Page 20 of Playboy Billionaire's Secret Baby

I check out my reflection in the full-length mirror covering my bedroom wall, smiling to myself as I do. I feel sharp, I look good and I have a feeling that Lexi is going to melt. I want her to melt. I definitely don’t want us to look at this date as one of those casual things that only happens every so often. There has always been more here.

“Tonight is the night,” I mutter to my reflection as my heart skips a few beats. “Lexi is going to love all this. It’s going to be perfect.”

Adam had a bit of a mixed reaction but he’ll soon see that this is something more serious. He will understand that there is a reason Lexi and I have always been drawn to one another. Adam hasn’t even seen us together and witnessed the chemistry. He doesn’t know why we’re drawn together.

Eventually, I check my watch and see that it’s time to go. The last thing I want is to be late. She hasn’t texted me this evening, but I’m sure she’s a little anxious about our date. Lexi must know as well as I do that this is a step over a set barrier. I head out the door, eager to get to the restaurant. I have the best table booked with the greatest view. I’m sure it’ll seduce Lexi as planned. There isn’t anything standing in our way now. She doesn’t need a private jet to come and visit me. Lexi is just around the corner. How lucky is that? I don’t think we will ever get a chance like this again, so if we don’t jump on it and explore, we never will.

I pause at the front door for a moment. I don’t want to get struck in thoughts of Marianne and what I almost had, once upon a time. Not tonight of all nights, but I can’t help it. This is why it has been so hard to move on, but no one has inspired me until now.

I think Marianne would like Lexi, which is very helpful. They would get along. But there’s no denying that this is major for me. It definitely isn’t going to be easy. If things continue with Lexi, I might need to be open and honest… one day. It scares me to eventhinkabout being so vulnerable, but for any kind of relationship to progress, I have to let her in, whether I like it or not.

I guess it’s good that at least I feel I could do that with Lexi… at some point… maybe…

***

What the fuck is going on? I can’t understand this. I feel like a total idiot as I sit in the restaurant alone. This has never happened to me before. I can’t even think of a time where a woman has even been late, so this makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

I check my watch for what feels like the hundredth time, but it shows what I already know it would. Lexi is super late and it’s starting to get worrisome. I’m starting to suspect that she has returned to the state of uncertainty she was clearly in before.

But she promised me a date. Why would she do this to me? I don’t even have a message about a change of plans, which is even more frustrating. What could possibly be happening? Every time I try to convince myself that Lexi has simply been held up somewhere, some emergency has come up… but wouldn’t she let me know? I’m too embarrassed to even reach out to Adam to find out.

I don’t want my friend to know that the date I spent so long planning has fallen apart before it’s even had a chance to get off the ground, although he probably knows already. This is why I shouldn’t get close to anyone in my friendship group; dating can get real complicated, real fast.

“Can I get you another glass of wine?” the waitress asks me as she leans across the table. I’ve been sensing her flirting with me all evening long, but I’ve been pushing her away, knowing that Lexi will turn up soon. But now I’m starting to doubt that’s ever going to happen. Maybe I should start flirting back…

Nah, I can’t work up the energy. I can’t be bothered for a stranger. The flirting energy that used to come so naturally to me is evading me completely. Without Lexi, it doesn’t seem worth it.

“Another glass, please.” I slide the glass over to her. “Thanks.”

“Don’t you think that perhaps you have been stood up?”

Oh wow. I’m pretty sure she isn’t supposed to say that… so it must be really obvious. This is a freaking nightmare. If it wasn’t Lexi, then I would have left ages ago. But there’s something about her specifically that keeps me intrigued. I can’t keep the scowl off my face as I stare at her.

“I think I would just like another glass of wine,” I snap. I know that I’m taking my anger out on the wrong person, but this waitress has been rude to me…

Plus, Lexi isn’t here, so how can I let her know that she has irritated me by leaving me sitting alone like a God damn idiot? Urgh.

Chapter 13

Lexi

Ican’tdothis.That’s the only thought that keeps circling endlessly through my mind.It doesn’t matter what anyone says to me, I cannot do this. I keep staring at my wild-eyed reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the person looking back because she’s so afraid, so unsure of what she’s going to do.

I agreed to this date and kinda wanted to go on it as well. I don’t see why I shouldn’t because Frederico and Ialwayshave a good time. I have never had a date like that with someone else. Even the last time I was here, we had the best time. A crazy good time. But it’s different now, and I can’t shake that off.

I can’t let go of the feeling that as unlikely as it is, Frederico really wants more from me. He suggested dating in a way I don’t think he does as a rule. He has a reputation as a playboy for a reason, but it seems he’s stepping out of his usual comfort zone and trying something new - with me. That’s thrilling and terrifying all at once. With James in Italy, I can’t get rid of the deep pit of guilt swirling in my stomach. The lie feels so much bigger now. I haven’t ever wanted to lie to Frederico’s face, but I’m definitely not ready to reveal James’s true identity. I’m in such a dilemma that I can hardly contain myself. I think I might actually be shaking.

I should never have agreed to the date; that’s the worst part of this situation. I knew it wasn’t going to sit well with me, but I got lured in by temptation and agreed anyway.

“Lexi,” Mom calls through the apartment. “Allegra is here.”

I don’t want Mom to freak out and think that something big is happening, so I haven’t exactly been honest. I’ve suggested that Allegra and I are headed out for a girl’s night on the town, and my incredible best friend has come here to make that more likely.

Idolove living nearer to Allegra. That part of living in Italy is amazing.

“Send her in,” I croak. “I’m just getting ready now.”

What the hell is she going to think when she sees me? I’m sure it’s that I’ve lost my damn mind, and she isn’t wrong. I feel like I have - like I’m no longer myself anymore. The midnight blue dress I’m wearing might look good, but I sure as shit don’t feel it.

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