Page 42 of One Little Mistake
Colton is always carefree, but I’ve learned quickly not to underestimate him. He is a Westbrook through and through, so when I see him staring at my just-kissed lips, I know I’m fucked.
“You feeling okay, Lex? You’re looking a little piqued today,” he goads.
“Yeah, I’m fine. We’re just trying to finish up some work, so I don’t have to see his grumpy ass all weekend.” I toss a thumb in Easton’s direction and he growls.
“Why wouldn’t you see me this weekend?” Easton’s words push through clenched teeth and Colton notices.
“Oh yeah? So, if you’re not hanging out with boss man over here, who, pray tell, will have the pleasure of your company?” Colt is laying it on thick, and brother or not, I think Easton might kick his ass.
Harnessing bitchy Lexi, I stare straight into Easton’s eyes as I speak. “Whoever’s looking for a good time, Colt. That’s all, just a good time.”
Easton’s hands ball into fists at my declaration, but I turn away from him before I say something I’ll regret.
Chapter 17
Lexi
Flying is stressful, and there’s no way to get around it. Flying with twenty-plus adults and an army of mini-humans, even on a private plane, is next-level insanity. I’ve done everything I can to avoid Easton, but I feel his sexy, determined glare on every inch of my skin.
I situated myself so Julia and Colton act as buffers, but my body heats when he’s behind me. If he’s in front of me, my eyes are drawn to him, and as he sits beside me, I nearly combust. Alcohol seems to be the only solution. Thankfully, Julia has no issues with it and keeps the Bloody Marys coming. She also spews non-stop random facts in his direction giving me a little reprieve.
While Easton is distracted, I slip out of my seat and find Lanie at the front of the plane. Staring at her is like seeing myself in a mirror of opposites. She could be my twin physically, but where I’m bitter and jaded, she’s happy and hopelessly optimistic. Where she has a family, I’ll always be alone. Realizing my hand has landed on my empty stomach, I tear my gaze away and grab some crackers Lanie had out for her new stepchildren.
“Hi, Auntie Lex. How come you’re so sad?” Lanie’s stepson, Tate, asks.
“Sad? No, buddy. I’m so excited to celebrate. Look at this awesome family you have.”
“Uncle Preston told me family is what you make it, so you have to make a good one. We’re a pretty good family, huh?”
You can’t look at this kid and not love him. He’s an old soul with the heart of a giant.
“It’s an amazing family, little man.”
“Yup, I’m getting a mom and a cousin, but watch out for Charlie. He’s a handful.” Julia’s son may look just like his dad, but that boy got his mother’s genes for sure.
“Shut up, Colt.” Easton’s voice cuts through the cabin just as an ear-piercing scream drowns him out.
The chaos that surrounds this group for once is not of the loving variety, and people are all over the place. Dexter has risen, holding a screaming, bleeding toddler. Colton is bolting over the tops of seats, and Easton is pacing in his attempt to catch him.
What the hell is going on?
“If you weren’t drooling over Lexi, you might have caught little Harper before she fell,” Colt teases.
My eyes dash to Easton, and I see the rage burning beneath his chest.
I’m getting to know Colton pretty well, and I can tell he’s goading Easton, but this is not the time. I need to see if Lanie or little Harper need anything, but I cannot tear my gaze away from the man attempting to break down my walls.
Hushed conversations happen all around me as people tend to Harper, and it’s too much. I make my escape and head to the restroom at the front of the plane so I don’t have to pass Easton.
By the time I exit, everyone has taken their seats, and the rest of the flight is silent while everyone catalogs what went down.
My phone vibrates. Glancing down, I see a text from Easton.
Easton: We need to talk.
Lexi: No more talking. No more mistakes. We’re good, East. Just let it be.
Eaton: …
