Chapter Thirteen

 

 

Lexi looked at herself in the full-length mirror in the bathroom. She’d been buffed, waxed, filed, plucked, smoothed, lotioned, painted, and glossed to within an inch of her life today. Oh, and had her feet jammed into torture devices that Mrs. Davenport had insisted were shoes.

Mrs. Davenport. Just the thought of her had her smiling even as little waves of PTSD rolled through Lexi. She sat down on the edge of the tub to give herself just a minute. She’d bet a hundred bucks that the woman slept standing up.

Lexi’s first impressions of her, over the phone, were that she was refined and elegant. And in a lot of ways, she was. Her clothes, her hair, her jewelry. Lovely really. Light brown, like Eric’s, and shot through with silver in places. But in person, she was surprisingly relatable and down to earth, even if she was a task master when it came to shopping and beautifying.

“You want to know the secret to walking in heels?” Mrs. Davenport had asked.

Lexi had nodded, even though she really wasn’t sure she wanted to know anything of the kind.

“You never bend your knees. Straight from the hip.” She’d showed her what she meant and Lexi had been impressed with the sway in the older woman’s walk.

Now, back in the bathroom at the hotel, Lexi rose from the edge of the tub and took another look at herself. Not a runway model, exactly. But a hell of a long way from Lexi Fischer, rodeo baby, broke and blowing in the wind.

Her nails were painted and her legs were a mile long in heels. Her hair was shiny and golden down her back.

“Lovely,” her hair stylist had said. “I don’t want to change a thing. Except for maybe an inch off the back. And why don’t we just give this a gloss.”

She hadn’t known what the hell a ‘gloss’ was. But Lexi had to admit, her hair looked amazing. And it perfectly suited Marina’s dress. It was a bit snugger on Lexi than it probably was on Marina, straight across the top, with only Lexi’s breasts to add some curve to it. And curve they did. The bra Mrs. Davenport had helped her pick out was a masterpiece. The thin, thin straps of the dress swept the material into a long sweep down her legs that would have been conservative if not for the slit up the one leg that came almost to Lexi’s hip.

Lexi had to admit, the sky high black pumps with the red sole were the perfect addition. She’d been very uncomfortable with the fact that Mrs. Davenport had insisted on purchasing them, but there was really no saying no to that woman.

Lexi took a deep breath and prepared to go out and face Eric when her phone gave a little buzz on the bathroom counter.

Lexi couldn’t help but laugh at the text from Mrs. Davenport.

-Remember dear, just a touch of the mascara. And use that lipstick I got for you. Just a little something to make that pout pop.

Lexi dutifully followed directions and the illusion was complete. She was fit to be Eric Davenport’s date to a gala.

Who’d have thunk it.

She took a deep breath and swung open the bathroom door. Stepping out into the living area of the hotel suite, Lexi swung around at a crashing sound.

Eric was standing on the other side of the room in a smart, black tux, his bow tie was undone, lying flat in two straps on his chest. His hair was perfectly trimmed, and his mouth was open as he looked her up and down. He shook his head once, twice, and Lexi had time to look around and realize that he must have knocked over the fruit basket on the table when he’d first seen her.

It went a long way toward boosting her confidence.

“Holy god, Lex.” He crossed the room toward her. “You look… You look... Jesus. You look like a goddess.”

She blushed. “Thank you. And you look like James Bond.”

Eric grinned and shoved his hands in his pockets when he got within reaching distance of her. She’d rather he’d grabbed her and kissed her. He was making her all nervous.

“Well, now that we’ve sufficiently drooled over one another,” she said, “are you ready for this thing?” She cocked out one elbow for him to take but he shook his head.

“Not yet. I haven’t sufficiently drooled over you yet.” Eric reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a long, thin box.

Lexi’s throat closed and panic rose up inside her. This was how she’d felt last night when she’d first seen this monstrosity of a hotel room. Raw anxiety. Money did this to her. She just wasn’t comfortable with it.

She took a step back from him.

“Relax, Lex,” he said with a smile. “I know better than to get you fancy jewelry. Trust me. It’s a bauble. Really. You could have bought it for yourself. I just saw it and thought of you.”

More intrigued than terrified now, Lexi held her hand out for the box and sucked in a delighted breath when she opened it up. Inside was a simple silver chain with two little charms on it. A small black, shiny stone, and dainty silver outline of Montana. So small you might not even realize what it was if you weren’t looking for it.

Lexi grinned up at Eric as she pulled it out of the box. “I love it.”

“I thought you might.”

 

* * *

 

Lexi was too busy putting the necklace on, checking it out in the mirror to see the sad smile on his face.

Eric watched the silver charm settle against her collarbone. A little bit above her heart, but close enough. He hoped she’d wear it and think of him. He also hoped she’d never find out that the black stone was actually a black diamond and cost more than her entire summer’s wages. She’d skin him alive.

But he’d wanted her to have it. And it looked so right on her, just as he’d known it would.

“Alright,” he said as he cocked an elbow out to her the way she’d done to him moments before. “Now we’re ready. Let’s get outta here before we’re late and my mother turns us into shish kabobs.”

 

* * *

 

“Eric,” Lexi said as they rode in the elevator up to the gala. He’d told her it was on the top floor of some fancy building with an amazing view. With each floor they passed, Lexi felt anxiety ripple through her in ever-increasing waves. Eric was her lifeline. So strong and warm and real and handsome right next to her. She knew it might not be fair, but needed to lean on him.

“Hmm?” he asked, brushing her hair back from her shoulder.

“Maybe tonight. Just for tonight, you could introduce me as your girlfriend?”

His eyes were the darkest she’d ever seen them. Almost a midnight blue. For a moment, Lexi wondered if she’d made a mistake in asking. Then he smiled gently. “Of course, Lex. Whatever you want.”

Cool. So maybe not such a big deal after all. And it was just the additional piece of armor Lexi felt she needed to walk into the cavernous room that opened up before them as the elevator doors slid to the side.

“Jesus Christ,” she muttered to herself. “Everybody is so… glittery.”

Eric chuckled. “That does seem to be the goal around here.”

And that was the last thing he said to her before they were swallowed up in the crowd.

“Eric! Long time no see.”

“Davenport, you dog. Where have you been hiding this beautiful woman?”

“Eric, I wonder if I might have a moment of your time?”

“Eric, have you sampled the wine yet, it’s from my brother-in-law’s vineyard. If you like it, I wonder if you might want to take this lovely woman on a trip to see it sometime? An investment opportunity perhaps?”

“Davenport, I’ve been wondering when you’d resurface. Are you done hiding in east of nowhere?”

Twenty minutes later, when the crowd thinned a bit, Lexi tugged Eric into a side hallway that she was pretty sure was reserved for the staff. Whatever.

“These people are awful!” she hissed at him, involuntarily straightening his tie and smoothing her hands down the arms of his jacket. “How can you even stand this?”

Eric cleared his throat and played with the charm at her neck. “I gotta say, it’s a lot easier with you at my side. But they’re not all awful, Lexi. I have good friends here, too. People who—”

“Eric?”

If Lexi hadn’t been able to guess who the gorgeous woman calling his name was, a big clue would have been the way he stiffened in her arms and the way his eyes went cautious.

He turned to the beautiful brunette, her hair in a classic Hollywood pinup style, her curvaceous body highlighted to perfection in her lavender dress. “Brianne.”

He hesitated only a split second before stepping into her hug. Lexi watched him carefully, but she didn’t see yearning or remorse in his expression. In fact, the smile he gave Brianne seemed genuine, as did the smile Brianne gave him, though Lexi also saw relief in the other woman’s expression, as well.

Brianne looked her way. “Hello,” she said to Lexi. “I’m Brianne.”

“Hi.”

“Brianne, this is Lexi. My girlfriend.”

Brianne’s eyes went wide for just a second. But it was nothing compared to the way Lexi’s heart expanded in her chest. She’d requested the title. She knew that of course. But she hadn’t expected the way it would make her feel to have Eric say it. To have his deep, perfect voice say that word and be talking about her.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” Brianne stepped forward and to Lexi’s surprise, enfolded her in a quick but tight hug. Just as Brianne pulled back, a huge, dark-haired man came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Eric,” he said quietly.

This must be Gabe. Figured that he’d be good looking too. Lexi pursed her lips and looked him up and down. Eric had insisted there weren’t hard feelings over his best friend stealing his fiancée. But still, just for good measure, she wanted these strangers to know exactly whose team she was on.

“Gabe,” Eric said. And then he moved forward and embraced his friend, just like Brianne had embraced Lexi. “It’s good to see you.”

Gabe pounded Eric on the back, and his expression, like Brianne’s, also held no small measure of relief. They loved each other. But they also loved Eric, Lexi realized. They cherished his friendship. And that went a long way toward making her feel less defensive around them.

But still. She couldn’t help but give them a little bit of a hard time.

When Gabe turned toward her, she said, “I’m Eric’s girlfriend. How do you two know Eric?”

Gabe and Brianne looked surprised. Horrified even.

Eric and Lexi burst out laughing.

“I’m sorry,” Lexi chuckled. “I had to.”

Smiles crept onto Brianne and Gabe’s faces as they realized she was just giving them a hard time. And as they realized that Eric was laughing his ass off.

“So,” Brianne said, her blush fading from her cheeks. “You guys are really right out in the lion’s den here. Why don’t you come to the balcony? It’s a friendlier crowd out there. Jamie and Lucy. And a couple of magic men from Vegas.”

Eric stopped walking. “You’re kidding. Max and Rhys?”

Brianne nodded in true delight. “And Grace and Melina, of course.”

Before they stepped onto the balcony, Eric swiped a glass of champagne from a tray and handed it to Lexi. “These are the good people I was telling you about. I can’t wait for you to meet them.”

“Eric!”

“Davenport!”

His name rang out with genuine affection. He was passed around the group. Hugs and handshakes from the men, and kisses from the women.

“This is my girlfriend, Lexi,” he called out to the group. She half smiled and executed a little wave. “This is Jamie and Lucy.” He pointed to a gorgeous dark-haired man and a stunning redhead in a short emerald green dress and purple heels. Then he gestured to two couples, a sexy set of identical twins, one with a pretty dark-haired woman, and the other with a beautiful blonde. “These are Rhys and Melina, and Max and Grace.”

“Oh!” Lexi’s eyes widened. “I’ve seen your act in Vegas.”

Rhys and Max were celebrity magicians and she’d been able to catch their show a few years ago in Vegas.

They both smiled. “You live in Vegas?” Max asked.

“Nah,” she shook her head. “I used to rodeo and the circuit took us just west of there. A few of us came in for the show one night.”

“That’s awesome. So you were on the rodeo circuit? Tell us more.”

 

* * *

 

Across the balcony, Eric watched Lexi laugh with his friends and thought how well she seemed to be fitting in.

“She’s lovely,” a familiar voice said in his ear.

Eric turned to see Dante Callaghan, a former business colleague. Eric grinned and shook the man’s hand. “Great to see you, Dante. You still doing business with Gio?”

“Pretty regularly, yes.”

“I haven’t seen him.”

“Look for a pretty redhead and your chances will increase dramatically.”

Eric cocked a brow. “That so? Someone special?”

“Seems so.”

“I never thought I’d see the day a woman tamed Gio. Shit, she must be something special.”

Dante’s gaze shifted to Lexi, his meaning clear. Eric stared at Lexi a moment, taking in all that was her, before he nodded. “She’s definitely someone special,” he confirmed.

“Yet I sense something’s weighing on you.”

Eric shrugged. “She’s coming back to live here in August. I’m not.” His mouth suddenly dry, he took a big swallow of champagne. “This… the two of us here together… it’s just temporary. To her, I’m quicksand.”

“And to you?”

“To me, she’s…” Everything. She’s everything to me, he wanted to say. Instead, he simply said, “To me, she’s whatever she’ll give me in the time we have left together.”

“Right. Well I hope it all works out for you. I know you’re in Montana now, but if you—” Whatever Dante was going to say next was cut off as the other man stiffened and his gaze became hyper-focused. Turning, Eric followed his line of sight to where a beautiful woman was standing inside. It was Aurora LeMonde, Gio Esposito’s executive assistant. She was wearing a figure-hugging red dress that showcased her curves to perfection and although she smiled and greeted those who walked past her, it was clear her attention was focused on a couple across the room: Gio Esposito and a pretty redhead.

Shit, she was in love with Gio and she looked heartbroken, Eric thought, but he wondered if it was only because of his own conflicted feelings for Lexi that Eric could see that.

“Dante—” Eric began, but when he looked back at the other man, Eric’s mouth shut with an audible click. Maybe it wasn’t heartbreak, but there was yearning on Dante’s face. Yearning for Aurora LeMonde.

Shit, this place was just filled with the pain of unrequited love, wasn’t it?

Eric’s gaze had once again found Lexi when Dante slapped him on the shoulder.

“It was good talking to you, Eric, but I see someone I need to speak with. I hope things work out for you and Lexi,” he said, and then he was gone.

Eric watched as Dante approached Aurora. He took a moment to mentally wish Dante the same luck the man had just wished Eric, but then he spotted another familiar face in the crowd inside.

Quickly, Eric walked to Lexi, said some hurried goodbyes, and tugged her inside.

“Hey! I was talking with Grace!” Lexi protested. But Eric grabbed another glass of champagne, shoved it into her hands and brought her face to face with the handsome silver-haired man he’d spotted.

“Lexi, I’d like for you to meet Porter Ford.”

He quickly shook hands with the Oscar-winning screenwriter, even though they’d just seen one another that afternoon.

Lexi’s eyes were big as saucers and apparently her mouth wasn’t working anymore. Maybe he should have warned her before he’d sprung the intro on her. But he hadn’t wanted her to get nervous.

Eric nudged her in the side.

“I…wow… God.” Lexi held out her hand.

“I usually love for a pretty woman to refer to me as her God. But how about we just leave it at Porter.” Porter winked at her and took her hand in his.

Eric could have done with a little less flirting, but whatever got her in the door.

Well, certainly not whatever.

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you all day,” Porter said, finally dropping her hand.

Lexi squinted her eyes in confusion. “You have?”

“Yes, ever since Davenport dropped off your manuscript with me this afternoon.”

Lexi’s eyes found his. “He did?”

“I didn’t want to get your hopes up. Or freak you out.” Eric shrugged. “But Porter texted me an hour ago to say that he’d read it and was really impressed.”

Lexi looked once again at the other man. “You were?”

“That’s right. If you’re interested, I’d like to mentor you when you make the move to L.A.”

Lexi, apparently, had run out of words.

“You show real talent. There are some classes I’d like for you to take. And when you’re ready, I think you’d make a great addition to my writer’s group. What do you say?”

When she was still standing there like a fish on dry land, Eric leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Say yes, Lex.”

“Yes,” she repeated dimly. “Yes, absolutely. I’d love that.”

“Great.” Porter smiled at someone over Eric’s shoulder. “Davenport will keep us in touch. Good luck with your move.”

Porter moved away and that was all the warning Eric got before he was drowning in Lexi’s kiss.