Alexis went to grab hers, but he held up a hand. “Just his.”
I cringed, dreading how that comment would set our relationship back. For a woman who was so confident, she struggled with what other people thought. She forced a smile and closed her wallet, while he verified my age.
“Great. Up the elevator to the top floor,” he said.
“Come on,” I said, tugging Alexis’s hand. “Let me introduce you to my friends.”
Her bronze eyes, the eyes of a cat, peered into mine as we rode the elevator to the top floor. “I’m telling you, this is a terrible idea.”
“Terrible idea or not, we’re already here,” I said, brushing her hair over her shoulder. “And we don’t have to stay long. Okay?”
She nodded as the elevator doors opened to a bar that was more like a house party than a club. The décor had a hipster vibe and the music, a chill beat. Some people were even playing games on the large outdoor patio—darts, cornhole, and horseshoes. It was all very relaxed.
I easily spotted Hunter’s blond hair across the bar. He stood out among the crowd—taller than most. I reached back for Alexis’s hand, eager to introduce her to my best friend. She smiled, but her attention was elsewhere, scanning the crowd.
As we neared the spot where Hunter and a few of our other friends had gathered, Alexis removed her hand to dig for something in her purse. I tried not to let it show—how much that simple action pained me. She was here; she was meeting my friends. I reminded myself that I needed to respect her wishes, but it wasn’t easy. It took every bit of my restraint not to do something stupid like pound on my chest and declare she was mine.
“Preston!” Hunter slung his arm around my shoulder. From his glassy eyes and loose limbs, I wondered how much he’d had to drink.
I grinned, patting his chest. “Hey, man. Happy birthday. I want to introduce you to somebody.”
“Oh yeah?” He grinned, speaking low in my ear. “Tired of stalking the cougar?”
“I, uh.”Shit.Fortunately, I didn’t think Alexis hadn’t heard that. “Hunter, this is Alexis.” I gestured to her. “Alexis, Hunter.”
Hunter extended his hand to shake, and I watched as he took her in with a smirk. She’d worn a gray romper that dipped low in front, bared most of her back, and showed a ton of her legs. It was sexy as fuck, and I couldn’t wait to undress her later. Or at least, I’d loved it when it was just the two of us. Now that every other man in the club was eyeing her, I wasn’t so sure.
“It’s nice to meet you, Alexis.” Hunter flashed her a brilliant smile, turning on the charm.
“Same.” Alexis smiled.
I made the rest of the introductions, and Alexis seemed to relax more once she had a drink in hand. She was currently discussing vintage fashion with Kate. I frowned, wondering where Kate’s nose ring had gone, or if I’d simply imagined it the last time I saw her.
Hunter leaned in. “Dude. She’s the MILF, right?”
I gripped his shoulder, my mouth close to his ear when I spoke. “Call her that again, and…” I tightened my grip, knowing he’d understand my threat.
He nodded, and I released him.
“So,” Kate said. “Preston didn’t tell me. How did the two of you meet?”
My attention snapped to Alexis, my eyes pinging back and forth between her and Kate. This was her chance to embrace our relationship, to stop hiding what we were. I held my breath waiting for her answer.
Alexis smiled, but it was tight. “I, um, we…”
“We met at her daughter’s school.” I threaded my arm around her waist, wanting to do a fist pump when she didn’t stiffen or try to shrug out of my touch.
“That’s so cute,” Kate gushed. “How old is your daughter?”
“She’s six. Well, about to be seven in a week or so. Actually, I think you’ve met her—Sophia.”
“Oh my gosh, yes.” Kate smiled, brushing some of her long blond hair over her shoulder. “I can’t believe I didn’t see the resemblance before. She’s adorable.”
Alexis’s cheeks glowed. “Thank you. Most people think she looks more like her dad. Probably because they both have those piercing blue eyes.”
“Let’s see,” Kate said, setting down her drink. “Do you have a picture?”
Alexis pulled her phone out of her purse. It took her a minute, but she found a few. She handed the phone to Kate.
