Page 39 of Ruined Promises

Iknock on Lexi’s door with a bottle of champagne cuddled against my chest and a bouquet of red roses in my hand. Lexi had invited me to spend New Year’s Eve with her and her friends. It was considered low-key, yet I was told to wear a tux. I’m not sure what I’m getting myself into tonight, but I don’t care either as long as I’m spending it with my girl. In the last two weeks, we have kept our relationship private—sneaking kisses behind closed doors at the office, having “accidental” touches, but out of the office, I savor the moments. It’s when we can just be ourselves.

As much as I would rather be able to shout to the world that this woman is mine, I understand her concern about going public. Things could get complicated around the office; people could talk, and why bring unwanted drama into something new like this?

The door swings open to reveal Lexi standing there in a sleeveless, floor-length black dress, dipping low in the front. There is no way she can wear a bra with this dress. My mouth waters and my cock instantly starts to thicken at the view in front of me.

“Hey, babe.”

Her mouth curves into a smile at the use of the new nickname. She steps back and extends her hand, inviting me in. “Come on in.”

I dip down and capture her lips with mine, giving her one hell of a welcome. We break apart to cheers coming behind us.

A blush creeps up Lexi’s chest, drawing my attention to her cleavage once again.

I turn to find Lexi’s friends, dressed up just as well as we are, cheering our public display of affection.

“These are for you.” I hand Lexi the bouquet of roses, and she pushes her lips together, emotion all over her face.

She brings the flowers to her nose and inhales. “Thank you so much.”

“This is also for you.” I hold up the bottle of champagne. Lexi told me I didn’t have to bring anything, “just myself,” but my mother taught me not to show up empty-handed.

“I’ll take that.” Hadley quickly snatches the bottle out of my hand and clings to it as if her life depends on it, a huge smile all over her face.

“Ben, you remember Hadley.”

Hadley presses a friendly kiss to my cheek in greeting. “Nice to see you again. And glad you finally got your head out of your ass and got our girl here.”

“Had, leave him alone,” a deep voice calls from the kitchen. Cal walks toward us and extends his hand for me to shake. “Ben. It’s nice to meet you again under different circumstances.” After we shake hands, I wrap my arm around Lexi’s shoulder, pulling her close to my chest. Am I being territorial? Fuck yes I am. The smirk on Cal’s face tells me he knows what I’m doing.

“Yes, not the boyfriend Cal.”

Hadley and another brunette I have yet to meet but have seen photos of begin giggling. “Oh man, I can’t believe thatactuallyhappened.”

Lexi wraps her hands around my waist, and I love the feel of her beside me. “No hard feelings. I guess you were right that I just needed a push.” However, because of that joke, I almost gave up on the thought of us, assuming that she had happily moved on.

The brunette stands beside Cal, and he wraps his arm around her, similar to Lexi’s and my stance. Maybe this is his real girlfriend? “Hi, I’m Brynn. I’m sorry if this jackass causes any trouble.”

The apartment is decorated with beautiful black-and-gold decor. Strings of lights hang from the ceiling, and catered food trays line the kitchen. There is a totally different vibe to the apartment this time than the last time I was here. Lexi must take her event planning seriously, not just in her career but in her personal life, too.

* * *

“I’m sorry your brother couldn’t make it,” Lexi says softly, sitting on my lap. My hand is draped over her leg.

I shrug. Asher once again had plans, but I told him he was welcome should he change his mind. It was very sweet of Lexi to extend an invitation to him. He told me that he planned to “ring in the new year between some supermodel’s legs.”

Right now, I don’t want to talk about my brother. “Have I told you how absolutely stunning you are tonight?”

“Maybe,” she teases, “but feel free to tell me again.” She leans down, leaving a soft peck on my lips.

“You, Lexi Baker, lookabsolutelystunning in this dress, although I bet you look even better out of it.” Her breathing stalls, and I would love nothing more than test my theory, but it’s almost midnight and I don’t want to be rude with her friends.

It turns out Cal and Brynn are not together, just childhood best friends. I’m a guy and never notice anything, but I noticed they have some sort of chemistry. Hadley’s date, Josh, showed up about an hour ago. He is a bouncer at the club we met at and had to work a little bit tonight but snuck out early.

I trace small circles along Lexi’s wrist. I twist her arm over gently, running my thumb over the small infinity symbol tattoo on the inside of her right wrist. “What does that mean?”

“If I tell you what mine means, will you tell me about all of yours?” My sleeves are rolled up, revealing my decorated limbs. I close my eyes as she runs her nails back and forth. That feels good.

“Maybe one day I’ll tell you all about them, but I don’t think we have all night. But for now, tell me about yours.”

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