Losing Her (The Lexington Series Book 1)

by Belle Winters

  I looked at him, like really looked at him. He had hazel chinky eyes, a toned muscular build. His skin tone looked like he had a permanent tan. Finally I glanced up at his hair. It was wavy and styled but thick and black. I’d bet if he wet it, it would curl and if he were in the light it was hold a bluish hue to it. He looked like the man version of me. He must’ve noticed when realization hit, because he smiled and said, “you see it too don’t you?”

  I nodded. This was so freaky. Dean spoke up, “So what it is that you’re looking for to happen now that you’ve met her and know she’s real?”

  “I would like to get to know her. I mean I want to be in her life, but it’s ultimately up to her. I know I haven’t been there up to this point but I had no idea. When I met Rebecca I was engaged.” He cut his eyes to me and cleared his throat when he saw me glance at the wedding band on his finger. “I am married now. But not to the same woman. Let me explain…” he said to me.

  I shook my head, “no need and I would also like to get to know you. I don’t blame you for what my mom did. She’s told me my entire life you were dead. She let it slip only recently that it was a lie, but that was because she was too angry and drunk.” I admitted.

  He sighed and shook his head, “fucking Rebecca.” He muttered. “Listen, I want to explain. I need you to understand the situation, and I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. Rebecca was an assistant within my business, not mine but I’d met her a few times. Initially she was charming and sweet. She came off as caring, responsible, and hardworking… dedicated. I was intrigued with her personality. Now I honestly shouldn’t have been engaged to begin with. She was a woman that was pushed onto me from my family and I did it to appease them. Then after a while she began complaining about next steps and my family was constantly asking when they were going to get to throw a wedding,” he shrugged, “so I did what I felt was supposed to happen. Rebecca and I were friends when I began to develop feelings for her. I did confide in her about my relationship when she asked for like the tenth time. That should’ve been a warning, but at the time I thought I was peaking her curiosity by keeping anything relationship related vague. I mean, how do you tell the person you like that you’re in a loveless relationship and let people push you to an engagement? We started seeing each other soon after, and that’s when I started to get her craziness. She was money hungry and it didn’t take me long to know what her real agenda was. When she started going on about me leaving my fiancé to marry her I cut her off. Yes, I was planning on ending my engagement which I did. But it wasn’t for her or to be with her. Plus by then I was already trying to shake her. She started blackmailing me for a short time after that and I continued sleeping with her. Always going to see her. Come to think of it, we always used protection but she provided it. I should’ve known better…” he looked up at me and cringed, “not to be offensive but, had I known at the time I would’ve freaked. I wouldn’t ever want a child with that lady, meaning having to raise one with her. I would’ve tried to get full custody. My wife now can’t have children, and I’ve always wanted some. I’ve only been around you for a few minutes but I can’t see how you could’ve grown up to be this person when she raised you.” He looked over at Dean, “but I am curious as to why you’re here rather than with her.”

  I let out a short laugh, “well that’s easy. Mom and Dean were going to get married. He found out she was a nut job and thankfully kicked her to the curb before it was too late. THEN he decided to keep me. That about sums it up I think.” I told him.

  He laughed, and just then I heard, “LUUUUUCCCCCCCYYYYYYYYYY” it was Nick and they must be back from football practice.

  Dean shook his head, and James, my dad’s, eyebrows shot up. I giggled and cupped my hands around my mouth, “IN THE LIVING ROOM RICKYY!” I yelled back. Dean chuckled and James looked amused, they got the I Love Lucy references. You can hear Nick pretending he was talking Spanish, his voice grew louder as they got closer to the living room.

  He walked into the room and plopped down followed by Landon. “Lucy, I get home and my food is not ready. What kind of housewife are you?” he asked.

  I flipped him off then responded, “I don’t mind making your food now, I won’t hold the poison today sweetie.” I said sweetly.

  He looked horrified, “are you threatening my life baby cakes?”

  I laughed, “Its baby cakes today? Dude, your terms of endearment are dwindling by the day. You need some new material. And it wasn’t a threat, it was a promise.” I threw him a wink and launched a pillow at his head. He grabbed it and went to throw it back when Landon snatched it out his hand.

  “Leave her alone Nick.” He said then swatted Nick on the back of the head with the pillow.

  Nick shrugged, “so you two are ganging up on me? That’s cool I got uncle D on my team. Boom bitches.” He bragged.

  Dean held up his hand and sighed, “You would choose to come home now. Nick, there’s nothing I could possibly say to you. I know that there’s something loose in your head and that is what triggers the ridiculous shit that comes out of your mouth. And I’m not on your team. I know better than to choose, you better call Mel. And –“

  Nick cut him off, he breathed out “ahh yes, my sweet cheeks. I miss her.”

  Dean rolled his eyes and continued like he hadn’t heard him, “And we have a guest here which I’m sure you have seen.” He turned to James, “please excuse that scene. Unfortunately you have got a glimpse into the Miles household. This is my son Landon and nephew Nick. They both also live here. I have a daughter and son who also live here. Erica is away at UCLA and she’s home for breaks and such. Max is upstairs taking a nap but he’s 6. So at the moment she is in a house full of guys.”

  James turned to Landon and Nick with a smile. I noticed him snickering during our little banter, “Hi I’m James… I’m-“

  Fine, I wanted to be the one to tell them so what. I stole his thunder and blurted out over him, “He’s my dad!” Everyone laughed and James turned to look at me. I shrugged sheepishly. “Hey, I wanted to say it.”

  Landon sat forward and told James, “She’s not leaving. You’re not taking her, she’s staying.” He said defensively. I rolled my eyes and Dean sighed.

  “Really Landon?” Dean said.

  Landon shrugged, “whatever. Why is he here then? He wants to take her doesn’t he? How do we know he’s not bat shit crazy like her mom. I mean he was with her obviously… no offense dad, but for real.” He looked at James who was watching him surprised.

  “And… there is the answer to the question that you asked before. My kids apparently think they own her. Max thinks she’s his mom and Erica has another person to shop for. Personally, I saw the way Becca would emotionally and verbally abuse her. She’s a great girl and doesn’t deserve any of it. Plus she’s an awesome cook and keeps us fed.” Dean told James.

  “Plus I’m –“Landon started and I again cut him off to finish his sentence.

  “He’s my boyfriend.” I sing songed. When everyone looked at me I shrugged again. “Finishing people’s sentences is more fun than I thought.” I admitted.

  “Ah, so that’s the reference about her sleeping around in the house then?” James asked for clarification.

  I shook my head, “nope. We just got caught doing that a few weeks ago. She’s been saying that since the beginning. Hell before we even moved here she always accused me of seducing her boyfriends with my looks like my dad.” He arched a brow and I wiggled mine, “sooo… is it true. Did you seduce her with your curly hair?” I asked him.

  He barked out a laugh, “sounds like her. When I first met her I used to have a really short haircut and would never do anything with my hair so it was always curly. She’d talk about them all the time. God that is rich. She’s a damn character I’ll tell you that much.” He said with a head shake. He turned to Landon, “I’m not here to take away your girlfriend. I’m here to make sure Rebecca wasn’t lying and I wanted to meet my daughter. She doesn’t even kn
ow me but I’m hoping she will. I wouldn’t uproot her to move in with complete strangers even if we do share the same DNA. I don’t want any pressure. If I want to be totally honest I want to get to know you guys too since you seem to be permanent fixtures there.”

  Max walked into the living room and jumped on my lap. “Lu what are you making. And why do you have white stuff everywhere?” he asked.

  I laughed and shrugged, “I was trying to make pizza.” I told him.

  He hooted then threw his arms around my neck, “pepperoni pizza?” he asked hopefully. I nodded; I knew that would be his request so I had bought some. He rained kisses all over my face, “Lucy you’re the bestest. Can I help you?” he asked.

  “Sure thing bud as soon as I go back in there.” I told him and ruffled his hair.

  He turned to Landon and Nick, “can I go with you guys next time you have football practice?” he asked.

  Landon looked to be thinking it over. “You can come, but someone will have to come with you. We won’t be able to watch you while we’re playing.” He told him.

  “I can take you.” I volunteered. That earned me one of his bright smiles and I kissed him on the dimple.

  James was watching me and Max, and suddenly his head swung towards Landon. He clapped his hand and pointed at him, “hold on, you play football for Clearance?” he asked. Landon nodded watching him wearily. “I don’t know how I didn’t put it together when I learned your name. Landon Miles, holy shit your good.” His attention turned to Nick, “your Nicholas Rivers right?” at Nick’s nod he said it, “that one I wouldn’t have gotten. You have a different last name but I heard things about you too even from when you used to play for Richardson High.”

  “You follow high school football?” Nick asked.

  James nodded, “that’s kind of my job. I’m James Fielder.” He informed them.

  Nick’s eyes went wide and Landon said in a surprised voice, “you’re one of the head recruiters for the NFL. You’re Lucy’s dad? Makes sense… if you were with her mom you had to be loaded.”

  James nodded and laughed, “yes that’s about right. But I’ve been watching you two. I have to mention I’m impressed. I’m supposed to actually come see one of your games soon.” He told them.

  “Wow” Nick said.

  “Holy cow! James, you’re the first person to ever render Nick speechless. He always has something to say. Always. You shocked the hell out of him.” I was hooting in laughter with Dean. When Nick snapped out of it he gave me the finger and the guys began to talk football. I looked around the room taking my time to study everyone. I sighed in happiness, so these are the men in my life. However, football talk is a foreign language so I decided to get back to my experiment in the kitchen.

  “Well this has been fun but you lost me after the word stats, so I’m taking Max to the kitchen to make some pizza.” I informed the room. It didn’t seem like anyone gave two shits so I took that as an ok to go. Men. Talk about sports and the world fades away.

  By the time we finally got the pizzas done, James was still here talking to the guys. I made 2 big pizzas. And they came out pretty good although next time I can make a better crust. I got the hang of it at the end and didn’t want to redo both. We had pizza together and James asked a ton of questions about me. We all took turns answering, even Max, which made it hilarious. He made sure to tell James that I was a crime fighter named Lucy Lu. Before James left he exchanged numbers with me and Dean and promised he’d call.

  We chatted over the next few weeks. He stopped by for dinner a few times. We met up one on one and did little things together to get to know each other. All of the guys and Mel liked him. He seemed genuinely interested in having a relationship with me, and hasn’t stopped contacting me and doing things. He got box seats to a football game, compliments of being a NFL recruiter, and he invited us all. His wife joined so that she could meet us. We had a ball and Max made it even more fun with his crazy excitement. His wife Samantha was nice and she was beautiful. She seemed like a genuine person. She made jokes and even laughed and bantered with Nick. He had trouble keeping up with her. I would think he was falling in love with her. Mel was there and thought it was hilarious. At one point she whispered to me that she could see the fireworks going off inside him for Samantha. She had this motherly feel to her and it made being around her more comfortable. It was an overall great time. The next few months’ passed by in a blur. Things have been amazing between Landon and I. ever since we got back from skiing in February. Our family seems to have expanded to where Mel’s parents as well as James and Samantha have joined our little circle comfortably. It was the best.

  CHAPTER 12

  James asked me to accompany him to a business party. Apparently he’s been bragging about me to everyone. There were a bunch of big names there and some football celebrities. Could I tell who was who? Absolutely not, well except for the extremely large guys. I just assumed they had to be on some team. The night was winding down when I got a text. It was a number I didn’t have programmed in my phone, but it was a picture message. I decided to check it later since I wanted to make a good impression for James.

  After the party we got into James car and I checked the time. I knew that Mel, Nick, and Landon went to a party one of the guys were throwing from the school. It was to celebrate the team making it to the championship. I promised I’d go if we got out of this party in time. I remembered the text from earlier. I opened it up and gasped. In the picture, Landon was leaning against the wall slouched down with a red cup in his hand. I couldn’t see his face, it was a side shot but he was kissing Delilah. The angle of the picture ensured you could see their lips touching and she had a hand groping his crotch. I knew it was today because he was wearing what I saw him in earlier. I blinked back the tears and held on for the rest of the ride. Before I got out of the car to go into the house, James tried to pry out what was wrong but I couldn’t talk about it.

  I got into my room and peeled off all the clothes I had on and quickly dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. I took out the pins in my hair letting it cascade down. As every minute ticked by the hurt turned to anger. Anger at Landon and anger that it was taking me so goddamn long to get there. By the time I stormed out of the house I was sure there was steam coming from my ears. I sped to the party grateful that I wasn’t pulled over for reckless driving. There were a ton of cars and I cursed. I parked on the street and went inside the house looking for someone to kill. I didn’t see Mel, Landon, or Nick and I grew even more upset.

  After circulating the party a few times, I spotted Molly and she was looking at me. I stormed over to her and grabbed her arm, “where is Landon?” I asked her.

  I knew he was with Delilah since Molly wasn’t with her. She shrugged but must’ve seen something in my face that made her pale. She pointed up the stairs. Up the fucking stairs, where the bedrooms are. I let her go and took a deep breath then marched up the steps. I let every possible scenario run through my mind so I wouldn’t be shocked by what I found. I walked into the wrong room three times before I found what I was looking for. Landon was laid out on the bed naked, his clothes strewn all over the floor. Delilah was on her knees on the bed down to her bra and underwear her back was to me but I knew what she was doing she was sucking him off. I exploded.

  “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?! I screamed. Delilah jumped and I saw his cock slide out of her mouth at her shock. “ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS LANDON? REALLY?” he didn’t respond or move. He made no effort to acknowledge me. This asshole, I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to bash Delilah’s face in but it wasn’t worth it. He wasn’t even trying to fix this, why should I end up fighting over this. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Once the first one was released I raised my arms. “Fuck this,” I said and turned to leave. I slammed the door behind me, as I walking down the hall Dan came up the stairs.

  “Lucy are you ok? I thought I heard you screaming and came to check on you.” He said. I sighed.

  I nodded but said, “no
. I’m not ok” and wiped a tear.

  He came up to me looking weary. “You want to go wipe your face or something and cool off before heading back down in front of all those people.” I thought about it and nodded. I didn’t want any additional attention right now, and I kind of wanted to find Nick and Mel. I couldn’t walk around looking like a wreck. He led me to an empty room at the end of the hall. He held the door open for me and turned on the light. I took a seat on the edge of the bed and cried huge tears on his shoulder while he rubbed my back.

  I cried until there were no tears left. When I was done I sat up and Dan put a finger under my chin. “Do you want to tell me what’s wrong now?” he asked.

  I sighed, “I caught Delilah giving Landon a blow job.” I deadpanned.

  His eyes widened in surprise, “what?” he asked.

  “You heard me. Walked into the room while she was doing it. He didn’t make a peep or anything. Just let her at it. Didn’t try to stop me either. So it’s safe to say that we are done. I’m done with all of this.” I admitted.

  “Hey, it’s ok. He’s a fool to let you go. You’re special you know. I’ve always thought so. And besides you still have me.” He said.

  That made me smile. “Yea, there’s that. You are a good friend Dan. Thanks for this.” I told him and bumped his shoulder with mine.

  He smiled. “You know there’s still some hope for us Lucy… If you give it a chance.”

  I looked up at him and gave a subtle shake of my head, “I meant it when I said I think we’re better as friends. There’s no pressure and it’s pretty cool just being able to be around you. And besides now is hardly the right time for me to get myself into any kind of relationship.” I gestured to my chest, “you see? Heart breaking here.” I gave him a small smile.