Page 55 of Where We Fall

I know Mia has a ton of respect for Lexi. She's always talked so highly of her at work.

"We appreciate your concern, sis. I have a good feeling about this one. I might just keep her around if she behaves," I say smugly, then take a bite of my eggs.

Lexi laughs, and Mia rolls her eyes. "Really?" Mia says to Lexi. "You sure you don't want to set your bar a little higher?"

"I don't know. This is a delicious omelet. I might have to keep him around for his skills in the kitchen alone."

I wink at her. I have other skills I'm sure she wants to keep me around for, but I'm aware that it's my sister we're talking to right now.

"Well, I don't want to interrupt your morning. I was just stopping by to drop off the cannoli. I'll… see you guys tomorrow, I guess."

"See ya, sis."

"Bye, Mia," Lexi says.

Mia pops her head back into the kitchen. "Oh, Marcus." She eyes me critically. "Please don't make me keep this thing between you guys a secret from Luke and Gabe for too long."

I roll my eyes. "I think you can handle it. Don't be a baby."

"Ugh, fine!" she says, then storms off.

Lexi smiles at me.

"What?" I ask.

She shrugs her shoulders. "Nothing. It's just you two have a really cute relationship. All of you guys do, even Savannah and Alexis."

"Yeah, I guess I've never really thought much about it. We love each other, but can also drive one another crazy."

"It must be nice to have. I wish I had siblings growing up. It would be much easier to care for my mom if I had someone to do it all with."

I never considered how doing it without another sibling would feel. It must be lonely and kind of terrifying.

"You can lean on me whenever you need to," I say as I grab her hand.

"Thanks," she says softly, looking down at her plate.

"I'm serious, Lex. I want to be here for you. Anytime anything happens, you need me to fly out there with you, or you just need someone to talk to about it. I'm here."

She shakes her head back and forth as if she's annoyed.

"What's that for?" I ask.

"I'm just waiting to find a side of you that sucks. You keep getting better and better."

I smile. "Wanna go back to bed, and I'll get even better for you?"

Her head falls back with laughter. The sound of it makes my heart skip a beat.

"Can it get any better?" she finally says.

I drop my fork on my plate. "Challenge. Accepted."

I pull her up from her chair and slam my mouth down on hers. While our lips tangle together, I wrap my arms around her and move her to the kitchen island. Once her back hits the counter, I break the kiss and turn her around. I place my hand on her back and push her down until her chest hits the countertop.

"I'm gonna fuck you right here, so I can picture your sexy ass every time I walk in the kitchen."

With both hands, I grab the bottom of my T-shirt she's wearing and move it up her body. I place one hand on her back to keep her in place while the other hand works its way down. My hand circles her ass, one cheek at a time, then I grab a cheek and squeeze it.

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