Page 22 of And Then Came You

Then there are her eyes, shining like amber. Ordinary? Not a chance, Lexi.

“You look absolutely stunning in this light.”

She rolls her eyes, waving off my remark as she continues her sojourn down the beach.

“I’m serious.” And I am. I need to drive this point home, make Lexi realize she is an extremely attractive woman. Perhaps then, she’ll understand her worth and stop hanging around men who don’t deserve her. “You’re always beautiful, but right now, the way the sun is glinting off your eyes…” Holy hell, I’m spouting sonnets, all aimed at my tiny friend.

Lexi turns, her hands on her hips and a smile playing on her lips that tells me she doesn’t believe a word I’m saying. “I appreciate the compliment. Thanks for making me feel attractive, even though we both know I’m the antithesis of your type.”

Each time she brings it up, the words sting a bit more. “Yep,” I concur, shoving my hands into my pockets, my stomach knotting at her words. “So you keep telling me.”

“You won’t hurt my feelings by agreeing. I already know the truth. Besides, that’s whatyou’vesaid, Sam.”

Now it’smyturn to call bullshit on her statement. I may have intimated that she wasn’t my type to others, but those words never left my mouth in her vicinity. Swinging my gaze back to hers, I shake my head. “No, Lexi. I didn’t. You’re the one who keeps telling me how I’m not your type, remember? I’ve never said those words to you, and I never will. But you can think what you like. I know the truth.”

The only issue? I’m uncertain what that truth is anymore, regarding Lexi or any of the women in my life.

Chapter Five

Lexi

Two things came out of the weekend I spent with Sam and Caroline—a budding friendship with Caroline and increasing confusion regarding my feelings toward Sam.

Our chat on the beach is hard to forget, even if I laughed off his compliments. Sam is a well-known flirt. I’ve gleaned this information from Caroline and other avenues of accurate representation, also known as the internet.

It’s true. I scan the internet for tidbits about Sam far more than I will ever admit—to him, at least. I finally understand the hype. He’s beautiful, even if he’s the complete opposite of anyone I’ve ever dated. But his piercings, tattoos and smoldering stare are the least important parts of Samuel Bernard, even if they’re pretty as hell to drool over.

No, I haven’t drooled over his pictures. That one I won’t admit, even to myself.

What I know about Sam, that most of the world is oblivious to, is that he’s witty, charming and extremely lonely.

I hope our friendship alleviates some of his loneliness. I know it has mine. Then again, I don’t have nearly the hectic schedule of Samuel Bernard. With his international jet-setting, I’m not sure when he finds time to be lonely, especially not when he’s surrounded by any number of beautiful babies.

But, despite his schedule, he calls or text at least once per day, even if it’s simply to send a photo of the sunset.

A sunset that, according to tabloids, he’s enjoying with Sveta aboard a yacht in the Aegean.

Lucky bastard.

Hell, lucky bitch.

Meanwhile, I’m stuck in my condo with uncooperative characters and a sex drive that even my new vibrator can’t touch.

Sometimes, life isn’t fair.

My phone rings and I answer without looking. It’s a terrible habit, born of the days when you were forced to answer without knowing what evil might lurk on the other end. Namely, the dreaded telemarketer. “Hello?”

“Lexi.” Sam’s voice sounds hushed and broken.

“Sam? Are you okay?”

“My Granddad died.” It’s all he can manage before he cracks, the sobs flowing from his body.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry.” My eyes fill with tears, knowing I’ll never again chat with Curtis. Never hear another one of his stories. His stories brought me joy. Hell, so did he. “I spoke with him only a few days ago. He seemed so upbeat, chattering on about the orchards.”

“Heart attack yesterday. According to the doctor, he never knew what hit him. A blessing, right? I just got back to the farm. The plane ride took forever.”

“I’m glad he didn’t suffer, but this is devastating for you and your Mom. I wish I could hug you right now.”

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