me, Lori and Harry don’t seem to notice or care.”
Lexi twists the ends of her tank top because regular sleeping with one another entails normal pajamas now, just in case we have any family mishaps. “What if they’re scared to say something? It must feel odd that suddenly there is a woman sleeping in their father’s room.”
I pat the bed, inviting her in. “I think we’ve been over this a thousand times. Now get in here.”
Finally, she drops her shoulders and nods in agreement. “You’re right. I’m being silly.” I lift the duvet, and she slides underneath. “I mean, I know how to be quiet anyhow.” There is her assertive spirit returning.
“Damn straight you can, now pass me a condom so we can get a step ahead on this train.”
Her mouth forms an O shape, and a sound croaks out of her mouth. “It’s okay. I’m on the pill, and I want to feel you completely, and I’m positive that you want that too.”
I take hold of her body and drag her on top of me, our eyes connecting with a new significance. There is something about this that only binds us closer.
“Lexi, if you’re truly comfortable with that then there is no going back, because the first taste of the way you feel will be the only way I’ll ever take you again.”
She lowers herself and murmurs against my lips. “I want you to come inside me.”
I’m completely hers, and it’s true… there is no going back in all aspects of us, because she’s completely mine too.