Page 23 of One Little Mistake
Two words, and my body stiffens.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not sure, honestly. It’s just the edge you usually carry in your voice isn’t there today.”
Fuck me.Am I usually a bastard to my own mother? I don’t know how to respond, so I remain silent.
“It’s been a long time, East—”
Knowing this conversation can only go down one path, I interrupt her.
“I need to get into this meeting, Mom. Lexi doesn’t know the Douglases. I don’t want to force her into awkward small talk. We’ll be home tomorrow. I love you.”
She sighs, “I love you, too, East. Tell Marvin and Amy I said hello.”
Sometimes I forget Mom used to accompany Dad to most of these meetings. Of course she would remember Marvin and Amy Douglas.
“I will. Talk to you soon.”
“Bye, Easton.”
Hanging up the phone, I stare at the busy street, collecting myself. In only fifteen minutes, three different women have been able to chip away at my carefully constructed walls, and I can’t go into this meeting unnerved.Westbrook Beast. Lexi’s nickname comes to mind, causing me to chuckle, and just like that, I’m back. I won’t dwell on the fact that Lexi’s voice in my head got me here. I just take it, square my shoulders, and prepare to win this bid.
Chapter 10
Lexi
Entering the restaurant, I can see the first signs of winterization as I pass through the thick, velvet curtain covering the door, keeping the cold from ambushing unsuspecting diners. Locating the hostess stand, I weave my way through the waiting crowd.
“Yes? Do you have a reservation?” the wanna-be model asks before I can even smile. I don’t miss these attitudes. But, in a short amount of time, I have realized that people really are friendlier in the south. I’m pretty sure it’s because of the year-round sunshine, but nothing brings it home faster than a server with snark.
Kill ’em with kindness, Lexi. My cousin, Lanie’s voice, is a real buzz kill, and my snotty comeback dies on my lips.
“I do. It’s under Westbrook, I believe.”
“There isn’t anything here under that name. Next,” Snarkysnot replies.
“Oh, I—”
“Actually, it’s under Douglas. It’s three parties combined.” Turning my head to the deep, somber voice, I feel my heart rate accelerate.
Making eye contact, the blond Adonis smiles.
Snarkysnot physically jumps at his voice. “Oh, ah, yes, of course. Right this way.”
“I’m Dillon. You must be an associate of Easton’s?”
Reaching out, I shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lexi. Easton is just outside, finishing up a call. He’ll be along shortly.”
When our hands collide, I’m relieved to feel nothing. Spending so much time in close quarters with Easton has caused reactions I’m not willing to acknowledge. I was beginning to worry that I’m really and truly broken. Dillon proves I can be in the presence of a panty-melting hot man and not turn into a pile of mush.
“I’m sure he will. Shall we head to the table to wait?”
“Of course.” Turning, I follow Snarkysnot, who has stopped at the entrance to a private room.
Stepping inside, I’m greeted by a young woman and an older man who immediately makes my skin prickle.
Dillon steps past me to make introductions. “Pacen? Maxim? This is Easton Westbook’s associate, Lexi … I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your last name.”
