Page 59

“We’ll see you around,” I say to everyone, and I take Lexi’s hand.
I don’t want to get wrapped up in a business conversation, not tonight. We pass one of my old friends, Chase, on the way to see Heather and Samuel. Our parents were friends and attended the same social events growing up.
“Easton! I didn’t think you were coming,” he says, then notices Alexis.
“Yeah, I got tied up,” I say.
He lifts a brow.
“I’m Lexi. Sorry, Easton must’ve forgotten his manners at home.” Her Southern drawl is charming.
“Nice to meet you, Lexi. Are you two …”
“Dating.I’m trying to figure out if I want to give him a chance.” Her soft gaze meets mine, but I know she’s telling the truth.
“Oh, so you’ve finally met your match,” Chase says to me.
“What can I say? I’ve been unable to get her off my mind since we bumped into each other,” I say. Another truth spilled, even though she already knew that one.
“We’re on day eight,” Lexi happily shares.
Shock spreads over his face. He gives me the same expression that Billie had.
I find it amusing, and so does Lexi. It’s a punch line to a joke.
“She knows. It’s all out in the open,” I say.
“All of it?” Chase asks. “Even …”
“The princess?” Lexi finishes. “Yes. But I think Easton’s currently searching for his queen. Right?”
“Hot damn, this is …speechless,” Chase says. “Do you have a sister?”
“No, just two older brothers,” Lexi tells him. “But I have friends.Lotsof them.”
Before this conversation can go any further, I give him a smile and a handshake. “Okay, okay. We need to visit Sammy and Heather and give our congratulations.”
I cannot leave this party until that happens, so it needs to be next on our list. Not that I want to leave, not yet. I’m actually having a good time.
“Maybe I’ll be giving congrats to you two next,” he says, glancing between us. “Nice to meet you, Lexi. Hope to see you past fourteen.”
“Me too,” she says sweetly,perfectly.
I interlock my fingers with hers and lean in. My mouth brushes the shell of her ear. “You’re amazing.”
“You make it easy,” she admits, squeezing three times, and I grin, giving her two pulses.
“Need you’re a game,” I tell her, hoping she understands.
Sammy and I went to the same boarding school. Both of us are stone-cold when it comes to business. For years, neither of us thought we’d find our person. He did.
I greet him with a grin and a tight side hug before turning toward Heather.
“He’s been on his best behavior?” I ask her.
“Yes,” she says. “I wouldn’t be marrying him otherwise.”
“I’m happy for both of you,” I admit, glancing between them, seeing the spark they share. “I’d like to introduce you to Lexi. My girlfriend.”