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Interrupting me, he turns my hand around on the table and clasps my hand. “Before you say anything or turn me down, listen to what I have to say and offer. You may not think so butIrespect you. I want to see you when it’s possible, at any time when I’m here, which looks like it’s going to be a regular monthly occurrence for business. I’d like to take you out to lunch, dinner, breakfast, whatever, and just have a conversation with you and get to know you without digging too deep into your life, when I’m not here of course, since these are your rules. It can be lonesome when I’m in a new state where I know no one. But I’ve met you and I like you.”
“I’m flattered but what would you want in return? I'm not a prostitute—this is sounding like a proposition for one. I’m not naive. I don’t think all you want is to hang out and eat and have a good conversation.”
“You’re neither of those things.” He nods. “I like that. I'm not going to force you to do anything you wouldn’t do outside of here. But yes, I would hopefully want more. But all in your time and at your own pace. If nothing else comes out of what we usually have in here, that’s okay. I can make this worth your while, Lexi, I’m not here to waste your time.
“You are beautiful, intelligent, and charming, and you’re here. Which lets me know it’s not by choice. I don’t know what responsibilities you have in your life but maybe I can help alleviate some of them with this.” He pulls out his phone, taps the screen a few times, then turns it to face me.
Oh my god! I see five figures which is exponentially more than what I make working for Rachel and Celeste combined. I could never make this much money even with a boatload of overtime and getting another part-time job. “Why?” I ask, watching this handsome, seemingly well-to-do man who is articulate and cultured. “Seems like you could have any number of women you want, you wouldn’t have to put them on a payroll.”
“I’m not in town long enough to cultivate a long-distance commitment to anyone. It’s hard to find time to find someone you like. Why should I when I already found you? I’m here for a few days out of the month at the most. You’ll be my date if I need a date and when I’m free we’ll see each other. Think of it as a sort of friends with monetary benefit deal. No pressure of course.”
“Of course.” I huff. It’s definitely a proposition if I ever heard one but for unknown reasons, I’m not that offended. It could be from all those numbers he showed me on his phone and the prospect of ridding myself of financial stress and debt…and the thought of losing my family home…and the state taking my brothers away from me if I can’t financially take care of them legally. Friends with monetary benefits…could I do that…?
“What do you think?”
“I think you’ve given me a lot to think about. Certainly not what I was expecting when I walked in.”
“I know. Think about it and get back to me. Take down this number.”
I take my phone out and enter the phone number he gives me.
“I was busy this week. The only time I could set this visit up was tonight. I’m going back home tomorrow morning. I’ll be back at the end of next month. You can let me know then, or before then. Hell, or just give me a call to say hi if you want.” He smiles.
I wanted a way to solve all of our financial problems and here it is. In one way it’s better than working for Celeste and still yet it’s worse. I’m doing something I told myself I wouldneverdo.
But how bad is it really if it’s only Thom? He said I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do. That I wouldn’t do outside of the club. Shit! But Noah. How—if we’re not that serious. Maybe there is a way I could have him still. If he doesn’t want more—to be in a serious committed relationship. Maybe if this is only a temporary arrangement for a few months. Maybe I could make this work, for all of us, including me and Noah.
Like a never-ending run on a hamster wheel of consequences and doubt, so manymaybes…
Seventeen
NOAH
“I’ve never had Mediterranean food. It was good, even Axel ate it,” Lexi says, closing the door to her bedroom and locking it. “Where did you learn to make it?”
Before I turn to answer her question, I notice two lit candles bathing the room in soft white light, giving it a cozy intimate feel. “My stepmom, Carla. She’s a great cook. She loves cooking all types of food from all over the world. Her dream is to take a cruise around the world.”
“That sounds cool. She’s adventurous.” She leans back against the door with a sweet smile curving her lips. So sweet I can’t help pulling her toward me and encircling her waist.
“She is but, unfortunately for her, my dad isn’t. I don’t see that cruise happening for her with him anytime soon. Unless we wage a major campaign on her behalf for him to go with her.”
“I’ll help. I’m with Carla, get the initiative going and I’ll be the first to join on her behalf.” She puts her hands on my chest and runs them up over my shoulder, fingers playing with the skin just under the collar of my shirt, making my most important body part below the waist take a more active role in our conversation.
“You will?”
“Yes.”
“Carla is going to love you.” Yeah, she is, like I think I could. I look into her eyes and cradle her face in my hand and kiss her.
She breaks the kiss, brushing her soft lips against mine, enticingly. “I had a nice time tonight.”
“Good. So did I,” I say, continuing the kiss, as our bodies slowly move back in the direction of her bed.
“And I’m going to make it even better. You deserve it.” She pushes me back on her bed and straddles my hips.
It’s not every day someone overpowers me. Sprawled on her bed, watching Lexi prowl toward me, I’m ecstatic Lexi did. Obviously, the way my knees buckled just now when we kissed helped her.
My heart stops, then sprints when she towers over me. I crane my neck to hold her stare.
