Evan Elemental (The Evan Elemental Series)

by Crystal Groszek

  When my skin connected with the smooth surface of the heart it felt like my entire body was consumed by the fevered electricity that pulsed through the night. I felt that same stirring of feeling inside of me that I had felt before when Lex touched me, only stronger. Power like I had never known could be possible flowed through me, detaching me from the world I existed in and pulling me somewhere in-between life and death.

  I was a part of the night and yet, wholly separate. Peace settled over my spirit, making me feel a wholeness that I had never felt in all my short life. I closed my eyes tight and allowed the feeling to pulse through me and make its home inside of me.

  When I opened my eyes again, I was in my bed and it was morning and Magda had left without saying goodbye.

  Now that she's gone, I feel a sense of relief. I know I should process what happened during the storm last night, but I decide to file it away with the rest of my problems, because Lex is coming over. He's supposed to take me into town to find something to wear to tea with the Ladies Council.

  When he arrives, I expect there to be some awkwardness between us, but there isn't. We drive along Main Street in an easy silence. I decide, after some consideration, that there isn't any point in trying to discuss what happened, what seems to still be happening, between us. It'll unfold on its own, I assure myself.

  Just before we enter town I spot a tree that has been split down the middle, probably from lightning. The sight causes the memory of last night to come rushing back. Since I woke up in bed, I'm not entirely sure that it wasn't a dream. Despite my mind's doubt, my heart knows that what happened was real. Somehow, I know I could tell Lex about it, but I'm not sure how to begin. So, I don't mention it.

  Lex takes me around to some pricey boutiques that don't carry anything that suits my taste. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter what my tastes are. The point of the trip is to find something that will make me appear acceptable to a bunch of stuffy rich ladies, whose opinion my grandmother feels is deeply important.

  After several hours of searching, I end up with a few dresses that are almost all floral prints and lace collars. I even pick out a couple pairs of standard pumps with unflattering kitten heels and a pearl necklace with matching earrings.

  While I shop, Lex keeps his distance and makes polite conversation with the salespeople. I can tell he's bored, and so am I, but we both put up a cheerful front until it's over. Before heading back to the estate, we stop at a little coffee shop where we're finally able to relax and talk freely. I sit while Lex orders us drinks, which I think is ridiculous, but he insisted.

  When we're both finally sitting, our drinks in front of us, I feel the awkwardness finally start to creep in, making me blush and Lex shift uncomfortably. I want to ask him about himself but my tongue stays stubbornly stuck to the roof of my mouth. The caffeine only serves to make me more nervous.

  I glance around, trying to focus on anything other than him. The crowd is sparse, it being a weekday. The décor is average coffee shop décor: tasteful art prints, a few overstuffed couches, and shiny lacquer tables surrounded by spindly iron chairs. The girl behind the counter texts rapidly on her cell phone, while casting furtive glances at Lex.

  "I think you have a fan," I say in an overly nonchalant voice. I immediately regret saying it.

  Lex, who has been intently studying his palms, looks up, his eyes flooded with confusion. I shake my head trying to play it off, but he turns and catches the girl eyeing him. She meets his gaze steadily, the corner of her lips quirking up in a seductive half smile. Lex turns back to me, his eyes lit up. My face heats and I contemplate making a run for the door.

  "Does that bother you?" he asks in a playful voice.

  I shake my head, not able to meet his eyes. "No, why would it?"

  He doesn't say anything else for a moment and I'm overcome with the need to fill in the empty silence. "So, uh, how long have you worked for Mag- my grandmother?"

  I glance up and find him watching me with curiosity. "Some years," he replies vaguely.

  "Years?" I laugh. "You seem kind of young to have been working anywhere for 'some years.'"

  "Evan," he says, leaning forward and taking my hand in his, "I don't want to lie to you again, so let's not talk about this."

  My jaw drops slightly in surprise. I shake my head. This is not how I was hoping this afternoon would go. "Then, what are we supposed to talk about? Because sitting here in silence is just awkward and confusing," I blurt out.

  Lex smirks. He squeezes my hand slightly before letting go. "I know," he says gently, "but I'm finding it difficult to come up with a topic of conversation that would both interest you and allow me to speak freely."

  My eyebrows shoot up until they practically touch my hairline. Who exactly was this guy? I know most people find a little mystery exciting, but he crossed the line of "a little" a long time ago and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I've discovered too many secrets lately, and I don't know if I can handle anymore. But, I'm a glutton for punishment and the idea of brushing him off because something about him scares me seems like a terrible idea. I want him around and I want to know him, as much of him as he'll let me, anyway.

  Lex bites down on his full bottom lip, considering his words. "I would like for us to be friends. I know that I'm supposed to be here in a strictly professional capacity, but I wouldn't be able to stand it if I had to keep myself separate from you. I know this is very forward of me, and I can't offer you an explanation as to why I am so compelled to speak to you this way, honestly, because I don't know why but..."

  "Stop," I interject, letting out a shaky breath, "you don't have to say anything. I understand completely. I feel that way too." I feel myself blushing deeply, but I don't care.

  Lex relaxes visibly and takes my hand again. I take a moment to revel in the sensation that skin-to-skin contact with him stirs within me. There's something different about his touch. He feels cool in a way that seems to burn. My mind begins to wander to a place where it isn't just our hands touching.

  I know it's impossible, but the way he looks up at me as the thought crosses my mind, his eyes full of wonder and, if I'm not mistaken, desire, makes me think that he can sense my thoughts or, at least, the feelings that course through my body.

  Gingerly, he lets go of my hand. He offers me a smile that's loaded with meaning that I can't decipher. I try not to let disappointment at the loss of his touch show in my face.

  "Shall we head back?" he asks in a quiet, thoughtful voice.

  I nod slightly and stand, following Lex out to the car. We drive back in silence, my eyes unfocused as I watch the town fade into forest. When we reach the estate, Lex walks me to the door but doesn't come inside. Instead, he says goodbye and leaves without a backward glance. I don't see him again for five more days.

  I try not to be mad or anxious about his absence, but it's difficult. I want to yell at him and throw a fit when he shows his face again, but all that is forgotten when he finally does.

  It's a quiet sunny morning when I hear a soft knock on the door that stirs me from my thoughts. I push myself up from the balcony where I'm sitting with a book in my lap, and pad to my bedroom door. When I open it, I'm expecting to find Thelma, who's basically in charge when Magda is gone, with tea, though it's a little early. Even though I've been here for almost a month I still can't get used to the idea of having a staff of people to wait on me in my own home twenty-four hours a day.

  At first, I argued against it and insisted I could get my own food and do my own laundry. It caused too much tension since all the employees were worried Magda would find out that they haven't been doing their job properly. I didn't want to get anyone in trouble so I relented and stopped complaining. Still, afternoon tea delivered to me every day is a little much.

  Instead of Thelma, I find Lex standing on the other side of the door. He's wearing a soft grey long-sleeved t-shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows and a pair of fitted black leather pants and the same scuffed motorcycle bo
ots from before. His hair has that perfect messy done-ness to it and he smells fantastic. In his hand, he holds a bouquet of freshly cut lilac that he most likely got from the bushes in the garden that have just begun to blossom.

  "Evan," he says, trying and failing to suppress a grin. My heart swells and heat pools in all the right places at the sound of my name coming from his mouth. I really need to get a grip. Lex hands me the bouquet and I fumble with it for a second, unsure what to do with the flowers since I don't have a vase. Eventually, I decide to set them on the coffee table, but not before pressing them to my face and inhaling the sweet, heady scent.

  I turn to look at Lex who's lingering on the threshold, watching me. I can't tell if it's curiosity or amusement that colors his expression. Maybe it's both.

  "Um, would you like to come in?" I ask hesitantly.

  Lex glances at the bed and lets out a small laugh causing me to turn a deep shade of pink. Internally, I cringe at my own embarrassment; I didn't used to be like this. Normally, nothing fazes me, not even bad boys with messy hair and crooked smiles.

  "Yes, but perhaps another time," he says with a grin. "Today, I have plans."

  "Oh," I nod. I can feel the disappointment plain on my face.

  Taking in my expression, Lex's grin fades. He bites down on the corner of his bottom lip, his eyes dark. "Plans for us, that is."

  "Really?" I ask, suddenly nervous. "What kind of plans?"

  "It's sort of a surprise, so you're just going to have to humor me." The darkness has evaporated from his eyes and is replaced once again with amusement.

  "I suppose," I answer, ignoring the way my heart is suddenly dancing.

  He holds out his hand to me and I don't hesitate to take it, letting him lace his fingers through mine. My pendant is clearly visible in the deep "v" of my black lace halter-top, but I don't mind. I have this feeling like Lex is someone I don't need to hide it from.

  .

  I turn in my seat and watch the sign for Price, NY shrink behind us as we cross the town limits. I can't help feel a little nervous to be driven out of town by a man that I barely know, even if he does work for my grandmother and is hotter than should be allowed. I know Lilian would be furious if she ever found out, which she won't. I mentally add this to the other secrets on my growing list.

  "Relax," Lex says, as if answering my thoughts, "you're safe with me."

  I cast him a wary look and he laughs. I press my lips together to contain my smile. His laugh is beautiful.

  "Come on. At the very least, you know your grandmother would have me tortured and executed if even one hair on your head was harmed." Lex reaches over and winds a chunk of my long strawberry blonde hair around his finger, causing my heart to race.

  "I guess...." I answer, trying to sound reluctant even though eagerness has taken over my body. Lex pulls his hand back and grips the steering wheel; his expression is unreadable.

  "So, where was it you said we're going?" I ask casually.

  "Clever, but I didn't say," Lex answers, his lips quirking up at the corners. "A surprise is a surprise and I am not going to spill."

  "Can you at least tell me where, if not what?"

  Lex considers this for a moment. He glances at me momentarily then nods. "We're going to Saratoga."

  "What?" I exclaim. Panic starts to grip me, but I push it back. "But, that's like, fifty miles from here."

  "Fifty-five to be precise," he answers, smirking.

  "I'm not gonna lie, you're freaking me out a little." My tone is teasing, but the underlying panic is still evident.

  Lex breathes out a frustrated sigh. "If it makes you feel any better, I told Thelma and the head of security, George, exactly where we're going. I had to. Unfortunately, you are very high profile and I had to get clearance to take you out."

  I start to laugh until I realize he's not joking. "Clearance? You have got to be kidding me."

  "Afraid not," he replies, flashing me a sad smile. "In fact, if you look in the mirror you'll see a black SUV tailing us."

  I glance in the side mirror and see exactly that, a black Lincoln Navigator practically bumper to bumper with us.

  "Who is that? I ask, my panic amplified.

  "Back-up security," Lex answers. I note the tightness in his voice. "You're more than safe with me, but Magda doesn't like to take any risks." He sounds bitter and it makes me wonder if that flirty banter he had going with Magda was just an act. God, I hope so.

  "So, let me get this straight: not only do you have to get clearance just to drive me outside of town, but I also have to have a security detail tail me everywhere?" I ask, my voice incredulous.

  "Not everywhere, exactly," he replies, "just any time you leave Price."

  "This is fucking ridiculous. We live in Upstate New York, not South America."

  Lex snickers, his mood suddenly lighter. "I agree with you, but I can't be too upset about it. I would be absolutely devastated if something were to happen to you and I wasn't able to prevent it." He glances at me quickly before turning his eyes back to the road.

  I feel the newly familiar sensation of a blush creeping up on me. I turn my head away to try and conceal it but Lex's laugh tells me I'm not fooling anybody. I'm in way over my head and it excites me.

  .

  Lex's surprise turns out to be a tiny, but well-stocked, record store. The sight of it thrills me more than he could possibly know. I study Lex questioningly. He flashes me a pleased smile and takes my hand, leading me into the store.

  "I noticed that a few rather heavy boxes of records turned up the other day," Lex says brightly.

  I bite down on my bottom lip, trying and failing to suppress a silly grin. My small record collection had accidentally gotten placed in storage and only turned up two days ago. The boxes are still sitting in the corner of my room unopened. With no outlets in my room I can't exactly hook up my record player; I still haven't managed to find an extension cord.

  Lex must have noticed the sad look on my face, because he slides his arm around my shoulders and whispers in my ear. "What's wrong, Evangeline?"

  Usually, when people use my full name it annoys me. Not Lex; he can say it anytime he wants to. Choking back a sigh, I lean into his embrace for a second before pulling away and heading straight for the used vinyl at the back of the store. "I don't know. I used to lie in bed in my room back home and listen to records for hours. Patti Smith, Leonard Cohen, The Smiths; all that mournful depressing shit. It felt so good and I'm afraid it won't feel the same, now that everything's changed. Besides," I continue while leafing through records in dusty sleeves, "I don't have any outlets in my room for my Crosley."

  Lex's expression deepens with his thoughts, but I don't bother asking him what's on his mind. I'm lost in the hunt and have no need for the pity.

  A few hours later, we emerge, blinking as our eyes adjust to the afternoon sunlight. Under my arm I clutch the day's finds: a Titus Andronicus' "The Monitor," Kevin Devine's "Between the Concrete and the Clouds, and a handful of 7"s. It's not a lot, but I'm satisfied.

  I'm starving, so we head to a sandwich shop nearby. After browsing the menu I order a hot chocolate and a peanut butter and bacon sandwich with a side of fries. Lex orders a coffee and nothing else.

  "Aren't you hungry?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

  "Not really. I ate earlier." There's something in his expression that makes my stomach do a little flip-flop.

  "So did I," I reply, shrugging.

  Lex doesn't say anything in response. Instead, he grabs my hand under the table and laces his fingers through mine. My heart speeds up and I feel tiny little sparks dance across my skin. It feels so normal and exciting, to be out on a date with a cute boy. Except it's not a date, more like a supervised field trip, I remind myself casting a rueful glance at the man sitting nearby. He's average looking and dressed in a cashmere sweater over a striped button down and brown slacks. To everyone else here, he's just a guy reading the newspaper in a coffee shop, but I know better.
/>
  "I still don't get why I need a bodyguard." I mutter, looking back at Lex.

  Lex squeezes my hand and lets go as if he, too, just remembered we're being monitored.

  "A discussion for another time," he replies in a clipped tone. His eyes go dark as hidden thoughts consume his attention.

  The way he's acting should have me running scared, but I stay put. I want to ask him about himself, to try and pry open the locked box that is Lex Monroe, but the food arrives and distracts me.

  Lex watches me take a bite of my sandwich, an odd amused look on his face. Normally, I would be self-conscious to have someone watch me eat, but he seems to be enjoying it, and I know I couldn't bear to have his eyes anywhere but on me.

  I take my time eating, trying to prolong our time together. But, sooner than I would like, we're heading back to Price. The drive home isn't long enough. Before I know it, Lex is escorting me inside. This time he walks me all the way back to my room. I invite him inside, sure he's going to say no again, but he surprises me and accepts my invitation.

  I want us to lie on my bed and hold hands, maybe do other less innocent things, but I ignore the impulse and tuck my desire deep down inside of me, where it can't get me into trouble. Lex sits down on one of the sofas and I sit opposite him on the other. We stare at each other silently for a long, awkward moment before I burst out laughing. I'm not exactly sure what's so funny, but once I start I can't stop.

  "What? What is it?" Lex grins, but confusion and insecurity color his features. It's a new look for him and it makes me laugh harder. I press my hands to my eyes and try to calm down; it doesn't work. I feel a slight pressure on the sofa next to me. Startled, I drop my hands to my lap and turn to find Lex sitting at my side, our bodies only inches apart. The closeness sobers me. Slowly, Lex reaches up and runs his thumb along my jawline. I tremble as the pad brushes gently over my lips.

  "You are so beautiful when you laugh," he whispers. He's so close I can feel his breath brush against my face, sending shivers through me.