Page 63 of Wicked Flirt
“I’m fine. Lexi’s here with me. Now you listen up, this sidewalk tumble I took isnother fault. I don’t want you breaking up with her just because she was nice enough to invite me over for lunch and to be part of her new business.”
He looked to the ceiling, working on calm. Jesus. Now his mom was on Lexi’s side?
“Marcus?” his mom asked. “Did you hear what I said?”
Deep breath in, deep breath out.“Thisisher fault. You weren’t ready to go out, and she should’ve checked with me.”
“The only reason I wasn’t ready was because I felt uncomfortable talking to a doctor I didn’t know. I felt more comfortable talking to Lexi.” She lowered her voice. “She told me you’re torturing yourself over me, and the least I can do is meet you halfway by talking to this doctor that came highly recommended just for people like me.”
He dropped his head in his hand. “And did you?”
“Yes. Lexi and I talked to her together, both of us on the phone. We had a nice chat, and I think next time I can talk just me and Dr. Roberts.”
His eyes teared up, so relieved he felt weak with it. “That’s really good to hear.”
“Now the three of us are going to have a chat. Lexi, pick up the phone in the kitchen.”
He shot straight up in his seat. “Mom, this is a private conversation for me and Lexi.”
Lexi’s voice came through loud and clear. “Well, it would’ve been if you would’ve talked to me.”
“Devious,” he muttered.
“Damn right,” Lexi said.
His mom chimed in. “I really like her, Marcus. She’s A-OK in my book.”
He rolled his eyes since his mom couldn’t see him.
“Thank you, Lia,” Lexi said warmly. “I really like you too.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Do I really need to be in on this conversation? Sounds like you two have all you need.”
Lexi continued her conversation with his mom. “Lia, did you know Marcus is a big muscled mush of a man so scared to admit he’s in love with me that he’d rather push me away? Very rudely, I might add. His exact words were ‘go home!’”
“Marcus, really,” his mom chided. “Haven’t I raised you with kindness? Those are harsh words, and words matter. Now apologize to Lexi.”
He ground his teeth. “I will not apologize.”
“I’m not sorry either,” Lexi said. “Not for one single thing.”
“Great,” he said.
“Do you know what, Lexi?” his mom asked.
“What’s that, Lia?”
“I have never, not once, seen Marcus as happy as he’s been with you. That is the truth. And the only reason I’m so motivated to work through this darn agoraphobia is because you told me how wonderful you thought he was and how very much you love him. I’m sure marriage is in your future.”
Marcus shot out of his seat. “What’s that now?”
Lexi spoke, her words coming out in a rush. “Marcus, it’s really hard for me to open up, especially with a witness, especially after your rejection, but here goes. You are everything. You are…” Her voice choked. “Sorry, I-I…”
He gripped the phone tighter, the emotion in her voice so strong it hit him deep inside. She did love him. His anger, his hurt, all of his defenses against her crumpled in that moment. “Lex—”
“No, let me finish. I need you to know how deep it goes. You are honest, kind, generous, loving, smart…” She sniffled. “And fun and beautiful in your manly way, inside and out, and I’m spilling my guts here because I love you so freaking much it hurts. I’ve never felt this way before about anyone, and I don’t think I ever will again. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, Marcus, and it’s worth saving.”
His eyes welled, his throat tight. He was about to agree when his mom decided to add her two cents.
