Chapter 14

Same day

Once we’re on the garage level, I flick on the lights and move to the safe. I press my thumb against the pad and it unlocks, revealing the glittering keys to the cars. There are almost too many to choose from.

“How about the Charger tonight?” she asks, running her hand across the freshly waxed black paint.

“I’m a mood driver. And that one is …” I pause, knowing what it represents as I glance back at her. “Fitting.”

I laugh and walk toward her, twirling the key ring around my finger. She holds out her palm.

“That’s a no.”

“You’re smart for saying no. I’d have driven it like I’d stolen it.”

“I know you would’ve,” I tell her, knowing she wouldn’t go easy. It’s not in her nature.

I unlock the car and open the passenger door, and she struts over, sliding against the smooth black leather seat. The hint of citrus on her skin drives me fucking crazy as I shut the door.

When inside, I insert the key into the ignition and turn. The engine growls, and I love the feel of the thick steering wheel under my grip.

I turn to her. “Are you ready?”

Alexis nods and I push in the clutch, revving the engine, warming it up, and slipping it into first gear. It feels like butter.

She laughs. The smile on her face is so damn genuine, and I love to see it. “This is a fuck around and find out kind of car.”

“I only drive it when I’m searching for trouble.”

“Mmm. That explains a lot.” Her brow arches. “I think I chose wisely.”

“Absolutely.”

I scan my card and the garage door opens to the paparazzi standing at the end of the street, snapping photos of us as we leave. In the rearview, Brody pulls up behind me in his blacked-out Range Rover. I burn off into the street, peeling out, leaving rubber and smoke behind. I almost forgot how powerful this car is.

“They’ve been waiting since we arrived on the bike?” Lexi asks, glancing behind us in the side mirror.

“Yes. They never tire. Twenty-four hours a day, they’re ready to follow me wherever I go.”

“Why?” she asks, not understanding.

“The general public has been obsessed with my family since before I existed. We’re considered American royalty.”

“And you hate it,” she says.

She knows I do. It’s clear.

I glance over at her. “You’re now being followed after that show you gave them last night.”

She doesn’t meet my eyes, but I notice the smile playing on her lips. “It was a stage kiss.”

My hand rests on the knob of the shifter as I move into second gear. “Do you slide your tongue into all of your costars’ mouths?”

“A job is a job.”

“When we’re married, that stops immediately,” I say, meaning every word. No way in hell will I allow that with anyone else. Pretend or not.

“If,” she corrects. “If.”

As we turn onto another street, Lexi rolls down the window, holding her hair in her hand so it doesn’t blow around the car.

“Earlier, Carlee told me you’d break my heart without any fucks given and that I should be prepared.”

“That’s true,” she says, but I see her pulse quicken in her neck.

Is she concerned about what I know?

“I believe her. You’re a goddamn tiger. You look sweet and innocent, but”—I shake my head—“fierce.”

She looks pleased. “Guess you have me figured out.”

“Carlee also mentioned that you’ve been speed-dating people and dumping them after one date. So, I guess I’ve already beaten your record.”

She groans. “I’m seriously having a long conversation with her when I get home. But technically, by my count, this is our first date. Yesterday, I was tricked. Tonight, I chose to be here. I warned you earlier that you’d better make it good. I meant it.”

“I know you did.”

When we’re twenty minutes from the venue, I can tell she wants to say something. “What’s on your mind?”

“Won’t people recognize I don’t know shit about you?”

I shake my head. “No, they’re used to the new flings trying to chase clout.”

“Ahh.” She nods and smiles. “So, they’ll think I’m disposable?”

“Yes. Most of the conversations will be surface level. If you last past the expiration date, they’ll know we’re serious. They all know about my two-week rule. It’s like Fight Club—no one talks about it, but everyone knows.”

She looks horrified. “And how many hearts have you broken?”

“Too many to count. I’m not proud of what I’ve done; I’m just determined to find what I’m searching for. Maybe you’re right though. Maybe love doesn’t exist.”

The car grows silent again.

“I did date someone long-term,” I offer. It’s the reason this began. “She was a princess.”

Her mouth falls open. “Actual royalty?”

“Yes,” I admit. “Our parents fabricated it, and I didn’t realize it was fake until I caught her with someone else.”

“Is … is that why you thought someone sent me to your room?”

I grip the steering wheel a little tighter. I was hoping she’d forgotten about that.

“Yes. I was the main character of a gigantic publicity stunt when I started dating Adela. Millions of women became interested in my love life overnight, and it hasn’t stopped. I fell in love with her, and it was used against me. It’s why I have trust issues and avoid relationships. I never know if what I have with someone is a setup or if I’m being chased because of what I can give them. No one wants me, only the things that come from being with me.”

Lexi keeps her gaze locked in on me and her brows pinch together. “I’m really sorry that happened to you. It’s not fair, and I can’t imagine going through that. I’d have trust issues too.”

“Thank you,” I say. “So, now I’m known as a serial dater. Honestly, removing that title is welcome,” I admit. “But what about you, Little Miss Anti-Love? What happened?”

She glances out the window for a brief moment, almost like she’s replaying the memories. I can tell they’re painful.

“I learned he had another life with another woman in the town over. We had been high school sweethearts. I’d thought I loved him.” I hear the sadness in her voice.

“I’m sorry,” I offer.

“To me, him doing that to me—the woman he was supposed to be madly in love with—was proof that true love didn’t exist. It just didn’t make any sense how I could care so deeply for someone and believe they felt the same while living a lie. Or maybe I was the one who was lost in the make-believe? Love might have blinded me, but my eyes are wide open now. And don’t even get me started on trust issues.”

This saddens but also angers me. I wonder what she was like before that experience hardened her. Probably happy.

“I look forward to sending him a wedding invitation … if the auditions go well.”

“That would be petty.”

I smirk. “You’re right. But I don’t give a fuck either.”

This makes her smile. “Without that breakup, I wouldn’t be back in New York.”

“Hey, Siri,” I say.

“Yes, sir?”

Lexi chews on the corner of her lip as I continue, but I see her face soften.

“Please add a reminder to my to-do list. Send Lexi’s ex-boyfriend a thank you and get fucked card in two weeks.” I shoot her a wink.

“You have your Siri call you sir? That’s very Mr. Grey of you.”

“It’s easier than having her blast my name to whoever is listening. I don’t need my phone name-dropping me—ever.”

We enter the valet area and I turn to her. “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” she says.

The car rolls to a stop, and the doors are opened for us. We take one last glance at one another and nod.

It’s showtime.

I walk around the front and meet up with her, wrapping my arm around her waist and resting my hand on her hip. She leans into me, her body melting against mine, and I feel her warmth.

“New York’s most eligible bachelor,” she whispers, and I know she’s done some research. “Let’s show them what you’ve got and get rid of that ridiculous title.”

We move up the steps of the venue’s entrance, and it’s almost like a red-carpet event. Tomorrow, I can only imagine what the headlines will say because I can hear the cameras clicking as we enter like we own the fucking place. Her head is held as high as mine.

She was right. Everyone is watching, and while the attention is focused on us, we’re too focused on one another. When I meet her gaze, it’s like no one else exists. The crowd and wandering eyes fade away, and I relax—something that never happens in public.

We’re led to the outdoor area with Bermuda grass and hanging lights that glow yellow. It’s easy to imagine we’re somewhere in the countryside as a pianist and string quartet play popular music. I remove my arm from Lexi, grab her hand, and scan the outdoor area until I find my brother. He lifts his champagne glass from across the room. He’s impressed; everyone is.

I lean in and whisper close to her ear, “Weston is at our twelve o’clock. He’s talking to our mutual friends Jaxon and his brother, Anthony. Their family found success in software—Silicon Valley and all that. By the firepit are my best friend, Samuel, and his soon-to-be wife, Heather. At our three, the tall guy chatting with the redhead, wearing a gray suit, that’s Charlie. His real name is Chance; we call him Charlie to give him shit because it’s his father’s name, who he hates.”

She nods. “Jaxon. Anthony. Both are in software. And Charlie with his daddy issues. Got it.”

A laugh escapes me, and when I turn my head, I see Weston stalking toward us, wearing a smirk.

“Hello, Lexi,” he says, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. “Nice to see you again.”

“Tone it down.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“You chose the Charger tonight and arrived late?” Weston shoves his hands in his pockets and glances back at Lexi. “What have you done to my brother? The car though …” He meets my eyes. “Can’t get over that one.”

“I know what it means.” She places her arm around my waist and grins.

“Of course you do.” He chuckles. “What else do you know about my little brother?”

He’s getting under my skin and he knows it.

“A lot.” Lexi blinks up at me before turning her attention back to him. “But I think you should tell me what that Mustang represents. You kinda owe me for tricking me.”

His head falls back with laughter. “No can do. Bros before hos.”

I expect Lexi to be offended, but she joins in on the joke. “I’ll find out why you chose that car, Weston. That’s a promise.”

My brother’s eyes flick toward me, and Lexi’s ruby-red lips tilt into a smile.

He gives her a playful purr. “Feisty little firecracker. You two are more than perfect together. I almost didn’t believe it, but seeing you two like this is … wow. Explosive. I want a special thank-you for playing matchmaker.”

“Okay, okay,” I tell him, trying to reel him back. “You’re going overboard.”

He pats me on my back and leans in until only I can hear him. “She’s the one. Bet me.”

I meet his eyes, even more confused. “What?”

Someone bumps into Weston and he almost spills his champagne.

“Billie!” he yells.

“Billie?” I turn around, wrapping my arms around her. She turned thirty last month and launched a clothing line, so she’s been occupied. Being a part of the family business was the last thing she wanted in life, so she created her own. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I didn’t either. Decided to fly at the last minute to support Heather and Samuel.”

“I’m so glad to see you. I want to introduce you to someone. This is Alexis, but she prefers to be called Lexi.”

Billie holds out her hand, and a diamond bangle hangs from her wrist. “Hello. I’m Billie Calloway.”

Lexi immediately relaxes. Weston notices, too, but I try to ignore him.

“Jesus.” She places her hand over her heart. “I thought you were royalty.”

Lexi glances in my direction, but I’m already locked on her. She’s mesmerizing.

She continues, “These are your brothers? I’m so sorry. How did you manage it, growing up?”

Billie bursts into laughter. “Okay, I like her a lot.”

I nod.

“Well, Alexis, Lexi, I hope you stick around. What day are we on?” Billie asks, looking between me and Weston.

My sister knows about my cycle, so it’s become a joke between the three of us.

“Nine days, apparently,” Lexi says.

Billie’s eyes widen as a cocky smile meets my lips.

“You told her about your commitment issues?” Her voice lowers.

“I did,” I say, looking between Billie and Weston.

They’re giving me the same expression.

“Those are Fight Club rules. You don’t share that with anyone,” Billie whispers.

“Lexi isn’t just anyone,” I say, wrapping my arm around this beautiful woman.

She grins up at me like I could be her world. She’s so good at this, almost too good.

“Well, tonight has been interesting,” Billie says to Weston, and they turn their attention to me.

“Please stop doing whatever it is you’re doing right now,” I say, noticing how they’re each grinning like the Cheshire cat.

Lexi chuckles as a few colleagues interrupt us.

“We’ll see you around,” I say to everyone, and I take Lexi’s hand.

I don’t want to get wrapped up in a business conversation, not tonight. We pass one of my old friends, Chase, on the way to see Heather and Samuel. Our parents were friends and attended the same social events growing up.

“Easton! I didn’t think you were coming,” he says, then notices Alexis.

“Yeah, I got tied up,” I say.

He lifts a brow.

“I’m Lexi. Sorry, Easton must’ve forgotten his manners at home.” Her Southern drawl is charming.

“Nice to meet you, Lexi. Are you two …”

“Dating. I’m trying to figure out if I want to give him a chance.” Her soft gaze meets mine, but I know she’s telling the truth.

“Oh, so you’ve finally met your match,” Chase says to me.

“What can I say? I’ve been unable to get her off my mind since we bumped into each other,” I say. Another truth spilled, even though she already knew that one.

“We’re on day eight,” Lexi happily shares.

Shock spreads over his face. He gives me the same expression that Billie had.

I find it amusing, and so does Lexi. It’s a punch line to a joke.

“She knows. It’s all out in the open,” I say.

“All of it?” Chase asks. “Even …”

“The princess?” Lexi finishes. “Yes. But I think Easton’s currently searching for his queen. Right?”

“Hot damn, this is … speechless,” Chase says. “Do you have a sister?”

“No, just two older brothers,” Lexi tells him. “But I have friends. Lots of them.”

Before this conversation can go any further, I give him a smile and a handshake. “Okay, okay. We need to visit Sammy and Heather and give our congratulations.”

I cannot leave this party until that happens, so it needs to be next on our list. Not that I want to leave, not yet. I’m actually having a good time.

“Maybe I’ll be giving congrats to you two next,” he says, glancing between us. “Nice to meet you, Lexi. Hope to see you past fourteen.”

“Me too,” she says sweetly, perfectly.

I interlock my fingers with hers and lean in. My mouth brushes the shell of her ear. “You’re amazing.”

“You make it easy,” she admits, squeezing three times, and I grin, giving her two pulses.

“Need you’re a game,” I tell her, hoping she understands.

Sammy and I went to the same boarding school. Both of us are stone-cold when it comes to business. For years, neither of us thought we’d find our person. He did.

I greet him with a grin and a tight side hug before turning toward Heather.

“He’s been on his best behavior?” I ask her.

“Yes,” she says. “I wouldn’t be marrying him otherwise.”

“I’m happy for both of you,” I admit, glancing between them, seeing the spark they share. “I’d like to introduce you to Lexi. My girlfriend.”

When the words leave my mouth, her face softens.

“Hello. It’s so lovely to meet you both. Congratulations on the engagement. The venue is gorgeous. You two look great together.”

Samuel’s eyes meet mine, and he nods like it’s an approval.

Lexi and Heather quickly fall into a conversation about the flowers and her dress. No matter where Lexi goes, she makes everyone feel like they’re her bestie. She’s genuine, and it radiates from her like sunshine.

Samuel turns to me. “I’m trying to recall the last time you brought someone around I didn’t immediately dislike.”

“Never,” I admit. “But it’s different this time.”

“I can tell.”

As I cross my arms over my chest, I grow concerned because this is too simple. “What do you mean?”

“The way you look at her, it’s different.”

“Huh?” Now, I’m confused.

“You look at her like you found what you’d been searching a lifetime for,” he says.

My mouth slightly parts. This plan is working too well, almost like Weston told everyone and they’re in on the joke.

“You mean that?” I ask, knowing he wouldn’t lie.

“Yes,” he says. “When you know, you know. And so does everyone else.”

I search his face, and as soon as I open my mouth to say something else, Heather walks over, laughing.

“You’d better marry her,” she says, and Lexi moves next to me.

“I think I might.” I look directly at Lexi, who beams, and I love to fucking see it.

As other people walk over to chat with the happy couple, we move to the side.

“Would you like to dance?”

“Thought you’d never ask,” she says as we get lost in the crowd.

She wraps her arms around my neck and I place my hands firmly on her waist. My eyes wander around the room, and I spot different friends and colleagues chatting.

“Well?” she asks in a whisper.

“This is effortless,” I tell her, aware people are watching us.

“What do you mean?” She creates enough space so she can look up into my eyes.

“You might’ve broken my record,” I tell her. “They love you.”

Somehow, I knew they would though.

She laughs. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“Yes. But it’s suspicious.”

“Maybe they don’t want to have the drop that ho convo while I’m around? I’ll grab some champagne and mingle. Maybe they’re being polite since you’re being a helicopter boyfriend?”

My brows furrow. “What does that mean?”

“It means you’re being overprotective, like you’re afraid I’ll run away.” She smiles. “I’m not going anywhere, I promise. I’m not your hostage … yet.”

“I like to have my eyes on you at all times,” I admit, meaning every word.

That twinkle in her eye reappears. “I’ve noticed.”

The song ends and she gives me a devilish grin.

“I’ll get some champagne and slowly make my way around the room. Twenty minutes, then we’ll report back,” she says, and I glance down at my watch, giving her a nod.

Lexi turns and struts across the room like a fucking queen. Her chin doesn’t drop once, and the invisible crown stays put. I shove my hands in my pockets, utterly mesmerized as she works the room like it’s her stage. She steals a glance at me over her shoulder and licks her lips. Flirty as fuck.

I shake my head and she barely hides the smile before bringing her focus back forward. Lexi is the main character. All eyes are on her, especially mine.

It takes all my strength to pull my attention away, and as soon as Weston ends his conversation with someone, I join him.

Across the room, I spot Lexi chatting with our sister. They’re laughing about something and it warms my heart. Billie has never once clicked with any woman I introduced to her.

Another first.

My brother clears his throat, keeping his voice low. “I know that look.”

“Not sure what you’re talking about.”

He chuckles at me, taking a sip of his champagne. “This will be the greatest show of the fucking century. I’m ready for this season, little brother.”

My jaw clenches. “Did you tell anyone?”

I don’t have to finish. He knows what I’m referring to.

“No. Absolutely not.” He gives me his firm tone, the one we use when we’re not fucking around.

He’s a vault. But then that means …

“Stop overanalyzing shit and have fun. You still have five days. Make it count.” He pats me on the shoulder.

Billie and Lexi look like they’re friends, and maybe they will be.

“I can’t believe you told her about the car and your issue.”

“I have nothing to worry about. In thirteen months, everything will go back to normal.”

“You sure about that?” he asks.

“Absolutely,” I confirm, knowing Lexi is emotionally unavailable.

Even though we’re twinning, she finds me in the crowded room and lifts her glass to me. I nod and Weston laughs.

“Do you have something else to say?” I ask, glancing at him.

He smirks. “The chase. The falling in love part is the fun and games. I’m almost jealous.”

I shake my head at him. “That’s not happening.”

“Deny, deflect, distract. I know the tactics.”

I’m trying to ignore him because I don’t have answers. When a man approaches Lexi and Billie, my jaw clenches. I don’t like how he looks at her or how he reaches his hand out to take hers. I don’t fucking like it at all.

“Excuse me,” I mutter, my brows furrowing.

Weston grabs my arm and stops me. “Already jealous?”

“Kindly fuck off.” I pull my arm from his grip, straightening my jacket, and stalk across the room.

When I’m close, Lexi politely excuses herself from him and places her hand on my chest. “I still had ten minutes,” she whispers.

I glance over her shoulder and watch Billie shoo the guy away. She’s a pro at that.

“It’s fine. I kinda missed you,” she says, pulling my attention back to her with a smile.

“Truth?” I ask, tilting my head.

“Yes,” she whispers. “In a room of strangers, you’re the only person I know.”

I lean into her, close to her ear. “Want to get out of here?”

“Thought you’d never ask,” she says.

My hand finds its way to the small of her back as I lead her across the room. Weston watches from the perimeter and shakes his head with a smile, because he knows.

When we’re away from everyone, I slightly relax. The jealousy that reared its ugly head was almost too much. I don’t like seeing anyone too close to her, looking at her like she’s the whole damn meal. A buffet for anyone to enjoy. She’s not. Alexis is mine.

The valet area is busy; cars are driving in and out, and there’s a small crowd waiting. I’m instantly approached and I hand over the ticket.

“I’ll have this right out to you, Mr. Calloway,” the man says.

I say, “Thank you,” with a nod.

Then, I pull Lexi away from everyone, aware that eyes are still on us and the cameras probably are too.

“What happened back there?” She doesn’t sound mad or upset. Her tone is neutral and curious.

“I didn’t like how he was looking at you,” I admit.

I brush my thumb against her cheek and she smiles at me.

“It’s kinda hot when you go feral like that. The jealousy act—it was a perfect touch,” she says.

“It wasn’t an act,” I growl.

I can smell the sweet champagne on her breath.

“Oh.” Her eyes darken. “That was real.”

“I don’t want anyone touching you or disrespecting you or looking at you the way he was.”

“Thank you.” Her breath slightly hitches, but it’s there.

“It’s different with you. I don’t know why,” I tell her.

She grabs my tie, running her hand down it. “It’s because I don’t desperately want you. You’ve only ever surrounded yourself with women who do.”

I rest my hands on her waist as she stands before me, her mouth inches from mine. “You’re my karma.”

“I like the thought of that, but I’m more like your lifeline.”

I study her lips, contemplating kissing her but knowing that line shouldn’t be crossed too much. Especially in moments like this, when I’m drunk on her perfume and presence. I’m not setting myself up for heartbreak.

“Maybe I’m yours,” I mutter, and her breaths grow ragged.

“Maybe you are,” she admits. “Truth.”

The engine of the car revs and the driver gets out, opening the passenger door for Lexi. I pull away from her.

When we’re inside and the doors are closed, I drive us away from it all.

She removes bobby pins from her hair, allowing it to fall loosely around her face. “I hope it wasn’t too much tonight.”

“It’s easy to be with a social butterfly,” I say, appreciating that she cares.

“The extrovert to your introvert. I think we did okay.”

“Better than okay. Better than I ever imagined.”

She rolls down the window and I do the same.

“Woohoo!” she yells outside with a laugh.

The engine growl echoes off the buildings and I can’t help but smile. This almost feels like happiness, an emotion I’ve missed.

“Do you truly believe we can pull this off?” she asks.

There’s no hesitation in my answer. “After tonight, yes. But my new concern is everyone getting attached to you. Especially Billie and Weston.”

“As long as you don’t, there shouldn’t be a problem,” she reminds me. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to change my mind about love.”

“Maybe.” Hopefully.

Fifteen minutes later, I pull into the marina and park.

“This one of your secret make-out spots?”

“I can never predict what will come from your mouth.”

“Like to keep ya on your toes,” she says, pushing open the door and getting out. I follow her as she looks out at the calm water.

I slide my hand into hers, and she takes it without hesitation.

“They’re watching,” I whisper.

“Of course they are,” she says, but she’s smiling, unfazed by the cameras or me.

I lead her down the pier to my yacht.

“Wow,” she whispers as we board.

I unlock the door and we escape inside.

I turn to her. “They were sitting on the bench at the end of the dock. Did you spot them?”

“No,” she admits. “But after all the photos, I always assume someone is watching if we’re in public.”

“As you should, because that’s reality.” I move to the bar, grab a bottle of whiskey, and place it on top. “Would you like a drink?”

“Maybe the entire bottle,” she says, grabbing it and removing the lid.

She presses her ruby-red lips to the opening and takes a long pull. I follow her lead, desperately needing to relax and decompress.

My friends and my sister had nothing to say. They would’ve taken me to the side and told me to end this now or had some sort of smart ass remark about how we weren’t compatible.

Is Alexis Matthews the one?

I shake the thoughts out of my head. That’s impossible.

When I glance back at her, she’s turned around, focusing on the space.

“So, this is one of your hideouts?”

“Only when I want to disappear.”

“Cars. Now, boating. Wow.” She laughs. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Fall in love, apparently.”