Page 8 of Saving His Heart
She is far too thin, is my last thought before I realize I’m going to have more than a few problems on my hands.How the hell am I supposed to get Emory in here every night now?
One problem at a time, Preston. One fucking problem at a time.
* * *
The next fewweeks fly by in a blur. Lexi and I have come to an understanding, at least I think we have. We attempt pleasantries. It doesn’t always work. She spends a lot of time visiting Lanie during the day, and for the last week, I have been spending a few hours a night in Emory’s apartment downstairs. We figured with Lex in the next room, it was best to do our thing in her apartment. Loki’s apartment, I should say.
That was a gut punch when I realized I had, in fact, sublet his apartment for Ems. I cook most days, leaving stuff in the fridge for Lex, and I’ve noticed her doing little tasks to help like emptying the dishwasher and running loads of laundry. But, mostly, we do our best to avoid each other. The tension that’s building is going to end in an explosion. I just know it.
At some point, GG sent Lexi a box of old clothes. They look like they must be from high school, and she is too proud to ask anyone for help. The information I got from Ryan this morning had my blood boiling.How can that damn girl be so stubborn?
He found out Lex had been the most requested buyer for a large department store in Boston. Then she was terminated, seemingly out of the blue, and no one else would hire her. I don’t know what could have changed public opinion so drastically, but knowing that Loki had to rescue her tells me all I need to know. Somehow, she’s mixed up with the Black family.
When Ryan investigates, he leaves nothing out, which is how I learn that she only has $1,044.36 in her account. That is all she has to her name and no job. By the looks of it, no prospects either until we can clear up whatever the hell happened with the Blacks.
Deciding enough is enough, I grab my phone to text Lanie and Julia. Staring at it in my hand, I am suddenly overly aware of how much our lives are changing. Now I just need to get Loki and my four brothers settled into stable relationships before my time runs out.It can’t be that hard, can it?Deciding to put that thought off for tomorrow, I text the girls.
Preston: Lexi arrived with nothing, and I’m done with her bullshit. My assistant will have clothing waiting for her at Nordstrom’s tomorrow morning, but we all know she won’t take them from me. Can the two of you pick them up and bring them to my apartment?
Julia: Why, Preston Westbrook, is that a friendly gesture toward your sworn enemy?
Lanie: Aww, you’re so stinking sweet. Lexi has won you over, hasn’t she? You know we all offered to buy her stuff, but she keeps refusing. So, I’m assuming you two must be getting pretty cozy, huh? (winky kissy face emoji)
Preston: STOP. No one is getting cozy with anyone. She’s run down, too thin, and has literally nothing. Can you do this or not?
Julia: Just tell us when. You did good, Preston.
Preston: Thanks, doll. Goodnight.
Switching over to make a call, I press Mona’s number.
“Kind of late, isn’t it, boss?” Mona answers coolly.
I love this old bat. I inherited her when my father passed away. She was his assistant, and now she is mine. I wouldn’t be able to function without her.
“Sorry, Mona. It’s sort of an emergency. Lanie’s cousin is staying with me, and for whatever reason, she has nothing. Can you have my Nordstrom’s shopper pull together everything a woman would need for all seasons? She is the same size as Lanie, so if you call her, she will help you out there.”
“Ohhkay,” she draws out. “Is this a special someone, boss?”
Jesus Christ, is everyone in my life going to keep saying this shit?
“No,” I bark. “She is just Lanie’s cousin, and Lanie is a dear friend. Also, tell the shopper that I need it by tomorrow. The girls will be by to pick it up in the morning.”
Mona laughs. “It’ll be ready, sir.” Then she hangs up. Mona doesn’t take my shit, but she sure as hell gives it to me by the truckload.
One problem solved, ninety-nine more to go.
Chapter 3
Preston
It’s almost eleven, and Lexi still hasn’t come out of her room. If I hadn’t just gone to check on her and heard the snoring from the end of the hallway, it would worry me. Jesus, that girl snores like a chainsaw. I don’t know what the hell she is doing at night, but I hear her pacing or typing away on an old laptop Julia or Lanie must have given her.
From my desk, I hear a commotion at the front door and realizeLanie must be here with the clothes I ordered.Walking toward the great room, I’m shocked by the racks and racks of clothing she and Julia are dragging in. This is going to piss Lexi off to no end, and that makes me happy.I love messing with that girl.
“Hey, Pres,” I hear Dex call from the kitchen.
“Shh, Lexi is still asleep.” As soon as I say it, I feel her come up beside me.
