by Claire Adams
I didn’t know if I should take the call in front of her or not, especially since I knew it could be about the lawsuit. I didn’t want there to be any awkwardness between us, but I didn’t want there to be any secrets, either. “My lawyer keeps calling. I should really call him back.” Her lazy smile faded, and she looked away.
“I can go downstairs.” I rose from the bed, but she sat up and got to her feet before I could reach the door.
“No. Wait, Aiden.” I stopped in my tracks, and she took my hand. “I’m still on your side.” Her eyes were sincere, and I realized there wasn’t any doubt about it. She might have lied about her name and who her parents were, but she was still my girl just the same.
I lifted her hand to my mouth and kissed her soft knuckles. “Then let’s see what this blowhard wants.” I sat on the bed and returned the call.
Layne answered the phone with his usual level of pleasantness. “It’s about damned time you woke up.”
“Good morning to you, too, Layne; you’re on speaker phone, so mind your manners.” I thought it only fair to warn him. His tone changed immediately.
“I’ve been trying to reach you because there’s been a development in the Patterson case.” Lexa and I exchanged a glance.
“So, what is it?” Lexa clasped her hands at her chest as worry crossed her face.
“I need you to come down.” His tone wasn’t giving away anything.
“Okay. We’re on our way.” I hung up the phone, and her eyes widened.
“You want me to come along?” She got to her feet as I ran to the closet for a change of clothes.
“Yes, and I would take the time to shower, but we’d be here all day.” She stood there watching her in her bra and panties, and it seemed like a shame we didn’t have time to get properly naked. “You better get some clothes on; you can’t go there like that that.” I let my eyes take in as much of her as I could while she threw on her clothes, and then we headed out to meet Layne.
Together.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Lexa
Aiden and I were dressed and out the door in less than fifteen minutes, and that’s after me encouraging him to take a shower and going downstairs so he’d behave. I let Mattie know what was going on and thanked her for calling me. She had tried to deny it at first, but as I walked away, she mumbled a quiet you’re welcome.
Aiden insisted we take the Shelby and ran a few stop signs on the way out of his neighborhood. Not that you could call it a neighborhood; it wasn’t like he had anyone living close, but there were a few houses on the same street.
I couldn’t take my eyes off him, and he looked especially sexy behind the wheel of the car with a look of determination on his face. “What do you think’s going on?” I asked when we were about halfway there.
“I don’t know. It could be nothing. Layne’s known to be a bit dramatic. I’m going to pound his head if made me miss out on kinky shower time to tell me I need to sign a check.”
“Surely it’s more than that, but if it’s not, it’s ladies first in the bell ringing department.” That earned a laugh, and he reached across from the stick shift and rested his hand on my knee.
“You look beautiful.”
I glanced over, and he met my eyes for a moment until it was time to downshift and make a turn.
“I’m wearing last night’s clothes, and I’ve got a cowlick from lying against your sweaty arm.” I tried to smooth my hair back, but it was no use. I could feel the bump.
“I’ll take you to your house when we’re done, and you can get freshened up. I’m taking you to lunch, and then we have plans.”
“We do? What are we going to do?” I fluttered my lashes at him, and he nodded.
“Mhm, I’m going to kiss you a while, too.”
“Just kiss?” I lifted my chin and turned my eyes to the window.
“I said too.” Heat blossomed between my legs when he squeezed my knee.
“Easy, boy. We’ll have to take a detour.” We shared a laugh as he passed a sign that read Walker & Connor Attorneys At Law, and then he turned into a small parking garage that was still too big for one office alone. I realized that this building housed many others.
We parked in a space labeled for Mr. Walker, and I noticed Mr. Connor’s car was next to ours, a shiny black Stingray.
I met Aiden at the back of the Shelby, and he took my hand. I wondered what a sight we’d be walking in together, but I had no idea what kind of audience to expect. The office was crowded, and there were other names on doors and signs that I walked by too fast to read. Voices called out hello, Mr. Walker as we passed and Aiden nodded and said a few hellos of his own. I smiled, but knew I looked wild-eyed as we breezed through.
Finally, we came to a door, and he knocked. It opened, and the attorney I’d seen at the courthouse stood on the other side. His eyes widened, and his face paled as he stepped aside. He hadn’t expected to see me, and as I walked into his office, I hadn’t expected to see my parents.
They seemed equally shocked, and I got a sickening feeling as Aiden clenched my hand and pulled me closer. My mother’s eyes were wide, and she reached out and took my father’s arm as if it best to keep hold of something she knew was real.
“Alexandra.” My mother pulled her lips in tight and looked away, but my father shook his head and released a long breath.
“I know this comes as a shock, but you’re going to have to get over it. I love him, and we’re going to be together, settlement or not.” My father went to open his mouth, but I cut him off. “I love you both, but I’m going to do what I want to make myself happy for a change and-”
“I love your daughter. I mean, I’m aware that you hate me, but I’m hoping that once I’ve settled up, we can find a way to make the best of this and hopefully, you’ll accept me as part of Lexa’s life. I’m prepared to pay the judgment and assure you that as soon as my accountant gets things lined out, I’ll be back down to sign the papers. He said it should be sometime next week, but I assure you it’s coming.” Aiden’s tone was very demanding, but he kept his eyes focused straight on my parents.
A hush fell over the room as we waited for them to respond. My father sat up in his chair and straightened his belt, and my mother’s lips were pulled in so tight that she looked like she didn’t have a mouth. Then a giggle broke the silence, bubbling in her throat and tumbling from her mouth. The men in the room were all smiles, and Layne’s cheeks were so red with blush that he matched his crimson necktie.
Aiden and I exchanged a glance, and I was certain they had all gone crazy.
“What the hell is going on?” Aiden shook his head, and I tugged on his arm to keep him close.
My father leaned forward in his chair. “We came in to tell you that we’ve decided, with much prodding from our daughter, to decline the settlement.”
Aiden’s eyes narrowed, and he looked to his lawyer who nodded and straightened his tie, the face still matching as his bright smile beamed. “I wanted you to come down so they could tell you themselves and so you could sign the agreement. We’ll have to send it before the judge, of course.”
I dropped Aiden’s hand and stepped forward toward my parents. “You’re really not going to take the money?” The both shook their heads, and my mother took my hand.
“We didn’t think it was right in light of everything you told us. We’ve all suffered enough, and we didn’t want Mr. Walker to think we’d put you up to anything. We could tell how heartbroken you were.” She wiped a stray tear from her cheek, and I fell into her arms.
“Thank you.”
“We’re just so surprised to see you two together.” She smiled at Aiden, and I pulled away from her and fell against his side.
“I appreciate your gesture, but I’m going to have to insist you allow me to pay what the judge declared fair. I’m prepared to pay it, and I’d like to make things right. Shawn was a good guy, and I know my sister loved him. She would want me to do the right thing.”
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p; My father raised a hand and shook his head. “I can’t allow it. I wouldn’t want any bad feelings between us with you and Lexa being involved.”
“I’d feel better about it,” Aiden argued.
I knew them both well enough to know they’d keep up the back and forth for hours if we stood by and let them, so I decided to make a suggestion that might work in both of our favors.
“I’ve got an idea.” I stepped between the most important men in my life and glanced back and forth to meet their eyes. “What if we started a foundation in memory of Shawn and Allison? We could take the settlement and do a fundraiser that would contribute to charities. That way the money would go to a good cause, and neither would profit.” I let out a long breath and waited for their reactions.
My mother’s voice broke the silence. “That’s a wonderful idea. Shawn would have loved it.”
“So would Ally. She had a generous heart.” Aiden’s lips curled up at the corners as he thought of his sister. But then his face grew serious. “I’d agree to that on one condition.” He turned and took both of my hands. “If you’ll head up the foundation?” It took a moment to realize he meant me, but once it sank in, I knew I could do it.
“Of course. I might need a bit of legal help.” I glanced at Layne Connor who stepped forward.
“I’d be honored to help so there wouldn’t be any conflicts of interest. Pro bono, of course, to honor my dear friend’s daughter.”
I patted the man on the back as he shook Aiden’s hand. “Thanks, man.” Aiden glanced to my dad for his reaction and Dad held out his hand, and the two of them shook on it. As the lawyers discussed how to go about setting things up, Aiden walked to the window.
“What are you looking at?”
“That tree. See it there.” He lifted a finger and pointed to the corner of the building. It was a huge oak, strong and sturdy, its branches extending in all directions.
“It’s beautiful. It reminds me of the ones at your house, only a bit smaller.”
“That’s because it’s not that old. I planted it when I was a kid. You can see the top of Allison’s from my office.” I wondered what made him take a glance out at that tree, but figured it was a special memory of him and his sister.
“Mattie has been telling me about trees,” he continued, as if to answer my silent question. He shrugged and stepped away from the window as the others finished their conversation and Mr. Blanc excused himself from the room.
“I’m so happy you’re happy, Lexa.” Mom brushed my hair away from my face and tried to smooth down my cowlick. Her lip curled as she gave it a curious look. But then she caught my expression. “What?”
“You called me Lexa.” It wasn’t often that she did and when I heard it come from her mouth, I knew that things were okay between us.
As we walked out together, leaving Layne to figure out the next steps for setting up the foundation, Aiden put his arm around me. “I’d like to take the two of you out for dinner tonight with Lexa and me.”
Mom and Dad exchanged a glance, and then Dad gave him a pat on the back. “We’d like that very much. I know I’d like the chance to know you, and I hope we might earn a better impression from you.”
“How about six at Soto’s?”
Mom’s eyes lit up; I knew it was one of her favorites. “That sounds perfect. You two have fun, and we’ll see you then.” Mom and Dad walked out, standing a bit taller than I’d seen them in months. We followed arm in arm until we got to the Shelby.
Aiden opened my door and leaned in to whisper in my ear, “I can’t wait to get you alone.”
“I do need a nice long shower.” I smiled as he closed the door and then turned to greet him with a kiss as he slid into the seat beside me.
“I think I’ll join you. I’m sure I missed a spot.” With a wink, he started the car, and the roar of the engine sent a vibration that shot a tingle right to my core.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Aiden
The afternoon hadn’t gone exactly how I expected, but any time with Lexa was time well spent. I’d brought her to her apartment which was much smaller than I’d expected, but more private. She had told me she liked it that way and with her job, she didn’t need a huge place. Her life was in and out, and I could tell that by the minimalistic approach to decorating it. There wasn’t much that had to be dusted, and everything was in its place. Made sense.
I’d helped her undressed and walked her to the shower, but before I could get her good and soaped up, my phone rang. It had been Layne telling me that things were underway and then, of course, he’d wanted to talk. I’d cut him short, but she’d finished up without me.
I resigned to drying her off and took her to the bed where I put my mouth to work, kissing, licking, and talking. I’d have kept her spread out beneath me if it hadn’t been for her flat tummy growling like a bear, so I did the right thing and took her to grab a small bite. We caught up on the days we were apart and worked through it until we were both content that we were all better. I understood her side of things and made sure she understood that she could tell me anything.
I glanced over to where she sat in the Shelby, her skirt barely touching her knees, texting Bre.
“She wanted us to stop by later, but I told her we’re on the way to see Mom and Dad for dinner. She said she can’t believe it and wished you luck.” She let out a giggle. “You know Bre actually told my mother off over the whole lawsuit ordeal?”
“She did? Wow, she’s got some balls, that one. I was surprised to see her at the bar. I think Glen was, too. He knew what was up and what wasn’t.” We exchanged a laugh, and she let out a sigh.
“You two will get along great now that things are better. She’s always been a little protective.” She typed more words, and I changed lanes to get ready for our exit.
“Yeah, well, I can respect that.”
“She was worried you’d had gotten physical with me. I think that was why she wanted to feel you out. I assured her you hadn’t, but she’s been through that, so she wanted to make sure I wasn’t keeping things from her.” My heart dropped like a stone to my gut as I pulled into the restaurant.
“I’m sorry I put my hands on you the way I did.”
“You didn’t hit me.” She shook her head and waved me off.
“No, I didn’t, but I wanted it to affect you like I had. I wanted you to think I was capable, and I’m not. That was all a ruse to make you hate me. I thought if you did you’d stay away and… Well, it was wrong. I’m sorry for it and ashamed.” I felt her hand on my leg, and she leaned over and kissed my cheek.
“Aiden, I know you. I know your heart, and I didn’t think for a moment you’d hurt me like that.”
“Well, I was taught better. My father told me not to ever lay my hands on any woman while I was angry, and even though I didn’t do it with force, it was wrong. And, my words were wrong, too. You deserved better.”
“Not after what I did.” She looked away toward her window, but stayed close as I parked.
I stopped the car and pulled her close. “We’ve been over that. It’s time to move forward. We’re going to go in there and have a nice family dinner. I’m going to win your parents’ hearts, and then we’re going back to my house for dessert.” I tugged her closer as I kissed her deeply, her mouth soft and tasting like fruit gum.
We broke the kiss, and she nuzzled against my neck for a moment. “That sounds perfect. I never thought we’d get this far, with family dinners and you winning my parents over.”
“We’re only getting started. I promise.”
We got out of the car when we saw her parents arriving and waited for them before going inside. I held the door for her mother, and as she gave me a polite smile, I could see how much Lexa favored her. Another thing that I’d noticed before but didn’t understand why.
Once we had our seats and ordered our food, the conversation fell toward the foundation. Lexa’s face lit up each time she spoke of it, and I was honored that she’d t
hought to include my sister. I’d made charitable donations in all of their names after the funerals, but the foundation will be a good honor to all of their memories, no matter whose names were included.
“I’d like to do a fundraiser event. I’m sure there are others who’d like to be involved. Shawn’s friends all expressed that they’d like to donate to charities in his honor, and I’m sure some of them did in lieu of flowers.”
Her mother, who had taken a sip of wine, nodded and placed her glass upon the table. “As a matter of fact, I received several cards from the organizations. Perhaps we could start there.”
“I’ll check with Mattie and Layne and go through the mail from that time. I’m sure it’s all in the home office.” I wished I knew more, but it wasn’t like I had been in my right frame of mind.
I wasn’t going to explain to her mother that I was a recovering drunk, and I thanked my lucky stars things hadn’t gotten so out of control that I couldn’t come back from it. I didn’t want to end up like Smitty. Lexa had been my light in that darkness, and I would be forever thankful that she’d saved me.
As Lexa continued, I thought of how things had changed. The plans I’d made when I thought I might have to make sacrifices started to come back to me and I realized there was some other way I could help. “I’d like to donate my family’s Rolls for an auction during the fundraiser.” Lexa’s eyes widened, and her mother nearly choked on her next sip of wine.
“A Rolls Royce?” She glanced at her husband, who cleared his throat.
“Yeah, I’m never going to use it, and I had already planned on selling it if the settlement was higher.” I shrugged not wanting to go into the fine details.
Lexa’s hand fell upon mine. “That would be more than generous. Are you sure?” She knew how much those cars meant to me, but the Rolls had never been a favorite of mine, considering how it was used.