“Sure, just help me. What are you guys doing tonight?” Addison inquired as we loaded our arms with the material. The color she chose was stunning, and the fabric was luxurious. I couldn’t wait to see the final product.
“Not sure. I’m starving, so I’m sure we’ll grab dinner.”
“Cool. Try the new place on Tremont Street. The menu looks delish. I’ve been meaning to go, but haven’t had a chance yet,” Addison suggested. “Now, go shower. I’ll finish moving this stuff.”
Around six thirty the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, Luke looked sexy as hell in his scrub pants and TRD shirt. He wore his glasses again, making him look downright edible.
“Hey, there. Come on in.” I pulled him into a hug, offering him comfort. “You look exhausted. If you’re tired, we can do this another night.”
“Absolutely not. I’m tired, but I want to hang with you.” He wrapped his arms around me and laid his head down on mine. “Do you think we could order in instead of going out? I just want to park my ass on the couch and have you cuddle up on me.”
He didn’t have to ask me twice.
“Sure. I’m going to change out of jeans into comfy pants, since I’m not seeing other humans tonight.”
“You going to slip into something more comfortable?” Luke wiggled his eyebrows at me.
“Yup, sweats!”
“Sexy. What do you want on your pizza?” Luke asked.
“Pepperoni is my favorite, but I could do anything right now I’m so hungry.”
“Pepperoni is perfect. Sorry, I’m being lame, but today was really long. How do you run that far every morning and not pass out at seven o’clock?”
I pushed Luke down on our couch. He got up to run just to be with me, and I felt awful, but it kind of made me fall even harder for him.
“Before I started talking to this hot guy every night before bed, I was passed out at seven. Okay, you order. I’ll be right down.” I winked at him as I ran up the stairs.
*****
I loved going out to restaurants and bars to hang out with friends. But eating pizza, drinking water, and snuggling on the couch in my comfies under my favorite blanket with Luke? The absolute best way to end a day. With my head resting on his chest, I fit perfectly right under his shoulder, and as we watched mindless television, I lightly caressed his arm. Every time I touched the palm of his hand, he tried to stop my motions, but I wanted to feel him. His arms were hard muscle, but the skin and hair were soft.
Addison stayed in her room most of the night creating my dress and giving us privacy, but she popped into the kitchen for a slice of pizza. I appreciated it more than imaginable. It felt great to be a couple just touching and kissing without any worry.
We dozed off wrapped in each other’s arms. Our legs tangled, making it hard to tell where he began and I ended. It was a feeling I wanted to get used to, to fall asleep and wake up together every day.
Both of us jolted awake when the news clicked on—louder in volume than the previous show. The newscaster reported live from the marathon finish line, where more ceremonies to commemorate the anniversary had taken place tonight. Her update came from under a large umbrella while rain poured down around her.
“Police have evacuated the area after two backpacks were spotted near the finish line, reminiscent of last year. A barefoot man, dressed in all black and wearing a black veil, was acting suspicious, and when asked what was in the bags, he said rice cookers, the same devices used by the bombers one year ago today.”
Luke sprang for the remote on the table to turn off the television. “You don’t need to watch that.”
“Luke, please, turn it on. I need to know what’s happening.”
“Lex, look at me. The incident happened earlier tonight. The bomb squad has probably disposed of the bags. It was just some asshole trying to scare everyone.”
“Well, he fucking succeeded.”
*****
Luke
Alexa’s face filled with terror. Her body shook, and her breathing was erratic. No one who knew me would call me a violent person, but in that moment, if I could get my hands on that man, I’d beat the shit out of him for affecting Alexa and scaring our community again. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and kill anyone who threatened to do harm to her.
“This morning really helped me. I was putting my fears behind me, and now this! Luke, how am I going to run on Monday?” Tears streamed down, and she looked up at me with complete despair written on her face.
“Baby, you can do it. I know you can.” Picking her up, I settled her in my lap. “They have increased security for Monday. Checkpoints will be up. More uniformed and plainclothes police than you can imagine will be placed along the route. You’ll be safe, sweetie.” I wiped her tears away.
“Maybe I just won’t run. Children’s Hospital has the donation. I’m good with that.”
“Lex, you’ve been training for months, on top of all your training last year. Don’t quit now. You’re only letting the terrorists win if you let fear rule your decision.”
“Will you be there? At the finish line?” Alexa said between hiccups as she calmed down.
“Do you want me there?” I stroked her cheeks, clearing her tears.
“Yes, I know that doesn’t make sense since I’m scared of more bombs, and if you’re there, you’ll be in danger, but I need to know you’re there as I cross the finish line.”
“Then I’m there, babe.” The panic in her face drained away. “Do you want me to come to the starting line in Hopkinton? Or Heartbreak Hill?”
“No, I know you need to work. I won’t cross until after two thirty, so there’s no need for you to take the whole day off.”
“Lex, you are more important than my clients.” I’d never said those words before, but everything with Alexa felt natural, including my feelings. Being with her wasn’t work. Every conversation, every touch, every kiss felt right.
At this revelation, I cupped the sides of her face and brought our lips together in a sweet, sensual kiss. I tasted the saltiness of her tears with every lap of my tongue.
After we broke apart, Alexa looked up, her gorgeous blue eyes pleading with me. “I know we can’t have a sleepover, but will you come up and tuck me in?”
There was no denying her. Ever.
“Of course.” I stood and reached for her hand. “Show me the way.” I followed her up the spiral staircase and down the hall into her bedroom.
The room was exactly what I imagined, simple and cozy. The walls were a soft blue. A queen size bed in the middle of the room was covered in a stark white down comforter that looked like clouds, and a bright blue blanket draped the foot of her bed. Black and white framed photography hung on the walls. In the corner, a pile of clothes concealed most of a blue velvet, wingback chair.
“Here we are. My lair. Sorry it’s such a mess. I’ve been slammed this week with clients and training. Let me clear this off, and you can sit while I brush my teeth and wash my face.” Alexa picked up the clothes and threw them into her closet.
“Come here,” I said as she walked past me to the bathroom. I wrapped my arms around her waist, bringing her flush against my body, and looked down at her beautiful face. “Please, don’t quit. I know you can do this. I know you’re bigger and better than your fear.”
“Okay.” She took a deep breath and nodded.
I placed a chaste peck on her cheek, spun her around toward the door, and patted her fine ass. “Good, now go hurry up. I want to kiss you senseless before you fall asleep and dream of me.”
After she returned from the bathroom, I did just that.
Chapter Twenty-one
Alexa