Page 19 of Embracing Easy

Slowly, I close the distance between us. “Smells good,” I say, my voice low.

Lexi turns, startled. “Oh! I didn't hear you come in.” Her cheeks flush slightly, and I can't help but notice how beautiful she looks, even in a simple T-shirt and jeans.

Without thinking, I close the remaining space between us. My hands find her waist, and I pull her close, pressing my lips to hers. For a split second, she's frozen, but then she melts against me and her lips part. Her hands come up to my chest, and I half expect her to push me away. But to my satisfaction, she doesn't. Instead, she grips my shirt in her fists and pulls me closer.

I deepen the kiss and lose myself in the taste of her, the feel of her body against mine. Lexi whimpers and I growl.

Fuck, she's perfect.

When I finally pull back, we're both breathing hard.

“I, um...” Lexi stammers, taking a small step back. Her fingers brush her lips, as if she can't quite believe what just happened. “Dinner's almost ready.”

I can't help but smirk at her flustered state. “Looking forward to it. How was your day?”

Turning back to the stove, she busies herself with stirring whatever's in the pot. She's purposely avoiding eye contact, and I let her. I know I'm coming on strong, but I've never wanted anything more in my life like I want her. Backing down isn't an option.

When she looks back up, there's a smile on her face. “It was... interesting. I had coffee with Amelia this morning.”

“Yeah? How'd that go?” I lean against the counter, genuinely curious.

Her eyes light up. “It was amazing. She's so down-to-earth and funny. We talked about books for hours. I felt like I was talking to an old friend.”

“And the interview?” I prompt, remembering her nervousness this morning.

“I got the job!” she exclaims, waving the wooden spoon in her hand around, dangerously close to splattering sauce. “I start on Monday at Happy Tails Animal Hospital.”

“That's great, Lex.” I'm genuinely happy for her. The more reasons she has to stick around, the better. Reaching out, I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “We should celebrate.”

“No, seriously, Shawn. You've done more than enough for me.” She waves the spoon around again.

“We'll see.” I wink.

While Lexi finishes up dinner, I run upstairs to shower and make it back downstairs just as she's setting everything out on the table, family style.

“Ready to eat?” she asks.

“Starving,” I growl. For more than she realizes.

I pull out Lexi's chair, noting the pink hue on her cheeks. “Thanks,” she whispers.

Taking my seat across from her, I can't help but marvel at how domestic this all feels. It's been a long time since I've had a woman cooking for me. This is definitely something I could get used to.

As we dig into the delicious pasta Lexi's cooked, we settle into a comfortable silence. Unfortunately, the peaceful atmosphere is shattered by the incessant buzzing of Lexi's phone on the table beside her. She glances down, her brow furrowed as she reads the number on the screen.

When the buzzing stops, then starts right back up again, her lips turn down.

“You gonna answer that?” I ask, eyeing her reaction carefully.

She hesitates, her hand hovering over the phone. Finally, she picks it up. “Hello?” Her voice is tight, controlled. “John, you have to stop this madness. You're violating the restraining order.”

My ears perk up at that.

Restraining order? What the fuck?

Lexi's voice grows more agitated as she continues. “I mean it, John. Leave me alone or I'll call the police.” She hangs up, her hands shaking slightly as she sets the phone down.

“What restraining order?” I demand, barbs pricking at the back of my neck.

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