Wicked Flirt

by Kylie Gilmore

  She lingered by the door. “You okay, boss?”

  “No.”

  “Is it because I screwed up? If I’m the problem, I’ll resign. You’ve done so much for me over the years, and I can’t sleep at night knowing I hurt you.”

  He hung his head. “Stay. It’s not you.”

  “Then what?”

  He lifted his head. “My mom’s not well, but there’s nothing I can do. Lexi and I are over. Not because of you. Everything’s just shit right now.” His voice choked.

  She gave him a sympathetic look. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  He shook his head and pulled out some paperwork. She took the hint and left. He went through some bills, a mindless activity he could do in his sleep.

  His phone vibrated. He pulled it from his pocket and checked the screen. Lexi. Third time tonight. He declined the call, put the phone on his desk, and glared at it. She’d texted him too and he’d ignored it. They had nothing more to say to each other. He’d fucked up; she’d fucked up. They were a bad fit. Nobody’s fault, really. It had been a forced arrangement from the beginning, two people playing at love. He didn’t believe for one minute that Lexi actually loved him. If she really loved him, she would’ve believed him when he told her nothing was going on with Ellie. She would’ve believed in his innocence where Gracie was concerned. She would’ve trusted him because she adored him and only him. But she didn’t so…fuck it.

  His phone vibrated on his desk. He glanced over at the screen, irritated, and then his heart was in his throat, full-on panic slamming him. He grabbed the phone. “Mom, what’s wrong? I can be there in ninety minutes.”

  “I’m fine. Lexi’s here with me. Now you listen up, this sidewalk tumble I took is not her fault. I don’t want you breaking up with her just because she was nice enough to invite me over for lunch and to be part of her new business.”

  He looked to the ceiling, working on calm. Jesus. Now his mom was on Lexi’s side?

  “Marcus?” his mom asked. “Did you hear what I said?”

  Deep breath in, deep breath out. “This is her fault. You weren’t ready to go out, and she should’ve checked with me.”

  “The only reason I wasn’t ready was because I felt uncomfortable talking to a doctor I didn’t know. I felt more comfortable talking to Lexi.” She lowered her voice. “She told me you’re torturing yourself over me, and the least I can do is meet you halfway by talking to this doctor that came highly recommended just for people like me.”

  He dropped his head in his hand. “And did you?”

  “Yes. Lexi and I talked to her together, both of us on the phone. We had a nice chat, and I think next time I can talk just me and Dr. Roberts.”

  His eyes teared up, so relieved he felt weak with it. “That’s really good to hear.”

  “Now the three of us are going to have a chat. Lexi, pick up the phone in the kitchen.”

  He shot straight up in his seat. “Mom, this is a private conversation for me and Lexi.”

  Lexi’s voice came through loud and clear. “Well, it would’ve been if you would’ve talked to me.”

  “Devious,” he muttered.

  “Damn right,” Lexi said.

  His mom chimed in. “I really like her, Marcus. She’s A-OK in my book.”

  He rolled his eyes since his mom couldn’t see him.

  “Thank you, Lia,” Lexi said warmly. “I really like you too.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Do I really need to be in on this conversation? Sounds like you two have all you need.”

  Lexi continued her conversation with his mom. “Lia, did you know Marcus is a big muscled mush of a man so scared to admit he’s in love with me that he’d rather push me away? Very rudely, I might add. His exact words were ‘go home!’”

  “Marcus, really,” his mom chided. “Haven’t I raised you with kindness? Those are harsh words, and words matter. Now apologize to Lexi.”

  He ground his teeth. “I will not apologize.”

  “I’m not sorry either,” Lexi said. “Not for one single thing.”

  “Great,” he said.

  “Do you know what, Lexi?” his mom asked.

  “What’s that, Lia?”

  “I have never, not once, seen Marcus as happy as he’s been with you. That is the truth. And the only reason I’m so motivated to work through this darn agoraphobia is because you told me how wonderful you thought he was and how very much you love him. I’m sure marriage is in your future.”

  Marcus shot out of his seat. “What’s that now?”

  Lexi spoke, her words coming out in a rush. “Marcus, it’s really hard for me to open up, especially with a witness, especially after your rejection, but here goes. You are everything. You are…” Her voice choked. “Sorry, I-I…”

  He gripped the phone tighter, the emotion in her voice so strong it hit him deep inside. She did love him. His anger, his hurt, all of his defenses against her crumpled in that moment. “Lex—”

  “No, let me finish. I need you to know how deep it goes. You are honest, kind, generous, loving, smart…” She sniffled. “And fun and beautiful in your manly way, inside and out, and I’m spilling my guts here because I love you so freaking much it hurts. I’ve never felt this way before about anyone, and I don’t think I ever will again. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, Marcus, and it’s worth saving.”

  His eyes welled, his throat tight. He was about to agree when his mom decided to add her two cents.

  “You can see why I thought for certain marriage was in your future. Lexi, I know he longs for that forever love, and I’ve decided you’re it.”

  “Mom, please. Let me talk to Lexi.”

  “Who’s stopping you?”

  “Marcus?” Lexi asked in a strained voice.

  He swallowed over the lump in his throat. “Lex, you’re everything to me too. I agree with everything you just said.” He wanted to spill his guts too, but it was tough with his mom still on the phone.

  “That settles it,” his mom said cheerfully. “I knew she was your future bride.”

  “I like that idea,” Lexi said, sounding happy now.

  Pure joy rushed through him. He cleared his throat loudly. “Excuse me, ladies, do I get a say in this?”

  “No,” they said in unison.

  His lips twitched. They were a united front in their love for him. Maybe he was enough. Otherwise, why would his mom care so much about getting him back with Lexi, and why would Lexi care so much to go the embarrassing route of bringing his mom into the conversation?

  “I love you, Marcus,” his mom said. “Now come get your future bride.”

  Lexi spoke up. “Your future bride will come to you. Where are you?”

  “I’m at work.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “Now hold on,” his mom said. “Marcus, don’t you have something you’d like to tell Lexi back?”

  He stifled a laugh. “Mom, I’m hanging up now.”

  “Rhymes with dove,” his mom offered, in case he was that dense.

  Lexi laughed. “Words don’t mean much to him. He’s all about action.”

  His mom huffed. “Marcus Christian Shepard, get with the program!”

  Geez, the full-name treatment. “I love you both,” he murmured and hung up.

  He left his office with a spring in his step. And he couldn’t stop smiling.

  ~ ~ ~

  Lexi took one step into The Burrow and was immediately accosted by Ellie. “I’m so sorry if I screwed things up! I feel terrible. I got carried away, and I guess I thought, wrongly, that Marcus had feelings for me.”

  Lexi studied her for a moment; her sincerity was clear, but still. “The thing is, Ellie, you knew we were together. I don’t see how it ever should’ve crossed your mind that it was a good idea to kiss another woman’s boyfriend.”

  “I’d been drinking,” she whispered. “Please don’t tell him. I know I’m not supposed to be drinking when I’m
at work. But…I was jealous and it was wrong. I really am sorry.”

  “We’re together now in a committed relationship. It’s serious. Is that going to be a problem for you?”

  “He committed?” Ellie whispered. “When? How? Did he propose?”

  “Does it matter?”

  Ellie bit her lip, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. “I’m going on break.” She whirled, dashing toward the kitchen. Marcus appeared through the employees-only door, and Ellie veered around him without a word.

  Lexi’s eyes locked on Marcus striding toward her, a huge smile spreading on his face the closer he got. Her heart kicked up speed, warmth radiating through her, all of her lit up with pure happiness and love, so much love. She’d gotten through to him and he was coming back to her. He loved her.

  He stopped short in front of her, legs spread apart, and slammed his hands on his hips. “So you brought out the big guns, huh? Went the mom route.”

  She grinned up at him and spread her arms wide. “You’re a big guy. It takes a lot to bring you down.”

  He grabbed her, giving her a bear hug that lifted her right off the ground. She laughed as he spun her in a circle before setting her back on her feet. He kept her close, wrapped in his arms, his sigh parting her hair. “Tell me again.”

  She knew what he wanted. She lifted her head and met his eyes, the words coming easier now that she’d spilled her guts earlier. “I love you.”

  He framed her face with his hands. “I love you too so damn much. You’re everything to me, my heart, my soul, my love.” His words speared her heart. His eyes warm and tender, gazing into hers, sealed the deal. “You are the best woman I’ve ever met, so loving, so honest and straightforward, so strong, willing to fight for what’s important, willing to fight for us.” He dropped his hands from her face, wrapped his arms around her, and slowly shook his head, smiling. “You’ve ruined me for any other woman, so I hope you’re happy. Now you’re stuck with me.”

  She beamed at him, all of her awake and alive, exhilarated by her amazing man. She hugged him tight and pulled back to look at him. “Oh, Marcus, I’m ridiculously happy. And you’re stuck with me too.”

  He kissed her. “I can’t believe you said all that stuff with my mom listening in.”

  She shrugged one shoulder. “I love your mom.”

  He smoothed her hair back behind her ear. “I love that you love my mom.”

  She smiled cheekily. “Is that your favorite thing about me?”

  “Nope. My favorite thing is that you’re my future bride.”

  Her breath caught, her skin flushed hot, her knees weak. “I thought you were just agreeing with your mom’s romantic idea.”

  “Nuh-uh. This is forever, Lex.”

  She slapped a hand over her mouth, her heart swelling, bursting with love for this extraordinary man who loved her and only her, so much he wanted her in his life forever. “Really?” she asked behind her hand.

  He nodded solemnly.

  She dropped her hand, biting back a smile. “So that’s it? That’s my proposal?”

  He went down on one knee. “Alexis Judson, will you marry me?”

  The full name! How formal! How gentlemanly! How adorable! “Where’s my ring?”

  He gave her a wry look, strode behind the bar, and returned with an aluminum foil ring he’d just created.

  “Ooh! Fancy!” she exclaimed.

  He took a knee and held the ring up to her. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife, adoring me and only me for the rest of my studly life?”

  She laughed a giddy happy laugh. “I will!” He slid the foil ring on her finger. It was huge and gaudy. She couldn’t wait to show her friends.

  He stood and kissed her passionately, bending her back over his arm. Swoon!

  He brought her back upright, smiling at her tenderly. “We’ll replace that with a real ring this weekend.”

  “Are you kidding me?” She held up her ring hand. “This is everything! Spontaneous, romantic, and homemade by my studly man.”

  “You’re a little nuts, aren’t you?”

  She threw her arms around his neck. “But you love me anyway.”

  He smiled down at her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I do. Maybe I’m a little nuts too.”

  “Let’s go back to your place and do dirty things to each other.”

  He held her by the chin. “You are definitely the right fit for me.”

  “That sounds dirty.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “Yup. Definitely the right woman.”

  She beamed, watching him go behind the bar and grab his jacket. Once he returned to her, she informed him, “I never thought I’d be a bride.”

  “No? I thought all women dreamed of that.”

  “Now I will.”

  “I’m glad.”

  He held the front door open for her and she brushed past him, still secretly thrilled with his fine manners. He joined her on the sidewalk, entwined his fingers with hers, and they made the short walk back to his place.

  “Lex, I gotta thank you for what you did for my mom. You really connected with her in a way I couldn’t, and she’s better off for it.”

  “You know, I think she was trying to protect you from her issues, trying not to bother you with it. Maybe she just needed an outsider to give her a little nudge.”

  He exhaled sharply. “Maybe. I just had such a weight on my shoulders, you know? I’ve been the man of the house since my dad died.”

  “Was he sick?”

  “No. He was a drug dealer. He got arrested, offered testimony for a lesser sentence, and was killed shortly after by the big-time drug boss.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Shit. I’m so sorry. That’s a lot of pressure for a kid. Is that why you’re so muscled? You needed to be strong?”

  He cocked his head. “Never thought about it that way. Maybe I just wanted to know I could protect me and my mom. Plus I like being in shape. It feels good.”

  She stroked his hugely muscled bicep through his jacket. “It does feel good.”

  He lifted her to eye level and kissed her.

  She grinned. “I like it better when we’re horizontal because we’re on more equal footing. You’re too damn tall.”

  He set her back on her feet. “Maybe you’re too damn small.”

  “Our kids will be average.”

  “Lex,” he said in a choked voice, “you mean it? You want to have kids with me?”

  “Absolutely. You’d make a great dad.”

  He grabbed her in a hug and twirled her around. She laughed, delighted with his enthusiasm. He took her hand and tugged her along. “Come on, bed for you. I want to make you as happy as you’ve made me.”

  “That’s a tall order.”

  “I’ll say.”

  They made it to his place and walked straight to his bedroom. While he turned on the nightstand light and pulled back the covers, she stripped down completely naked.

  He turned and swore. “So beautiful. Get over here, baby.”

  “Strip, stud, let me see those muscles.”

  His dark eyes gleaming, he stripped completely in all his glorious male beauty. She wasn’t aware of crossing the room. One minute she was looking her fill and the next she was in his arms. And then they were kissing passionately, hands roaming, hungry for each other.

  He guided her to the bed and set her in the center of the mattress. She opened her arms to him. He smiled, rolled on a condom, and then he joined her, settling between her legs.

  She wrapped her arms and legs around him, so eager for this joining. He thrust inside, and they both groaned. This time was slower, their breaths mingling.

  Marcus twined his fingers with hers and raised them over her head. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too so much.”

  “I adore you and only you.”

  Her throat tightened, her eyes hot because he knew how to love her in exactly the way she needed. “Me too. Kiss me before I cry.”
>
  “Aww, Lex.” His mouth sealed over hers. Time ceased existing. There was just this, the two of them merged as one, body and soul. She’d never felt closer to another person before, her trust in him complete.

  A long while later, he broke the kiss, his breath harsh. He held her head with one large hand, gazing into her eyes. “More.” He slid his other hand under her hip and tilted her up to take him deeper.

  “Ah!” He hit just the right angle, the pleasure so intense her body tightened around him, milking him with her release. Her gaze never left his, held in thrall as euphoria flooded her body, heart hammering, breathless, electric sensations sparking through every nerve ending. He pumped deep and then let go, clutching her tight to him.

  She held him tight, too, a surge of love so powerful radiating between them it made her hyperaware of everything—his heart hammering against hers, the heat of their skin pressed so close, his masculine scent, the flex of his muscles surrounding her. She never wanted to let him go, and then she relaxed, loosening her hold as beautiful reality sank in—

  He was hers, and she was his. Forever.

  Epilogue

  “Two engagement parties in one week!” Lexi exclaimed to Marcus.

  “Lots to celebrate,” he said, walking her into Garner’s Sports Bar & Grill.

  She beamed at him. Yup, she’d officially joined the ranks of annoying lovey-dovey couples. And she loved it. It had been a whirlwind romance—three weeks to a proposal and another three weeks for her to move into his condo in the city. The move had been just yesterday. Hey, when it was right, it was right. They’d both been ready for a committed relationship. She still planned to visit Clover Park for all of her friends’ special occasions, girls’ night, and their Happy Endings Book Club meetings.

  Today was Sunday, and the engagement party was for Brandy and Joe. Yup! Hailey’s mom and Josh’s dad were officially tying the knot. Next Saturday she and Marcus would have their engagement party at his mom’s house. Lia had planned the whole thing, and it had been an important step forward for her as she reached out to invite friends. She’d even gotten in touch with her parents in Florida, which Marcus was thrilled about because they planned on staying for a long visit. His theory was that his grandparents would either be great company or drive his mom nuts and she’d be eager to leave the house. Lia was making fantastic progress. She was keeping up her phone sessions with Dr. Roberts, had adopted a gray cat that she adored, and had also taken a few short walks with Lexi and Marcus.