Looking Out for Lexy

by Kristine Dalton

  He’d seen her look at him the night before, but she hadn’t recognized him in her somewhat inebriated state. He’d smiled at her serenading the lodge as she had weaved up the stairs. He had disappeared quickly after that.

  Lexy sat at a table with her leg propped up with a huge ice bag on her ankle. The medic had pronounced it to be a slight twist, saying she’d be back on the slopes in a day or so. Jessie and Ryan had hovered over her like mother hens until she assured them she was fine.

  “I’m going to watch everyone else for a change. Now get going. I want you to have a good time. I’ll do some man watching, how does that sound?”

  “Right Mom. Maybe you do need someone to look after you.” Jessie put her hands on her hips in a mock imitation of her mother.

  “Oh get out of here. I think your mother can handle herself. Besides, if anyone tries to take advantage of me in this state, I’ll just call that nice ski patrol man. He was kind of cute wasn’t he?”

  “You are something else, mom. I’m going before you can embarrass me even more.”

  “Me to. Bye Mom. See ya later.” Ryan leaned over, giving her a peck on the cheek.

  Her two children turned and waved as they headed out the door. A couple of blonde teenage girls giggled, hurrying out after Ryan. Lexy leaned back and sighed. Her ankle throbbed. As she reached down to adjust the ice pack she felt someone come up behind her silently. She always knew when someone was there. It sent a cold tingle up her spine.

  “Hello, Lexy. I see you’ve had an accident Are you okay?” She sat up, her spine stiffening, refusing to turn around.

  “Are you going to ignore me? You can’t very well get up and leave now, can you.”

  Two strong hands gripped her shoulders. Her body went rigid at his touch. He came around to face her. She still refused to look at him or acknowledge his presence. He squatted down on his haunches, his hands between his long legs, waiting for her to look at him. She couldn’t move so she didn’t have a choice but to look straight into those beautiful, deep set, chestnut eyes.

  Gigantic blunder. Major mistake. Again. She caught her breath quickly and managed to pull her act together momentarily.

  “What exactly, are you doing here, Jack?”

  “Well, it seems a woman I tried to get in touch with, was here on vacation. I figured that if I wanted to see her, I better come out here.”

  “I can’t imagine who that would be. I expect to hear from someone when they say they will call. So, it wouldn’t be me.”

  She stared at him, her eyes, blue ice crystals. He stood up and began to pace back and forth, a habit he had when he was nervous. Jack began to knead his hands. Lexy continued to watch with interest. At least he was here. It was much more than she'd ever expected. She didn’t intend to make it easy for him. Making her wait over two weeks to hear from him! He would pay dearly.

  Jack halted abruptly in front of her. Was that pain she saw in his eyes? No! She was the one who felt the pain. Not him. Never him.

  “I couldn’t get you out of my mind, Lexy.” God knows he tried. “I thought of picking up the phone every night. I couldn’t. I know you don’t understand because you are so sweet and everyone likes you for who you are. In my business, people use each other all the time. I just had a hard time believing that you’d still like or want me, just for me. As I said before, most everyone has an angle.”

  “Oh? And what is my angle, Mr. Wyatt? I’d really like you to explain that one to me. I need to be enlightened.” Lexy continued to gaze at him with frost in her eyes. But not in my heart. Darn it!

  “I don’t mean you, Lexy. You are different. And please don’t call me Mr. Wyatt. I think we've passed that stage in our relationship.”

  “What relationship might that be....Jack. A dinner date? A fast trip to your video set? One day of you humoring me by going to the museum and shopping? Is that the relationship you are talking about?”

  She was just getting started now. His eyes darkened as she spoke of their first encounter. He seemed almost angry.

  He got down next to her again, this time his face nearly touching hers. “You haven’t forgotten our time together in New York. I know I haven’t. The time we made love. That relationship, Lexy.” And those times years ago. His mouth was set tightly, and his eyes were now a dark, chestnut color.

  “Relationship is the key word here, Jack. And, people who have relationships pick up a phone and call the person with whom they are having a relationship with.”

  Lexy stared at him stubbornly, defying him to get out of that one. She had him now. Her azure eyes were shining in triumph. Jack slipped his arm around her neck so quickly she didn’t have time to protest. He kissed her hard until she could hardly breathe. When he released her, she couldn’t say a word. She could only look at him with feigned anger.

  She loved him. If she couldn’t deny it to herself, how could she deny it to him? It had been there the whole time, but she wanted to hide it. She wasn’t going to tell him again, though. No way, Hose’.

  His face softened. He took her chin gently in his hand, cautiously grazing his rugged lips against her soft, supple ones. Her lashes fluttered shut as his mouth claimed hers. Her arms slipped around his waist as he pressed closer to her, grasping her shoulders in his firm grip.

  Like a snowwoman dissolving in the hot sun. It would be a great way to describe the way Lexy felt at this moment. God, how she had missed his arms around her!

  Just as suddenly he released her, holding her away from him.

  “I should have called, Lexy. It was really stupid of me. I knew in my heart you weren’t like the others. It’s hard to break old habits. Will you give me another chance? I promise you won’t regret it. We’ll take it as fast or slow as you like. You can call the shots. How about it angel, can we try again?”

  Lexy had softened considerably. Never one to stay mad for very long, she reached out, putting her hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

  “Jack, I don’t want to be in charge of our relationship or call the shots as you say. A real relationship is something both people have to work on without limits or perimeters. A relationship should just happen. If it works, those two people are fortunate. If it doesn’t, they pick themselves up and go their separate ways, hopefully better for the time they've had together.”

  “How come you’re so smart? I want this to work Lexy. I just wanted to see you so badly and explain things to you. I was so mixed up, but seeing you again has changed all that.” He looked at her with those sexy eyes that made her skin burn like a flame.

  “I think I’m falling for you, Lexy Kane. You do things to my mind and body I don’t understand.” Correction. The dark-haired musician had fallen-years ago and had never completely let go.

  She started to say something when Jessie burst in the main doors, flying over to where they were. She stopped as she noticed the tall, handsome man with her mom. Boy, her mother worked fast!

  “Mom! I just came to see how you’re doing. We're going right back out but I wanted to check on you first.” She stood there eyeballing Jack. And she wasn’t moving.

  Lexy had to smile. Jessie was so protective, especially since the divorce. She hadn’t told the kids why she had gone to New York. She and April had said something about winning a contest of a sort. They'd bought it lock, stock, and barrel. Lexy could see her daughter wasn’t going to move without an assurance from her mother. She didn't want Ryan to come in. Jack wouldn't be ready for the shock. Not yet.

  “This is Jack Wyatt. My daughter, Jessie. Jack and I went to high school together. I met him in New York while I was there. We just happened to run into each other out here.”

  “Almost as lovely as her mother.” Jack smiled that dazzling smile of his.

  Jessie eyed him warily. If she was buying it, she didn’t show it. “Nice to meet you Mr. Wyatt. Are you going to be all right, Mom? I could stay with you, if you like.” Jess threw another glance Jack's way.

  “I’ll be fine, dear. Now run a
long. Aunt Edie is stopping by later on today to keep me company.”

  “If you are sure you'll be all right.”

  Jack stood there with his arms folded regarding both of them with interest. He’d never had the kind of loving relationship he was seeing displayed here. It brought a familiar ache in his heart. He honestly wasn’t sure that he was capable of having that type of relationship. Lexy made him hope.

  “Get along. Mr. Wyatt and I have some matters to discuss. I’ll see you later at dinner.”

  “Okay, Mom. If you’re sure.”

  Lexy waved her away. Giving Jack the once over again, Jessie hurried out the door so she wouldn’t miss anything.

  “She’s quite a lovely girl. I can see where she gets it.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

  “I know. I could help you up to your room. Maybe you would be more comfortable on your bed. Does your leg hurt much, sweetheart? You look like you could use a little nap. Especially after last night.”

  Lexy wrinkled her nose. Last night had been bad.

  “It’s a little uncomfortable.” Realization hit her. “You were here? You saw me?” A gradual flush crept up her cheeks. “I hope you realize I don’t usually drink like that.”

  “You sing nice though.”

  “Oh no! You didn’t.....”

  “Yes, I did, and it was lovely. Just the way I remember.”

  Lexy's face was a bright pink by now. “I’m so embarrassed! I must have sounded like an old crow.”

  “Actually more like an angel, I’d say.”

  “I repeat. Flattery will get you everything, I mean everywhere. And you are just being kind.”

  Jack slid his arms under her thighs and around her waist, careful not to knock her ankle against the table.

  “You did say flattery will get me everything. And you don’t know how kind I can be.” He nuzzled her neck as he walked up the stairs with her.

  “I...I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “You said it and I’m holding you to it.” He stopped at her door.

  “I see you know my room number too. How convenient!”

  “Yes, very. Give me the card.”

  “You’re pretty presumptuous aren’t you, Mr. Wyatt? She shifted herself in his arms, shooting pains radiating from her ankle.

  A look of concern appeared on his face. “Are you in pain, Lexy? Did I do something to cause you discomfort? What can I do?” He shifted her carefully to a more comfortable position.

  “No, Jack. It’s okay. I’m a little dizzy. And don’t you dare make another crack about last night!” She gave him an impertinent look.

  A low chuckle escaped his throat. It was almost a growl.

  “I won’t touch that one with a ten foot pole, honey.” He fit the plastic card in the door to her room, swinging it open with ease.

  Jack maneuvered his way into the room carefully. Lexy's head lay against his shoulder, her arms locked loosely around his neck. Glancing around, he spotted the bed in a small alcove. Without a word, he strode over to the bed, cautiously depositing her on it. He fluffed the pillows and propped her up.

  “Now what were you saying about giving me anything I wanted?” His arms were folded across his chest, his feet apart in a military stance, staring at her expectantly.

  “I didn’t say anything, and you know it. You tell me, Jack, why you are really here?” Their eyes met, blue versus brown, a battle of wills.

  He sat down on the edge of the bed. Jack reached around and loosened her hair from its ponytail. “It’s hard to say what I want, Lexy. You look like an innocent little girl with your hair like that, you know.” His fingers caressed her neck and hair. “It’s even harder when you look like a sexy vixen with your hair all over, like now. I’ve dreamed of your hair. And how I could lose my hands in it.”

  He bent closer, tugging a lock of hair to his lips. It was so soft, so nice. He closed his eyes and sighed. “I love your hair. And your eyes.” He opened his eyes, gazing into hers. “I love your lips.” He angled his head to kiss her. Lexy couldn’t breathe. It reminded her of the morning he had dried her hair...and a few other things.

  Jack whispered in her ear. “Oh Lexy, sweetheart. I can’t get you out of my mind, my dreams. I need to know what it is about you that won’t leave me in peace. Tell me what it is, so I can understand.” His hands circled her neck, his thumbs gently massaging her neck and jaw. “Tell me, Lexy, honey, what is it, this power you have over me.”

  Before she could answer, his lips sought hers again. He nibbled her bottom lip, exploring it. Opening her mouth with his tongue, he burst in, probing, searching, as if he could find his answers in her sweet, warm mouth.

  As he continued the invasion of her mouth, Lexy's arms slipped around his neck. She couldn’t help herself. His hair was a magnet for her sensuous fingers. He growled in appreciation as her magic fingers did things to the back of his neck and hair he didn’t think were possible.

  His hands slid over her sweater, stopping to fondle her breasts. Lexy's breath came in short, hurried gasps, intermingled with sighs, as a feeling of intense pleasure invaded her mind.

  “Lexy, angel, please, help me understand.” His lips moved to her throat, his tongue lapping her neck, his teeth nipping her chin. He moved to kiss her nose, her eyes. “Help me, Lexy. Tell me what to do to please you. To comfort you. So you don’t fear me.”

  His hands slipped under her sweater, finding her swollen breasts, nipples hard for his touch. Unsnapping the front of her bra, her bountiful breasts spilled into his waiting hands. She arched her body so he could have more of her. As his thumbs flicked back and forth over her nipples, while gently squeezing her breasts, Lexy's mind drifted toward the intense delight his touch was creating. She struggled to come back. He was taking her, again, to that place she wasn’t sure she was ready to go to.

  “Lexy, Lexy. I want you. I need you. Want me back, angel baby. I won’t hurt you.”

  “Jack. Oh Jack. Please, be gentle with me. Don't hurt me.”

  “Shhhh, sweetheart. I'd never hurt you. You know that. We’ve known each other for years, remember? I was your first love, remember?"

  He continued softly, dreamily. "You’ve seen me in videos and I’ve known you in my dreams. Let me take you with me into those dreams. Let me take you by the hand and lead you into paradise.” His hand slipped inside her ski pants, his fingers searching for the nub that would take her over the edge. Her body trembled as his fingers found their destination.

  “Lexy, baby,” he whispered. “Go with me. Let yourself feel.”

  “Ohhhh, Lord. It’s like...it doesn’t hurt like...” Suddenly she jerked her head up. “No. No! Get away. Leave me alone. Don’t touch me!” She twisted away from him, curling up in a fetal position.

  Jack pulled his hands away, angry and bewildered by her sudden coldness. He vaulted up, his loins aching, his face contorted with pain and hurt.

  “What the hell happened, Lexy, to make you so afraid of me? I told you I wouldn’t hurt you. Isn’t that enough?” He paced back and forth, raking his hands through his long hair.

  Unbidden, tears filled her eyes. A small sob escaped her throat. Jack softened instantly. Going to her, he quickly gathered her in his arms.

  “I’m sorry baby, sweetheart, Lexy. I didn’t mean it. I won’t push you, I promise. I told you I’d wait, and I will.” He rocked her as if she were a small, scared child.

  “I’m...I’m sorry Jack.” Lexy gulped back her tears. “I’ll...I’ll be better next time. I promise.”

  “Hush angel baby. It’s not you, it’s me. I can be such a jerk!”

  Lexy allowed a ghost of a smile to touch her lips, remembering Thea’s comment that night in New York at The Plaza.

  He sat up, cupping her face in his hands, wiping away the tears with his thumbs. “I can’t stay, baby. I came out to ask you to come and spend a few days at my ranch in California. Do you have some time left? I have to go back to New York for one day of shootin
g, but then I’m free the rest of the week. Will you come, Lexy?”

  Lexy pushed herself up, conscious of her nipples trying to push their way through her sweater against her will. She reigned in her breath and exhaled slowly. “I have a few days, Jack. I guess I can come, if I can make arrangements with my sister to keep my kids. I’m sure they won’t mind staying here a few more days.”

  He bent over and kissed her hard. Releasing her, he stood up. “It will be just the two of us, honey. We can resolve whatever it is between us. It’s a great place. I’ve found peace there.” He gave her a knowing look. “Maybe you will find what you need too, Lexy. Please come.”

  She looked into his eyes. He needed her. “I’ll come, Jack.”

  He knelt down next to the bed. “You won’t regret it, angel. I’ll make sure of that.” He took her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. Her pulse raced at the touch of his lips on her hot flesh. He rose, holding her hand.

  “Gotta go, sweetheart. My plane leaves from Denver in three hours. I’m pushing it now. I’ll call you tomorrow night. I’ll fly in Friday afternoon and pick you up. I’ll let you know what time when I call.”

  “Are you sure this is what you want to do, Jack?”

  He grinned. “I can’t wait to get you alone. Really alone. No one to bother us. We can explore whatever it is we need to, without interruption. Gotta go sweetheart.” He strode to the door and turned around. “I’ll call.” Seeing the skeptical look on her face, “Cross my heart.” And he did, as he slipped out the door quietly.

  Lexy fell back against the pillows. “What am I doing? Getting myself in deeper, that’s what.” She reached for the phone to make arrangements for the kids to spend the rest of the weekend with her sister.

  Jack Wyatt closed his eyes as he settled back in the rigid airplane seat. He hadn’t bothered to get a first class ticket, an oversight Wyatt regretted at the moment. He didn’t understand why Lexy was so put off by him. Or was she put off by men in general? What had happened in her life to make her so jumpy when it came to getting close to her physically. The Lexy he remembered was shy, but certainly not afraid of his touch. From what he recalled, the eighteen year old redhead had been eager for his caress.