Until Lexi

I’m beginning to live for little moments like that. Moments where she lets me in without a fight.

“I don’t wanna beat around the bush with you, Lexi. I had a good time last night and I’d like to see you again. Today, if you’re free.”

“Wish I could, handsome,” she says. “Hope isn’t in a good place, and I…”

“Don’t sweat it. I understand.”

And I do.

Would I love to see Lexi today? Hell yeah. Without a doubt.

The thing is… I know that right now is probably the worst possible time to pursue her.

Lexi and her family are going through it, and in a small, roundabout way, I’m responsible for it. I brought this shit to their door. Obviously, I have no control over anyone’s past and choices, but if I hadn’t shown up looking for Riley, Hope’s secrets would still be secrets. I know the other girls think they would have found out eventually, but I don’t. If I hadn’t shown up, Hope’s truths would have been taken to the grave.

I showed up and flipped their fragile world upside down. They’re fighting to keep their heads above the water right now, and I know it’s not easy for any of them. I understand Lexi’s need to be at home with her family rather than out with me. It’s where I would want to be if I were in her position.

So yeah, it’s a shitty time to try to get to know Lexi. She’s also semi-involved in my case. For that reason, I shouldn’t be going after her at all.

Thing is… I don’t care.

There’s not a force in this world that could stop me.

Fate. Destiny. Whatever you want to call it.

I’m a strong believer that things happen for a reason, that certain people are put in your life on purpose. I remember how my dad always used to tell me that when I found the one—I’d know.

I’m not saying Lexi is the one, but I believe I met her for a reason.

The way I react to her—mind, body, soul—isn’t something I can ignore.

“You’re too good to me,” Lexi tells me, her voice more vulnerable than I’ve ever heard.

“Someone needs to be.”

It’s a simple statement, but an absolute truth.

Maybe it was the wrong thing to say, or maybe things got a little too real, too fast.

Lexi rambles off something about texting me later and hangs up.

Unable to keep the smile off my face, I drop my phone back on the table and scratch my jaw. This girl is gonna keep me on my toes. She’s quick to throw up those walls when things start to get a little heavy, but I love a challenge. I’m gonna keep breaking through her walls like they’re made of paper instead of reinforced concrete. One day, she won’t feel the need to put them between us.

You don’t stand a chance, Lexi. I see you.

With a sigh, I force myself out of bed and head for the bathroom down the hall.

“Might as well get my day started,” I mutter to myself, cranking the hot water as high as it’ll go.

I may not be able to see Lexi, but I have more than enough work to keep myself busy. Riley’s case has been my main focus for a long time, but Adam isn’t my only client. It’s probably a good idea to stay at the rental today to get caught up with everything else before we get the results of the DNA test. Who knows what’ll happen after that?

Steam fills the bathroom and I step in the shower, groaning as the hot water runs down my body. I stand under the spray, trying to focus on what I need to get done today, but it’s impossible. My thoughts inevitably drift back to my blonde beauty. Unsurprisingly, I’m still fucking hard.

Thinking about Lexi isn’t gonna change that.

Giving up the battle with myself, I squirt some shower gel into my palm and wrap it around my hard length. A low moan rumbles up my throat with the first stroke as I envision Lexi in front of me. She’d look so fucking pretty down on her knees, plump lips wrapped around my cock with a defiant gleam in her eyes.

Losing myself in the fantasy, I stroke my cock, wishing it was Lexi's hot little mouth I’m feeling, instead of my own rough palm. Too wound up to use any kind of finesse, I work myself hard and fast, building up a rhythm as the delicious friction shoots bolts of pleasure through my body. My spine stiffens, balls drawing up tight as my release hits me like a freight train. Groaning, I slam my palm against the shower wall bracing myself as the bathroom tilts and spots blur my vision. Wave after wave of pleasure courses through me, leaving me panting for breath and weak in the knees.

When my legs feel steady beneath me, I wash quickly and turn off the water before it has a chance to run cold. I grab a towel from the rack on the wall, wrap it around my waist, and stand in front of the mirror. Wiping the fog from the glass, I stare at my reflection. I look fucking wrecked.

Holy shit.

I haven’t had an orgasm that good in… maybe ever, and definitely never from my own hand.

“It’s Lexi,” I say to the empty room.

It could only be her.

I’m even more eager to explore this connection between us.

“Too bad that’s not happening today.”

On that disappointing note, I finish my morning routine in the bathroom and head back to the bedroom I’ve been sleeping in during my stay. I grab the first clean clothes I find and throw them on, not caring much about my appearance. I’ve got no immediate plans to leave the house, so I’ll lounge around in sweats and a tee while I work. Might as well be comfortable.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand, alerting me to a notification. I pick it up and Adam’s name is the first thing I see. Missed call. Damn. I’ve been avoiding him since I gave in to the girls and agreed to keep what I’ve learned to myself for now. I still don’t feel right about it, but I understand their need to have answers before dragging anyone else into the situation. I’m past-due for a check-in, but I keep putting it off because I don’t want to lie to him.

Deciding I can’t avoid him for much longer, I tap the screen to return the missed call and head toward the kitchen as the call connects and rings.

“Hey, Jake,” Adam says when he picks up.

“Hey, Adam. Sorry, I was in the shower when you called.”

“No worries, man. I know you’re an early riser, but I forgot you’re an hour behind me. How’s it goin’ over there?”

Fuck.

Tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder, I start digging through the refrigerator, pulling out the ingredients to whip up a quick breakfast. It gives me a second to consider my words carefully.

“It’s going, man. I can’t give you any definite news yet, but I’m onto something here.”

It’s the bare minimum, and not an outright lie.

I hate keeping this from him.

“It’s getting hard to hold onto hope,” he admits.

It fucking slays me.

Over the years since we’ve met, Adam and I have become friends. This isn’t an ordinary case for me. I know what Adam’s been through. What he’s lost. What he’s gained. I know how important family is to him, even the family he hasn’t met yet. I hate keeping this secret. I meant it when I told the girls that it goes against everything I believe in. I shouldn’t have agreed, but I can understand both sides of the situation.

Unfortunately, I’m stuck in the middle.

Adam wants answers.

But so do the girls.

I understand their position—which is the only reason I agreed—and I don’t want to betray Lexi’s trust when we’re getting to know each other. On the other hand, I feel like I’m betraying Adam’s trust by not being completely transparent with him about what I’ve learned.