Lexi's Lessons (Book Two) (Letting Go Series)

by J Wilde

  “What’s on your mind, gorgeous?”

  “Mmmm… you. Us. How happy I am.”

  “I like that. I am so glad you came in to my life, Lexi.” Seth whispered in to her ear and kissed along her neck.

  “Seth. God, stop that.” She chuckled. “Here, set the table. We have to eat.”

  Seth chuckled in her ear and slid his arms away from her, grabbing the plates and utensils off the counter.

  They sat at the small table and enjoyed a heavy pasta dish, buttered bread and wine. They chatted about their childhoods, favorite memories and happy experiences.

  “Seth, can I ask you something?”

  “Of course love. Anything.”

  “How come you’re single?”

  “Ah. Well, I was a bit of a nerd in school and didn’t date much through high school. I was a late bloomer, so to speak. I didn’t really fill out until I was in college. I played football in college, on a scholarship. I wasn’t good enough to go pro, but I was fast and I played hard. As I worked out more, I slowed down a bit, but I maintained my grades and kept my scholarship.”

  Lexi poured more wine and served more pasta as she listened intently.

  “Anyway, after college, my dad died. I came back here to run his garage. Being such a small town, well, dating was tough. Most the girls here knew me when I was a nerd and I never forgot the way they treated me. Kind of puts a damper on dating. So, I focused on Dad’s business and not the ladies. I’ve had a few girlfriends, but my tastes are a bit, er, eccentric I guess. I didn’t find much pleasure in those relationships. It was hard for me to connect with them on an intellectual level and as for the sexual chemistry, it was just not enough for me.”

  “Wow. That’s pretty shallow of them. I mean, you haven’t done anything that would make me not want to be intimate with you.”

  “Well, we’re taking it slowly. I don’t want to scare you off. I care a lot about you, Lexi.” Seth’s head hung down as he mindlessly pushed a meatball around on his plate.

  “Seth, I don’t want you to be any different with me. I just want you to be who you are and enjoy the pleasure we bring each other. There is something between us that I can’t explain. But, I don’t think you can scare me off.”

  “Lexi, where did you come from? You are like an angel to me.”

  “Ah, I will have to get one of those sexy angel outfits then.” Lexi giggled. The wine was loosening her tongue.

  “I wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow. I’d ravish you the rest of the night.”

  Lexi felt a stab of disappointment. They’d been in her room for hours and it was well after one in the morning.

  “Will you stay the night?”

  “Only if you promise to let me hold you all night long.”

  “Well…I guess I can do that.” Lexi giggled as she passed by Seth and he pinched her ass.

  After cleaning up their dinner, they headed to bed, both too exhausted to do more than get naked and snuggle.

  “Goodnight, Seth.”

  “Goodnight, my sweet Lexi.”

  Spooned against one another, the couple drifted off quickly in to a deep sleep.

  ****

  Lexi woke Monday morning to the sun blaring in her face. She glanced up at her clock to see it was nearly ten in the morning. Smiling she rolled over to Seth, only to find he was gone. He left her a note:

  Lexi,

  I had the most amazing, wonderful weekend with you. To make it even better, I woke up to your beautiful face. I am sorry I couldn’t stay, but work needs me. Sometimes being the boss sucks!  I can’t wait to spend time with you again. Maybe we can go out to dinner or drive to the city and catch a movie. I’ve got lots of naughty plans for you, my sweet. But, I want to spend time with you in any way you’ll have me. Call or text me when you get up. XOXO

  Love,

  Seth

  Lexi’s breath hitched in her throat. Did he love her or was it simply just a casual reference? She lay back, re-reading his note over and over. She felt like she had stepped in to heaven. Who knew she’d find such a man in a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere, Tennessee?

  Lexi got up and her whole body protested. She couldn’t imagine Seth working on cars if he was as exhausted and sore as she was. She giggled again, feeling like a teenager. She turned on her computer and went through her typical Monday morning routine, albeit two hours later than normal. She sent off an email to her boss and then ate her breakfast. She sent a short text to Seth, but he didn’t reply.

  As she went through her day, writing up a few article ideas for Mr. Pearson, she wondered about what Seth was doing. After finishing her tasks for the day, she decided to go over to Seth’s to wait for him to come home. It was beautiful outside, and she decided she’d wait on his porch. She had yet to visit his home and looked forward to surprising him there.

  Following the long dirt road, Lexi walked over to Seth’s large farmhouse. It was an absolute masterpiece. It was three levels high with a wide wrap around porch. There were beautiful flowering bushes all around the front and sides, barely concealing lattice under the porch.

  Lexi stood in the middle of the road, shading her eyes to take in the beautiful historic farmhouse. Voices caught her attention and she glanced over towards the back of the house. A young woman was swinging a blond-haired little girl on a tire swing. They looked so happy as they chatted together. Lexi’s stomach dropped as she watched them.

  He’s fucking married with a kid?

  Lexi felt bile rise up in her throat. She tucked behind a large sycamore tree and watched the two playing in the yard. The sound of tires on the dirt road made Lexi duck down. It was Seth. He climbed out of his truck and called out something. The little girl slid out of the tire swing and bolted in to Seth’s arms. He picked her up and swung her around. The young woman came up to them both and wrapped her arms around them.

  What a beautiful fucking family. Asshole.

  Lexi kept low as she snuck away from the house. Her heart shattered in to a million pieces. All of it came together for her then. Seth was only sleeping with her to indulge his supposed ‘eccentric’ side, all while keeping his family tucked away safe and happy in his home.

  Once she knew she wouldn’t be seen, she ran to her house. Grabbing her purse, keys, cell phone and laptop, she headed out to her car and rode off. Once again, she ran from the pain and embarrassment. Tears streamed down her face as she headed for the interstate. She had no idea where she was going. All she knew is she had to get away.

  ****

  It has only been two days, but Lexi was feeling the withdrawal. She stared blankly out the motel window, watching the cars come and go in to the parking lot. The room smelled like bleach, everything was worn and drab and the only thing it had to offer her was refuge and free internet.

  In a blind fury, she typed out her article for the week about cheating sons-of-bitches and how they should be castrated on sight. Of course, Mr. Pearson called her directly about that article. He finally got her to rewrite the article with a little more advice and a lot less violence. That took all of half of Tuesday, and now she sat here, on Thursday, staring out a dirty window watching people living their precious little lives with smiles and people they loved.

  She couldn’t eat. She couldn’t sleep. Every fucking thing made her think of him. Her anger had subsided sometime on Tuesday, once she revised that article. She was still bitter, but more than anything, she just hurt. She ached and felt cold and empty inside. How could someone come in to her life, turn it all upside down and then devastate her. Of course, the prick had no clue she knew the truth.

  She tried the “benefit of the doubt” route, but all utilities and city paperwork was in his name. She couldn’t find a trace of the pretty brunette with the little blonde girl. The only thing left to conclude was that she had seen his wife and daughter. She felt nauseous again, thinking about his stupid story about not being like in high school and not dating much in college, or how there weren’t girls he�
��d date in his hometown. Of course not. He probably brought the petite brunette home from college.

  “FUCK!” Lexi looked at her cell phone. Another missed call. That would make forty-five in two days. She’d sent him a short text Monday after she checked in to the motel in Kentucky, saying she was fine, but they were over and not to call her or come looking for her. She didn’t even want to do that much, but he knew she didn’t have any friends or family that would miss her, and the last thing she wanted was the police of FBI searching for her.

  After she’d sent that text, she shut off her phone. When she turned it on, the next morning, so Mr. Pearson could call her after her disturbing email, she noticed 12 text messages and 14 missed calls. She found herself laughing. Wonder if your wife appreciates your attempts to reach me. Ass.

  Lexi had to stop him from calling her anymore. She just needed him to leave her alone. She contemplated telling him she knew the truth. After all, if he knew she knew, then maybe he’ll stop. Sighing, Lexi started a new message to him.

  STOP. Please. I know about your wife and daughter. Leave me alone or I will file charges against you. Just leave me alone.

  Lexi hesitated, then took a deep breath and click “send” before she changed her mind. She almost expected an immediate reply, but nothing. It would be many days before she’d get any response at all. And the one that came shocked the hell out of her.

  ****

  Sunday morning, Lexi turned over in bed. Something kept banging on the wall. Probably those sex-crazed people in the room next door. Their grunting, groaning and shrieks of pleasure only made Lexi feel more heart broken. And horny as all hell. As much as he hurt her, she couldn’t stop picturing Seth over her, under her, inside her and just everywhere, as she masturbated multiple times a day. Nothing cured the ache in her heart, in her soul or in her body.

  Sitting up, Lexi realized the banging was coming from her motel door. Panic set in as she considered who could be there. She’d seen some shady characters coming and going. Heart in her throat, she quietly made her way to the door, peering through the peep hole.

  HOLY SHIT!

  On the other side of the door a much disheveled Seth stood, glaring as if he could see her through the peep hole. She jumped back, regardless of the fact that the idea was ridiculous. Lexi tried to control her breathing…and her treacherous body that creamed the second she saw him.

  SHIT. FUCK. SHIT.

  “Lexi, please. Let me talk to you. I know you’re in there. I know you hear me.”

  “Go. Away.”

  “Not until you hear me out.”

  “Talk where you are.”

  “Serious?”

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t you want to look in my eyes and make sure I am being honest?”

  Clever asshole.

  She pulled the door open, leaving the chain in place.

  “Okay, I can see your eyes. Speak. Two minutes.”

  Lexi tried to stir up her anger so she wouldn’t melt under his sapphire gaze. The lighting outside the door was horrible, but it was clear he was miserable too. Good. There were dark shadows under his eyes and the stubble on his chin looked days old. His hair was sticking up in a million directions, as if he’d been tugging it out and away from his head. His clothes were wrinkled. And, despite her anger, Lexi desperately wanted to leap in to his arms and kiss away the frown on his face.

  “I will give you two words. Sister. Niece.”

  Lexi stared in to those gorgeous eyes trying to figure out what he was telling her. Her mind was slow to catch it, but then the proverbial light bulb went off. His sister and his niece. Damn.

  She shut the door, took a deep breath and then unhooked the chain, again opening the door to him. She stood to the side, partially behind the door, allowing him to enter without coming too close to her.

  “Explain.” Lexi’s throat was so dry, she wasn’t sure he’d even heard her.

  Seth let out a breath. He plopped down in a tacky yellow vinyl chair by the window. He looked out at the people, much as she’d done over the last few days. There was only people and cars. The hotel across the road blocked the view of the beautiful hills and mountains in the distance.

  “Katie came to live with me about a year ago. Her husband, my brother-in-law, Eric is in the Air Force. He’s stationed somewhere on the other side of the globe. Just like me, she found life challenging and came back home. The house I live in was our parents’ home. In fact, it’s been in our family since the early 1800’s. So when she came home with her daughter, Ariel, I insisted she stay in the farmhouse. Eric will be away for three more years. We all thought having Uncle Seth around would be good for Ariel until Eric gets back.”

  He glanced over at Lexi, but she kept a straight face. His story sounded plausible, but she just didn’t understand why he’d never mentioned her before. His story explained what she saw at the house, but not why he kept it a secret.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Honestly, it didn’t even occur to me to say anything. I mean, I wasn’t hiding her from you or vice versa. I am extremely careful about who I allow around Ariel, but again, I wasn’t hiding them from you.”

  Lexi slowly nodded. The pain started to lift from her chest. She wanted to smile big and throw herself at him, although the thought of having sex in the motel room made her stomach turn. But, she needed to know where they stood. What he felt for her, if anything.

  “Thank you for explaining that to me, Seth.” Lexi kept her voice calm as she turned to face him. “I apologize for jumping to conclusions. When I saw them, I let my imagination get the best of me. I’m sorry.” Lexi turned away from him then, holding back the tears that threatened to appear.

  Lexi heard him rise from the chair and walk up behind her. She stifled the sobs that rose up in her chest. She so badly wanted to feel his arms around her, to be wrapped in his spicy scent and feel his hot, soft lips press against her skin.

  And just like that, as if he read her mind, she was in his arms. She couldn’t hold back anymore. She broke down allowing the tears to fall and the sobs to rip through her.

  “Sh my sweet. It’s ok. I promise. We’ll work through this. Just tell me I haven’t lost you, Lexi. Please.” Seth’s voice broke on the last word. She felt his body tremble against hers. He was holding it back too. He cared for her. She knew it now, without him having to say so.

  “Seth, God I want you to be right. But, I just can’t take another heart break.” Lexi’s sobs quieted now, even though the tears continued to fall. He kissed the top of her head and rested his chin there.

  “You once told me you trusted me. I know this probably broke that trust. I realize we’ve had a whirlwind romance. But, Lexi…” Seth turned her in his arms and urged her to look up at him. “…You mean everything to me. I’ve never felt this way before. I’ve never been in love before.” His voice was barely above a whisper, but Lexi caught every single word. Her eyes widened at his declaration. He laid his heart out there for her to take. He loves me.

  She tried, but couldn’t contain the huge smile that crept on to her face. Seth’s somber face beamed as she smiled. God he is gorgeous. She wanted to say the words back to him but they stuck in her throat. Her emotions choked her. All she could think to do was kiss him, pouring out her love in the gesture, and hope he’d understand. That’s exactly what she did.

  ****

  It took awhile to convince Seth, but finally, Lexi was able to assure him that they would have all night to indulge in make-up sex…at her house. She packed up her stuff and was grateful to leave the disgusting motel room behind. Seth had a friend drop him off there, with the hopes they’d make up and she’d bring him back home.

  Seth offered to do the driving, so Lexi sat back and relaxed. She kept glancing over at him, amazed that he loved her. She couldn’t believe how happy she felt and how quickly all of her doubts and insecurities drifted away when she was with him. There was only one thing bothering her.

  “Seth, I hav
e to ask you something.”

  “Yes, my love?”

  “How did you find me?”

  “Oh.” He glanced at her for a second and then returned his eyes to the road. “Well, I kind of talked with Mr. Pearson. After a few choice words from him, I explained the misunderstanding and asked for his help. I told him how I feel about you and how I would find you one way or the other, but that his help would be appreciated, he gave me your location.”

  “You slick bastard.” Lexi couldn’t help but laugh. She made a mental note to give Mr. Pearson a few choice words of her own next time she spoke with him.

  ****

  “Home sweet home.” Lexi sighed as they pulled in to her driveway. She giggled as she made her way to the front door. Dozens of flowers, from roses to tulips adorned her small porch.

  “I really missed you.” Seth shrugged.