She stepped back and placed her hands on her hips. “Of course.”
I shook my head and took a deep breath, then pulled open the door. Alexa looked stunning. She wore a short-sleeved navy-blue dress that hugged her curves, and fell just above her knees. Her legs were tanned and tone, and ended in sexy feet encased in a pair of silver sandals. She looked sexy and innocent all at once. “Come in.” I stepped back to allow her inside. Sophia cleared her throat from behind me, and I dragged my gaze from Alexa.
“This is Sophia—a friend of mine and Lily’s,” I gestured to the young woman. It didn’t escape my notice that she and Alexa were having a strange staring contest, sizing each other up. “Sophia was just leaving. Thanks for today, Soph.”
A smile crept across her lips, a smug look on her face. “Same time tomorrow?”
“No, I’ve got it covered. Besides, I don’t like you missing class to take care of Lily for me.”
She grabbed her purse and sweatshirt from the couch and secured her bag across her body. “Caden James, you know I’d do just about anything for you.” She smiled at me wickedly. It wasn’t lost on me that she was trying to imply, for Alexa’s sake, there was more to our friendship. There wasn’t. Never had been, never would be, despite how much she tried to tempt me.
Once Sophia was gone, Alexa fidgeted nervously in the entryway, playing with the strap of her purse. I took her by the shoulders. “Hey, she’s my best friend’s little sister. That’s all. Okay?”
She nodded obediently, her voice barely a whisper, “Okay.” She stepped out of her strappy heels, leaving her several inches shorter and followed me inside.
Lily came clattering down the hall just then and Alexa dropped to her knees to encase her in a giant hug. Lily chattered on about her day and Alexa nodded and giggled, pausing to ask questions. It was startling to see how much Lily looked up to Alexa already. It was sweet and at the same time concerning. If Alexa didn’t stick around, I knew I’d have one heartbroken little girl on my hands.
I asked Alexa if she was okay if we got Lily settled in for the night, and she nodded and then went to help Lily with her stretches. Alexa sat on the floor with Lily, showing her a couple of new ways to stretch her back and legs. The build-up of watching Alexa was like a slow torture, the lingering glances, the casual brushes against her skin, and finally we were tucking Lily into bed.
Alexa followed me down the hallway toward the living room. I watched her take a tentative step toward where I was seated on the couch. All the oxygen was sucked from the room, the air thick with tension, now that our pint-sized chaperone was soundly asleep.
Having her here with me—with Lily—was f**king with my head. I couldn’t even begin to understand her motives.
Alexa fidgeted in the doorway, as if pausing for my inspection. Her dress ended just above her knees, and my gaze traveled up and down her bare legs.
“You look nice.” My voice was gruff.
“I had a date.”
She’d been on a date today and the ass**le had let her leave? Dressed like that? Her bare legs were toned and tan, her toenails painted pale pink. She was stunning.
“Come here,” I instructed.
She obeyed, crossing the room to stand in front of me, her wide eyes cast down to meet mine. I trailed a single fingertip over the back of her bare leg, and felt her shudder under my touch.
“So tell me about this date you had.” I continued lazily stroking the soft flesh behind her knee.
She swallowed and drew a deep breath. “He took me to his country club for tennis and then lunch on the terrace.”
“And now you’re here slumming it with me?” I felt her knees lock to keep herself steady. “I don’t do roses and candles and country clubs. Dates with me wouldn’t involve tennis.” I wasn’t sure quite why I was pushing her, only that I wanted her honesty, so I supplied her with the same treatment.
“No?” she challenged, finding her voice, however faint.
“No, cupcake. I’m more of a beer and hot wings, and sex in the cab of my truck kind of guy.” She sucked in a quick intake of breath and her knees trembled. I wrapped both hands around the backs of her legs to keep her from collapsing. “But for you I could probably make an exception.” Her gaze held mine and the air grew thicker around us.
“But what if I like that beer and hot wings idea?” she challenged.
I noted that she conveniently left out the part about sex, and I knew I shouldn’t, but damn, I wanted to see her reaction. “I meant the exception would be that instead of my truck, I’d want you spread out in my bed where I could f**k you properly.”
She let out a soft whimper and her legs gave out completely. I hauled her onto my lap, rather than letting her collapse in a heap on the floor.
“I’ve got you,” I breathed against her hair. Her heart was f**king pounding, and I could see her pulse thrumming against her neck. It was a major turn on. I tilted her chin, pulling her in until her lips met mine and I softly kissed her. “Tell me what you want, Alexa.”
“I can’t.”
I frowned. “Can’t or won’t?” She swallowed and looked down. We were going to have to work on that. Bur first things first. “Let’s eat something.” I moved her from my lap so she was seated next to me on the couch. “Shall we stay in or I could try and find a babysitter to come over…”
“Let’s stay in.”