Text Me, Maybe

by Jolyse Barnett

  But she couldn’t give in.

  If Sam could survive on minimal sleep, she could, too. She’d go for a quick walk to wake up. And wasn’t Matthew always lecturing her about how exercise gave people a second wind? Couldn’t hurt to try. Besides, she wasn’t in the mood to wait around for Steel’s response to her text.

  Chapter Twenty

  Lexie mopped at her face with a towel. “I’d never imagined stretching and rolling around on a mat in a ridiculously hot room could be so intense.”

  Matthew handed over her refilled water bottle. “Knew you’d get hooked on hot yoga. Totally different experience than Pilates.”

  “What’s Pilates?” She trudged next to him, the women’s locker room a mirage.

  “Oh, Grasshopper,” he teased. “Still so much to learn about the world of exercise. But you’ll get there.” He nodded at her water bottle. “Drink.”

  She sucked down a few ounces then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “I bet I lost about twenty percent of my weight in water tonight. One of these days, how about we save hot yoga for after the weekend—perfect detox.”

  Matthew’s brows lifted. “Going clubbing with a hot date?”

  “Me? Hot date?” She laughed. “You’re the only hot guy I’ve hung out with since—” She stopped, her face burning.

  “So you think I’m hot, huh?” Matthew whispered, waggling his eyebrows.

  She shrugged, fiddling with the spout of her water bottle. Where was he going with this? He was the one that had pulled away last night. They could’ve been making out in the limo, but no, he’d sent her packing. Did he want to be with her or not? Talk about mixed signals.

  “If it’s any consolation, I think you’re all that, too.”

  She glanced up. Did he mean that, or was he just saying that to be nice?

  “Well, have a good one.” He paused at the men’s locker room door and shot her a toe-curling smile. “Don’t forget.”

  “I know. Hydrate and stretch, morning and night.” Lexie’s sigh followed her into the quiet women’s locker room. She wiggled out of her spandex and grabbed her shower stuff out of the locker. No sense wasting the weekend trying to figure him out. As for J&C business, Steel had been far more understanding about Ms. Swann’s need to cancel than she’d expected.

  Almost too understanding.

  Why am I looking for trouble? I need to forget about work and confusing men and focus on the writing.

  But as she stepped under the shower spray, her thoughts turned to Matthew and the good times they’d shared the past few weeks. Maybe they could have a lot more…if she could stand the chance of him pulling away.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Surrounded by impatient strangers later that Friday night, Lexie stood at the corner of East 46th and Lexington.

  “Hey.”

  She glanced over her shoulder, her smile slipping on when she spied Matthew approaching, handsome as ever in a white button-down shirt over black jeans with matching Vans. His thick hair was damp from the shower. A hot wave of longing rolled through her abs and settled between her hips.

  I need to say something or else he’ll wonder if I have half a brain.

  But all she could do was picture him naked with water streaming over his muscled shoulders, trailing down his washboard abs to his…“Figured you were the one with the steamy date when I didn’t see you before I left,” she said.

  “Nah.”

  “Heading home. You?”

  “Have this thing over in Williamsburg,” he said. “Mother’s birthday.”

  She blinked. “A friend of mine invited me to the Ides. Know if that’s nearby?”

  The light changed, and they moved with the crowd.

  His eyes crinkled. “The Ides? That’s a bar at the Wythe Hotel. Same place I’m headed. My father rented one of their eighth floor suites to surprise my mother with thirty of her Wall Street office friends.” His eyes dimmed. “And me. Woohoo.”

  She glanced at him as he crossed the intersection with her. He didn’t seem excited about going to his mom’s party. Would he rather follow her home like a stray puppy so she could play with him for a while?

  In my dreams…

  In reality, Matthew Hennessey was far from a stray. Nothing desperate about him.

  “If we go now, we might make it there in time to see the sunset. I hear the Ides has a Manhattan skyline that’s pretty great.” His tone was hopeful.

  We? Her stomach fluttered. Maybe he hadn’t given up on her. Maybe he wasn’t using her as a beard like Sam had suggested. “Sun does the same thing every night. What’s the big deal?” She swung her arms back-and-forth as she walked.

  “Didn’t you hear?” he volleyed back. “There’s something special that happens once a year, on April fifteenth, where the sun appears to set twice.”

  “Like the mythical green flash?” she asked, waiting for the punch line.

  He laughed. “Nah. Teasing you. We do have Manhattanhenge, though, when the sunset aligns just so between the buildings. It’s pretty cool, but doesn’t happen until the end of May and again in mid-July.” He kept a polite distance, but as usual, his magnetism attracted her. “Seriously though, want a ride out to the bar? My Jeep’s a block away.”

  Ten minutes later, they bounced along in his cherry-red, two-door Jeep, listening to R&B while she soaked in the sights along Second Avenue. Was her giddiness the result of Boyz II Men crooning about making love and the glint in Matthew’s eyes whenever she caught him looking her way? Or because her hormones were finally getting unstuck after years of denial and disillusionment? Whatever the reason, she felt light, and like she could accomplish anything. “I know I complained after hot yoga today, but it was good.”

  “Awesome.”

  “Thanks for offering me a ride. I enjoy hanging out with you.” She took a deep breath. “And the more we’re together the more I think I might want to be more than friends.”

  There. I said it.

  His hands tightened on the steering wheel, and he locked eyes with her. “Backatcha.”

  A thrill zipped through her. So. Yep. Okay. This could be happening.

  She wasn’t even sure what this was.

  His eyes softened. “Only might? Hmm. Let me know when you’re sure, okay?”

  She swallowed and nodded before turning to stare out the window.

  Amazing.

  So…Matthew hadn’t been backing off from her. Had he been waiting for her all this time? Was that why he hadn’t joined her in the limo last night? Had he needed to know she was a hundred percent on board? Would hooking up make things better between them or destroy their friendship?

  What about when he realizes I’m clueless when it comes to being part of a couple?

  Lexie started laughing so she wouldn’t cry.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Tons of questions swirling around in my head, yet not a single answer.”

  “Welcome to the club.”

  She shook her head, but couldn’t help but smile. “That doesn’t help.” Still, it felt good to commiserate with him.

  “Maybe we’re not supposed to have all the answers. Maybe we need to go on faith.”

  She glanced up. “As in trust?”

  “What a concept, huh?” His smile was reassuring. “Try it. What’s the worst that could happen?”

  Matthew’s words made her want to believe. She gazed out at the road ahead of them until she couldn’t handle the quiet anymore, then shook her head and laughed again. “Wait, I just realized something. You answered my question about questions with a harder question.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He touched her knee, his hand warm. Her breath hitched, but her surprise gave way to contentment. Odd.

  “Stop worrying. It’s Friday night, and if the traffic gods continue to shine on us, we’ll arrive there before sunset. That’s all we need to think about. See? Easy.” He squeezed gently before removing his hand.

  Lexie gazed down a
t her leg, then glanced over at him. When had his touch become a source of comfort? After a long moment, she sat back and listened to another sappy love song as the traffic flowed over the Williamsburg Bridge toward Brooklyn.

  After a few curvy side streets, they parked around the corner from an old red building with Hotel splashed vertically down its front corner.

  “Here we are, home of the fuggedaboutit.” Matthew smiled and shifted in his seat. “I can’t fuggedaboutit, though. You’re all I can think about.”

  She shivered, his scent wrapping her in a twisted ball of desire and confusion as his lips hovered near hers. “You’ve been waiting for me?” she asked.

  “Yes, but on the way here I started thinking I should give you a sample. I know how you like to make informed decisions.”

  “A sample kiss?” She tilted her head.

  “Sure. Why not?”

  She reached up to caress his handsome scruff. “What if it costs me too much?” She searched his eyes, hoping to finally get the answers she sought.

  “It’s a sample, so it’s free,” he whispered, his minty breath tickling her nose.

  What’s the harm in one little kiss?

  “Okay, let’s do it.” She giggled and angled her mouth to meet his, but quieted as his lips sought hers, crushing hard and fast instead of slow and sweet, more urgent than any first kiss ought to be. She gasped, and began to move back, but a sudden craving pushed her toward him for more, and everything she’d wanted from him flowed into her, overwhelming her synapses.

  Searching, touching, they explored each other the best they could with clothes and space working against them.

  Then his hands were at her waist and sliding under her loose, silk top, hovering at her waist.

  And he was so…perfect for her. Never in a million years could she kiss a man like this and walk away from him when the time came.

  I can’t do this.

  Lexie sucked in a breath and pushed his hands away.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “We’re in public,” she said, hating the desperation in her voice.

  “We’re just kissing.” Matthew tipped his head toward her and reached out to continue his exploration.

  She caught his hands in hers. “We can’t do this.” Maybe I’m not brave enough. Maybe some fears don’t leave, no matter how much time has passed.

  He sat back and released a ragged breath. “You’re right. If I keep kissing you, I’m going to be giving away far more than a sample.”

  Chirp.

  “Sorry.” She smiled apologetically and stole a glance at the new text on her phone. She exhaled, thankful Steel wasn’t interrupting their night. “It’s Isabella. She’s wondering where I am.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “I’ve been waiting for you!” Isabella waved from the entrance to the Ides, gorgeous in a tight sheath dress that stopped at mid-thigh, showcasing her curves and leaving miles of beautiful tanned leg exposed, with three-inch strappy sandals completing the sexy picture.

  Lexie waved back. Was she dressed up enough in her loose top, skinny jeans, and boots? “I got here as fast as I could.”

  Matthew’s deep voice sounded behind her. “Well, I guess I’ll be going.”

  She didn’t look back, afraid he’d see how his kiss had affected her, afraid to show him how sad she was that he was leaving.

  “You’re not coming in?” Isabella pouted.

  “I have a function upstairs.” His voice held regret. “I’ll catch up with you in a bit?”

  Lexie turned to find his eyes on her.

  She nodded, pleasantly surprised. “Enjoy the sunset.”

  Damn Billy Sheldon, and all the other cheaters she’d dated and trusted not to break her heart. She’d been let down so many times, by so many guys, she’d eventually blamed herself, believed that somehow she was the defective one in the relationship. But the problem wasn’t her. They were the ones with the issue, and she deserved better. A guy who treated her and their relationship with respect. A man who knew what he wanted and was willing to wait for it.

  Matthew’s hand at her elbow brought her back to the present. “Have fun.” He gazed down at her.

  “I hope you’ll have a better view than us.” Isabella’s face fell. “We would’ve had to stake out our seats much earlier if we’d wanted a good spot.”

  “Want to see it that bad?” Matthew asked.

  Isabella sighed melodramatically. “What can I say? I’m a nature nerd. But it’s fine. I’ll get over it.”

  Lexie scrunched her nose. What was her coworker up to now?

  “Come with me,” Matthew instructed, pointing at the hotel elevator.

  Isabella’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

  He nodded.

  While Isabella ran ahead of them like a giddy seven-year-old, he sauntered next to Lexie before stopping with her a few feet from the elevator. “Promise me you’ll still want that next kiss after you meet my family.” His eyes held concern.

  “Oh, it can’t be that awful.” Hard to top Steel’s depiction of his childhood. “Everyone’s is a little wacky. Dysfunction’s the new normal, don’t you know?”

  Matthew grimaced. “That doesn’t begin to describe mine.”

  “C’mon, c’mon.” Isabella held the elevator door open.

  Soon, they were whisked up to the eighth floor to enter a clean, crisp space with wall-to-wall windows on the south and west. A bunch of corporate types stood around drinking champagne and snacking on appetizers from a generous buffet table.

  A heavyset man approached. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten. Who are your friends?” he asked, his eyes on Isabella.

  “This is my friend, Alexandra.” Matthew pulled her close, then nodded in Isabella’s direction. “And this is her friend that we promised a sunset view.” He threw the man a stern look. “This is my father,” he finished, as if reluctant to admit the connection. “Liam Hennessey.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Hennessey.” Isabella’s smile was polite.

  “You, too, my dear. Call me Liam, won’t you?” The man gawked at Isabella as if she were one of the appetizers.

  Ewww. Lexie’s stomach churned. What kind of man leered at his adult son’s friend at his wife’s birthday party?

  Thankfully, Isabella was one step ahead. “Thank you so much.” Her smile was sweet as she placed a manicured hand on his chest and patted it. “First, I’ll have a plate of shrimp and a few of those chocolate-covered strawberries.” She dropped her hand and threw Lexie a wink before sashaying around Mr. Hennessey, leaving the older guy slack-jawed when she stepped through the sliding-glass doorway onto a spacious balcony.

  Matthew cleared his throat. “Dad,” he said, his voice tinged with disappointment.

  “Oh yes, well…” The man did a little throat clearing of his own and adjusted his tie over his protruding stomach. “Make sure you say hello to your mother.” He raised his flute in a mock cheer and took a swig as he slunk away.

  She looked up at Matthew.

  His eyes were shuttered, and he’d dropped his hand from her back to clench it by his side.

  Lexie reached out and touched his arm. “Want a drink?”

  He looked down at her as if he’d forgotten she was there. “No thanks, but feel free to help yourself. I’ll meet you outside in a bit.” He left her side to join a trio of silver-haired women, greeting two of them with a polite smile and the third with a stiff hug and peck on the cheek.

  When that woman’s cold blue eyes met hers from across the room, Lexie rubbed her arms to stave off the sudden chill, and then fled to find those drinks. After grabbing a couple of imported beers and moving outside, she could breathe again.

  Isabella had joined a dozen like-minded guests at the railing facing west in preparation for nature’s main event.

  “Here you go.” Lexie handed her a bottle as she slid next to her.

  “That was interesting.”

  “You should see his mother,” she r
esponded between sips, keeping her voice low so the other guests wouldn’t overhear.

  “No, thanks.” Isabella laughed softly. “Liam was enough.”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “Maybe I should go save Matthew.”

  “Stay here. I have a feeling he’ll find you soon enough.”

  “It’s that obvious?”

  “You two glow neon for each other.” Isabella nudged her. “Don’t look so horrified. It’s not the end of the world. It’s cute. Does make me sad for myself, though.”

  Lexie shook her head. “We’re not together,” she said, before taking a deep pull on her beer.

  “But you will be.”

  Not like you think. Nothing lasting. We’ll burn bright then turn to ashes. “Let’s pay attention to the skyline so you don’t miss the sunset.”

  “Whatever you say, chica.” Isabella laughed softly.

  The landscape was dotted with industrial buildings, but straight ahead lay the East River, and beyond that the island of Manhattan, soaked in yellow and golden-orange, with shimmering pink and lavender clouds.

  A familiar scent wafted on the air, and a shiver of awareness flooded her.

  “Stunning,” he whispered.

  Content to believe for the moment he meant her and not the view before them, she sighed and leaned back to rest her head on his chest. His heartbeat was steady as he wrapped his strong arms around her, his body so close she felt the length of him against her back—warm and solid. Ooh, he did want her, but he liked her and showed her respect, too.

  What more could a girl ask for?

  They stood together in a little cocoon of happiness as the ball of fire sank behind the tip of Manhattan, and left the twinkling lights of office buildings to create the famous city skyline.

  Eventually, Matthew dropped his arms and stepped back. “You ready to go?”

  She glanced around at the patio, the other partiers having returned inside long ago for the festivities. “I guess we should.” Then, afraid of making the wrong assumption two nights in a row, she added, “I mean, Isabella and me.”

  He frowned. “I’ll make sure you two get there safe.”