Looking Out for Lexy

by Kristine Dalton

  Lexy stepped right behind him without saying a word. He'd always been a charmer. Did he have to be so darned handsome too? He wasn't playing fair.

  She admired his backside as he walked ahead of her with her bags. Her gaze traveled rapaciously up and down his long, lean frame with those huge muscled shoulders and arms that gently held a woman like she was a piece of china. She’d been held in those arms once.....

  He strode with a slight arrogance that she hadn’t forgotten. His long, slightly muscular legs were gorgeous. Jack's stride was sure and he looked like a man who was secure with himself.

  Lexy sucked in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Her pulse was going hay wire. She needed to calm down. Loving the way his dark, shaggy hair carelessly fell in place, curling down the back of his neck, Lexy often fantasized about being held in those strong powerful arms, caressing that soft, dark hair. Blushing again, Lexy amazed herself for checking him out. He was definitely to die for.

  Stopping, the handsome, dark haired singer turned to wait for her to catch up with his long stride. Jack forgot that her gait was much shorter than his own. He caught her staring as she nearly collided with him and gazed down at her.

  Seeing her peering up at him with that hesitant, wide eyed innocent look, he knew she relied on him completely right now. Lexy was out of her element among New York's mass of humanity. Jack felt a sudden urge to put his arm around her shoulders and tell her everything would be all right. He was there. Instead he grabbed her by the hand, pulling her out the door.

  “Here’s the taxi. Hop in, I’ll be right there.”

  Quite frankly she was overwhelmed by the whole situation now. She slipped into the back seat of the cab, glad to be away from all those strange people.

  Jack got in, sliding next to her. She tried not to look into those familiar, dark, penetrating eyes she'd seen so many times watching his movies, remembering...

  Jack cleared his throat. “So, what is it that you do, Lexy? Working with people from the inner city, Thea said.”

  Pretending to examine her nails, Lexy avoided his gaze. “I work for a homeless shelter. I try to find them jobs. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to them. I'm a licensed social worker."

  “I, uh, thought you got married right out of high school.” Jack's throat constricted as the thought of her with Tom left a bad taste in his mouth.

  “Oh, well, after Ryan...you know the one who answered the phone the other night when you called...after Ryan was old enough, I went back to school full time. I, mmm...I was able to go because I didn’t have to work and my mom and dad helped me out. They were so happy to see me go back to school. Especially when I couldn’t go on after high school.” The subject of Tom and marriage was avoided completely.

  Lexy looked up at him. His dark eyes were hard. His demeanor, cool.

  “I guess there is more to you than I thought, Mrs. Kane.”

  “And what is that supposed to mean, Mister Wyatt? Did you think I was just some dumb babe who liked cheerleading and singing? I’ll have you know, I carried a three point eight average in high school.” She glared at him. “And it wasn’t in Home Ec. or typing either.”

  “Hey! Whoa! I didn’t mean that, Lexy. I wasn’t being fair. I always knew you were smart. “ And beautiful.

  Lexy relaxed a little. She knew he didn’t really mean any harm. Yet, being so close to him made her jumpy. If he touched her, she would probably dissolve into his arms. Except for those cold, hard eyes. She shivered slightly.

  “I didn't mean to jump at you like that, Jack. It wasn't fair of me. It’s just that I’m used to people always thinking girls who are, uh, you know, nice looking, can’t be smart too. I had to try twice as hard to get a job. Sometimes it makes me mad. And then, when you finally succeed, you’re never good enough for some people. I mean...never mind. It isn’t important now and it’s water under the bridge.” Lexy felt the sting of hot tears. No. No way would she cry. Not now. Not ever again. She quickly looked away.

  Jack knew all about it being rough out there. Despite success, you were still dirt under some people's feet.

  “I’m sorry, Lexy. I can see that it's a sensitive subject.”

  “It is, but I’m used to it. I tend to get a little carried away. I’m really too sensitive about it. Besides, Jack, I didn’t come out here to dump my life’s ups and downs on you.”

  He would be more careful in the future. Jack wondered exactly what he was getting himself into here.

  The cab pulled up to The Drake, thousands of holiday lights covering the entrance. Lexy stared in amazement. She’d only dreamed about staying in a place like this. In all her years of marriage, the only place Tom had ever taken her was a movie, and one he wanted to see at that.

  “Here we are.” Jack helped her out of the taxi. “We have reservations for dinner at eight. We’ll have dinner here at this hotel if you don’t mind. They have one of the finest chefs in New York. The food is great. It’s a formal dining room, so you'll wanna dress up. We can go to a cozy little joint I hang out at afterwards, not far from the hotel.”

  Jack's voice brought her back to reality.

  Lexy turned to him, an awed look on her face. “Uh huh. Jack. It's so beautiful! It’s like a fairy tale. I haven’t had a chance to tell you how nice it was of you to ask me to come. Thank you for inviting me. It's going to be so much fun!”

  She stared at him a moment. Excitement danced in her eyes. Lexy hugged herself tightly.

  “I can’t believe I’m really here again. I've wanted to come back to New York and here I am.” And here you are.

  Jack noticed the lights reflected like stars in her hazy indigo eyes. And her hair. He’d always loved her hair. A thousand different colors seemed to stand out in the Christmas lights. She really looked like an angel, standing there gazing in awe at the sights around her.

  Ah damn it, Wyatt. Cut it out! Angel? Are you crazy? Yeah, maybe about you, Lexy.

  “Uh, I’m glad you came too, Lexy. I’ll do my best to show you a good time.” He rolled his eyes. That slipped out. She probably had the wrong idea already. Like thinking he cared about her.....

  He took her lightly by the elbow, guiding her under the canopy leading to the hotel doors.

  The sudden touch of his fingers closing firmly around her arm sent a disturbance through her body, bringing desires to the surface Lexy thought she'd forfeited years ago. She nearly lost her balance as he tightened his grip. Regaining her composure quickly, Lexy tried to look more dignified than she felt. Her pulse was racing out of control again.

  Lexy hoped he hadn’t seen or felt her crude, emotional response to his touch. Pulling herself together, Lexy the rock, stood erect, but her insides felt like putty.

  Jack's heart was pounding. She'd nearly fallen into his arms right there. The lady had composed herself rather quickly, but not before he’d felt the rush of open emotion pass from her body to his like a small tidal wave. His own libido was already on overtime. Lexy was like an open book, and still very naive in many ways. Jack groaned silently as his mind went back to that time on the beach so many years ago. He'd gazed upon the most beautiful breasts he’d ever seen, reaching to fondle them as she watched him, wide-eyed and innocent. Then, they had come.

  Suddenly, Jack knew he wanted her as much now as he had then. He’d spent time with lots of other gorgeous women, but not more than a couple of times with each one. He wanted Lexy for...forever? No. he couldn’t love anyone ever again. It was just too painful. What was he thinking? What was wrong with him, anyway? Just being close to her was sending his blood pressure to the boiling point. Then, it always had.

  Hell! Why was he acting like this? The fact is that he was, and always have been out of her league, making her even more desirable. He needed to keep his cool.

  Jack dropped her arm as she moved through the turnstile door, a bitter cold blast of Arctic air following her in. Walking slowly, she craned her neck to take in every detail of the massive lobby and it’s beautiful,
intricate, ornate style. Still shivering from their brief contact and the icy air that had followed her inside, she stepped firmly toward the front desk. Jack felt this sudden, urgent need to rush in after her and protect her.

  She looks so little among all this glitz and phony temptations. Damn! What was the matter with him anyway?

  Motioning to a boy to bring her bags in, he pulled his collar up against the blast, following her into the hotel. With a whoosh of warm air, he swept through the turnstile doors, his eyes settling on her petite, curt, but erect figure already at the desk checking into the hotel.

  She looked sexier than hell in black leather, all that delicious, thick strawberry hair falling on her square determined shoulders. He had to hand it to her. Lexy Kane wasn’t about to let anyone intimidate her.

  The young woman before him was certainly a vision of elegance and charm, fitting right in with all the beauty and splendor of the season. Jack shook his head in amusement, smiling to himself. And, she would be by his side the rest of the evening. And this time it would be legitimate. No more sneaking around. He strolled over to her as she turned around. He circled her waist with his arm, bending his dark head next to hers.

  “I’ll pick you up before dinner. Wear something um....nice and soft." Now that was real astute now, wasn’t it Wyatt. He rolled his eyes again as he brushed the top of her head with his lips.

  His arm around her was driving her wild with desire, forbidden fruit she hadn't savored in many years. The force was so powerful it hit her like a ton of bricks. Whatever that felt like. She drew a breath, carefully extracting his hands from her waist.

  “I’ll be ready when you are, Jack. She looked boldly in his eyes, softer now, as she had remembered them being, so long ago. He tried to look serious, his dark eyes looking into the depth of blue. She couldn’t look away.

  Oh, oh. She was in trouble, big trouble, with a capital B, capital T. She inhaled deeply, drawing herself up to her full height, which wasn’t too intimidating next to the well muscled man in front of her. He grinned a wicked grin then, releasing her from his gaze. Flustered, she looked down at her feet. She was definitely not in his league when it came to sexual innuendoes.

  The elevator door opened and Lexy stepped in quickly with Jack right behind her. Her wide blue eyes gazed back at his frank stare of open admiration. His gaze didn't miss an inch of her delicious shape.

  “Would you like me to accompany you to your suite, Lexy? I could help you put your things away?” His cocksure grin made her even more uncomfortable.

  The elevator came to a halt at her floor. Mercifully, the door opened. Lexy folded her arms across her chest, looking him straight in the eye. She gave him a calm, cool look that didn't coincide with her physical state at all.

  “I’m quite sure I can handle it myself, Jack. I’ll see you at eight." Stepping into the plushy carpeted hallway, she walked to her room without looking back.

  Hold that thought, Wyatt. There was that spunk again that he remembered so well. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself another reverie of Lexy Latton. Correction. Kane. The elevator continued on its way carrying the bemused actor to his room.

  Lexy closed the door quickly, shutting her eyes and leaning her head against the polished dark wood. Her body was shaking from head to toe. Steady, girl, steady. Muttering to herself she opened her eyes. "I'll be fine, just fine." Taking a few deep breaths and slowly exhaling, she turned around.

  The room was decorated for the holidays with a small lighted Christmas tree filled with all kinds of silver ornaments. It reminded her of the tune “Silver Bells.” Tiny, delicate, gold and silver angels were appropriately placed around the room, entwined in angel hair. It was all so ethereal, intangible. Lexy gasped, bathing in the opulence of her surroundings. It made her feel like a princess in her castle.

  Sighing, her thoughts turned again to Jack. He certainly wasn’t wasting any time coming on to her. Or was she just imagining it? Just what was it he really expected? To continue where they had left off when they were teenagers? But, wasn’t that what she wanted too? Would she be able to handle the emotional entanglements that went with it? A lot of things had changed in seventeen years, including them. Could they handle those changes?

  “Oh well.” Lexy sighed. “I asked for this and I’m going through with it. He’s so handsome! I don’t care if it's only a weekend. I’ll make him fall in love with me again.” But she did care. And she knew it.

  Lexy started to unpack, but quickly opted to look around some more. She glanced at her watch, deciding there was time to ingest all this elegance and beauty.

  Strolling over to the broad, floor to ceiling windows trimmed in dazzling gold brocade floor length curtains, she gazed out. The sight took her breath away. That was twice in one evening so far. Losing her breath was becoming second nature to her now. First, over Jack and now this.

  Christmas in New York was much more exquisite than anything she'd anticipated. Pushing aside the delicate white wisps of sheer cloth under the brocade curtains, she watched the people with their packages rushing along while the never-ending stream of honking cars drove by. The stores were absolutely glorious, and in the distance she could see an enormous Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights.

  Standing there, completely enchanted, Lexy forced herself to turn around after about twenty minutes, thinking she'd better get going. It was important to look the best she'd ever looked in her life. She knew that she had a big job ahead of her if she wanted to make a lasting impression.

  Seating herself at the ornate dressing table, Lexy began brushing her hair. The face that stared back at her told her she could do it. Lexy smiled at her reflection and began to get ready for what she suspected would be one of the biggest nights of her life. The sudden thought of Jack holding her in his arms again sent shivers surging through her entire body, her insides turning to mush at the mere idea of his touch. Laying the brush down, she hugged herself, closing her eyes, anticipating his caress. But, then, could she handle it after Tom.....

  Six

  Lexy Latton was in heaven as the balmy wind raced through her sun streaked hair. She leaned her chin on Jack’s leather clad shoulder as they flew along the old river road. He nodded his head, acknowledging her contented caress. He was everything she wanted but knew deep in her heart that she couldn’t have. Her mom would not have allowed her to go with Jack if she’d known, especially on a cycle. Lexy felt positively wicked. It was as if an iron clad mantle had been lifted from her shoulder momentarily as she clung with ferocity to forbidden fruit. A juicy plum intended to be tasted, a kiss so sweet that she would want more and more. Jack Wyatt aroused feelings in her that no other boy had done. Feelings, both painful and delicious at the same time rushed through her entire body. Giddy with excitement, Lexy squeezed his waist tighter.

  As the graceful, ebony cycle slipped around the next bend, a small, weeded road leading up over the levy came into view. Jack turned his head and pointed toward the lonely road. Lexy nodded and he gunned the engine as the bike leapt up the incline. As they burst over the small hill, a breathtaking view of the dark emerald, winding river took her breath away. Jack brought the bike to a halt on the pebbly beach, strewn with tufts of grass struggling to make it in the sandy soil.

  Lexy combed her fingers through her tangled locks. This place was amazing. A perfect start to a perfect afternoon. Jack helped her off the bike.

  Tossing her hair, shimmering in the sunlight, Lexy smiled. “So, do you come her often?”

  “Yeah. I like it a lot. It gives me time to think and be alone. Away from all those fake people, ya know, at school.” Jack shielded his eyes, trying not to be obvious as he eyed her up and down. He didn’t want to scare her away.

  “Oh, does that include me too?”

  “No, no. I didn’t mean you, Lexy. You’re different from the rest of them...somehow. I don’t know what it is, I just know.”

  “Thanks for that, I guess. Some of my friends are really nice thou
gh. I think if you gave them a chance you would see that not everyone is that bad.” Lexy burrowed her toe in the sand. “I’m glad you thought enough of me to bring me here...to your place. It is beautiful. What do you do when you’re out here alone?”

  “Awe, sometimes I stay out all day and into the night. You can really see the stars out here away from the city. It’s peaceful just layin’ on your back lookin’ up at the sky and wondering.” He watched carefully as Lexy continued to nervously dig her toes into the sand. She glanced up at him momentarily. Their eyes met and quickly dropped simultaneously.

  “Wondering about what, Jack?” Lexy’s head was swimming. She wanted him to take her hand so they could stroll down the beach. It would be a start.

  “You know, the age old question, what am I doing here, what’s my purpose, that kinda stuff. Ya wanna take a walk?”

  “Ok. That’s some pretty big stuff to think about.”

  Jack grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the waters edge.

  “Let’s take off our shoes and walk in the water.” Lexy reached down with her free hand to loosen her shoes.”

  “I wouldn’t do that Lexy. There is a lot of partying in this area and you never know where broken glass might be buried under the sand. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.” Her hand in his felt great. An electric-like bolt surged through his body and it seemed, aimed straight to his heart the moment her hand touched his. This was a feeling that was totally foreign to him. Whatever it was, he loved it. Somehow Jack knew that no other girl would have an effect on him like Lexy did.

  “Really? Have you been to some of the parties on the beach?” Uncontrolled butterflies filled her stomach. It seemed like she could hardly breathe. Her ex-boyfriend Tom had never made her feel like this. If he turned and kissed her right now she thought she might faint from the sheer force of her pent up feelings for him. Or throw herself at him.

  “Nah. I’m not really the partying kind. I have watched a few people get, ah. naked when they were really drunk.” He turned and smiled, dark eyes staring at her from beneath dusky, long lashes.