Page 19 of Losing a Piece of Me

It works. She scoffs and cuts the conversation short and stands to walk away, but turns back to me after a few steps, determined to get the last word. “This is your sister’s big night. Go be friendly and stop sulking, because, for once, you’re not the center of attention.” With that, she walks away.

I sit dumbfounded for a few minutes. Really? I always have to be the center of attention? I haven’t been the center of attention for six years! Or maybe she forgot that?

This merits several quiet minutes of seething to myself, after which I stand and head toward my sister. She’s standing with a big group of people, smiling and chatting excitedly as if she’s the luckiest person on earth.

I roll my eyes but don’t let her see. I’m happy that she’s happy. If this is the life she wants, more power to her.

I lean in and whisper, “I think I’m going to head out.”

She spins and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry, I’ve been trying to make my way to you all night. I just keep getting sidetracked.” Honesty is evident in her eyes.

Fake smile back in place, I reply, “It’s fine, you have a lot of guests here. You should talk to them.”

She grabs my hand and leads me a few feet off to the side. “These aren’t my guests and you know it.” Finally, her fake smile fades. “These are her guests.” She motions toward our mother smiling and laughing over a glass of champagne.

I shrug. “You look beautiful. James is very lucky.”

“James? Who’s James?” Her eyebrows skyrocket.

“I thought that was your fiancée’s name.”

She laughs. “No, his name is Richard.”

Suddenly, I realize that James was meant for me. My shoulders slump. “I really should be going before I meet James.”

Steph laughs and pulls me back to the group of people. “You need to meet Richard before you go.” She turns to him. “Honey, this is my sister Alex.”

His dark eyes land on mine. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard many wonderful things about you.” He takes my hand.

“Not from my mother I’m sure.”

He gently laughs. “Well, no. But your sister talks highly of you.”

I smile out of politeness. “It’s nice to meet you and I hope the two of you enjoy the rest of your party.”

“You will be at the family brunch in the morning, right?” Steph asks me.

I want to stomp my foot. “I don’t know, Steph.”

A sudden look of panic covers her face. “You have to come. Please, Alex.”

“Fine, I will be there.”

She giggles before moving in and giving me a hug.

I finally break free and don’t waste any time heading for the exit.

Chapter 6

With Lex’s lips on mine, it feels like no time has passed, like things are exactly as they were six years ago. The only thing that’s changed is how much more I’ve grown to love her. She fights me, but just as I hike her leg over my hip, I feel her give in to me, the same way she always used to.

Her hands roam my body and my stomach muscles tense beneath her touch. Her hot skin almost burns me. She tastes so fucking sweet. I get a handful of her ass, and the moment my fingers squeeze, a part of me comes alive. My blood pumps faster and feels like it’s boiling beneath my skin.

I know she’s about to take off. I can feel it in my bones. We’re too close for comfort and she’s enjoying herself. That’s going to freak her out and make her run. She’s always been a runner.

Just as I expected, she pushes me away and takes off back toward the house. I don’t try and stop her. This is Lex. This is just what she does.

With this one brief moment alone together, I got her to lower her guard just a bit, and I know it will happen again. It always does. It comes down in steps.

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