The Avoiding Series Boxset

by K. A. Linde

  “Does he mean all that to you?” Chyna whispered wringing her hands.

  Lexi sighed and turned her head to look at her friend. She pushed her hair behind her ears several times before answering. “He’s always meant everything to me.”

  “But he’s with someone else now,” Chyna stated hesitantly. She was afraid to set her off again and have a repeat of what had just happened. She had never been so afraid for anyone in her life.

  “I know. I know. He said he wants to make things right with me. I told him we could only be right if neither of us is attached. I need to give him the time to become unattached.”

  “And how do you know he’ll do that?” Chyna asked. “I mean, didn’t he call you down here because he was ready to commit in the first place.”

  Lexi bit her lip. “Not exactly. It was more for her benefit. It just seemed to backfire on her. He realized that he knew what he really wanted when I was around. That he wants me. You should have seen his jealous face when he found out that I went on a date with Ramsey,” she said smiling fondly at the memory.

  “And what about him? Just one date? You told me that you kind of liked him,” Chyna mentioned hoping that something…anything would snap her friend out of this.

  “Ramsey’s…ya know. Whatever. I had a good time, but he’s so…all in your face. His personality is all encompassing. I can’t breathe around him,” Lexi told Chyna, surprised by the reality of her words.

  Chyna cleared her throat. “Some people think these are good qualities. It’s called passion,” she mumbled peaking at her friend from under her thick dark lashes.

  Lexi scowled at her friend. She didn’t want to think about Ramsey, mostly, because she didn’t know what to do about Ramsey. He wasn’t like the other people she had dated. She had thought that he would be easy to figure out, a cookie-cutter sort of character. Yet, she couldn’t deny that she had enjoyed herself on their date, uncharacteristically so. She had lost herself in his strange, in-your-face personality for a time. She had even forgotten about Jack. It had surprised her that she had been able to forget such strong memories while with another man. She had become so accustomed to measuring up every guy to Jack that, if she was honest with herself, it had been a pleasant reprieve from the tireless drone of unimpressive desperation that most guys wore like cloaks.

  “I don’t know about that,” Lexi replied biting her teeth and averting her eyes.

  Chyna chewed on the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling at her friend’s reaction. It was the same disbelieving tone she had used on the phone when talking about this Ramsey character. Chyna simply couldn’t wait to meet him to find out what exactly was so special about him. “I think you do.”

  “Well, it doesn’t matter. I can’t go out with him again when this stuff is going on with me and Jack,” Lexi told her.

  “What? Why not? He’s going to be with Bekah!” Chyna cried forgetting her promise to herself that she wouldn’t get too excited while talking to Lexi. She bit her lip waiting for Lexi’s reaction.

  “Shit!” Lexi cried, her eyes lighting up with worry.

  “Oh God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring it up again.”

  “No, not that,” she cried closing her eyes and smacking her head backward against the headboard. She cursed again, louder this time, with the pain of slamming her head.

  “Don’t do that,” Chyna cried reaching for her friend.

  Lexi staved Chyna off. “I forgot I’m supposed to be going with Ramsey to Jack’s birthday party on Saturday.”

  “Oh!” Chyna said her mouth popping open.

  “What am I going to do, C?” Lexi asked tears welling in her eyes from the pain in her head and the sudden realization that she was in quite a pickle.

  “That’s easy, sweetie,” Chyna told her reassuringly. “You show up with that hunk of a man on your arm and revel in the jealousy that will flow freely from Jack. It’s too easy honestly.”

  “I don’t need to make him jealous,” Lexi said her brows furrowing.

  Chyna rolled her eyes. “It’s a reminder that if this is what he wants,” she gestured toward Lexi, “then he needs to make up his fucking mind.”

  That is how Lexi and Chyna ended up three days later in a black stretch limo escorting them to Jack’s birthday extravaganza. Ramsey had dropped off Lexi’s purchases at Chyna’s penthouse suite. The two had instantly hit it off while Lexi glanced anxiously between the two. For some reason, Ramsey never passed more than a fleeting glance in Chyna’s direction. It was unlike anything Lexi had ever seen. Most guys openly ogled her gorgeous best friend, but Ramsey managed to make pleasant conversation without flirting and without coming onto her. Lexi was amazed by the end of the encounter, and didn’t know what to think about it.

  After that, Lexi visited her family for the remainder of the week. Chyna came down for an afternoon to meet the family, but otherwise had occupied herself as she always had with guys and nightlife. The time at home had been refreshing and grounded her unlike anything else could. The reality of the past week was setting in, and she needed to get a grip on herself if she was going to survive the weekend. Her parents hadn’t badgered her with questions about herself. They had just seemed genuinely happy to have her around, even though it was a shorter period of time then she had promised. They did seem to like the prospect that she might take the Georgia Bar, and practice law a little closer to home. She didn’t want to get their hopes up though and felt bad when they continued to bring it up.

  Regardless, Lexi was more nervous about the upcoming night. Ramsey looked smashing when he entered Chyna’s penthouse. He wore an amazing Armani tux that was tailored to perfection. His blonde hair was spiked and something about his green eyes sparkled when he entered the room. Lexi had to remind herself to breathe when his gaze met hers. He had commented on how beautiful they looked, and Lexi had to admit that both of them had really outdone themselves.

  Chyna’s shiny black hair flowed out across her shoulders and down her back, just above where the back of her lacy black dress came to a point. The halter dipped low enough in the front to show off the tops of her perky breasts and hugged tight to her body flowing out around her calves.

  A red, strapless, sweetheart bodice clung to Lexi’s tiny form giving her curves that even she was surprised that she had. The dress fell to the top of her knees revealing the chiseled muscles in her calves that were only more prominent from the black stilettos that adorned her feet. Her chocolate curls were expertly held up off the back of her neck into a messy bun creation with tendrils falling around her face. Ramsey’s mouth parted at the sight of her, for once, speechless.

  Lexi lounged back against the leather interior, a smile playing across her face at the memory of the look on his face.

  “What are you all smiley about?” Ramsey asked not able to keep from speaking for very long. His arm was rested precariously over the back of her seat, a champagne flute held loosely in the other hand.

  “Um, what?” Lexi asked jumping in surprise. She hadn’t expected to be caught.

  Chyna’s eyebrows lifted on the other side of the car. A smile crossed her face when she looked upon the couple, even though she could see Lexi flinching.

  “You’re all smiley,” he repeated trailing his free hand across her cheek.

  Her eyes bulged slightly at the light contact. She sure hoped this wasn’t going to be one of those nights where she couldn’t keep control of her emotions. Ramsey was…well he wasn’t Jack. Of that much she was certain, but that didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy his company.

  Lexi tried to push Chyna’s words about Ramsey out of her head. She didn’t want to use him to make Jack jealous. She didn’t really want to think that she was using anyone.

  “Just smiley,” she told him as she dipped her head backward leaving his hand caressing thin air. He didn’t seem affronted by her rejection and rested his hand against the back of the seat once more. “Where are we going?”

  Ramsey turned his brilliant smi
le on her, and she gritted her teeth to keep from sending him a girly smile in return. “It’s a surprise if you don’t already know,” he said confidently.

  “You and your surprises,” Lexi griped.

  “You seemed to like the last one,” he huskily whispered.

  This time Lexi couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “Yes, well…” she stammered.

  Chyna giggled in the corner, quickly brushing her hand up to her mouth to contain her laughter. Lexi’s eyes darted to Chyna, glaring in her direction. Chyna winked back unable to control her euphoria.

  The car continued forward, and Lexi tried to piece together the direction they were driving through the city in an effort to determine their destination. Lexi recognized the buildings as they passed the Georgia Tech and Georgia State campuses. They were going in the opposite direction of Buckhead. So once again, Ramsey had surprised her. Though she wouldn’t let him know. She wasn’t certain where they would hold a birthday party around here though. Even when she had been with Bekah searching for formal dresses, she hadn’t been quite certain where they were going that required something so formal. Now it appeared that they weren’t even going to be in the city.

  As the limo took the next exit off of the interstate, Lexi’s eyes lit up with excitement. She had spent dozens of evenings inside the walls of the place they were about to be dropped off. Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team, appeared before them. The parking lot was near empty, which signified that there must be an away game. The limo dropped them off at the front entrance of the stadium where they were immediately escorted inside.

  Even Chyna seemed impressed by the extent that had been put into a simple birthday party. She had thrown her fair share of impressive parties, but this was altogether different compared to the things that occurred in New York.

  Lexi, Chyna, and Ramsey followed the usher inside and as they rounded the corner the 755 Club came into focus. Ramsey thanked the guide and sent him on his way as he stepped forward to the hostess. The tall, buxom blonde standing behind the desk smiled pleasantly as Ramsey approached her. They shared a few words that showed they were acquaintances. Lexi’s stomach knotted as the woman turned what appeared to be the full force of her charm on Ramsey. She knew it was irrational to feel anything, and honestly, she didn’t even know what this feeling was that was taking residence in her stomach.

  Ramsey gestured toward Lexi and Chyna, and the woman’s face soured slightly at the indication that he had brought two dates. The woman motioned for them to enter.

  “What was that all about?” Chyna whispered to Lexi. She shrugged her shoulders not really wanting to know. Lexi had too many of her own issues to deal with, without thinking about someone else’s.

  The room they entered was large enough for a party to fill, but not too big that everyone would be so spread out they wouldn’t enjoy themselves. The space was already beginning to crowd in.

  Lights were dimmed and music was playing evenly through the speakers at a volume just loud enough that no one had to speak over the music to be heard. Hors d’oeuvres were being carted around the room on silver platters. There was an open bar along one side of the establishment and another that opened up to a stunning view of the Braves field. The sun had set across the veranda, and the last hints of pink and orange hues lit up the building before diminishing into darkness.

  Lexi’s eyes followed the crowd of formally dressed do-gooders noticing a distinct pattern. She set her gaze on the swarm surrounding one end of the bar. Through the crowd a pair of blue eyes seemed to catch sight of her across the room. His mouth opened slightly when he took in her breathtaking beauty, all concentration lost on his eager subjects. He was king for the night, and the room full of jesters was keen to do his bidding. The queen at his side appeared elegant and serene in her flowing, gold, silk dress. She upturned her nose as the king extracted himself from her grasp and volleyed himself across the floor to his mistress in red.

  Bekah followed quickly behind, speaking before Jack could reach Lexi. “Ramsey,” she cried wrapping her arms around her big brother. “What took you so long?”

  Ramsey smiled down on her. “I had two gorgeous ladies to escort,” he said wiggling his eyebrows up and down and moving to wrap his arms protectively around Lexi and Chyna.

  “You came with him?” Jack asked them even though it was pretty obvious to anyone involved with the situation that he was talking directly to Lexi. After the conversation she had had with Jack about her date with Ramsey, she was amazed this was all the reaction she had elicited from him.

  “I did tell him that I would go with him, and I wouldn’t want to go back on my promise,” Lexi stated pointedly. Jack’s eyes blazed at the implications behind the statement, but before he could react, he was shouldered out of the way from behind.

  “What the…” he trailed off.

  “Lexi, baby, oh dear God. Please tell me you are single. Please, oh please, oh please,” Seth cried running his hands down her sides.

  Lexi couldn’t help but giggle as he scooped her up into his arms. “Seth, put me down,” she cried as he twirled her around in place, knocking her legs into the unlucky few who didn’t get out of the way.

  “I’m never letting go,” he said setting her on his feet, but dropping his head so that it rested on her breasts. Lexi let out a peel of laughter at the absurdity of the situation.

  “I haven’t seen you in forever. The least you could do would be to give me a legitimate hug,” she told Seth.

  Just then someone stood behind Seth and smacked him hard against the back of the head. “You get off her this instant, you pig,” Sandy cried grabbing at his arms.

  “Oh, sweetie, it’s just Lexi,” he said letting go and turning to his wife.

  Sandy nudged him out of the way and reached out to hug Lexi instead of continuing her scolding. “I’m sorry, Lexi. It really is good to see you. When Jack told me you were coming, I flipped my shit. I was so excited.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here either. Jack didn’t tell me you two were coming up,” she said glaring over at Jack.

  “Don’t blame him,” Sandy replied swatting at her husband’s wandering hands. “Seth didn’t think he’d be able to get away. It was kind of last minute.”

  “This is a touching reunion, but I need a drink,” Chyna said as she wandered away toward the bar.

  “I should probably follow her. You never know what…or who is going to happen to Chyna when she is alone,” Lexi said extracting herself from the group. As much as she loved Seth and Sandy, it just brought back too many painful memories to be around them, especially with Jack only a few feet away. She took one brief glance backward and saw him staring at her behind as she walked away. She knew that look. It was right before his eyes turned crystal clear blue and his desire began to peak. He wanted her. Right now. It didn’t matter where he was at the moment. He just wanted to have her.

  One more reason for her to back away from him. She wasn’t sure how well she would be able to resist him when he looked so damn good, and was looking at her like he could devour her whole.

  “C, what am I doing here?” Lexi asked as she reached Chyna and latched onto her elbow.

  “Because you want him,” she stated simply, ordering a round of dirty martinis for them. The bartender almost instantly had the drinks before them. He was cute, roguish looking with a strong jaw line masked by stubble and dark hungry eyes. She smiled at him taking in the way his large, callused hands poured the drinks into triangle-shaped glasses. He pushed the drinks toward her on blue and white napkins. Chyna produced a twenty from her billfold and tossed it into the blue glass tip container. He winked at her. Lexi knew Chyna could have his number any minute now.

  “Yeah, you’re right. That is what I want,” Lexi agreed reaching for the martini.

  “Did you say you wanted something?” Ramsey asked coming up next to them. He raised two fingers and nodding at the man behind the bar.

  “Uh…yeah. Well,
I already have my drink,” Lexi replied.

  “Steven,” Ramsey said in greeting. The two men shook hands across the bar. “Good to see you. It’s been awhile. You here now?”

  “A couple places now,” Steven replied pouring a drinking for Ramsey and sliding it across the table.

  “I was wondering where you had gone.”

  “Wherever the money is.”

  “Well, if you need anything, you let me know,” Ramsey told him.

  Lexi analyzed the situation before speaking. “Do you know everyone?”

  Ramsey chuckled. “Pretty much. It’s my job to know everyone.”

  “Uh huh,” she humped. “And what do you do?”

  His face paled at the question, but he quickly recovered. “I know people, that’s what I do,” he said sending a full-watted smile her way. Her eyes narrowed at his backhanded way of telling her to back off. But her curiosity had been peaked, and now she really wanted to know what he did.

  For tonight, though, she needed to focus on Jack. It was his big night after all, and she needed to find out what he was actually going to be doing about Bekah. She would be leaving on Sunday for New York, and she needed a more definitive answer about their situation. They had talked a few times on the phone since she had fled his apartment, but she hadn’t gone to visit him again. Too much temptation in one week wasn’t good for her. He had respected her wishes thus far, but she wasn’t going to hold her breath that it would continue.

  Lexi gritted her teeth as she watched Bekah saunter across the room with a trio of other blonde-headed bimbos. “You know them?” Lexi asked Ramsey nodding her head in their direction.