Page 48 of Wildest Desire

Since Lexi mentioned that something is happening between them, I've noticed little flirty moments back and forth. I had words with Travis, telling him my sister is off limits. He said he knew and was only messing around, but I don’t trust him.

“I didn’t want to go out with you guys anyway.” She sticks her tongue out at me. “I hope you guys have fun,” she says walking out of the room.

I’m always worried about her. She ended up with the wrong crowd during college and became a drug addict. I paid for the best rehab for her, to make sure was clean and healthy, but she hasn't been the same.

“Do you want to go home to get changed?” I ask Lexi, and she turns to face me, narrowing her eyes. I already know I've said something wrong. Or have I? She keeps me wound me up all the time teasing me like she does.

“So, you don’t think I look beautiful enough for a bar?” She folds her arms across her chest.

“I didn’t say that. I thought maybe… You look beautiful,” I tell her.

“I’m just messing with you.” She kisses me on the lips, then walks over to my mom and helps her clean the kitchen.

“I love Lexi—she’s going to keep you straight,” Travis tells me with a smile that I want to punch off his face. “We’re going straight from here. Did you bring the car, or are you taking a taxi?”

“Taxi.” I walk away from them as my phone rings. “Emily,” I say, answering the phone.

“Ethan, I got an email from Selena, saying you no longer want to work with me on the children’s center. I want—”

“If you're talking or working with Edward Cult, then I don’t want to do business with you,” I cut her off. I don’t want him anywhere near my business.

“Ethan, I think that would be a mistake. Who else will put that much money into the center?”

“I'll find someone. I don’t want you and Edward involved in my center,” I say, ending the call with her. She’s right, I don’t have anyone else on my list to ask. I asked Emily because she had some insight into children and I thought she would be great, but I can’t trust her now.

“So, the children’s center is finished?” I turn to see Lexi standing behind me.

“I need to find someone new to invest in it. Back to the drawing board,” I say then kiss her forehead.

“I’m sure someone will be willing to help you,” she tells me.

“Time to go to the bar, then?”

“Dancing time,” Lexi says, spinning under my arm. I admire how she refuses to let Sam ruin her life. She knows he’s out there and knows where she lives, but she still smiles and still wants to party. In a few days, I get to take her to Washington, and I can’t wait to have her all to myself.

* * *

Standing by the bar, I watch Lexi dancing with her friends while Travis grinds up against some redhead. After talking to Emily, this is the last place I want to be. I want to be home, looking for someone to invest in the center, but Lexi wanted to be here, so I’m here for her.

Travis walks over to the bar. “I’m going to be having a wild one tonight.” He nods to the redhead and her friend dancing against each other. “It should be a sin to be me,” he says, before downing his drink.

I smile at Lexi as she dances. I go to reply to him, but my phone vibrates in my pocket. “Keep your eyes on Lexi for a minute,” I tell him as I answer Selena’s call. I bet Emily is trying fucking things up for me. I told Lexi I didn’t trust Emily. I didn’t want to go into too much detail about why. I’m hoping to get them all out of my life before I have to tell her about the dark cloud hanging over my head.

“Hey,” I say, standing outside the bar. I want to make sure I can see who walks in while I’m out here.

“Emily sent an email saying she's fine with canceling the ties she has with the center. Would you like me to make a list of other businesses that we can contact while you're in Washington?” she asks. I know I work her to the ground. The way she handles me and my attitude says a lot about her character. I've never had a PA as good as her.

“Yes, but I want you to come to the apartment before we can go over some details before I leave.” Ending the call, I walk back in.

As I make my way to the bar I look over at the dance floor to see if I can locate Lexi, but she’s not there. I frantically look around the bar. Where the fuck is she? My heart is pounding with fear; I’ve no idea where she is. I see Travis at the bar, chatting with the redhead.

“Where’s Lexi?” I ask him, still looking around the bar.

“Dancing,” Travis answers without even looking around at me.

“Hey, sexy. Come here often?” I turn around and there she is. The sexiest woman I’ve ever seen in my life. I look at her with a smile.

“Not often enough.”

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