by K. G. Reuss
Lexy: Fine, dear. I’ll wear something sexy.
I waited for his reply, my heart racing for some unknown reason.
Travis: I doubt you own anything sexy. ;) See you at seven.
“Jerk,” I muttered, giving my phone the middle finger and not bothering to reply to him. A moment later, another message from him came through.
Travis: I’ll see you soon. Wife.
I tossed my cell on the nightstand with a groan after sending him a middle finger again since he couldn’t see the one I was holding up.
Wife. Why did that send a flurry of tingles through my stomach?
Maybe I was going nuts. Travis was the culprit.
“Here. Wear this.” Ava tossed a jean skirt and black tube top at me. “And put these wedges on.”
“It’s Rocko’s Bar & Grill. And it’s Travis, Mason, and my brother. Tell me why I need to look nice?” My mind raced back to Travis telling me to look sexy.
“Because they aren’t the only guys there, Lex. Duh.”
I grunted a response. I hadn’t had a date since Garrett senior year. Not even to prom. I went alone and left after an hour. But not before Travis had asked me to dance with him. When I declined, he’d turned it into a challenge. Rather than streak through the gym, I agreed. It was the only time I could recall him not being a total ass.
I took the clothes and dressed in my attached bathroom. Then I dotted lip gloss on and some mascara. My skin was creamy white, not a freckle in sight. Most redheads ended up with the cute scattering of freckles. Not me. I was a blank canvas. I’d always wanted the freckles.
I ran a brush through my mess of red hair and let it tumble to my waist in soft waves. It was probably my best attribute. Being a redhead made me stand out in a crowd. I always wondered if life would’ve been different if I’d been blessed with my dad’s blond hair like Alex had been. Mom’s hair was a darker shade of red. Mine? Full on flames.
“You look amazing!” Ava gushed as I came into the kitchen. She wore her low-slung jeans and a red top with lace along the ribs.
“So do you.” I grinned back. “I’m going to want to borrow that top.”
“You can wear it when we go out again.” She pulled a bottle of water from the fridge and moved to the couch to sit down, taking care to move her dark ponytail over her shoulder.
“I thought we were meeting them at seven?” I glanced at the clock and saw it was ten to seven.
Ava waved me off and clicked the TV on. “Nah, we’re fashionably late. You know they will be.”
I shrugged and grabbed a water. Then I sank beside her and stared at the sappy chick flick playing.
“I hate this movie. It makes me ugly cry,” she muttered, staring at the screen, tears already welling in her eyes.
“It’s an inaccurate depiction of what cancer is like. Dying from that disease isn’t a beautiful thing like they make it out to be in this film. It’s painful, and most patients aren’t even conscious for it—”
“Lex,” Ava groaned, throwing her head against the couch cushions. “I don’t want to know that. I just want to live my life thinking death is a beautiful, painless occurrence. Can you please let me live the lie?”
“Fine. Live your lie.”
“Thank you,” she said, changing the channel.
“I thought you wanted to watch that?”
“I can’t now. You ruined it.”
I shrugged and sipped my water. Fifteen minutes later, my phone buzzed in my lap as sexy men danced across the screen in some male stripper movie. A grin soon replaced Ava’s frown.
Travis: We’re here. Where are you?
Lexy: Home.
Travis: Are you serious?
Lexy: Do you know me at all?
Travis: You said you were coming. We ordered pizza and have beer. If you leave now, the pizza will be ready when you get here.
I rolled my eyes. Travis seemed adamant that I show up. This had to be about more than our project. The Travis I knew didn’t give a shit about homework or grades. He got most things by being the best quarterback the college had ever had or by flashing his panty-soaker smile. There was even talk about the NFL draft and the possibility of him making it. I didn’t understand how any of that worked, always opting to read rather than attend football games, but it seemed like a big deal.
“Ava, the guys are at Rocko’s, and Travis is being an impatient shit.”
“What’s new?” she grumbled, getting to her feet.
I followed suit and put my water back into the fridge. Grabbing my keys, I headed to my car with Ava in tow. I knew she’d end up drinking, and I’d have to give her a ride home.
We climbed into the car and headed to Rocko’s. The radio blared some pop tune we didn’t know the name of but knew all the words to.
When we arrived at Rocko’s, the place was packed. I parked all the way in the back. Hauling a drunk Ava out would be a nightmare later. I even mentioned it.
“No worries. I’ll be on my best behavior,” she promised.
I shook my head at her. “You always say that.”
She grinned as we walked through the parking lot. “I do, don’t I?”
“Yeah, and you’re a damn liar.”
“You still love me.”
I sighed. “I do.”
“Then that’s all that matters.” She twined her arm through mine and skipped through the door, hauling me in behind her.
I said a silent prayer that we’d be able to get out of there early. The last thing I wanted to do was hang out with Travis all night.
But knowing Travis, he’d be banging some chick in a bathroom stall before nine, and I’d get to leave.
If I didn’t have hope, I had nothing.
Six
Travis
I sensed her before she was even near us. So did half of Rocko’s. Heads swiveled in Lexy’s direction. I had to force myself to keep my jaw from hitting the table. Her long, lean legs were on display in her short jean skirt. The top she had on strained against her large breasts, showcasing some awesome cleavage. And her hair. I absentmindedly rubbed my chest, watching as she strolled toward us like she didn’t have a care in the world, her long, red hair in soft waves down to her waist. She’d definitely accepted my suggestion to wear something sexy.
Even Mason was staring, and not much ever impressed Mason. Alex was too busy shooting a message off on his phone to glance up. Not that it mattered. Lexy was his sister and unless he was going to gawk at Ava, he didn’t need to look.
The moment the girls stopped at our table, I was on my feet, my body ahead of my brain which screamed at me to act cool.
“Welcome, wife. I thought you’d stand me up.” I tossed Lexy my best smile and gestured to my chair. “Take my seat.”
“No thanks.” She waved me off without a second glance and slid onto the chair next to Alex. He looked up from his phone and did a double take at her.
“I’ll take your seat,” Ava said, pushing me aside and making herself at home. Grumbling, I grabbed a chair from the adjacent table and pulled it beside Lexy.
“What the hell are you wearing, Lexy?” Alex asked, looking like he would be sick.
I smirked at the two of them. At least she’d be calling him a shithead tonight and not me. Not yet anyway.
“Ava picked it out.” She waved him off and snagged a piece of pizza from the pan.
“You look incredible,” Mason piped up, his dark eyes roaming over her.
I swallowed down a growl, unsure why anger bubbled up within me at my friend’s compliment.
She beamed at him. “Thank you, Mase. At least one of you has manners.”
“I offered you my seat when you came in,” I spoke up.
She didn’t get to shoot back an answer because Alex pulled his zipper hoodie off and handed it to her.
“Seriously, Alex. Chill.” Lexy shot him a warning look that had him hesitating on pushing her further. “I’ll wear what I want, when I want. Put the damn hoodie down.”
> Alex let out a sigh of frustration and draped the hoodie over the back of his chair. Mason caught my eye and smiled.
Don’t get her attention.
“So, Lexy, Travis tells us Herring assigned you and him to marry for the semester. Does that mean you two are exclusive now or can you still date?” He made air quotes around exclusive. It was the second time in only a matter of minutes I had to calm myself.
“We’re exclusive,” I said, not bothering to think it through.
Lexy shot me a surprised look, her blue eyes wide.
Both Alex and Mason looked at me like I was nuts. I shrugged it off, noticing Ava smirking at Lexy.
“I know how important grades are to Lexy. I screw things up sometimes, so I figure we may as well aim for those bonus points for monogamy.” I forced a smile onto my face, pushing the truth about it away. I’d already had two beers. That was what all these weird feelings were. Lexy didn’t know I was up for the Heisman, a prestigious football award. My grades were the most important thing to me next to football. I was a business major. The last damn thing I wanted was to fail at my dreams and end up back home running my dad’s used car dealership.
“You can say you’re exclusive and not be exclusive. That’s what you’ll do anyway, Travis.” Ava’s eyes focused on me. “You know as well as the rest of us that exclusivity only applies to her. You’ll be banging anything that breathes. We only have a year of college left. Don’t ruin her chances of losing her v-card because you want to torment her more.”
Lexy’s face flushed the same color as her hair. “Ava,” she hissed.
Virgin. She’s a virgin.
I don’t know why I thought she wasn’t. Maybe because all the girls I’d ever known were ready to go back to my place whenever I gave them a smile.
“Lexy says she’s saving herself for someone special,” Ava plowed on.
Lexy’s face turned a brighter shade of red.
“I’d say it’s a good thing we’re married then. You don’t get more special than that.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
Mason snorted. Alex glowered at me, a warning look to tell me to check myself.
“I need to use the restroom.” Lexy was on her feet and gone before anyone could say anything.
“I said too much, didn’t I?” Ava grimaced and looked down at her pizza.
“Maybe a little.” Mason chuckled.
Alex reached across the table and gave Ava’s hand a squeeze. “It’s OK. We all know she’s never done anything. But maybe next time don’t announce it. I’d rather not talk about my sister’s sex life or lack thereof.” Alex sighed, releasing Ava’s hand.
“If she needs a teacher,” Mason started.
“It won’t be you,” Alex finished. “Get that idea out of your head.”
I grinned at Mason, who winked back at me.
We continued to eat and drink after that. Lexy didn’t return. It worried me. Lexy ran when she was upset. I’d picked up on that over the years of knowing her. Not that she didn’t have a reason to run. She had it rough growing up, and I probably didn’t help the situation.
Worry settled over my chest as the minutes ticked by. I shot a text off to her.
Travis: Where are you?
When she didn’t answer, I got to my feet. Everyone was chatting and didn’t notice me. I walked to the bathrooms and knocked on the women’s room door. No one answered, so I poked my head in and found Lexy leaning against the sink, her small body shaking.
“Lexy?” I called out.
Her head snapped in my direction, horror written all over her face. “Shit,” she hissed, wiping at her eyes. She was crying.
That bothered me. I went into the bathroom and approached her. “Are you OK?”
“Get the hell out of here, Travis,” she sniffled.
“Chill. I’m only checking on you.”
“I don’t need you to check on me,” she snapped, wiping her eyes again.
“If it’s about what Ava said, it’s not a big deal, Lexy—”
“How isn’t it a big deal? I’m almost twenty-two years old, Travis. I saw the look on your face when she said it.” She wiped at her eyes again. “You probably think it’s because no one wants me. It’s not.”
“Lexy, you don’t need to explain your choices to me.”
“Yes, I do!” She turned and faced me, her mass of red hair tumbling around her, her bottom lip trembling. I took a step closer to her, my heart racing. My breath hitched.
“I know what you think of me, Travis. I’m not a prude. I-I just want to save myself for someone special. It matters to me.” Her blue eyes searched mine, a desperation in hers for me to understand. “You’ll use this against me just like everything else.”
“Why do you think that?” I murmured, staring down at her.
“It’s what you do. You tolerate me because of Alex. If Alex wasn’t in the picture, you’d never even speak to me.”
“That’s not true,” I argued weakly. “I’d still screw with you.”
She shook her head as she stared down at her feet. “Just don’t tell anyone else, OK? A-and tell Mason not to.”
Instinct drove my next move. I reached out and tipped her face up, so she was looking at me.
“I promise.” I stared into her eyes. I’d never seen them this close before. They had flecks of gold inside the blue. She had long, dark lashes. My gaze swept lower. Perfect porcelain skin. Full, plump, pink lips. My eyes locked on those lips. Kissable lips. Lips I knew had to be soft. I bet she tasted like heaven. Bliss. Forbidden.
“Don’t tell anyone I was in here crying either.” Her voice jolted me back to the moment.
“I won’t.” My voice came out a hoarse rasp.
She cocked her head at me as my hand fell away, giving me a peculiar look. I swallowed hard and backed away.
What the hell was that?
“I’ll leave first.” I hauled in a deep breath, forced a smile on my face, and ducked out before I did something stupid.
Seven
Lexy
I felt like a fool. Leaning forward, I checked my makeup in the mirror and fixed it, my hands shaking. Travis had been close to me. Really close. Unnaturally close. And nice. Butterflies hammered against my ribcage. He’d touched my face. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was going to kiss me.
Maybe he’s drunk.
Sighing, I made my way back out to the table to find everyone still seated, even Travis. His eyes locked on mine as I approached, making those butterflies hammer harder.
“Christ, Lex, where the hell were you?” Alex demanded, pulling my gaze from Travis. “We thought you’d left.”
“I didn’t leave.” I waved my brother off, aware of Travis’s gaze still on me.
“I’m sorry.” Ava reached out and squeezed my hand, her eyes pleading with me for forgiveness.
I gave her a quick smile, dissipating the tension in her shoulders.
“We’re going to shoot some pool,” Alex said, getting to his feet. “You in?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m going to eat.”
He shrugged his shoulders. Mason and Ava followed him to the pool tables, but Travis stayed in his seat.
“Shouldn’t you be trying to schmooze some college co-ed?” I asked, pushing my pizza around my plate. I wasn’t hungry. The only thing on my mind was getting the hell out of there and going home where I had a documentary on Egypt waiting for me.
“No.” He gave me a smile.
“You’re being weird.”
“Am I?” He raised an eyebrow at me.
“Yes. Just say what you have to say.”
“You’re beautiful.”
My mouth opened and closed several times, my heart hammering hard in my chest. Our eyes locked. It took me a moment to check myself. When I realized what he was doing, the strange feelings I had disappeared, leaving me only with anger.
“You’re an asshole, Travis. Seriously.” I got to my feet and shoved my chair in.
/>
He looked up at me, confusion on his face. Travis Owens was one hell of an actor. “What did I do?”
“You know what you did. What you’re doing! You heard what Ava said about me. Suddenly, I’m attractive now and a freaking goal you need to achieve, or you’re drunk.”
“Lexy, it’s not like that.” He got to his feet, staring me down.
“All I know is Travis Owens doesn’t tell a girl like me she’s beautiful, especially after tormenting her for the last fifteen years. I know the type of guy you are, Travis. So whatever weird game you’re trying to play with me ends right now.”
“Fine. You’re right,” he snapped, his green eyes flashing with anger. “You got me. You always got me, Lexy. Calling my bluff. Nice. You want a gold star?”
“Shove your gold star up your ass, Owens.”
He scoffed, his face red. “Whatever.”
He turned on his heel and walked away without casting me a backward look. Just like always.
Eight
Travis
“Oh, my God,” Helen moaned as I kissed her neck, my fingers buried in her wet pussy. She was some random chick I’d picked up at Rocko’s after Lexy had her meltdown. I fingered her harder, wanting to make the strange swell of feelings I suddenly seemed to have for Lexy go away. I figured I could bury them while my dick was hammering into some co-ed.
It wasn’t working. Sighing, I stopped what I was doing and withdrew my fingers. She let out a sputtering protest at the distance.
“I’m sorry. I can’t,” I huffed, grinding my teeth. I hadn’t gotten past putting my fingers inside her. She was a sure thing too. I never passed up a sure thing.
I know I’d said Lexy and I were exclusive with our project, but she’d flipped me off and stormed away from me at Rocko’s. Then she ignored me the rest of the time she was there. The moment Ava started staggering, Lexy took it as an opportunity to bolt.