Chapter 16

Birthday countdown: 36 days

Since meeting her: 10 days

Company takeover: 43 days

Afuck ton of messages wake me from a dead sleep. Most of my friends ask about Alexis, wanting more info about her. The selfish part of me wants to keep everything to myself.

I open my brother’s messages and read the last one he sent.

WESTON

Last up, Lexi meeting our parents!

I push the thought away because I’m not ready for that yet.

I stand and stretch, looking out at the taillights from the cars traveling in the distance. The sun hasn’t risen, but the city is awake.

It’s barely past five. The start of a new day—a new life, I think as I grab my watch off the nightstand and slide it on my wrist.

I go downstairs to make a shot of espresso.

Yesterday was the last day of my living here alone until Lexi and I go our separate ways. Even though I enjoy being by myself, I won’t take her company for granted. It’s fucking lonely at the top.

As the beans grind and the espresso pours, I watch the sun rise over the horizon. The rays reflect against surrounding buildings, and the sky transforms from dark to light blue with wisps of clouds.

My phone buzzing on the counter pulls me away from my thoughts and I glance down to see a new text from my brother.

It’s screenshots of articles with photos of Lexi and me entering the party and waiting at the valet. We’re close, too close, and I remember the moment clearly. I wanted to kiss her. I still fucking want to.

Easton Calloway’s New Obsession.

Will Easton Calloway’s new fling get a ring?

Easton Calloway, New York’s most ineligible bachelor.

WESTON

Looks like you found the trouble you were searching for.

EASTON

We made it official last night.

He knows what that means. My phone immediately rings. We talk when we don’t want things in writing. Over the years, we’ve become pros at covering our asses.

“Is the wedding date set?” he asks.

“No good morning or hello?”

I need the caffeine to work faster after staying up late last night. After I dropped Lexi off, I was in my head for hours before I fell asleep.

I think back to our last conversation and how she doesn’t want us to be strangers. Fuck, I don’t either.

“Our birthday is in thirty-six days. The clock is ticking.”

“Thank you, Captain Obvious. It’ll happen between now and then. She’s aware.”

“Did she read the contract?” he asks, and I can tell he’s walking somewhere.

“No,” I admit with a laugh. “Painfully predictable.”

“Hopefully, you won’t need it.”

I hear a door open and close on his end.

“I have a feeling I will,” I admit, knowing what was written inside. Needing to be two steps ahead of everyone, even Alexis.

Before the last half of my espresso cools, I take it in one gulp and brew another. The penthouse smells like a café by the time it’s done.

“And you’re positive she’s anti-love? Like, you don’t think there’s a chance?”

“No,” I confirm, taking her words at face value, even though an inkling of hope has bubbled. “But if anything changes, since you’re the number one fan of my personal Lifetime drama, I’ll keep you informed.”

“Great! I’d appreciate it. The popcorn is ready and wagers have been made.”

“Wagers?” I ask.

“Billie and a few others have a pool going and one of us will win a hefty jackpot,” he explains. “And that’s all I can say.”

“The last thing I need is to fall in love with someone who can’t reciprocate. Okay? It would only complicate this situation, so I’m avoiding that. At best, by the end of it, we’ll be friends.”

“But you’re attracted to her. She’s moving in with you. You’ll be taking her on dates. Charming her. And you’re already jealous as fuck.”

“Right. We’ll be glorified roommates.” I’m growing frustrated with this conversation.

“That’s all marriage is. Trust me, I know.” He chuckles. “But I look forward to watching you eat a shit sandwich full of your words.”

I sigh. “It’s not even six, and you’ve somehow managed to piss me off. Might be a record.”

“What else is new? You’re a grouch. Anyway, I’m walking into the gym. We’ll chat later. Want to meet up tonight?”

“I’ve got plans with Lexi.”

“And so it begins,” he says.

Before I can tell him to fuck off, he ends the call.

After I’ve had my caffeine for the day and get dressed, I climb the stairs two at a time and enter my office. My degrees and certificates hang proudly on the wall with photographs of my family.

Each Sunday, I spend the morning reviewing my agenda for the week and lay out every video conference I’m required to attend. My days are full of virtual and in-person meetings with investors, board members, directors, and executives.

While I was traveling around the world, doing official business, I was in different time zones, so I missed a lot. I tried to stay informed as much as possible. Playing catch-up while trying to fulfill my end of the contract to become CEO has been difficult, and I find myself growing exhausted with each passing day.

Half of the meetings should be canceled because they are a waste of my time. When I take over, if it can be said in an email, I expect one. This needs to stop.

I work until nine and find myself daydreaming as I look out at the park. It’s a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky, and I need fresh air.

After I change into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, I grab my Yankees baseball hat and sunglasses, then text Brody. When I step out, I always let him know where I’m going.

He sends me a thumbs-up emoji and I shake my head. I don’t know why one thumb can aggravate me so much, but it does. Lexi would probably say it’s elder millennial rage. It is.

I grab my drawing notebook and ink pen, then leave.

Stella, the building manager, greets me by the security desk. “Good morning. I received your email, Mr. Calloway.”

“Thank you,” I offer.

“We’ll be ready for her arrival.”

I nod and continue, happy to know Lexi will be given access to everything I own. Except for the keys to my cars.

Once outside, the bright sun warms my skin as I cross the street and take the sidewalk to the paved path. People play with their dogs. Bicyclists zoom by as runners sprint past me in their gear, huffing. I glance over my shoulder, spotting Brody fifty feet away. I find a random bench and sit.

Five minutes later, Brody joins me at the same one.

“You had fun last night.” His brows pop. It’s a statement, not a question.

“Please remind me why I haven’t fired you yet.”

“Because I’d fuck you up.”

“Good point,” I tell him.

Plus, he’s the best there is, and he’s family, but we never discuss that.

“So, you two …” He doesn’t finish, but the silent question lingers.

“She’s moving in today.”

He doesn’t react to the news, but I didn’t expect him to because he’s a brick wall. Brody’s perfected shielding his emotions over the years, and I’m convinced he’s better than I am.

It’s why I tell him things though. He’s a good listener, and it stays between us.

“This just got interesting,” he says, and I follow his gaze.

Then, I see her.

Alexis walks with Carlee across the grass, and she’s smiling. They’re holding iced coffees, laughing about something.

“What does her shirt say?” I strain to read the words in the distance. This is my improv shirt. I burst into laughter.

“She gives no fucks,” he mutters, and I don’t take my eyes off her.

“I think she’s making a statement,” I say.

Anytime she’s with me, it’s improv hour.

“We should get out of here before the paps spot me.”

He chuckles. “It’s too late for that.”

“Fuck,” I hiss, knowing what I have to do so no trouble in paradise stories are created about us. I stand, stalking toward them, moving across the grass.

When she looks up and sees me, she grins. “Speak of the devil!”

She puts her arms around me, pulling me into a hug.

“I missed you,” she says, looking up into my eyes.

“I missed you too,” I tell her, and it’s the truth.

“Wow,” Carlee says as condensation drips from her coffee. “Okay, seeing you together? Yeah, I get it.”

Lexi playfully rolls her eyes, but I keep my arm wrapped around her, unable to not touch her when she’s close.

“I’m sorry. Can you stay like that for, like, five more seconds?” Carlee digs in her purse and it sounds like she’s moving charms around inside it before she fishes out her phone. “Say I’m madly in love. I mean … cheese!”

Lexi smiles with her teeth gritted together. “Wait until we leave here.”

Laughter escapes me and Carlee takes the pictures. “I cannot wait to share this on my Instagram.”

“Carlee,” Lexi urges.

“Sorry. Easton doesn’t care. Do you?” she asks me.

“I’m not getting involved. It’s up to Lexi.”

Lexi’s eyes soften. “Please don’t.”

Carlee grins, looking down at her masterpiece. “Okay, but only because you said please. Do I hear wedding bells?”

“Probably,” I say.

Carlee’s eyes widen and Alexis playfully slaps me in the stomach.

“What? It’s true,” I offer, stealing a glance as a blush hits her cheeks. It’s cute that she gets this way.

Carlee freezes in place, searching between us. I think she knows I’m not joking.

I clear my throat. “When you find the one, you just know.”

Carlee squeals so loud that I think I hear her voice reverberating through the park.

“Paris and strawberries,” she says to Lexi with her finger pointed.

“Excuse us,” Lexi politely says, grabbing my hand and leading us away.

“What are you doing here?” she whispers.

I sigh, placing my mouth close to her ear. “Trust me when I say, I was here first. However, once Brody spotted you, it was necessary to speak. Don’t need any stupid fucking headlines discrediting us.”

She nods. “Okay. You realize I’m going to have to hear how great we are together until I meet you later?”

“It’s the truth, darling. Might as well get used to it.”

There’s a twinkle in her eye. “We’re going to have a long chat later.”

“I look forward to it.” I hold out my arms and she falls into them. “See you in a few hours?”

She smells sweet, and I place my lips on her forehead. I don’t know why I did it. It felt natural, like she needed it. A content sigh releases from her.

I’m sure the paps are snapping hundreds of pictures of this public display of affection. I shouldn’t have given them that moment, but I couldn’t help it.

“Do you need a ride?” I ask.

Lexi shakes her head and pulls away. “I can manage the subway.”

I grab her hand, bringing her back to me. “I insist.”

A defiant grin spreads across her pink-tinted lips. “See you soon, Easton.”

She breaks away and blows me a kiss over her shoulder. I catch it and shove it into my pocket with a smirk.

I hate to see her go, but, damn, I love watching her walk away in those ripped jeans that make her ass look perfect. I don’t take my eyes off her as Brody steps up beside me.

“That was interesting,” he says. “Already fucking whipped.”

“I’m going to make her my wife,” I admit as we head toward the diamond in the sky.

He glances over at me. “I know.”

“Follow her,” I say, and he turns on his heel, leaving me to myself as I cross the street.

As I enter the building, I realize everyone in my life is Team Alexis.