Page 18 of Falling for Him
“Are you crazy?” I say with a laugh. “Baby, you want to give her a home.” The endearment just slips out but she doesn’t flinch. “This kid, though she’s suffered a terrible tragedy, is about to strike gold. She’s gonna fall in love with the idea.”
“You don’t know that,” she tells me with furrowed brows.
“I do, Lex,” I assure her, cupping the side of her face, dragging my thumb over her cheek. “You have the biggest heart, always trying to take care of everyone else around you. You are selfless and compassionate and I can promise you that once that kid is with you, she’s gonna know without a doubt that she’s a lucky little shit. If there is anyone that can love her and help her strive to be something great after this loss, it’s you.”
“So you don’t think I’m insane for wanting to do this?”
“Hell no.” Leaning in, I kiss her lips softly. “I think you are amazing. I think that you are the most amazing person I have ever met. I think if there were more people like you in this world the troubles we have might be a little less heavy.”
“Smooth talker,” Lexi mumbles.
“Maybe.” I smile, feeling better than I have in weeks. “But nothing I just said is a lie. You are truly one of the best people I know. You make everything better, sweetheart.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Lexi
“You and Bennettlooked pretty cozy last night.” I don’t even turn around to face Adley. Instead I continue to move the bacon around in the pan. “It’s been months since I’ve seen either of you smile like that,” she adds and I know she is waiting for details.
The thing is, I’m still not sure myself where this leaves us. I do know something has shifted, but I was here once before. A place where I thought something was more than it was and I was made a fool of. I’m not only talking about Bennett, I am talking about every relationship I’ve had.
“The walls are starting to go up at his place,” Adley continues, and I smile to myself imaging how insane it’s driving her that I haven’t bit yet. She hates being left in the dark, absolutely hates it.
“Sutton said she has an amazing view out her back doors. A bunch of men, shirtless, with power tools. I was thinking of going over there. Sunday is a day of worship.”
“Oh my.” I burst out laughing, unable to contain myself any longer.
“What?” She shrugs when I look back over my shoulder at her. “It is.”
“Not worship men, you goof.”
“Who says?” She pops another piece of bacon into her mouth. “I’ve never seen a pamphlet on the exact meaning of worship. It just so happens that I like my version the best.” Walking around to the sink she rinses her plate and then places it in the dishwasher. “Wanna join me?”
I stare at her, letting the idea roll around in my mind.
“You want to say yes, I can see it.”
I want to decline just to spite her, but instead when she smiles I roll my eyes. “I need fifteen minutes.”
“See, told ya.” And she walks out of the kitchen with confidence. I love Adley so much, always have. Well I take that back, she was a lot to take at first and I was a little unsure of how to tread. But that quickly faded, now she is absolutely one of my favorite people. Sassy, headstrong, and confident, she is also dedicated and determined. Working full-time and going to school when she isn’t working, and she does it all without complaining. She is going to be an amazing nurse.
“This iswhat you see all day?” Jillian asks, leaning against the railing on the back deck.
“Yep,” Sutton says with a laugh as if she is looking at anyone other than Brantley.
“Give me those.” Kendall grabs the binoculars from Sophie and kneels down low trying to hide.
“Why are you hiding?” Sophie laughs.
“Because I don’t want to look like a creeper.”
“But you are a creeper,” I say and she smiles, nodding her head, but never once lowers the binoculars.
“Aaron is looking mighty fine these days,” Kendall says, biting her lip and I wrinkle my brows, glancing over at Sutton. She looks as surprised as me. Kendall continues to watch, while we all talk and make fun of her. A few minutes pass and she turns around, leaning back against the railing as she sits. “Take these, someone, please,” she finally directs. “I do not have time to lust after anyone. My dad has been working me like a dog.”
“Which is exactly why you should be burning off some steam. I think Aaron would be game for that,” Sutton assures her and she shakes her head.
“If I’m gonna use anyone for sex, I sure won’t be picking someone I have to see every time you crazies have a get-together.”
