With forced cheerfulness, she made her way back to the house she shared with Angie, carrying the plastic sack of hot fudge supplies.
* * *
Why did I invite Angie? Jeff cursed himself as he watched Lexi walk back to her house. It was a foolish question because he already knew the answer. Lexi Beaumont had been on his radar for two years. He had been immediately attracted to the woman in the portrait, although his interest had shifted when Ethan Beaumont discussed the actual person and described her as spoiled, pretty, and not especially bright—someone who would make a suitable trophy wife. That description was hardly in line with Jeff’s ideal woman. Of course, it didn’t mean he wouldn’t want to have sex with her. It just meant he wouldn’t be interested in pillow talk.
How he now felt about Lexi Beaumont was a bundle of contradictions. One moment, he wanted to protect her from Ethan Beaumont, and the next, he just wanted to screw her and get the hell out of Havasu and find a new job. When analyzing the situation, Jeff asked himself why he was even staying in Havasu, playing this game. No matter how much he argued with himself, he always came to the same conclusion. He was not ready to walk away from her, nor did he understand what he wanted from her.
* * *
“Tell Jeff thanks for the invitation, but I’m going to pass. I’ve been fighting a headache all afternoon, and I think I’ll go to bed early.”
Lexi and Angie sat at the kitchen table eating hamburgers Lexi had fried up for dinner.
“Anyway, I thought this was a date thing?”
Lexi shrugged in reply.
“You kind of like this guy, don’t you?” Angie studied her friend’s expression.
Lexi set the hamburger on her plate and looked up at Angie. “It’s really strange. We just met yesterday morning, and it’s like we’re old friends. I’ve never felt this comfortable around a guy before.”
“More than just friends?” Angie prodded.
“There’s definitely an attraction. I thought it was mutual, but…” Lexi shrugged again.
“But what?”
“Don’t take this wrong, but when he invited you… Well, it was like my stomach dropped. I was so disappointed.”
Angie began to laugh. When she stopped laughing she said, “I suppose I should be insulted, but I totally get what you’re saying. I like him, too. Of course, not like you. There’s definitely some chemistry between you two. I saw sparks fly when we first met him at the grocery store. Who knows? Maybe it’s one of those terribly romantic, love-at-first-sight things.”
“I don’t believe in love at first sight.” Lexi picked up her hamburger and took another bite.
“Well, maybe not love. Maybe lust at first sight.”
“Or perhaps he’s really a psycho. Some serial killer stalker.”
“He doesn’t feel like the serial killer type.” Angie said as she finished off her hamburger.
“And how many serial killers do you know?”
“Only one or two. I tell you what. I’ll leave my bedroom window open tonight, and if he goes psycho on you, let out a good scream.”
“Then you’ll call the police?”
“No. I’ll lock the door and start looking for a new roommate.”
* * *
“I’m not sure what’s more impressive, the sunsets or the stars,” Lexi murmured, enjoying the soothing hot bath as well as the celestial view. Overhead, countless twinkling stars peppered the dark night sky. She’d never seen so many stars. While the spa’s water felt wonderful, she imagined it would feel even better if she’d been bold enough to strip off her bikini and skinny dip with her new friend. Considering Jeff was wearing swimming trunks, she didn’t imagine she’d be so daring.
“They are pretty amazing. Strange to consider they’ve been there all along, just blocked out by city lights and smog.”
“Now I understand why Angie doesn’t want street lights in Havasu.”
Before getting into the spa, the two had lingered in the kitchen after Jeff poured Lexi a glass of wine. When they each finished their second glass, Jeff suggested they go out to the spa.
Lexi’s third glass of wine sat on the rim of the tub, half-filled with cabernet. She picked it up and took a sip before setting it back on the fiberglass rim. Sitting across from Jeff in the spa, their legs stretched out under the warm water, Lexi resisted the temptation to dip her hand under the water beside her right hip and tickle his submerged foot.
“Thanks again for the wine,” she said before taking another sip. Lexi felt supremely light-headed and relaxed. Silently, she considered shedding her annoying bikini top.
“You’re welcome.” Jeff leaned his head back, closing his eyes for a brief moment. He hadn’t turned on the jets and was enjoying the luxury of silence while submerged in the hot bath. Without thought, he reached out with one hand and took hold of Lexi’s right foot, giving it a gentle squeeze. The foot wiggled in response while Lexi drew up the knee, making it easier for Jeff to reach her foot.
“You ticklish?” he asked with a chuckle.
“A little.”
Instead of tickling, Jeff gently massaged her still-submerged foot, his own eyes closed as he leaned back, totally relaxed.
“Oh, I didn’t know a foot massage came with the spa treatment,” Lexi cooed, clearly not offended by the foot rub. “I’m a sucker for a foot massage.”
Jeff chuckled at her comment, then moved his hand to give her other foot the same treatment. She shifted her body slightly and bent her knees to give him better access.
It was dark on the back patio. The only illumination came from the golden sliver of the crescent moon and the star-filled night sky.
“You mentioned you were looking for a new job. Why?” Lexi asked, still wondering what he actually did.
“I’ve a master’s in business, and this was the first job I got after I finished college. I work for a large manufacturing company. It’s been interesting. Lots of traveling abroad. I’m the private assistant for one of the CEOs. I suppose, I’m more a glorified gofer. But, the pay’s been good. I can’t complain there.”
“And you can telecommute with that type of job?”
“To some extent.”
“Why do you want to find another job? I would imagine there’d be advancement opportunities within the company.”
“It’s complicated.”
“I’ve always heard it’s easier to find something when you already have a job.” After Lexi made that observation, she wondered why Jeff decided to come to Havasu alone. She also wondered why he chose this time to take a vacation, if he was serious about looking for a new employment. Before she asked the questions she remembered she was unemployed, yet chose to escape for a time to Havasu.
“What are your plans tomorrow?” Jeff asked, shifting the direction of the conversation.
“I was planning on working on my to-do list for my hot fudge project.”
“A business plan?”
“I suppose; something like that.”
“Do you and Angie have anything planned for the afternoon?”
“I think she’s meeting with that balloon guy she met, to take some pictures. That’s why I figured I’d just stay home and work on my business plan, as you call it. I won’t have a car.”
“Remember, I’ll be your taxi.”
“You’re sweet.”
“Not really.”
“You aren’t sweet?”
“I have ulterior motives.”
Lexi felt Jeff’s hand move from her foot to her ankle. Gripping the ankle, he gave it a little jerk, causing her to slide toward him through the hot water. Lexi let out a little scream that quickly turned into a laugh. Jeff caught hold of her shoulders, preventing her from falling backwards and hitting the edge of the spa.
To maintain her balance, her hands attempted to grab hold of his shoulders, but he quickly maneuvered her sideways, pulling her onto his lap, where he held her there with a steely grip.
“If I scream, Angie will hear. She has
her window open,” Lexi warned with a giggle. Holding her with a bear hug, Jeff didn’t seem overly concerned with the threat.
“You can’t scream if I cover your mouth,” he whispered into her ear, pulling her tightly to him. Sitting on his lap, she could feel the pressure of his erection straining his trunks, against her bottom. Had she been so bold to remove her swimsuit prior to entering the spa, this position would be far more interesting, she thought to herself.
“And how do you imagine that possible? You have your hands full,” she teased, her voice low and seductive as she leaned into him. Without hesitation, Jeff’s lips found hers.
Chapter Twelve
Lexi succumbed to the kiss; not even for a moment did she hesitate or attempt to pull away. Releasing his hold, Jeff repositioned her and she complied, as if instinctively knowing what he wanted. Now straddling his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and held him tightly, returning his kisses with eager enthusiasm.
Greedily exploring her mouth with his, Jeff slipped his hands to the center of her back and deftly unfastened her bikini top, tugging it from her. The bra top slid between their bodies, until her naked breasts pressed against his bare chest. Carelessly tossing the bikini top aside, Jeff slid his hands up and down her body, his thumbs rolling over the sides of her breasts, while she squirmed against his erection.
Whatever plans he’d had of seducing Lexi, Jeff had put aside that night. Or so he thought. Had she simply been some casual hook-up from a bar, he’d have been more concerned with moving her to a venue with easier access to a condom. There was nothing casual about his feelings toward Lexi, yet he knew the chances of a relationship with her were impossible, considering his situation.
The kiss was not premeditated, and her response came as a complete surprise. The rational side of his brain was no longer in control of the situation; his body was on autopilot.
Lexi could not get close enough. She wanted more. Until he kissed her, she’d had no idea how much she craved human contact and intimacy. Losing herself in the moment, she paid little attention to the consequences that would follow when Jeff gently pulled her hips upward and slipped one hand between their bodies so he could open the fly to his trunks and release his penis. Nor did she object when he took hold of her bikini pants and widened one leg opening, giving him the access to what he sought.
Instead of pulling away, she pressed into his hardness, welcoming him into her body without hesitation. Jeff’s hands moved to her bottom and guided her movements as she rode up and down on his hard shaft, frantically racing toward completion.
When they finally reached the end of the path, they did so together with violent intensity. Jeff wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her close as he buried his face between her breasts. Leaning her forehead against the top of his head, Lexi tried to steady her breathing. Their bodies were still locked together.
Closing her eyes tightly, she asked herself what she had done. However, the question did not inspire her to pull away. A part of her was embarrassed, while another, more primal part wanted to relish the sensation of their bodies joined in such an intimate fashion.
They sat together for a few moments longer, neither of them speaking a word, when Jeff finally lifted her gently at the waist. His spent penis slipped from her body and he casually tucked it back into his trunks.
Now more embarrassed, Lexi moved away from Jeff and fished for her bathing suit top in the water, until she found it. Slipping the bikini top on, she finally spoke.
“Well, that was surprising,” Lexi said somewhat dryly.
“It was a nice surprise, if somewhat imprudent.” No longer thinking with his erection, Jeff silently cursed himself. He tried to remember what he’d ever read about having sex in a spa. Did the heat kill the little swimmers, or had he just knocked up Ethan Beaumont’s granddaughter? The very least he could have done was pull out, but no, it felt just too damn good being buried deep inside her. In spite of the fact that he was pissed with himself, just the memory was making him hard again. Damn, he thought.
“Imprudent… Yes, I have to agree. Unprotected sex isn’t something I typically engage in. Please tell me you normally wear a raincoat?” Lexi felt a little odd speaking so bluntly, but considering she’d just screwed a virtual stranger in his backyard, she felt it was a little late for modesty.
“Even if we’re both healthy, unprotected sex has other side effects.”
Lexi noted the way in which Jeff rubbed his forehead with his right thumb. While she knew it was insane to have unprotected sex with someone she had just met, she wasn’t especially concerned about him giving her a disease. Lexi knew she should worry, but for some reason, she felt safe with Jeff. As she studied him, she realized he did not feel the same way.
“Don’t worry,” she finally told him. “I’m on the pill. I’ve been on it since high school.”
Jeff glanced up at Lexi. He couldn’t see her features clearly because of night’s darkness.
“Irregular periods,” she explained. “Not because I have some active sex life. Now I will ask the question again. Do you normally wear condoms? Do I need to go in and have blood tests?”
“No. I had some pretty extensive blood tests before I went to Europe last month, and it’s been all work and no play for me since before the trip.”
“When you say no play, are you talking celibate?”
“Pretty much. And you?”
“I’m normally pretty boring.”
“You could have fooled me.” He reached out and took hold of her right arm and pulled her toward him, until they were sitting side by side.
“So, what now?” Lexi asked.
“I think we’ve become closer friends,” Jeff said with a chuckle.
Lexi smiled, but she didn’t respond for a few minutes. “This is all very strange.”
“How so, Lexi?”
“We just met yesterday.”
“Do you regret what just happened?”
“Can I be perfectly honest with you?”
“Absolutely.”
“No. Not at all. I suppose I should, but I don’t.”
Jeff smiled and pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her. He kissed the top of her head as she leaned against him.
“I’m glad. But I’ll confess, for a minute there, I was wondering if I was going to be handing out cigars in nine months.”
Lexi didn’t respond, yet she found that comment an interesting insight into his character. He could have just as easily said, I was wondering if I was going to be driving you to the abortion clinic in a month. While Lexi refused to imagine this was some love-at-first-sight scenario, as Angie suggested, neither did she believe it was a tawdry, one night stand.
The air was chilly when they stepped out of the water a few minutes later. Earlier, Jeff had placed two large bath towels on a patio chair next to the spa. He wrapped one towel around Lexi and took the second one for himself. They hastily dried off and ran to the house, escaping the chilly night air.
Entering by the glass slider leading into the dining room, Jeff turned on the light. Facing each other, Jeff silently reached out and took the towel from Lexi and let it drop to the floor with his.
“What are you doing?” Lexi asked, as his gaze washed over her.
“I want to look at you, please. I didn’t get to in the spa.”
Instead of answering, she just stood there, watching him. She wore a wet pink bikini and the ends of her dark hair were damp from the spa. Lexi said nothing, but looked up into his eyes. Her skin was pale, having lost its tan months earlier.
“Some women,” Jeff said, his voice silky and smooth as his gaze swept over her, “will never look as good in clothes as they do out of them.” Without asking for her permission, he unfastened the bathing suit top she’d just put back on minutes earlier. Freeing her full breasts, he tossed the bra top on the tile floor with the towels. Lexi blushed, but allowed him this inspection.
“You’re beautiful,” Jeff said, his voice
a whisper. Ever so gently, he moved the back of his hand over the soft curve of her breasts.
“I need to go home,” Lexi finally said.
“Spend the night with me.”
“I have to go home. Angie is expecting me.”
“Call her, tell her you’re staying.”
“I can’t. She’s already in bed. I don’t want to wake her up. Anyway, this is moving too fast.”
“Too fast?” Jeff chuckled, then wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him.
“I just want to do what we’ve already done, but this time in a bed.”
“I need to think about all this.”
“Women think too much.” Jeff leaned toward her and brushed his lips over hers. Lexi allowed him the kiss before placing the palms of her hands against his shoulders and gently pushing him away.
“I need to go now,” she told him.
“Okay. But how about I take you to lunch tomorrow?”
“That would be nice.”
Jeff flashed a smile, kissed her nose, then reached down and picked up her bathing suit top from the tile floor and handed it to her. Ignoring the fact she was practically nude in his dining room, Lexi slipped the top on like it was the most natural thing in the world to do. She’d worn a swimsuit cover-up to his house and had left it on one of the barstools before going outside to the spa. Grabbing the garment, she pulled it on over her head, covering her body. Slipping on her flip-flops, which she’d left on the floor by the slider, she grabbed her keys from the counter.
“I wish you’d stay,” Jeff said one more time.
Tempted, Lexi resisted the invitation.
* * *
Lexi could feel Jeff watching her from his front porch as she walked back to her house. It was dark outside, but the starry night and crescent moon lit her way. Angie had left the porch light on, but the rest of the house was dark. As Lexi suspected, Angie had already gone to bed.
She showered quickly, dried off and climbed in between the bed sheets and pulled up the comforter. Angie was staying in the master bedroom on the other side of the house. The glow from a nightlight along the baseboard near the door cast a yellow shadow against the wall. Staring blankly at the ceiling Lexi clutched the edge of the comforter.
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