Page 50 of Where We Fall

When I open it, he stands from his desk and takes calculated steps in my direction. I almost think he's angry with me. I begin to rack my brain for what it could be about. I don't think I could've done much from last night to now.

He grabs the door behind me and shuts it, then backs me up against it.

I'm about to ask what's wrong when he begins to chuckle.

I realized he was messing with me. I swat him in the chest. "What the hell? You had me freakin' out."

He continues to laugh. "I'm sorry, babe. Just having a little fun."

Babe? It's one thing to be called that in the bedroom. In the light of day at work is an entirely different story. My heart accelerates from the term of endearment.

He grabs my face and kisses me.

"I just couldn't stand knowing you were only feet away from me. I needed something to hold me over," he whispers into my mouth.

Then his lips press against mine again, this time with a bit more purpose.

"You coming over again tonight?" he asks.

I smile. "I suppose I could do that."

"Good. Now, let's eat some lunch before I lose control and have my way with you right here. I brought those leftovers in."

He opens the door, and I follow him to the breakroom. We work together to pull out the containers and determine what we want.

"What the fuck? You brought in DiStefano's and didn't tell me?" Luke barks at Marcus when he walks into the room.

"Give me a break. I haven't even warmed mine up yet. I was gonna text you guys to let you know. There's plenty for everyone."

"Why does Lexi get some before me?" he complains.

I smile as I place the last meatball on my plate and then wink at him. Marcus starts to laugh.

"You guys fake date for like a day, and now she gets special treatment over me?"

I look over at Marcus, and he smiles as he places our plates into the microwaves on the counter. He doesn't seem worried by Luke's comment. I know it's too early to talk about it, but I wonder when we'll tell his siblings or if we'll ever get to that point.

"Did I hear there's DiStefano's for lunch?" Mia walks in with Gabe trailing behind her, Savannah not too far behind.

"I go first. You can't say no to the pregnant lady," Savannah shouts as she runs in front of everybody.

"Ugh, fine," Gabe grumbles. "You're lucky I like you, Savannah."

Marcus and I sit down at a table and begin to eat our warm food while they fight over who gets what.

It's odd what a weekend away with them can do. Suddenly, I feel like part of the group more than ever. It's like I'm part of their family. That's a scary thought. It's dangerous to get attached to the idea since Marcus is known to be a ladies' man. The odds of this going anywhere serious are pretty unlikely.

Only it feels so significant when we are together, like it's meant to be.

Stop thinking that shit, Lexi. Don't go falling in love too soon.

I do my best to shake off the worries floating around in my head. I just need to enjoy my time with him and see where it goes. After all, this was all supposed to be fun. I wasn't supposed to go falling in love, right?

***

"I love your freckles right here," he whispers while we lie naked in his bed.

His fingers skate over the scatter of freckles I have on my chest.

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