Page 63 of Where We Fall

“Why the fuck is she off-limits?” I growl out.

“Because she’s our IT Director, Marcus,” Gabe cuts in sternly. “What happens when you break her heart, and she can’t stand to be near you anymore?”

“Why are you assuming I’ll break her heart?”

Luke raises his eyebrows at me. “Come on, man. Be real. When have younotbroken a girl’s heart?”

“It’s different this time,” I say in a whisper.

“I just don’t understand why it had to be her of all people in this city. She’s innocent and sweet.” Gabe looks at me, and I see disappointment in his eyes. It’s a familiar look.

Maybe I deserve it. There is no guarantee that this thing between us will last. What if she does get her heart broken and leaves the company?

For the first time since I’ve been with Lexi, a bit of doubt creeps into my mind.

“I don’t know what to say. Look, I’m sorry that you guys see it that way. I have no intention of breaking her heart. She’s amazing. All I’m asking is that you guys give me a chance here. Let me see where this goes with her.”

Not exactly the words I envisioned speaking on the way here. It’s just so easy to get sucked into the world of doubt when I’m around them. Doubt that I’m not smart enough, mature enough…good enough.

“Come on, guys. Give him a chance. He’s clearly trying to tell you this is different with her. I believe him,” Mia says in my defense.

I can see the worry still etched on their faces, but they look at each other as they speak their older brother language.

“Alright,” Luke says reluctantly. “Just promise me if it ends, it won’t end in total disaster with Lexi leaving the company.”

“Promise.”

I don’t intend for this to end with her leaving. I don’t intend on it ending at all.

As our food is delivered, Lexi's words ring in my ears, telling me to stand up for myself. I should’ve told them to just believe in me, for once, and not expect the worst. I should have admitted how their constant doubts make me feel. I wish Lexi were here. It would make this whole thing so much easier to discuss. She helps me think straight and gives me confidence.

But fuck if I’m going to tell them that I’m falling in love with her before Lexi knows. So, I swallow my pride and eat my food.

The tension disappears somewhere in the middle of our lunch, and we’re back to being best friends again. We joke and laugh. Gabe and I make fun of Luke for becoming the world’s most annoying father-to-be.

He wants Savannah to just quit and stay at home now. He’s constantly bothering her in her office, asking her how she’s feeling.

She’s a strong, independent woman though. I believe she just told him if he asks one more time, he’ll lose his privilege of being in the delivery room.

Obviously, we all know it’s an empty threat, but it’s made him think twice about nagging her.

When we get back to the office, I go straight to see Lexi. She’s deep in thought as she studies something on the screen. She bites her lip in concentration. It makes me think of how she bites her lip when she’s turned on or when I’m fucking her and looking into her eyes.

She’s wearing the sexiest shade of pink lipstick today. Fuck, I want that color smeared all over my cock.

And there it is; I’m slightly hard, and I’ve been in her presence for all of ten seconds.

She looks up and jumps back with a squeal.

“What the fuck, Marcus? You scared the crap out of me.”

I chuckle at her reaction. “Sorry, babe. Just got back from lunch and wanted to come say hi.”

She sits back in her chair as I round her desk. I sit on the edge of it as I cross one leg over the other.

“How did it go? Did you guys talk about us? Are they mad?”

I don’t want to involve her in their concerns. She doesn’t need to think my family has any reservations about us. I don’t want her to feel hurt.

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