Page 53 of Wicked Flirt
“Who? I don’t remember someone with the last name Kennedy.”
“I don’t know her name.”
He shrugged. “You know I dated women before I met you. That has nothing to do with us right now. We’re exclusive, remember?” His lips curved in a small smile. “You adore me.”
Throat tight, her emotions tangled, she couldn’t bring herself to speak of the ugly rumor. Maybe it was a lie. Maybe Nate had an ulterior motive. Ellie sure had.
“Lexi, talk to me.”
She just couldn’t open up right now, the shock and pain of everything that had happened too fresh in her mind. “Bye,” she mumbled and turned to the door.
“Hold up. I’ll walk you to your car.”
She glanced over her shoulder. Marcus was standing, his brows drawn together over worried eyes. She wanted to forgive him, wanted to believe he was a good guy, but she just couldn’t. Not today. “I’m fine on my own.” He’d told her earlier where he’d parked her car, and now she was glad he had.
She rushed out, a little afraid he would stop her. He was definitely strong enough to prevent her escape, but he didn’t.
One foot after another, lip throbbing, gut rolling, she made it outside, took a deep breath of bracingly cold night air, and went to her car.
~ ~ ~
Marcus drove to Clover Park the next day to talk to Lexi face-to-face. He needed to make sure they were good now.
When he got to Lexi’s apartment, she wasn’t home. He pulled out his phone and texted her. Turned out she was on her way back to the city to meet with Nate. He tried to remember if he had a history with the guy, but couldn’t place him. Maybe Nate was from his early Wall Street days? He didn’t have any enemies that he knew of and couldn’t imagine why Nate had warned Lexi away from him. The only thing that made sense was if the guy wanted Lexi for himself. A definite possibility. Last night she’d been the bright and bubbly life of the party, making it fun for everyone. He was already thinking about hiring her for more events.
He called her as he walked back to his car. “Bad timing. I just drove to your place, and now you’re headed to the city.”
“I’m on the train, so I might lose reception.”
“I’ll head back to the city right after I check in on my mom. We can meet at The Burrow when you’re done with your meeting.”
“I got a lot on my plate. I’ll catch up with you later.”
He stopped short. “Are you mad at me?”
“For what?”
“You know what. The Ellie thing.”
“I’m sure you can’t help it if women throw themselves at you.”
He exhaled sharply. “I told you she surprised me. I would never cheat on you.”
“Good to know.” Her tone was dismissive like she didn’t believe him.
“We should talk in person.”
“I’ll let you know when I get some time. Bye.”
He stared at his phone. Shit. This was not good. She was blowing him off, he was sure of it. It wasn’t just that she had a job to do.
Well, he’d step up and help her with her business. She had a solid business plan, and now she had some start-up money from his event. He’d help her come up with a cool website and put her in touch with his web designer. That would show Lexi how much he cared. It was the only thing he could think of to do.
He got into his car and texted her, offering his help. She replied:I got this. Thanks anyway.
Fuck. If she didn’t need him for anything, how was he supposed to show he was worthy?
Maybe he should just lay it on the line.Lexi, I love you.He broke out in a sweat. What if she didn’t say it back? What if she couldn’t look past the kiss to the man innocently caught up in it?
