Page 52 of When We Fell Again
I heard the creak of the sofa and thought I’d blown it. But when Lex’s thigh bumped into mine as she slid along to be next to me, I realised I hadn’t.
“I think that would be amazing.” Her fingers reached over, tilting my chin up and turning my head towards her. “I meant what I said this afternoon. That I’d regret not taking this second chance.” She blinked, her gaze sincere.
“Really? You mean that?”
“It’s taken me a long time to come to that decision, but I know in here.” She placed a palm over her heart. “That it’s the right one. I care about you too much to simply throw it away again.”
Reaching over and covering her hand with mine, I could feel the gentle pounding of her heart underneath her hoodie. “Me too.” Gripping the fabric of her top, I pulled her towards me, grazing her lips with the lightest of kisses. Deep inside me, I knew I wanted to take it further, to reconnect with Lex on a physical level as well as the emotional one we’d just established. But, for once, I didn’t want to rush things. Taking it slow would mean all the more to savour when we did take that next step again.
I pressed the tip of my nose to hers. “Lex?”
“Mmmm?”
“Can I stay here tonight? I always sleep better with you.”
CHAPTER22
Alexis
I couldn’t stop smiling.
The past ten days had been amazing. Sadie had whisked me away for a three-night stay at a health spa where I’d had massages and facials which put me in a blissed-out state. I’d got the all-clear from the doctors, managing to get away with a lecture about making sure I got enough rest and to try and modify my diet. And I’d alsoslept.Coming home had been hard, but Jordan and I had also hung out. I joined him at the studio for a couple of afternoons, watching Idol Rev’s new material come to fruition. Listening to the latest songs, I could already feel how brilliant they would be live. We’d also been on a couple of dates, out for dinner and even to the cinema. Making out in the back row and not watching the film reminded me of being a teenager with no responsibilities. When I realised there were only a few more days left of my break, I wanted to run away. But being the grown-up I was, I pushed all of those thoughts out of my head and focused on the here and now.
That was Levi and Jude’s joint birthday party.
Jordan had arranged everything, with Robbie’s help. They had booked out the whole top floor of one of their favourite pubs, organised some food, and invited everyone they knew to come along and be treated to a short set of the band’s almost-finished album. He talked about getting a tour together and begged me to come, but I’d stalled. Theo would make that decision when the time came.
“Jordan’s going to think it’shisbirthday,” commented Sadie. “Sit still, though, or else this eyeliner is going to be less cat-like and more panda.”
She had helped me pick my outfit as well as doing my hair and makeup. Hey, if you couldn’t ask your best friend who does exactly that for a living, who could you ask?
“Thanks for this,” I said, doing as she had told me. “I wanted to make an effort.”
She laughed. “You’re dressed for the red carpet and you’re going to the pub. That’s some effort.”
I had to admit, Sadie had outdone herself with the look. I wore a black lace miniskirt that finished mid-thigh, paired with a long-sleeved black silk blouse, unbuttoned enough to give a glimpse of the black lacy bra underneath, all finished off with a pair of black suede over-the-knee boots. My hair was loose and wavy, falling around my shoulders.
“You don’t look too shabby yourself.”
Sadie was also coming to the party, dressed in a slinky silver number. While I would know a lot of people there, I didn’t fancy standing on my own when the band played. Too much like being back at work, which would start in earnest again next week. Theo had been pretty good, not bombarding me with messages or emails, but I knew it killed him not to be able to discuss every little detail with me. While I didn’t want to admit it out loud, I kind of enjoyed how much he thought of me, even though he didn’t always show it in the best way.
“If I stand any chance of hooking up with someone, then I want to look my best.” She struck a pose, lipliner in hand.
I rolled my eyes. Sadie never had any issues in that department. The string of broken hearts she had in her wake was legendary.
Once we were ready, Sadie booked an Uber to get us across London to the pub. I didn’t fancy going on the tube or the train in this get-up. For some reason, nerves bubbled in my stomach. This would be the first time Jordan and I were out in public as a couple again. We’d been pretty low-key around the rest of the band, but that night, we both wanted to make sure everyone knew how things were between us.
Given the way Jordan practically pounced on me the moment Sadie and I entered the door of the upstairs room, there would be no doubt about that.
“Fuck me, Lex. I mean, wow. Just wow.” His gaze raked over me from head to toe, the intense scrutiny making me tingle. Hooking a hand around the back of my neck, he pulled me flush to his body, devouring my lips in the most public display of affection he had ever demonstrated.
Wolf whistles and cheers rang out as we separated. Colour warmed my cheeks, unused to such attention.
Gently, I pushed him away. “Hey, we’re not meant to be the centre of attention tonight.” I glanced around, looking for Levi and Jude. “Where are the birthday boys?”
Jordan pointed towards the bar. “Getting the drinks in.”
“I have presents.” I held up a bag with balloons on it.
