Page 54 of And Then Came You

“You’re here.”

Approving murmurs flit across the table at my words, but I only have eyes for Lexi. I was right. She gets more beautiful every time I see her. Today, she’s wearing a tight tank and a floral skirt that shows off those shapely stems, but it’s the smile lighting up her face that damn near brings me to my knees.

She stands up, and I pull her close, burying my face against her neck. Thank God, she isn’t holding back either, her arms wrapped around me as she peppers kisses on my cheeks. “I’m so glad to see you, and to see your face.”

No way in hell was I showing up there with a beard. Lexi wants me clean shaven, that’s what she’s going to get. “I thought you’d approve.”

“Most definitely,” she replies, offering up a grin. “You’re here. I’m speechless.”

“That’s a first.”

“Don’t count on it happening again. Have a seat.”

I settle into a chair next to her, smiling at each of the women in turn. I only know one of them—Ramona. She’s Lexi’s assistant and right hand. Her version of my Caroline. The other women are strangers to me, but judging by the looks they shoot in my direction, they’re familiar with my work.

Their lascivious stares irk me, but it’s not because I’m unused to the ogling. Lexi is right here. It feels disrespectful somehow.

“So, ladies, what were we discussing?” Please God, let it not be periods or menopause.

“I was telling the girls about my trip to Rio for my birthday,” one of the older women states. “Everyone must experience Rio at least once in their life. I’m sure you agree, Samuel.”

I nod, although I find Rio far too crowded for my taste. “It’s quite the playground.”

“Lexi, when is your birthday?”

As soon as the woman asks, my heart sinks. I’m not sure of the day, but I know one thing for certain.

I missed it.

“It was last month,” Lexi offers, stirring her coffee.

“Did you do something fabulous?”

“It was… quiet.” Lexi ducks her head, but I catch the shadow crossing her face. The loneliness she hides from the world.

Her birthday was quiet. Code for everyone forgot.

Nobody remembered the birthday of the kindest, most achingly real woman on the planet.

Worst part? I’m one of those nobodies.

It’s as if Lexi senses the discomfort at the table. Gathering her things, she stands up, offering a smile. “This was a lovely chat, but I’m off to the bookstore. Sam, can I interest you in a walk?”

I squeeze her hand, smiling up at her beautiful face. “I’ll catch up with you, E.T. I have a couple of things to take care of first.”

As she departs, I release a long exhalation, burying my head in my hands. “I can’t believe I forgot her birthday. I’m such an asshole.”

Ramona clears her throat, but she isn’t negating my statement. “Make it up to her. You’re off to a good start, surprising her this weekend.”

She’s right. I screwed up, but I can fix it. I already planned on spoiling her this weekend. I’ll just up the ante a bit.

I excuse myself from the table. I’m a man on a mission. After checking into my suite, I head in the bookstore’s direction. As I turn the corner, I catch sight of Lexi walking out of a store, grinning as she chats with the elderly shopkeeper. With a wave and a last lingering glance in the shop window, she continues on her journey.

Time to see what caught my girl’s interest.

I duck into the store, gazing around at the vintage jewelry. No surprise that the eclectic pieces caught Lexi’s eye. They’re unusual and one-of-a-kind, much like her.

“How can I help you, sir?” The elderly gentleman is pleasant, but I catch the look fluttering across his face as his gaze wanders over my tattoos and piercings. I’ve seen it countless times before.

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