Page 57 of And Then Came You

Definitely moving in the right direction.

“What’s the difference?”

My hands splay across her stomach, inching her closer to me. “One you can’t wait to end and the other you pray never does.”

“Definitely the latter.” Lexi whispers the words, almost too low to decipher, but I hear them, and they’re all the reassurance I need.

Just wait, Lexi. I’m gunning for you and I won’t stop until you’re mine.

* * *

When I sneak Lexi out of a class the following afternoon, I feel like I’m in high school again.

But what I have planned is far better than whatever they’re teaching.

When we arrive at the Conservatory Garden, Lexi squeals with delight. “This is lovely. What are we doing here?”

I point to the picnic lunch, all spread out and awaiting our arrival. Thank God for delivery service in Manhattan. “Your blanket awaits.”

“Sam, how fabulous,” she exclaims, clapping her hands. “I’ve never been on a picnic before.”

I swear, if she’s this giddy about every nicety, I’ll be the happiest man on the planet by her side.

“I’m glad your first time is with me.”

Lexi giggles, that sexy laugh settling over me. “Me, too, although I’ll have to settle for second fiddle with everything around you. I highly doubt there’s anything you haven’t done.”

“Not true.”

“Really? In all your travels and all your women, what haven’t you done?”

We settle onto the soft blanket, enjoying the light autumn breeze. “I’ve never told a woman I loved her.”

“Have you ever been in love?”

With a deep breath, I swing my gaze in her direction, hoping everything shows on my face. “Once.”

“Why didn’t you tell her?”

“Too terrified she didn’t feel the same way.”

Lexi flops back onto the blanket, shaking her head. “Then she doesn’t deserve you. Is this the same woman you mentioned yesterday?”

“One and the same, Lexi.”

She flips onto her stomach, kicking her legs up as she plays with a blade of grass. “You need to tell her. She deserves to know.”

My hands tremble as I focus on the myriad of food. I have to hand it to the deli; they spared no expense. “Everything looks fabulous.”

“It does, and I’m starving. Added bonus. Way to avoid the subject, Sam.”

I open my mouth to address the elephant in the room, but Lexi changes the topic, popping a grape into her mouth.

“This is a feast. I’ve been eating healthier these last few weeks, subsisting on lettuce and a prayer.”

I nod, my gaze drifting down her curves. “I can tell you’ve lost weight. Don’t go overboard with it.”

Her eyes widen at my words, likely unexpected considering the stick-thin women I parade around with. “I don’t look good?”

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