Page 31 of Ruined Promises

Lexi cocks her head to the side as she takes the bag in her hands. She glances down at the contents. Now that I am no longer holding the bag, I shove my hands in my pants pockets to keep from touching her. “On my way over, I stopped by the store and grabbed you a few items. There’s soup, ginger ale, crackers, and chocolate. I wasn’t exactly sure what was wrong, so I covered all bases.” My cheeks flush at the mention of the chocolate. I wasn’t sure if she was sick with lady problems or not.

Once again, shock laces through her features. “Wow, thank you. Why don’t I put these in the kitchen.” She points to the open kitchen beside us. “Would you like something to drink?”

Say no. Get back to the office.

“Sure. Water is good.” Lexi nods before turning her back to me and walking the few steps into the kitchen.

I glance around the apartment. I notice the television has an episode of some show I don’t recognize paused on the screen. There is a black, white, and gold WCU blanket scrunched up on the couch. She must have been curled up on the sofa, resting, when I knocked.Nice going, Ben.

The assortment of photos on the wall catches my attention. I don’t mean to invade her privacy, but then again, the images are on the wall for all to see; it’s not like I’m snooping through her underwear drawer.Fuck, my cock likes the idea of Lexi and underwear. Down, boy!I am looking at the colorful wall of photos when I feel Lexi’s presence behind me.

I accept the water from her and turn back to the photos, pointing at one in particular. “Is this you and the famous baseball player Luke Baker?” The smile on her face drops, and sadness fills her eyes.

Lexi brings her water to her mouth, taking a long sip. “Yeah, he was my cousin.”

The news of Luke Baker’s passing was national news and shocked everyone. I didn’t put two and two together, with Baker being a common last name. My heart breaks for her, and I yearn to pull her into my arms. “Well, I’m sorry for your loss.” She nods and gives a soft smile.

She notions to the couch, and I follow her. Lexi quickly reaches for the remote, turns the TV off, and shuffles the blanket off the side of the couch before taking a seat on the cushion furthest away.

“I’m sorry for barging in like this, Lexi. I was just concerned. I know that last night was, well—awkward. I’m sorry about that.”

“Why are you apologizing? You’re allowed to go out on dates. It’s not like…” Lexi stops talking and looks down at the water glass. This conversation just went from awkward to wanting to drown in the eight-ounce glass of water in 2.3 seconds.

“Yeah.” I’m not sure how to respond. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re feeling okay.”

Lexi shuffles on her seat, pulling her legs underneath her. “Ben, I have a confession.”

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