Page 26 of Embracing Easy

It’s at this moment the reality of last night crashes over me.

Oh. My. God.

We had sex last night.

Multiple times.

Heat floods my cheeks as memories flash through my mind—the kitchen table, the shower, his bed...

My body goes rigid as embarrassment wraps around me. Does he think I’m a total whore?

“Lex?” HIs hand cups my cheek, concern etching lines around his eyes. “What's wrong?”

“I'm not—” The words tumble out before I can stop them. “I'm not a whore. I don't do this. I don't just sleep with men I barely know.”

Shawn's face breaks into a wide grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Baby, I know that.”

“What?”

“It’s clear to anyone who’s around you for more than ten seconds that you’re not that kind of woman.”

“It is?”

His hands frame my face, thumbs stroking my cheeks. “Yeah, it is. And if anyone ever suggests otherwise, they'll be picking their fucking teeth up off the ground.”

“It's just—” I bite my lip, struggling to put my feelings into words. “Everything's happening so fast.”

“Yeah. And?” He leans in, pressing his forehead against mine. “Already told you, baby. I do whatever the fuck I want. You feel this between us? This ain't casual, Lex. Not for me.”

My heart skips a beat. I didn’t realize how much I wanted us to be something special until he said the words out loud. “It's not?”

“No.” His voice drops lower, rougher.“And that’s something we need to talk about.”

I look at him curiously.

“Some things have… developed.”

“Shawn.” I pull back slightly, studying his face. “What exactly did you do at the clubhouse this morning?”

He guides me to one of the barstools, then starts unpacking breakfast—pancakes, bacon, eggs. The normalcy of it almost makes me forget my question.

Almost.

“Well…” He slides a plate in front of me. “Club’s going to wade in and handle the man who took your money.” He leans against the counter, his expression turning serious. “And I told them about John.”

Fork halfway to my mouth, I pause. “You told them about my ex? Why?”

He completely ignores my question, which instantly makes me feel defensive. “Legend's tracking down Randall Brodrick.” He takes a breath.

“And John?” I probe again.

“Dex is looking into John, making sure he can't cause any trouble.”

“Oh.” I set my fork down. “And you decided this was okay without talking to me first?”

His jaw clenches. “It's for your protection, Lex.”

“My protection?” Heat rises in my cheeks. “Don't I get a say in my ‘protection’?” I finger quote the word. He’s really crossed a line here.

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