“We wanted to take you to dinner, and then maybe show you the apartment?”
Lexi didn’t even try to hide her excitement. “That would be fantastic. When and where?” She grabbed a pen and got ready to scribble the address down.
“How about Remote? Have you been there yet?” While Christina rattled off the intersection, Lexi heard a rustling noise on the other line and Julian picked up.
“Am I making the reservation for a party of three or four?”
Lexi pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. “Three, Julian. You know it’s three.”
“I know, sorry. Sore subject. What time do you want to meet us there? We’re wide open.”
They worked out the details so that Lexi could run home and change quickly before meeting up with them. Christina sounded so excited to show her the apartment, and Lexi was just happy to have something to do. The nights were the worst. She finished her work a little early, grabbed her bag, and headed out the door. She stopped at Erica’s desk and peeked over her shoulder to see what she was doing.
“Are you leaving for the day?”
Lexi nodded. “I’m heading home to change and then meeting up with Christina and Julian.”
“You doing all right?”
“I’m fine.” That far away look in Lexi’s eyes told Erica different, but she let it drop.
“Since you’re leaving for the day, do you mind if I shut down our side of the office and sneak out too?”
“Absolutely.” She linked her arm in Erica’s, and they strode toward the elevator together. “Do you want a share a cab?” she asked as she dug into her bag for her keys.
“Nope, I have some shopping to do, but thanks.” She gave Lexi a wink and a wave, then disappeared out the door.
Lexi collected her mail and walked into the big, empty apartment. She flitted around her room, changed her clothes, and freshened up her hair and makeup. As she regarded her reflection in the mirror, her mind wandered, thinking about how different her life was now than it had been two years ago. Life really did wait for no one. You either lived it, or you were left behind.
She gave her lips one last coat of lipstick, then turned off the light and grabbed her purse off the bed. Lexi walked out of her bedroom and ran her fingers over the smooth glass petals of the flowers in the vase on her dresser, as had become her custom every time she passed them and thought of him.
Remote was just starting to get busy when Lexi arrived. A small group of people were gathered just inside the doors. The hostess saw Lexi and smiled. When Lexi mentioned the name Stone, the woman’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Right this way.”
At the table, Christina and Julian were so deeply engrossed in one another that they didn’t even notice Lexi standing there. A small twinge of jealousy spread through Lexi as she watched at the happy couple, so obviously in love. She scolded herself for being selfish and instead smiled at her friends, clearing her throat to get their attention.
“Mr. Stone, your next guest has arrived.”
“Lexi!” Christina released Julian’s hand and jumped to her feet to hug her friend. “You look gorgeous.”
Lexi blushed and slipped into the chair Julian held out for her. She wore a simple black dress and had spent a few extra minutes putting her hair in hot rollers, so huge curls draped over her shoulders giving it a sexy bounce. Julian kissed her cheek, then took his seat beside his wife.
“How you doing, Lexi?”
“I’m great. Busy, but great.” They chatted for a while about the things going on with Lexi, and then Christina launched into the story of buying the apartment in the city. A sad smile fell across Lexi’s face.
“What’s wrong?” Christina asked, catching the faraway look in Lexi’s eyes.
“Nothing. I’m fine,” Lexi said a little too cheerfully. She reached out and picked up her water, taking a tiny sip to hide her face. As Lexi set the glass down, Christina’s face broke out into a huge grin.
“Don’t look so sad, beautiful lady,” a smooth voice whispered in her ear. “Is this seat taken?”
Lexi froze, her entire body stiffening as his warm breath tickled her shoulder. When she felt his warm lips touch her neck, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the way her heart began to flutter like a hummingbird in her chest. She knew that voice. She heard it in her dreams, in her sleep, and in her heart.
“Vincent,” she sighed, her smile so wide she worried that her cheeks might burst. She bolted out of her chair and wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her into his arms, her feet dangling below her. “Vincent!” Her lips immediately found his, hungry, needy for him.
“Hello, sweetheart,” he whispered against her lips when they finally stopped their voracious kissing to take a breath.
“Why don’t you welcome me home like that?” Julian grumbled, nodding his head toward Vincent and Lexi, who were still wrapped up tight in each other’s arms. The entire restaurant had turned in their seats to watch the couple’s very public reunion.
“We’re old married people now; they’re young and in love. Wife handbook page twelve: ‘Husband comes home from trip, remind him to take out the garbage.’” Christina teased Julian.
“All right, all right. People are trying to eat here. Either sit down or get a room. What’s it gonna be?”
“Mind if I sit on his lap?” Lexi asked with a sinful little smirk as Vincent kissed Christina on the cheek. Her whole face had changed since Vincent walked in the room. Gone was the polite smile. Now Lexi’s face was vibrant and joyful, her voice playful and light. Eyes sparkling with excitement, she looked at the man she loved, her body in constant contact with his.
“I’ll give you five hundred dollars to do it right now. The old guy at that table will have an absolute heart attack.” Julian nodded his head toward a balding man in his late forties whose mouth dangled open.
“As much as I love to see you part with your money, Julian, I’m not going have her sit on my lap,” Vincent leaned over to Lexi and whispered so only she could hear, “until later, when you have on far less clothing.”
“I’m so glad you’re home,” Lexi whispered against his lips, curling her fingers into his hair. “You weren’t supposed to be back for three more days.”
“I missed you, so I made a few changes in my schedule so I could come surprise you.” He twirled one of her curls around his fingers. “Are you surprised?”