Chapter 31

Yesterday, Easton and I spent the entire day at city hall, speaking with Mayor Martinez about the two million dollars Easton is donating to Valentine. We’ve decided that a portion of it will go toward repairing the historical library, renovating the high school football stadium, and building a new theater at the park. All places where human experiences can happen.

When we left, I couldn’t stop stealing glances at Easton. How he walks, talks, and presents himself is impressive. Experiencing him be businesslike was hot as fuck. I don’t think I fully understood how much he cares about people in general.

After I get out of the shower, I slip on some ankle boots, a pair of jeans I made into shorts, and a black tank top. My hair is straightened and my makeup is on point with a sassy red lip. Easton freezes when I leave the bathroom; his eyes slide up and down me.

“Wow,” he whispers, grinning.

“Are you ready?” I ask, moving to him.

My eyes glide over the polo shirt and jeans. He’s a mixture of naughty and nice and everything right.

How is it possible to be this attracted to him?

Easton pulls me against him. “You smell incredible,” he whispers, nuzzling into my neck. His fingers run through my hair as he massages my scalp.

My eyes roll into the back of my head. “You do too.”

He takes a step back, keeping his hands gently on my elbows, taking another look. “This is what you’re wearing tonight?”

“Yes,” I say, turning around and giving him the front and back, knowing these denim cutoffs are short. The pockets are longer than the material that covers my thighs.

“What if I don’t want anyone enjoying how fucking gorgeous you are?” he asks with a brow raised. “I’ve already warned you that I’m a very jealous man, Lexi.”

I place my hands on his stomach, pushing him back toward the bed, then sit on his lap, straddling him. Our hot breaths mix together. He’s completely submissive—or he has me believing he is. I know better though. This man bows to no one, not even me.

“You don’t have to worry,” I say, feeling him grow hard beneath me. “You’re the only person who wants me.”

He laughs against my mouth, tugging on my lip and sucking. “Feed that bullshit to someone else. You can have anyone you want. If anything, I’m proof of that.”

My hair surrounds him as I lean over him. “It’s you who can have anyone you want.”

“Really? Are you included on that list?” he asks with a brow popped, his fingers hooking into the belt loops of my shorts.

I brush my nose against his, then move to his ear. “Maybe.”

He smirks. “Mmhmm. And who do you want?”

My phone buzzes on the bathroom counter, and I steal a kiss from Easton before rushing for it, leaving him splayed on the bed. He runs his fingers through his hair and sits up as I answer a FaceTime call from Carlee.

“Hi!” I say with a smile.

Had she not called, things might have started between us and not stopped. Though, if we don’t leave this room tonight, I won’t be upset. I look forward to spending time with Easton.

“Holy shit.” She moves the screen closer to her face. She has a towel on her head and she’s wearing her candy-heart house robe. “You look hot!”

“Are you drunk?”

She holds up a bottle of wine. “I’m really mad at my vagina for consistently wanting the wrong men who fall in love too fast. Keep the I LOVE YOUs to yourself, please.”

Laughter slips out. Yes, she’s drunk.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “But also, that’s hilarious.”

“Tell me something good. Please let me live vicariously through you.”

“Um … Easton beat the shit out of my brother. And we’re about to go to a barn party.” I set my phone down on the counter and take a step back. “Wearing these bad boys,” I say, lifting my leg and showing her one of the leather boots I got on sale earlier this summer.

“Those are the I’m getting fucked tonight boots,” she says. “Ah man!”

Easton chuckles in the next room.

She moves the phone closer to her mouth, like it makes a difference. “How are things?”

“Amazing,” I whisper. “I have so much to catch you up on when I return to the city tomorrow. Let’s plan something.”

“Like a wedding?” she asks with a laugh.

“Hush!” I playfully roll my eyes, but I smile. “Maybe.”

She squeals. “Oh my fucking God, Lexi. You’re in the stupid in-love phase.”

“Shh,” I say, putting my finger over my mouth, my cheeks heating. “Don’t be so loud.”

“You don’t think he knows? Look at you! You’re practically glowing,” she says. “Love looks good on you.”

“Okay, okay, I gotta go now,” I tell her. The facts are truthing too hard. “I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Tell your brother to call me.”

“Which one?” I ask.

“Either.”

As I shake my head, I end the call and glance at myself in the mirror.

Shit, she’s right. I am glowing.

“You didn’t hear any of that,” I say, knowing he can still hear me because the space isn’t that large.

“Hear what?” he states.

“That’s what I thought. Now, back to your question.”

He turns to me.

“You. You’re the person I want.”

He smiles, leaning against the wall, and looks out the window toward the barn. “When you’re ready, we’ll go there.”

I tuck my hair behind my ears and stand beside him. Cars fill the pasture; if I had to guess, at least fifty people are at Remi’s party.

Easton smiles. “I think we should build a home here. That way, you can visit your family and friends when you please.”

I meet his eyes, unsure how this man can be more perfect. “That would be incredible.”

“And if you decide to sign the divorce papers, you can keep it,” he says. “A gift from me to you.”

“Easton,” I whisper, knowing, right now, there’s an expiration date on this—on us. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes.”

“Yeah. Ready to go?” he asks, looking at his watch. I notice the abrupt subject change. “I think the party started forty-five minutes ago.”

A laugh escapes me. Might be able to take the man out of the corporate office, but can’t take the corporate office out of the man.

“That means we’re right on time. Now, let’s go drink some shitty beer and dance the night away.”

“The things I do for you,” he says.

“You love it,” I tell him, grabbing his hand and leading him down the stairs of the bed-and-breakfast so we can take the trail that leads to the barn.

When I look back at him, he lifts a brow. “No fucking lies detected.”