Jack called her twice that next week. He managed to make her blush each time he called as he would recall their previous weekend together.
She had reserved the best suite at the Milwaukee Hyatt, one of southeastern Wisconsin’s finest. Lexy also let him know that under no circumstances would she be spending the whole night with him. He had laughed and teased her saying he’d see about that, knowing he was frustrating her.
Jack realized she couldn’t stay with him, but liked to see her get excited. He really loved her naive innocence and moralistic attitude. He didn’t know how a woman could be such a blazing flame of passion in bed, and turn around and be Miss Prim and Proper the next instant. She amazed him to the point of bewilderment, and he planned to tell her as soon as they were together, alone. Which couldn’t come soon enough as far as he was concerned. Jack could barely wait to take her in his arms again.
Twenty-Eight
Jessie and Ryan were on hand to greet Jack as he stepped off the plane at around 4:30. The look on his face when Ryan extended his hand said it all. He stared at Lexy, a bewildered look on his face, and then back at Ryan.
“We’re going to go Ryan’s game tonight, Mr. Wyatt. Mom says you like sports, so we thought you would like to go.”
Jessie was gaping at him with a silly look on her face.
“I hope you don’t mind Jack. I hate to miss Ryan’s games, and I really thought you might enjoy doing something different. I'm making dinner as soon as we get home. I’ve checked you in at the hotel so we can go right to my house. Is that all right with you?” The look on his face made her cringe.
“Sounds great to me. From what I hear, Ryan, you’re quite a basketball player.”
“Yes sir. At least that’s what some people say.”
“You are a senior this year? Did your mom tell me you were eighteen?”
“Yes, sir.”
Jack gazed intently at the dark haired boy, who was nearly as tall as he was.
“Call me Jack. Sir is too formal.”
“Okay, sir-Jack.”
“Why don’t you and your sister go on ahead. We’ll meet you at the car.” The kids dashed off in the direction of the parking structure. Jack turned to face Lexy, his face impassive.
“Well, Lex. Is there something you want to tell me. Now.” He folded his arms and waited patiently.
She stood looking at the floor. “He’s...Ryan is your son.” It was barely a whisper.
He grabbed her by the arms. “Look at me. Lexy. I said look at me.”
She lifted her eyes to meet his. “I...I couldn’t tell you. I just couldn’t.”
“Why didn’t you try to find me? What about Tom? He must have known.” He dropped her arms and ran his hand through his shaggy, dark hair.
“You must have been pregnant when you married Tom. How did you explain that one to him?” He started to pace.
“I didn’t have to tell him, Jack.” Lexy spoke, her voice was suddenly calm. "When I found out I was pregnant, and you didn't come back, I told Tom I would marry him if it was right away. He agreed. Ryan was a couple of months early." She paused, lowering her head. Tom thought the baby was his.”
“Geez, Lexy, couldn’t he tell? It’s pretty obvious. Seeing Ryan was like looking in a mirror, for God’s sakes.” Jack paced back and forth, faster now.
“If he knew, he never said anything. He treated him like he was his son.” Lexy grabbed Jack by the arms.
“Jack. Please. You never came back for me. Like you said you would. I had no other choice. Don’t you see? I didn’t have a choice.” Her voice cracked, tears on the verge of spilling out of her luminous eyes.
“Lexy. Lexy. I’m so sorry. I should have been there for you. I should have known you loved me. God, Lexy, can you forgive me?”
Jack folded his arms around her, pulling her head against his chest. They stood there, arms around each other.
“We’ll talk about this later.” His lips were against her hair. “Let’s go before the kids think something is wrong.”
“Jack?” She gazed at him with questions in her damp eyes.
“Don’t worry. I’ll think of something. I’ll handle it. Come on.”
Arm in arm they made their way through the terminal, saying nothing, with a lot on their minds.
Lexy lived in a small, red brick house that she had furnished with soft shades of fall. When friends or strangers walked into Lexy's house, they felt instantly at home. During the holidays it was decorated with all of her favorite items she had accumulated throughout the years. Her home had the soft glow of the holidays. Jack felt at peace immediately. Lexy's sentimentality was not lost on him.
“Nice place. I didn’t really notice the last time I was here.” He commented as he surveyed it carefully, seeing everything about Lexy in it.
She gave him a warning look. No one knew about that extra visit.
“Thanks. I realize it's not what you are used to. Make yourself at home while I finish getting dinner ready.”
Jack smiled in spite of himself. If she only knew how he had lived before all his so-called fame. Jessie took Jack's hand and dragged him into the living room saying they could watch TV while her mom was busy. Lexy went about the kitchen humming as she finished up. She smiled to herself as she thought about the many times she had imagined taking Jack to a game with her. She stopped. She suddenly realized it was coming true. The thought took her breath away. He would see his son play for the first time.
Arms folded around her suddenly and she felt someone nuzzling her neck. “I’m just checking on my favorite girl.”
She turned around and found herself kissing Jack. When his kiss grew more insistent, she drew away.
“Not here Jack. The kids will see.”
He released her slowly. “Later, then.” He gave her a knowing look, causing her to blush. “Now, what can I do to help?”
She put him to work, a warm feeling coming over her as she watched him toss the salad. It was like he’d been here forever. No, she mustn’t think like that. There had been no real promises, no official commitment. True, he had said he loved her. But love and commitment didn’t always go together. She had to be careful. Thirty minutes later, they sat down to a good old-fashioned home cooked dinner.
Lexy and Jack walked into the gym holding hands like they were high school students themselves. They were so engrossed in animated conversation with each other that they failed to notice the stares and gossip begin. As they took a seat, Lexy glanced around the gym.
A lot of people were looking their way and talking. She had realized that someone might recognize Jack. The kids had been instructed on pain of certain death not to discuss him. If anyone asked, they were to say he was an old high school friend of hers. Jack was rather amused.
“I’d say a lot of people are certainly interested in you, my sexy Lexy! Do they always check you out like this?”
“Shhh. Not so loud. I'd never hear the end of it if someone heard you call me that. And, no, Jack. It’s just that everyone knows Tom and I are divorced and I always come alone. I’m sure they are dying to know who you are.”
Lexy suddenly spied Tom and his latest flame, Denise. They had gotten up and were coming towards them. Jack observed them casually as they approached. Tom didn’t look too happy and neither did Denise. Jack suspected they had different reasons.
“Hello, Lexy.” Tom paused peering at Jack. Jack gave him a cool, lazy grin. That effortless smile that made Lexy quiver.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us, honey?” Jack nonchalantly put his arm on the bleachers behind Lexy. Sitting up straight, she turned cool as ice.
“Tom. You remember Jack. He went to school with us our senior year. Jack, this is Denise, my ex-husband's girlfriend.”
The air could have been cut with a knife and Lexy with an ice pick!
“I didn’t know you were seeing anyone, Lexy.” Tom looked at Jack. "You look familiar. Yeah, I remember you now. I remember you left town...fast.” A malevolent g
rin lit up Tom's face.
“I don’t know. Did I?” Jack smiled easily, hiding his dislike. Seeing Tom brought back memories of bruises and a broken nose.
“It’s none of your business who I’m seeing.” Lexy's voice was frozen honey.
“Come on, Tommy honey. I don’t want to miss any of Ryan’s game.” Denise was tugging at his arm. He gave her a distasteful look when she called him Tommy. His mother was the only one who was still allowed to call him that.
Like she really cares about Ryan. Lexy wanted to say something, but she held herself in check.
I’ll talk to you soon, Lexy girl. Count on it!”
Tom continued to smile wickedly, first at her and then at Jack. His eyes had that dangerous look Lexy hadn’t seen in a long time and never wanted to see again. She instinctively moved closer to Jack, a shiver running up her spine. The move was not lost on Jack.
“Nice seein' you again.” Jack drawled in his quiet, easygoing tone. He leaned closer to Lexy, drawing her to him.
Tom turned on his heels, grabbing Denise by the arm, literally dragging her away. He turned around once more and looked at Jack, a menacing look on his face.
Jack snorted. “He always was a nice guy. If looks could kill....” He pulled her nearer, murmuring in her ear. “Don’t worry honey. I’m here and I’m not moving. Let’s enjoy the game. I wanna watch my son.”
Lexy sagged against him with relief. He felt the ice start to melt away.
“All right, Jack. I....I’m fine now. With you here.” She snuggled closer, feeling very safe at the moment. “Yes, let’s watch our son play ball.”
Lexy drove Jack to his hotel after dropping the kids off and telling them not to wait up for her. Jack nearly dragged her into his room while kissing her at the same time.
“God, I missed you, Lexy. Sweet baby.” He picked her up and made his way over to the bed.
“Oh Jack, me too.”
She was kissing him back. He laid her on the bed, drinking in her azure eyes. Once again, she got lost in those misty hazel eyes of his. He pulled her up and held her against the wall. He kissed her eyes, lips and started down her neck. She lost control as her knees gave out. He steadied her, his sure hands grasping her shoulders.
“Oh Lexy angel, baby, I want you.” His hands went to her neck and encircled it. He held her gaze with his steamy, almost black eyes. “Tell me I can have your sweetness. Tell me now.”
Lexy, filled with a unquenched desire, closed her eyes, a sigh of pleasure escaping her lips.
“Take me now, Jack, take me now! I’m your captive.”
“Yeah, sweet baby. You are mine now. I rescued you. You’re mine to do with what I like. Do you like it when I talk this way to you, Lexy?”
“Yes, I like it. It makes me hot. It makes me feel like a... a loose woman .” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“My woman, Sexy Lexy. All mine.”
One hand slowly unbutton her blouse as he gently caressed her neck with the other. As his sure hands sought her breasts, swelling with passion, a crude growl sounded in his throat. To touch her was almost more that he could bear in his desire to have her. As his thumbs slowly circled her hardened nipples, Lexy cried out with impatience.
“Jack, I need you now!”
He slid one arm under her knees and lifted her swiftly on to the bed. He nearly ripped the clothing from her, exposing her glistening body. Swiftly Jack removed his jeans and shirt. He gazed at her lying there waiting in trembling anticipation for him. Jack pulled her up to him again. Trapping her against the wall, pinning her arms at her side, his tongue slithered over her body. Lexy writhed in ecstasy as his mouth explored every inch of her body, finally slipping his tongue into her silky nether domain. Her hips moved in undulating rhythm with his mouth. Exploding into his mouth, Lexy cried out his name.
He stood up quickly, donning his sheath while she was still writhing in his arms. Turning her around to face the wall, Jack held her arms above her head with one hand. Whispering to not to be afraid, his body pinned hers against the wall. Nudging her legs apart, his free hand guided his stiff, pulsing shaft into her waiting, swollen folds.
“I won’t hurt you, baby, just let me do the work. I want to be inside you so bad. Deep inside. Do you like it like this, angel?” His breathing was becoming heavy and erratic.
“Oh, Jack, I want it this way...with you.”
“That’s good, honey. I want to take you where you’ve never been.” He moved in and out slowly making Lexy gasp with pleasure each time he went deeper. No longer able to control himself, he grabbed her around the waist, pulling her backside against his sweating body tightly, crying out with immense pleasure as he came inside her. Lexy held on to his dampened arms as his body shuddered, nearly engulfing hers. Sagging into him, his arms gently enfolded her glistening body. No words were spoken as he lifted her onto the bed, spreading his magnificent body next to hers.
Later, as they lay contentedly in each other’s arms, Jack asked the question that had been on his mind for some time. He turned and looked into her angelic, peaceful face.
“Tom used to hit you didn’t he?”
She looked away, tears suddenly springing in her eyes. He took her face in his hand and brought it around to look into his dusky eyes. She struggled not to look at him. Jack stilled her with his strong hands and body.
“Didn’t he?”
The tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. “Yes.” It was a barely audible whisper. Jack pulled her head down to rest on his chest as he stroked her hair and whispered gently to her.
“I knew it! He better never touch you again Lexy. I promise you that if he lays a hand on you I’ll....I’ll...” He didn’t finish the sentence.
He rocked her back and forth. Silky hair, wet with hot tears, merged with the damp, curly hair on his chest.
“Don’t ever worry about me, angel. I told you that I would never hurt you and I meant it. When I touch you, it will only be to bring you pleasure. Tom will never lay a hand on you again, as long as I’m around. You can count on that!”
She pressed closer to him, wanting to be a part of what was so strong and confident. He lifted her face to his, brushing away the tears. He could almost feel the years of pain he saw in her eyes. She laid her head against him again and sighed.
“I have to go, Jack. I told you I couldn’t stay.”
Lexy wanted to stay so badly. She needed his strength. She needed to have his loving arms around her.
“I know, honey. I’ll be thinking about you all night, you know that don’t you Lexy.”
Jack continued to stroke her hair, his lips resting lightly against the softness of it. Lexy untangled herself from his arms and slipped off the bed to get dressed. Her face was warm as she realized he was watching her as she slipped her clothes on.
“God, you are beautiful, Lexy Kane!”
He got out of bed, slipping into his jeans and shirt. Grabbing her hand, Jack led her to the elevator and out to the parking lot. He helped her into the tiny MG, bending over to kiss her. He cupped the back of her head and locked her in a long sensual embrace. Just as suddenly her released her.
“Get going angel, before I haul you back upstairs.” Then, gently he traced the outline of her jaw with his finger.
“Remember what I said. If I can help it, no one will ever hurt you again.” He took a step back. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Lexy. Until then, know that I love you.”
She glanced up at him as she started her car and shifted it into gear. He stood with his arms folded as she roared out of the parking lot.
He could have what he had always known he wanted. And a son too. Would he be able to handle it? Jack shook his head as he started up the stairs to the hotel lobby. He knew that she did things to his mind and body no one else had ever done.
And she needed his protection. Real protection, not like the fantasy of music videos. He could give her that, but could he give her the rest? She had never asked for more that he had given
her. That’s what was so difficult for him to understand. Somebody always wanted something from him. Or so he had thought. That made her even more dangerous, not asking for anything in return. He needed to get some sleep, but he didn’t see that coming for hours. Jack Wyatt opened the door to his hotel room and went in.
Lexy was up by nine the next day. She’d returned home around 2:00 a.m. totally exhausted by their extensive love making. She was making herself a cup of coffee when the phone rang. Her mind was still not believing his insatiable desire, or hers. She smiled to herself remembering his protectiveness after he had asked about Tom.
It felt so good to be loved for herself. Tom had almost ruined her for any man. Jack restored her faith in the human race. Maybe everyone wasn’t as violent as Tom after all. Jack certainly did not seem to be, despite his aggressive approach to sex, demanding, yet gentle. His sincere concern and tenderness had surprised her. Pleasantly. She reached for the phone.
“Hello?”
“Well, I hear a certain couple were the topic of conversation at the game last night!” April’s voice came over the line.
“Uhmmmm. It was all I dreamed it would be. Tom and Denise were practically spitting nails. It was great!”
“Everyone is dying to know who the mystery man is. I have already had a dozen calls this morning. I love it. Of course, I have no idea what they are talking about!”
“You are so funny, April. That’s why I love you so. I also know that you loved every minute of it!” Lexy was laughing in spite of herself. April had a way of making even the worst things look and sound comical.
“Of course. So when do I meet the man my dearest friend is so much in love with?”
“He’ll be here at ten. Come over anytime.”
“I’ll be right over. Bye.” Lexy had no sooner hung up the phone when it rang again.
“How is the sweetest girl I know?” The sound of Jack's voice sent shivers up her spine. She gained control of herself, barely.
Looking Out for Lexy Page 19