Avoiding Temptation (Avoiding 3)

Her breathing was ragged when the phone went dead, and she hadn’t even realized how riled up she had gotten. Goddamn it! Why did Jack Fucking Howard always do this to her? It wasn’t enough that he had gotten married? Couldn’t he just let her at least try to move past it all?

Her phone lit up in her hand, and she almost snarled in frustration.

Not asking you out. I’m sorry. Jesus, I can’t seem to do anything right. I didn’t mean to bother you or make you feel like an idiot. I have concert tickets—that’s all. Can I call you back…please?

Concert tickets? Well, that piqued her interest. Why the hell was he contacting her about concert tickets?

If you hear me out and still hate me…you can hang up on me again.

Lexi actually laughed at that, and then she looked up to see if anyone had heard. The hallway was empty. She didn’t have much time before she had to go see Brandon. Satiate her curiosity or just let it go…

Fine. This better be good, Jack.

Her phone rang almost immediately.

“Hey,” he said softly. “Sorry.”

“What is this about concert tickets?”

“Okay, so the story is…Bekah got me tickets to the Sienna Sexton and D-Bags show in Atlanta next weekend.”

“Oh my God…” Lexi breathed. It was their favorite band.

“Yeah. Well, the mix-up at the, uh…wedding,” he began.

Lexi cringed at the word.

“Anyway, Bekah refuses to go and support them since they canceled last minute. Now, I have two tickets…and I guess I could have asked someone else, but I know you love the D-Bags.”

“Yeah. That song of theirs playing on the radio is so good,” she murmured.

That Sienna was a lucky bitch if she were f**king the lead singer because he was quite possibly one of the sexiest men on the planet. Lexi was sure she would use a pass with Ramsey to get to Kellan Kyle.

“It is. And the D-Bags’ ‘Good-bye’ song…I can still listen to it on repeat.”

“Me, too.”

That song always sounded like someone had written it with a specific person in mind. It was so emotional, tugging at her heart and forcing her to feel every powerful, heart-wrenching word.

Silence lingered between them as shared memories took up the space. Sometimes, she hated how easy it was with Jack. She was angry with him. She didn’t want to remember a time when they had been able to listen to their favorite band together.

“So…will you go with me? Just as a friend. You know…someone who also happens to like the same music as me.”

“What does Bekah think about that?” Lexi asked, deflecting. She had never been able to be Jack’s friend—never.

“Bekah told me to take whoever I want because she’s not going.”

“I don’t think she meant me.”

“She didn’t specify.”

“Well, she’s not too bright, is she?” Lexi muttered before she thought better of it.

“Let’s just…not, okay?” Jack sighed through the line.

She wondered what he was thinking. She never really knew with Jack.

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but I know you’ve never seen them live. I just thought I was being nice.”

Fuckity-fuck. Fuck.

“I have to check with Ramsey.”

“Of course. Take all the time you need. The show is next Friday night at seven thirty at Philips Arena. It’s sold out.”

Lexi tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and sighed heavily. This was such a bad idea, but damn did she want to go to that show. The D-Bags had been one of her favorite bands since college. She was so excited that they were getting more attention, and they were even opening at a huge venue for Sienna Sexton.

“All right,” she said, breathing out in frustration. “If Ramsey is okay with it, then I’ll go. You should probably make sure Bekah actually knows you’re taking me. If I’m going to the concert, then it’s not going to be a secret.”

“Got it. No secrets. Text me after you talk to Ramsey. If he’s down, I’ll talk to Bekah.”

It felt a little like they were getting permission from their parents, but at least she was going about it the right way. Under no circumstances was she going to risk Ramsey a second time for a f**king concert. She wanted to see the D-Bags, but that wouldn’t be worth losing him

“Okay, I have to go. I have lunch plans. Bye, Jack.”

“See ya, Lex. Also, uh…thank you.”

She swallowed and nodded even though he couldn’t see her. She hung up the phone and placed it back into her purse. This was going to be interesting.

Lexi walked the remaining distance to Brandon’s office and knocked. She heard muffled voices from the room and then laughed. He never ceased to amaze her.

“Brandon,” she called, wondering who the lucky lady was that he was entertaining.

“Just a minute,” he said.

A minute later, the door opened, and a familiar brunette walked past Lexi.

“See you soon, Kace,” Brandon said as she walked out.

“Go to hell, Calloway,” Kace said, straightening her skirt.

“Why does she still fight you?” Lexi asked. She shut the door behind her as she entered the office.

“She likes to put on a show. I don’t mind role-playing,” Brandon said, cocking an eyebrow. “You interested, honey?”

“Now, now, Pookie. You know I’m taken, by one of your bosses no less.”

“That changes daily.”

Lexi rolled her eyes and jabbed him in the side. “Don’t be an ass.”

“Now, there’s a thought,” he said with a wicked glimmer in his eyes.

“Oh my God,” Lexi said, a blush creeping up on her cheeks.

He chuckled deep in his chest and ran his hand back through his dark hair. “I’ve missed you, Lexi. It’s nice to have you back in the city.”

“Are we going to get lunch? Or are you going to be ridiculous?”

“I can’t promise you that I won’t be ridiculous, but I think I choose lunch.”

“Great. Let’s get the f**k out of here.”

They left the office and walked out to the elevator. Brandon pressed the button and started firing off questions about her time when she had returned to New York, the new job, moving in with Ramsey.