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“Yeah.” I nod. “Just got lost in my head.” I turn to look at him, seeing worry reflecting in his eyes. I want to believe we can have a different outcome this time.
19
Hudson
I’m not sure what thought crossed Lex’s mind, but I rather have her shivering from my touch than tensing up. Instead of pushing, I pinch a toothpick in a meatball and pop it in my mouth. Toby is talking about a problem he had at work due to a mistake another accountant made, but my sole focus is on the woman beside me and thinking about how I can get her alone to steal a kiss.
“Excuse me.” Lex stands and walks toward the hall that leads to the bathroom. It’s like she read my mind.
“How’s traveling?” Toby asks Tristan.
“It’s great.” Tristan goes on to tell them a story I’ve heard about five times already, so I stand and follow in Lex’s footsteps. I wait outside the bathroom, and she jolts when she opens the door.
“Goodness, Hudson, you scared the bejesus out of me.” She slaps my arm as I laugh.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to. Are you okay? You said you were, but something’s going on in that pretty head of yours.” I circle my finger around her forehead.
Lex sighs and leans against the doorjamb. “I’m okay. I was just thinking, and my thoughts took an ugly turn, but I’m back to normal now.” She smiles and holds her arms out.
“Tell me the ugly thoughts.” I step closer until we’re toe-to-toe. Wafts from her sweet perfume have been driving me crazy all night.
“I don’t want it to get between us or ruin the night.” She reaches for my hand and squeezes. “I’m okay. I’m happy and here with you.”
My other hand goes to her waist.
“Are you sure?” I bend down to stare into those molten chocolate eyes.
“Positive.”
“Good.” I finally nod after seeing honesty swimming in her gaze. “Now, before we head back,” I waggle my eyebrows and pucker my lips.
Lex giggles and leans up on her toes. Her warm lips press against mine, and I wrap my arm around her waist to keep her to me. Grateful I don’t need mistletoe to kiss her, I allow myself to get lost in her.
She’s so perfect. I’m determined to make her all mine again. Not just dates when I’m in town and text message conversations while I’m away—I want it all.
Lex slows the kiss and leans her head back, one of her hands squeezing my bicep. I release the hand she’s holding and swipe the smeared lipstick from under her lip.
“You’re gorgeous.” I smile at her, eyes scanning every inch of her face.
“That kiss was…” She blinks her eyes as if she were in a daze.
“Dizzying?” I tease, seeing her reaction.
“Like I just stepped off a Tilt-A-Whirl.”
I release a belly laugh and wrap my arms around her, kissing the top of her head. When she reaches around me and returns the hug, I sigh.
“I hope I can keep making you dizzy. Just not so much that you feel you need to puke.”
“Har, har.” She looks up at me, her chin resting on my chest. I’m sure she can feel my pounding heartbeat. It’s like a jackhammer making an entire house shake.
“This is okay, right? We are?” Her smile is small and nervous.
“Of course. I told you I’m not going to play games.”
“But you’re still your parents’ son.” Her nose scrunches. “Sorry. That was mean.”
“They’re mean.” I shake my head and correct her. “I’m their son, but I’m not like them. Thankfully, my DNA doesn’t match theirs when it comes to attitudes. You are what I want, what I’ve always wanted.” I brush her hair away from her face so that I can get a clear view.
