Page 21 of And Then Came You

“Don’t be naïve, Lexi. You need to pay more attention.”

I expect a snappy retort, a petulant line about her being a grown woman who can make her own damn decisions. Instead, a smile spreads across her cheeks, those dark eyes dancing with mischief. “Despite most men believing that they are God’s gift to the world, that one included, I had no intention of sleeping with him. It’s called being friendly. You should try it sometime.”

I lean back, my emerald gaze holding hers, neither of us willing to break first. “Why would I do that? I don’t want to sleep with him, either.”

Our laughter breaks through the tension, and this time, my smile is genuine. “I wish my Granddad could have heard you. God, Lexi, what a voice.”

“He did. When he told me he loved Etta James, I sang him a couple of songs.” She leans forward, her eyes sparking. “What’s your great talent? Besides looking gorgeous all the time? Don’t deny that statement, either. You know you are.”

I run my tongue ring across my lower lip, feeling a burst of pride that even though I’m not her type, she can still appreciate the view. Is it a shallow sentiment? Yes, but hey, I’m not the Dalai Lama, I’m a model. “I don’t consider looking good a talent.”

“True. Now we’re back to square one. What’s your earth shattering talent?”

“I can make a woman orgasm in less than a minute.”

Note to self—don’t say the first thing on your mind, no matter how honest your friend wants you to be. Too late now, though, to reel that admission back in.

Lexi’s eyes widen as she sputters her drink. Shocked the hell out of her, too. “I call bullshit on that answer.”

“It’s the truth. I’ve tested my theory.”

“Hundreds of times, I’m sure.”

Something about her statement, her blasé reminder that I fuck everything that moves, sticks in my craw. But I’ve already played the part of the asshole once tonight. I have no intention of doing it a second time. Instead, I grin and wink; offering up my standard bad boy reply. “I have a long line of happy customers.”

Another laugh, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Lexi averts her gaze, staring down into her drink. “Lucky for you, isn’t it? I suppose after you’ve hit a certain number, they all begin to blend together. Or, maybe I’ve got that wrong? I suppose sleeping with beautiful women never loses its appeal.”

How wrong she is, actually. The beautiful faces and angular bodies are nothing more than coverings. Most of the women I bed are terrible excuses for human beings. A select few are amiable, but the majority? Spoiled, petulant children disguised as women.

“You’d be surprised how very unappealing many of them become the more I know them. Most people are like that.”

“Am I?”

Reaching across the table, I drag my fingers along her forearm, noting the softness of her skin. “You’re more appealing every time. A true rarity, Lexi McMillan.”

Lexi raises her glass, clinking it against mine. “Right back at you, Sam. Here’s to many more years of friendship, understanding, and the ability to laugh at our exploits in the morning.”

* * *

The extent of our exploits? Another round of drinks, one more song from Lexi’s beautiful mouth, and a short jaunt back to her condo. Caroline and Lexi bunked together, relegating me to the guest room.

I passed out the moment I hit the pillow. But a few hours later, I’m wide awake and watching the sun’s rays creep over the horizon. With my schedule, I’m usually up way before dawn or sleeping right the hell through it. Today, I’m taking advantage of a most unique weekend.

Slipping on my clothes from the night before, I pad out the front door and down the path, headed toward the ocean. The morning air carries a chill, but it rejuvenates my soul.

Or perhaps my new friendship is the reason behind my optimistic view on life.

Either way, I’m not complaining.

I step onto the beach, stopping to observe a female figure walking along the water’s edge. The sun glints off her dark hair, casting her in an almost ethereal light.

She’s stunning.

She’s also Lexi.

Catching sight of me, Lexi throws up a hand and I make my way to her side. “Good morning. Did I wake you when I left?”

I shake my head, unable to peel my eyes from her countenance. This golden-tinged hue enhances every plane of her face.

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