Scarred (Damaged Souls)

by Twyla Turner

  Aaron pulled out Lexi’s chair as Tony did the same for Dom. Aaron took the chair to the left of Lexi, Dom on her right and Tony rounded out the table across from her. They took a look at the menu, trying to make their decisions for their meal. For their appetizer they decided on asparagus wrapped in crisp prosciutto.

  “So what are you thinking? What would you like for your main course? All the food here is ridiculous.” Aaron asked Lexi.

  The waitress walked up to take their orders before Lexi could respond to Aaron’s question.

  “Hello everyone, my name is Amy and I’ll be your server for the evening. So what can I get you folks tonight?” She asked no pin and pad needed, apparently an experienced veteran.

  “We’d like to start with the asparagus.” Tony started.

  “And how about your entrees?” Amy asked.

  “You first, Lexi.” Dom said.

  “Uh, I think I’ll take the filet mignon and…” Lexi hesitated trying pick one of the sides she was debating over.

  “Oh no, Lexi. That’s too safe. You’ve got to try their lamb! She’ll have the rack of lamb in the mustard-shallot sauce, with the garlic roasted red potatoes.” Aaron took over ordering for her. “I’ll have the same.”

  Strike two. Why even ask me if you’re going to order for me anyway?!

  Lexi remained quiet while everyone placed their orders. She was not feeling the vibe she was getting from Aaron. She could already tell that he had a very dominant personality, but not necessarily the good kind. She knew the signs well, and dictating even a simple thing like ordering food at a restaurant, spoke volumes. And she always fell straight into submissive mode in the face of an overly dominate man.

  The question was, what kind of dominate man was he? The kind that liked to take control of all situations, just being a normal control freak or the kind that wanted his woman to bend to his will, which usually led to abuse if she so much as tried to show a little backbone.

  Well now was the time to stand her ground and find out which one he was. Whether or not she planned on seeing him again or not. She knew that she never again wanted to let a man control her.

  “Excuse me, Amy?” Lexi said, heart pounding as she stopped the waitress before she walked away. “You know what, as much as a appreciate the suggestion Aaron, I would still like to go with the filet, medium well, please. Oh and the garlic crusted okra and loaded bake potato. Thank you.” Lexis said breathing deeply, proud to have won this small battle.

  The table was quiet for a few uncomfortable heartbeats. Dom looked at Tony with raised eyebrows, impressed with Lexi’s spunk. Lexi noticed Aaron’s jaw clench, not particularly happy with her bravado.

  “Whatever the lady wants.” Aaron conceded. “I’m sorry, Lexi. I didn’t mean to try to force your hand. I just love their lamb so much that I figured you’d like to try it.” Aaron apologized, surprising Lexi.

  Hmm…that’s different. Maybe he’s not so bad…maybe. Verdict’s still out.

  “So did Aaron tell you that he’s a pretty successful lawyer?” Dom piped in trying to lighten the mood.

  “No. That’s fantastic Aaron, you must be proud.” Lexi said smiling slightly at him.

  “Yeah, I guess I am. It’s been a lot of hard work. Currently I’m starting my own law firm, Grace at Law: Defense Attorneys.” Aaron said with his chest puffed out in pride.

  “Wow! Congratulations, Aaron! That’s pretty impressive.” Lexi exclaimed.

  “Thanks, Lexi.” Aaron smiled at her, once again looking at her with interest after the initial uncomfortable moment dissipated.

  “So Lexi, what brought you to Savannah?” Tony asked, curiously.

  “My mom always talked about how amazing Savannah was, so I needed change and thought this would be the best place.” Lexi said glossing over the details of how she came to be there.

  “Dom tells me that you have big plans for your new house. Are you ready for that amount of work?” Tony asked doubtful.

  What is up with everyone? Can’t a female renovate a house without it being such a big deal?!

  “I’m tougher than I look. I’ve already torn down the walls in the upstairs bedrooms to make it one big master suite. We also sanded down the hardwood floors for a new coat of varnish, pulled down the drywall in the ceiling and busted up the tile in the master bath. Oh and I helped build the frame of the new wall separating the bathroom and master bedroom!” Lexi listed off, proud of the work that had already been accomplished.

  “Damn!” Tony blurted out, while Aaron whistled through his full lips and Dom smiled proudly at her. “I guess you are tougher than you look.” Tony looked at her with renewed respect.

  “So you said ‘we’, who is the ‘we’ that’s helping you?” Aaron asked feeling a little jealous of the time this other man was spending with her.

  “I hired a contractor and we’ve been working on the house ourselves until more workers come on Monday. I’ve learned a ton of stuff already. It’s been…fun.” A blushed tinged Lexi’s cheeks and she smiled happily, the first real smile she’d had since before Dom had called her earlier in the day, thinking of Sloan.

  Her radiant smile lit up her face, taking her from pretty but serious to stunning and happy. Aaron didn’t look too pleased with the way she brightened at the thought of another man. She hadn’t smiled at him once like that since the evening began.

  Dom noticed the faraway look in Lexi’s eyes and realized that the guy Lexi was talking about earlier must have been the new contractor. Dom stored a reminder in the back of her mind to drop in for a little visit soon, to check out the man who made the serious and secretive woman smile like a schoolgirl.

  Conversation flowed through the rest of their dinner. Dom talked about the homes she was trying to sell and her and Tony’s upcoming wedding. Tony was a pediatrician and he talked about his adorable patients.

  The rest of dinner was filled with laughter. Lexi relaxed enough to enjoy herself. To make it easier, she stopped thinking of it as a date and just as a get together with friends, like she’d originally told Sloan. She didn’t want more from Aaron than friendship, still wrapped up in the new budding relationship with the scarred marine. So it took the pressure off of her to try and impress the handsome man.

  “So, we were thinking that to end the evening on a good note that we’d go dancing at a jazz club around the corner. What do you think, Lexi? Wouldn’t that be fun?” Dom asked in excitement.

  Welp, there goes my relaxed mood. Dancing consists of touching intimately. Great. Just please don’t let him grind up on me like a horny twenty year old.

  “Uh, okay.” Lexi said, unsure that it was such a good idea, but everyone seemed on board, so she just went along with it.

  The men argued good naturedly over the bill before deciding to split it evenly. Once they were done, they headed out of the restaurant and walked down the busy street towards the jazz club. Lexi held onto her handbag with both hands in front of her to deter Aaron from trying to hold her hand.

  As they walked Lexi felt a chill run down her spine. It felt as if she were being watched. She hoped that it was just her imagination. As well as prayed that it wasn’t Sloan trying to keep an eye on her.

  They stopped in front of a red brick building with a line out the door and the sounds of intimate music pouring out the door with the crowd. Both Aaron and Tony hugged and slapped the back of the giant doorman with familiarity. Apparently the guys knew him well because next thing she knew, they were being let in in front of the disgruntled crowd giving them the stink eye.

  Aaron put his hand possessively on Lexi’s lower back as he guided her into the dark lounge. They followed Tony and Dom to the bar and Aaron leaned down to whisper in Lexi’s ear.

  “What would you like to drink, Lex?” He asked, lips grazing the shell of her ear.

  “Um, a dirty martini, I guess.” Lexi responded with a shiver, positive that he had done it on purpose.

  “Ah, fancy. ‘Shaken not stirred’, I’m taki
ng it?” Aaron joked.

  “Well I’m not James Bond, so either way, I’m good.” Lexi smirked at him.

  The men got their drinks and they headed over to the sitting area around the perimeter of the packed dance floor. Miraculously they were able to find an available curved red overstuffed couch.

  “We come here all the time. It’s a great place.” Aaron whispered loudly in her ear, trying to talk over the loud live band.

  “I could tell by the way we got in right away, despite the death stares we got from the people waiting in line.” Lexi commented.

  “Yeah, that’s our buddy, Big Smooth. We’ve known him since college. He’s like a permanent fixture here.” Aaron told her.

  “I’m sure he keeps people in line out of pure fear. That man is a beast!” Lexi laughed a little, picturing the big man carrying out unruly men by the scruff of their necks.

  “Very true. He’s even kicked us out a time or two. Big Smooth doesn’t take shit from anyone.” Aaron smiled and then reached up a hand to brush back her soft hair from her cheek.

  Lexi looked away bashfully, not wanting to be rude, but not wanting to lead him on either. She liked him well enough as a friend, but nothing more.

  Dom and Tony got up and headed towards the dance floor. The gorgeous couple could’ve set fire to the lounge with their moves. The way they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other, Lexi assumed that their sex life was a pretty healthy one. And in that moment while watching them all she wanted to do was go home to Sloan. She yearned for him unlike anything she’d experienced before with a man.

  “Dance with me?” Aaron asked sincerely.

  “Oh okay.” Lexi stuttered out, resigning herself to stay for a little while longer.

  Aaron took her hand and guided her to the dance floor. He spun her out and then back to him and then placed his hands on her ample hips. It took all her inner strength not to cringe away from his touch.

  She placed her hands safely on his biceps, a silent signal to keep his distance. Aaron led her around the dance floor smoothly. Spinning her out and back a couple of times and tried to pull her in closer each time, but Lexi wasn’t budging.

  “You’re locked up tighter than a bank vault. Just relax, I swear I’m not going to take advantage. I can be a gentleman.” Aaron coaxed her.

  Wrapping his fingers around her wrists, Aaron brought her arms up to rest on his shoulders. He slid his hands down her arms and her sides, back to rest on her wide hips and pulled her closer till her body was nearly flush against his.

  Lexi could feel his heat and semi-hard erection against her stomach. Her heart started to pound. Her breathing became labored. And her skin broke out in a thin cold sweat from head to toe. It felt like she could crawl out of her skin from the intimate contact.

  Lexi quickly pulled out of his arms and rushed blindly to the bathroom, Aaron calling after her in worry. Luckily there was no line to the ladies room and Lexi rushed in. With shaky hands she pulled several paper towels from the dispenser and wet them with cold water. She pressed the cool towels to her face, neck and chest trying to calm her frazzled nerves.

  Dom came bursting into the bathroom to check on her.

  “Are you alright? Aaron said you freaked out and ran in here.” Dom asked in concern.

  “Yeah, I’m okay. I…I just have issues with being touched sometimes. So dancing was a little too much for me.” Lexi answered as honestly as she could for the time being.

  “Oh, I didn’t know. I knew that something must have happened to you in your past, to be so closed off. I didn’t realize the extent of it and I’m so sorry for pushing you.” Dom apologized.

  “It’s okay. I know you meant well.” Lexi comforted Dom.

  “I really did. But what about this guy you say you’re seeing? Have you let him get close?” Dom asked curiously.

  “Yeah. Though I don’t know now, he’s not happy that I’m here tonight.” Lexi admitted.

  “But if you can let him in, can’t you with others too?” Dom asked not understanding.

  “He’s damaged too. He gets me. Understands me.” Lexi explained.

  “Oh I see. Makes sense I guess.” Dom nodded.

  “So I know you and Tony are having a great time and I don’t want to ruin that, but I am ready to go home now. You both can stay. I just need Aaron to drop me off.” Lexi said feeling guilty for bailing on them.

  “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. We still had a good time. I’ll go tell Aaron to bring the car around, you just take a minute to get yourself together.” Dom offered kindly.

  “Thanks Dom.

  ~~~

  Lexi walked out the club a few minutes later and Aaron was outside waiting in the car. He got out and opened the passenger side door for her and she got in gratefully.

  “I’m so sorry, Aaron. I didn’t mean to get crazy on you.” Lexi said when he slid back into the driver’s seat.

  “It’s okay. I should’ve respected your boundaries when you clearly had already given them. It’s my fault.” Aaron apologized.

  They rode the rest of the way back to her house in relative silence. Luckily the drive wasn’t too long. Aaron pulled into the driveway once again behind the Mustang and put the car in park. He got out of the car and walked around to open her door again and helped her out.

  The moment she was steady on her feet, Aaron released her hand, learning throughout the night that she didn’t like to be touched. They walked side by side up to the front door.

  “I’d really like to see you again, Lexi. If that’s okay with you?” Aaron asked softly, showing shyness for the first time all night.

  “Uh…Aaron…I’m really sorry, but right as Dom was setting up our double date, I met someone. I…I don’t know if it’ll go anywhere, but I think I owe it to him to give it a shot.” Lexi said looking down at her feet.

  Aaron lifted her chin with a gentle finger.

  “I understand. And he’s lucky to have you. He just better hold on tight, because there might be someone waiting on the sidelines for him to mess it up.” Aaron smiled down at her sadly.

  “Thanks, Aaron.” Lexi smiled back.

  He leaned down and kissed her softly on the cheek.

  “See ya around.” Aaron said as he turned to head back to his car.

  “Bye.” Lexi said to his back.

  Aaron got in his car, lifted his hand in goodbye and backed out of the driveway. Lexi watched as his taillights disappeared around the corner.

  Chapter 15

  “A Beautiful Mess”

  Lexi found her spare key in her handbag and unlocked the door. The house was dark and too quiet.

  “Sloan.” Lexi called out, but heard no response.

  First she climbed the stairs to see if he was still working up there. She walked into her bedroom and flipped on the light. The room was empty. Turning to walk out, Lexi noticed several fist-sized holes in the wall next to the big dome window. Her heart broke at the sight knowing that Sloan must have watched her and Aaron leave for the date and went into a rage.

  She shut the light off and went back downstairs in search of Sloan, desperate to find him. She called out his name a few more times, flipping on lights as she went, but there was still not so much as a pin drop. She walked to the back of the house to check if he was on the back porch, enjoying the relatively cool evening. He wasn’t there either.

  Her eyes starting to tingle at the first sign of tears, Lexi blinked her eyelids rapidly trying to stop the waterworks from starting. Did he leave? Did I hurt him so badly that he’s not coming back?

  Lexi sat on one of the folding chairs on the porch, trying to get her panic under control. She looked up and a strange light caught her eye. Standing up quickly and squinting to try and get a better look, Lexi realized that there was definitely light coming from farther back in the yard, beyond the gazebo.

  Opening the screen door to the porch, Lexi walked down the steps and started towards the light curiously. As she walked around the gazeb
o and could fully see where the light was coming from she froze, a small gasp escaping her lips.

  In front of her was the most romantic and enchanting sight she’d ever seen. The weeping willow had a golden glow radiating from the inside out. Walking steadily closer to the luminous tree, Lexi could see that there were about fifteen to twenty small Mason jars suspended from the branches of the tree by ribbons of all different colors that were tied to the metal wire handles around them. And inside each Mason jar was one small tea light candle. The soft glow of each candle combined to light up the entire tree behind the leafy vines.

  Reaching out a trembling hand, Lexi pulled back the vines to see Sloan and Tank laying on the quilted blanket. She was sure that Tank had probably heard her come home, but since he knew it was her, he hadn’t alerted Sloan to her presence, because Sloan was laying on his back, hands behind his head looking up at the jars as the light danced across his face. Lexi’s eyes filled with tears at the thoughtful gesture he had done for her, when she didn’t deserve it.

  Hearing her movements, Sloan quickly looked up. When his eyes focused on her tear filled eyes, he sat up straight but said nothing. Lexi stepped inside the little romantic hideaway, letting the green vines fall back into place like a curtain. She lifted each foot and slipped off her strappy wedge sandals and then walked onto the blanket.

  She placed her feet on either side of Sloan’s thighs and lowered herself till she was sitting in his lap. She looked at him with shining green eyes, illuminated more by the candles. She clasped his wrist and lifted his left hand to her chest and placed it flat against her pounding heart.

  “I love you, Sloan.” Lexi confessed, a tear slipping down her cheek.

  Sloan eyes widened in shock. He went to speak, but before he could she placed a finger over his mouth.

  “I…I don’t know what that means or if it’ll work. I’m still scared that if we become serious that it’ll ruin everything. I’m still scared that someday I’ll do something that pisses you off and you’ll hit me.” Sloan shook his head. “No, Sloan. I saw what you did to the bedroom wall. It could happen. But I do know how you make me feel. I do know that you’ve treated me with nothing but respect so far. And I do know that I love you and think it’s at least worth giving it a try.” Lexi said honestly.