Page 3 of One Little Mistake
Julia: She means kick ass and take names. You’ve got this!
Julia: Luvs.
Their confidence in me is comforting, but it doesn’t shake off my nerves.
Lexi: Thanks, guys. Luv you both.
Julia: Just throwing this out there … East is pretty hot! (winky face emoji)
Lanie: They would look so cute together, wouldn’t they?
Jesus Christ.
If they knew what I’ve been through, they would understand. My heart isn’t up for grabs, and it won’t ever be again. My boyfriend finder is broken beyond repair. Or maybe it never worked to begin with, since I’ve only ever chosen losers.
Lexi: Don’t start. That isn’t an option. Not now, not ever. Do you not remember my choice in men almost got me killed?
Lanie: …
Julia: You can’t blame yourself for Miles. You couldn’t have known, but I will say this: both Lanie and I found love when we had sworn it off. You never know when it will strike.
Lexi: I do. Never. Love is a choice, and it’s one I’m choosing not to make again.
Lanie: Oh, Lexi. It’s cute how you think you can control it.
Lexi: Whatever. I have to get going, or I’ll be late. Luvs.
Lanie: Luvs.
Julia: Kick his ass. Then maybe kiss it better! (Winky face kissing emoji) Luvs!
I don’t respond because Julia has no filter. Her responses will only get worse if I encourage her. Instead, I pack up the lunch I made and head out the door, only to run face-first into a human wall.
“Leo,” I grumble. Ashton, the youngest Westbrook, decided I need to have round-the-clock security. Freaking Ash. The only reason I didn’t argue is I’m pretty sure he does some messed-up shit with super-spy Loki.
Leo is my day guy, and his job just got boring as hell. Realizing I never asked him what he would do all day while I sat at a desk, I stare at him.
“Something wrong, Ms. Heart?” His voice always sounds so clinical.
Tilting my head to the side, I observe him. “What are you going to do all day?”
“What I do every day, ma’am. Watch over you.”
“Oh, hell to the no! Do not call me ma’am.” I jab my finger into his chest as I speak. “I’m not old enough for that shit. For the last time, it’s Lexi. Call me Lexi or Lex. Jesus, even ‘girl’ would be better than ma’am.”
He doesn’t answer. The only acknowledgment I get is a quick nod of his head as he steps out of the way so I can lock the door. This is going to be a long day, and I already feel a migraine coming on.
We climb into the car, and the driver takes off. My girls married into some rich ass families, but I begrudgingly admit they’re amazing. I will never say that to Preston, though. I’m having a hard enough time separating them and their money from the wealth and cruelty I knew when I was with Miles.
Leaning back, I close my eyes, but the car pulls to a stop all too quickly, and I hear Leo exit the car.
Well, shit.The commute took less than five minutes. Leo opens my door, and I force myself to exit. I’m not sure what I expected, but the building before me emblazoned with ‘The Westbrook Group’ was not it. Maybe it’s because Preston always presents himself as the playboy. Surely, he’s doing something right if he is keeping a multi-billion dollar cooperation running successfully.
Maybe I’m not giving the guy enough credit.Lanie told me Preston recently rebranded Westbrook Enterprises into The Westbrook Group to better encompass the partnership with his brothers. If they can rebrand something like that, there’s no reason I can’t reinvent myself to be the best damn assistant Easton Westbrook has ever seen.Right?
With Leo shadowing me, I make my way to the security desk and check-in.
“Welcome, Ms. Heart. You’ll be on the twenty-first floor. Your badge will allow entry from the elevator.” The guard is a sweet, older man whose name tag says Sam.
