Page 57 of Two Hearts' Christmas Homecoming

“Well, there’s a hell of a lot more to the story,” Lex said slowly.

Jake kept holding his gaze, giving him an encouraging nod.

“I was told thatI killed him.In fact, I was being blackmailed about it,” Lex said quietly. “That’s why I was afraid to stick around Crystal Rock.”

Jake looked grim. “You poor kid. I can only imagine the fear you were feeling back then when you moved in with Gabe and Lucy. Like I mentioned before, I’ve been there. Have you got time to tell me the whole story?”

Lex grimaced, glancing at his watch. “Probably not. I’m supposed to pick Amy up and take her for lunch, and then drop her off for her finals at Northwest Community College.”

“That’s alright. I think you’d rather have Gabe there when you tell your story.”

“I would,” he replied, hesitating. “And maybe Amy should be there too. She should know the worst so she can be sure that a relationship with me is what she wants.”

“So, it’s like that with the two of you then? Danny and I kind of figured it might happen someday,” Jake said gently.

Lex just nodded, finishing his coffee before standing up.

“So let me round up the surveillance, and I’ll give you a call later tonight and we can come up with a time when you want to go over it.”

Lex frowned. “We’re all supposed to be coming here for dinner tonight if you want to talk with me again then.”

Jake nodded, following him to the door. “Just keep an eye out and let me know if you see the guy around again while you’re here. I’m thinking you still have my number on speed dial?”

“I do.”

As Lex made his way toward the staircase, Jake reassured him once more. “Don’t let it get you down, Lex, no matter how much it hurts. You’ve got a huge support system and a lot of us who love you, kid. Look at what a success you’ve made of your life. Don’t let the thoughts of this guy intimidate you, no matter what. I want you to go out with Amy and try and enjoy the holidays while you’re at it. Nothing is going to happen as long as Gabe and I have your back.”

And just like that, Lex felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Jake was right, he had a family who loved him, and a lot to be proud of. Who could ask for more than that?

Lex turned back to Jake and grinned. “You’re right, Jake. What have I got to be scared of anymore?”

Jake grinned back at him. “We’re all so proud of you, Lex. I’ll talk with you later.”

“Thanks for everything, Jake.”

Jake just nodded.

Chapter Thirty-Two

A few hours later, Amy was beginning to think that something was wrong. It wasn’t like Lex to run late.

But she decided not to give him a call. Instead, she had another cup of coffee and went over the notes for her tests one final time.

Finally, he pulled his rental car up to the back door, stepping slowly from inside.

She grinned, because after he walked around to the driver’s side and opened the passenger door, he pulled out a very large poinsettia along with a huge vase of flowers, both covered with heavy duty plastic to protect them from the cold.

Quickly, she stuffed her notes and laptop into her backpack, and rushed to open the solarium door to make it easier for him to carry both items into the house.

Stepping inside, Lex took a moment to kiss her warmly on the lips, before approaching the table and resting the poinsettia and vase on top.

“I brought the poinsettia for Mom, and these are for you,” he said, picking up and handing over the huge vase of flowers.

“Oh.They’re so beautiful, Lex,” she said, tearing up for a moment since this was the first time he’d given her flowers. There were at least a dozen red roses along with rubrum lilies and alstroemeria. “I’ll go add more water. Thank you so much.”

As she removed all the protective plastic and the sleeve from around the flowers, he bent over, giving her another kiss. She closed her eyes, cherishing the moment while inhaling the fragrance of the flowers.

But he wasn’t fooling her. Something was wrong. Despite his outward attempts to remain cheerful, it was obvious he was troubled.

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