Page 46 of The Wife Situation

Alexis flawlessly dismounts the bike and removes her helmet, shaking her long brown hair out before tucking it behind her ears. I watch her from behind my visor, hidden from her gaze. She’s naturally beautiful, a woman who doesn’t have to try to steal my breath away, but somehow manages to.

Will this fire that’s threatening to ignite last more than two weeks? I guess we’ll fucking see.

I take off my helmet and strap them both to the back of the bike before I look around, knowing we’re safe from the paparazzi—at least for now. I spot Brody across the street, keeping watch. He nods when I glance in his direction.

When we’re close to the entrance, I open the door for her, moving my hand to the small of her back. I guide her to the booth across the room, tucked in the corner. It has more privacy than any other seat, and the paparazzi can’t capture a good image because of the tinted windows.

A red and white checkered tablecloth covers the scratched tabletop. If anyone peeked under it, they’d find my and Weston’s initials carved into the wood. We did it before we left for university. That was the first and only time we went our separate ways in life. It was hard because, before that time, we were inseparable. He knows everything about me, and vice versa. It’s a requirement when you wear the same face.

Once I received Alexis’s text this morning, I called my brother, and we had a long discussion about this. About her. About the company.

Weston invited me to join him in hisfuck itera. I think I might.

As I sit in front of this woman, recognizing the undeniable attraction that streams between us, it’s a yes.

Alexis leans back and reads the laminated menu as I try to readher. The restaurant has served the same items longer than I’ve been alive. I’ve got it memorized at this point.

“The usual?” the owner, Giana, asks with a smile.

I pull my attention from Alexis and meet her warm brown eyes. “For me,yes.”

Giana glances at Alexis and gives a slight nod of approval, but I don’t miss it. I’ve never brought a woman here in the years I’ve visited. This is a first.

Alexis scans the front and back again and sets the menu down. “I’ll have what he’s having.”

“Excellent choice.”

Moments later, a bottle of red is brought to the table with two glasses. Two cups of water are placed next to a pile of napkinsand two forks. When we’re left to ourselves again, Alexis fills her glass and moves to mine.

I hold up my hand. “I’m okay.”

She nods, taking a sip. “I never thought you’d step inside a place like this.”

“Why?” I ask.

“You seem more like acaviar and champagnekind of guy.” The sunshine reflects through the windows, making her brown hair shine.

“But do I?” I ask, lifting my brows, knowing she’s being facetious. “Truth.”

She glances away, unable to handle the eye contact as she sucks in a ragged breath. “No. It’s hard to believe you’re somewhatnormal.”

“It’s hard to believe you’resomewhatnot.”

This plan might work better than Ieverexpected it could.

“So, if I read the intentions behind your text, you’ve made your decision?”

A hint of a smile plays on her beautiful face. “I’ve decided to give you my answer after this date.”

“Date?” I interlock my fingers on the table, smirking. I know more than she thinks I do.

“What else would you call this?” she asks.

“A meeting.” I tilt my head, keeping my voice low enough for only her to hear. “You can’t play games with me,darling. After the performance you gave last night, Iknowyou’re all in.”

She shakes her head. “For once in your life, be patient.”

“No. It’s a complete sentence.”

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