Lex (Miller Brothers Book 2) Read online

  “I was drunk, I didn’t know what I was doing.” I shrug, unable to offer any other kind of explanation.

  “So, Jo… Now what?”

  “She wants more. She’s reading too much into it, thinking she could be my girlfriend.”

  He frowns at my words. “And you don’t want that?”

  “No,” I snap.

  “She’s a good-looking girl, you could do worse,” he snorts.

  What the fuck?

  “She’s not my type. I’ve told her over and over I’m not interested, but she seems to think the more she pursues me the more likely I am to give in. But it’s not happening. I don’t like her in that way. I was paralytic that night, and she was just there. We fucked, and now she thinks she’s my girlfriend.” The girl is fucking deluded. How she can get all this from a one-night stand is beyond me.

  “So, if it’s not Jo you’re interested in then who?”

  “Abbie,” I mumble, avoiding Dray’s eyes.

  “Abbie?” he growls, looking like he’s about to kill me.

  I nod. I knew he’d react in this way.

  “You’ve barely spoken two words to her. One of the reasons why she’s such a great worker is she gets on with her job, no chitchatting.”

  “I walk by her office any chance I can get. I try and talk to her. Hell, I even bring her coffee. The only time she warmed to me was around Gracie.”

  Shit.

  Why the hell did I mention that?

  “So, you’re using my daughter to get your end away? You have some fucking cheek.”

  Yeah, now he’s angry.

  I sigh deeply. I should have known he’d think the worst. “It’s not like that, I just wanted to find a way to get her to talk to me. She’s so damn shy and barely says ‘boo’ to a goose, but with Gracie she opened up, showed me a side to her I’ve never seen before. She was so good with her, so kind and patient, and Gracie loved her. She even let her do her hair.”

  Dray snorts, knowing all too well about Gracie’s hair obsession.

  “So, what did Jo say?” he asks, his voice less growly.

  “She was a complete bitch, said I was dumbing down.”

  “Well, girls never take rejection well. You need to go round to Abbie’s, because I need my PA back. You’re the one behind it all, so you go and fucking fix this.” His finger punches the air; I guess he means business.

  “I don’t even know where she lives,” I huff.

  I’m not a fucking psychic.

  Dray pulls up a file on his computer, scribbles out the address onto a Post-it note then slaps it into my hand.

  “Here, now you’ve no excuse. Sort out this shit, else I’m going to lose one of my best employees.”

  I think he values her more than he does me.

  “Fine,” I snap, marching off.

  I’ve had enough of his lectures.

  “Don’t give me attitude when you’re the one behind all this bullshit.”

  I turn to face him and frown. “I know, I’m going.”

  This isn’t going to be good.

  Chapter Ten

  I park outside Abbie’s and give myself a few minutes to man up before making my way to the fiery gates of Hell. Abbie’s flat isn’t hard to find, but I stall a little at what I’m going to say. She won’t be happy about me turning up.

  Fucking hell, here goes nothing.

  The buzzer is loud as I stand patiently waiting. I pray she won’t be too harsh with me. I consider ringing the bell again when I see a shadow head towards the glass.

  The door begins to open. “I told you I don’t need—what the hell are you doing here?”

  Warm welcome, as usual.

  “Who the hell were you expecting?” I look her up and down, dressed in cartoon pyjamas. I can’t help the smirk which crosses my lips.

  “My neighbour from the next block down called to see me earlier. He’s not used to seeing me around, said he’d pop round later and check on me again. I told him not to bother, but he seems to think he has to.”

  What the fuck?

  “Does he fancy you?” I ask, unable to keep the annoyed tone out of my voice.

  “What—no! Why would you ask that?” She looks pissed by my question.

  “He seems to be going out his way to check in on you. Are you even ill?” My eyes flick over her face then slowly down her body.

  “What—yes, of course.” She shuffles her feet awkwardly as my eyes lock on the ice cream.

  “Looks like it, what with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s in your hand,” I snort.

  She blushes and tries to hide it, but it’s too late. I grin at her attempt.

  “I have a sore throat, actually, and it’s helping.” She pouts in an adorable way, and I immediately want to kiss those lips.

  “What, is the cookie dough making it all better?” I say in a mocking tone.

  A deep scowl crosses her face. “Oh, screw you. Is that all? I’d like to get back to my film, thanks.”

  Now, I’m intrigued.

  “What are you watching? Some bloody Channing chick flick, no doubt.” What the fuck is it with women loving Channing Tatum?

  Her eyes narrow in annoyance. If looks could kill, then I’d be dead. “Lord of the Rings, actually, dickhead. Don’t make assumptions about me.”

  “I love Lord of the Rings, too,” I add. I enjoy anything fantasy-wise, and I watched all those kinds of films growing up to escape the real world.

  “Hmm, you might not be too bad after all.”

  Gee, thanks.

  I inch closer and smile, hoping to charm my way inside. “Well, are you going to let me in?”

  She holds out her hand, stopping me in my tracks. “Why would I want to do that?”

  “Because it’s called being polite.”

  “Maybe I’m not up for visitors. I just want to be alone.”

  But I’m not giving her that option.

  “No chance.” I push my way past and grab the tub and spoon from her hand, helping myself. She spins in response, looking annoyed by my actions.

  “Hey, how the hell do I know you haven’t got germs?” she hisses, her eyes wide, watching me devour spoonful after spoonful.

  “I can quite categorically tell you I haven’t.”

  The fucking cheek.

  “Well, you kissed Jo.”

  “No, I didn’t, I fucked her.”

  “That’s even worse!” she shrieks, storming by me.

  “I was drunk, off my face. It could have been anyone,” I protest, striding to keep up with her.

  “Oh, well, I bet that makes Jo feel special.”

  I grab her by her arm. “I was drunk and horny.” It was stupid of me to do so, but a guy has needs.

  “So, is that why Jo is being a bitch with me, because you’ve binned her off?” She wrenches her arm away in disgust, but that doesn’t deter me.

  “Jo is being a bitch because she sees something you clearly don’t fucking see.”

  “And what’s that?” she hisses, sending a glare my way.

  “That you’re the one I want.”

  She gasps as we both stand staring. I place down the tub and move towards her till she’s pressed against the wall. Her eyes widen, waiting for my next move.

  “You’re lying,” she whispers.

  I shake my head as I push against her, so she can feel I’m not the one telling lies.

  “Lex,” she breathes.

  “I’ve wanted you from the first moment I saw you. I pass by your office every day in the vain hope I can strike up some kind of conversation with you. It took bringing in my niece before I got to see the real you and not the person you put out there.”

  “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stammers, clearly shocked by my little revelation.

  “Yes, you do. Around Gracie, you were amazing, so open, totally different to how you act at work. I love that side of you. I want to see more of that, Abbie.”

  She looks on in deep contemplation. I hope she’s li
stening, taking in my words; I need for her to believe what I’m saying. When I press against her more, she gasps. I lick my lips, staring at hers. I want her so damn much. She’s all I ever think about. For my own curiosity, I need a taste.

  My lips crash against hers, and she takes in a sharp breath. At first, I think she’ll push me away, and I don’t know if I could handle the rejection. But she surprises me by grabbing my hair. The move astounds me, and my body stirs even more. Our tongues entwine as soft moans leave us and we fall deeper. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever known. I’ve never felt anything like this before; I couldn’t pull away if I tried. The temperature soars, but I know it has to come to an end before one thing leads to another.

  I reluctantly pull away and place my forehead against hers as we pant together, fighting hard to catch our breaths.

  “What are you doing to me, Lex?” she asks, looking bewildered.

  “I’m showing you how much I like you, how much I need you. I want you so much it hurts.” It’s now or never. I’m going all out, telling her how I feel.

  “But why me? You could have any girl you wanted. You’re hot as hell. It’s not like you have any trouble getting ladies, one click of your fingers and they come running.” The look in her eyes makes my heart sink. I hate the way she speaks about herself, the way she doesn’t feel she’s good enough.

  “But I want you. I knew it the moment I locked eyes with you. Girls like Jo, I just screw and move on to the next, but with you it’s different. I want to get to know you, to find out every little detail about you.”

  “It could get boring. Sure you have the time?”

  “I don’t care, I’ll make the time. I want to know everything. I love this frown. The way you pull a face as you concentrate, it always makes me smile.”

  She frowns and I chuckle, kissing her forehead.

  “I’m not sexy in any way. For God’s sake, look at me. I’m standing here in penguin pyjamas. I read and live my life through books. I rarely go out, prefer non-stop film marathons to partying. I think we’re too different.”

  “I beg to differ. First of all, you look sexy as fuck in these pyjamas.”

  “Liar.”

  “Does this feel like lying?” I grab her hand and place it on my hard cock, standing to attention right now.

  “Fuck, Lex.” Her eyes widen in surprise.

  “I want you so bad.” It’s all I can do to keep my composure.

  “But I’ve never… I’m still a…” Her eyes close and her cheeks heat.

  “Virgin?” I conclude.

  “Yes,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

  “Hey.” I grab her chin; her eyes wrench open and meet mine. She tries to pull out of my hold. “I think it’s amazing you’re a virgin.”

  “Yeah, right,” she scoffs.

  “I think it’s perfect, because I want to be your first. The thought of another guy touching you is enough to drive me fucking crazy.”

  “Puh-lease. I haven’t even been kissed before today—shit, I need to shut up already.” She slaps her hand across her mouth, much to my amusement. A big shit-eating grin creeps over my face.

  Even more perfect.

  “You just made my day. For me to share your first kiss is unbelievable.”

  “You don’t think I’m a complete dork?” she asks, blushing.

  “God no, why the hell would I think that?” I want to shout it from the fucking rooftops.

  “Because all the other girls you’ve been with have all been experienced. Jo’s right, I’m a frigid bitch who likes to stay at home, eating ice cream and watching Netflix marathons.” Her eyes glaze over and her head whips to the side to avoid my eyes.

  “Sounds like a perfect night to me,” I whisper in her ear.

  Her eyes widen before closing. “Please, don’t bullshit me to try and make me feel better.” She tries to push me away, but I’m having none of it. I want her to know exactly how I feel. I grab her hands, raising them above her head as my body locks in tight against hers.

  “I love that you’re so innocent, so pure. I hate the thought of anyone touching you. You’re mine. I’m making you mine.”

  Her lips quirk slightly. “And do I get any say in this?”

  “Nope, I decided I’m taking control. I’m tired of hiding how I feel, wondering if you feel anything towards me. So, I’m laying it all on the table. I want you to be my girl. I want to tell everyone you’re mine. I want to get to know you, to spend time with you. To discover all your little quirks. Just please, give me a chance. Let me have this.”

  She looks a little overwhelmed by it all. “I want to, but I’m scared. I’ve never had a boyfriend. It’s all too much.”

  “I’ll go at whatever pace you want. Just tell me, and we’ll take it slow. But I have to know you want this, that you like me that way, too.”

  But what if she doesn’t feel the same?

  I’m spilling my guts here for nothing.

  “I like you… I more than like you.” She bites her lip and takes a deep breath. “I tried to ignore it. I never thought you’d like me, too. I tried to put you down as one of the many dickheads I have to work with, but seeing you with Gracie, I knew you were different. I see how much you love her and would do anything to make her smile. I love that quality about you. What you said, it’s overwhelming. And I’m not lying, I’m shaking here.” She lifts her hand and she’s indeed correct.

  I grab it and run my thumb over her knuckles. “Hey, it’s fine. It’s me. Let’s go watch the film and just hang out. Right now, I just want to sit and hold you. Will you let me do that?”

  She nods and I grab the ice cream as we walk through. She pulls back the duvet and we climb onto the sofa. I pull her into me as I take a spoonful of ice cream before scooping another to feed to her.

  “This is good,” I moan. I don’t often eat ice cream, but I could get used to this.

  “Mmm, I’m an ice cream and film kind of girl.” She un-pauses the DVD and snuggles further into me. Several spoonfuls later, the ice cream is gone and I wrap my arm around her, pulling her tight against me. She sighs deeply into my chest, and I smile in contentment.

  Chapter Eleven

  “But I lub my dodo,” Gracie says, pouting as tears fill her eyes. Dray shoots a pained look over to me. He’s been preparing for this moment for a while, but I know he’s been putting it off. Luce made him do it, said she’s too weak and couldn’t bear to see her daughter cry. So here we are in her room, Gracie sat on Dray’s knee, pleading to keep her dummy.

  “But big girls don’t have dummies, and you’re a big girl now. I know it’s hard, angel, but you’ll be going to nursery soon and you can’t have it there. Come on, try and do without it for Daddy. After a while, you won’t even notice it’s gone.”

  “Okay,” she mumbles, pulling it out and handing it over.

  “That’s a good girl.”

  “I sad,” she says, burying her face into his chest as Dray’s eyes meet mine. We’re both helpless at what to do. He’s never had to be this strict before. Gracie is the sweetest-natured child I know, generous to a fault, and she loves to make people smile. Seeing her so miserable tears at my heart.

  She falls asleep in Dray’s arms and he lays her down on her bed. We creep out and go to have a much-needed cup of coffee.

  “Fucking hell, do I feel like a cruel bastard at the moment. Gracie’s sad face is going to fucking haunt me.”

  I always know when Dray’s in a bad mood – he swears non-stop.

  “She’ll be fine. She’s too old now, better to get it over with and then it’s done and dusted,” I add, trying to make him feel better. It’s something which has to be done.

  “But her little face… She looked at me like I was purposely being mean to her.” His eyes glaze over, hating having to be so strict.

  “She does have the capacity to pull on the old heart strings. Even I was about to say, ‘Oh, just let her have it’.”

  Dray scrubs his hand down his fa
ce and sighs. “Luce will only nag me if I drag it out much longer.”

  “What she needs is something to keep her mind occupied.” Else the next few weeks are going to be pretty grim.

  “Well, it’s funny you should say that, because I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I went to the dog shelter kennels to look at some dogs. I always wanted one growing up, but the old man wouldn’t let me. I don’t want Gracie to miss out. She’s still young, so a big dog will overpower her, and I want a good-natured one. So I spoke to a lady named Eileen. A little Yorkshire terrier called Max has just been brought in after the owner died, she was an old lady and had Max for company. Eileen says he’s the sweetest dog she’s known. He’s been lost since his owner died, so I’m waiting for all the paperwork to go through and then he’s ours. Speaking of which, I might give her a ring. This would be a perfect time to distract her, like you said. God, she’s going to love him.” Dray pulls out his phone and walks off to make the call. I unclip the baby gate and go check on Gracie. She doesn’t really sleep for long now; it’s usually an hour or less. I walk in to find an empty bed.

  “Gracie, where are you?”

  I search the rest of the bedrooms, but each one is empty. I walk back into her room again. “Gracie, where are you? Tell Uncle Lex.”

  I hear a soft giggle from the playhouse in the corner. At that moment, Dray joins me.

  “What’s wrong? Where’s Gracie?” We hear another giggle; she’s hiding for a reason. Dray gives me a look then perches down and opens the door, sticking his head inside for a few moments. He starts to laugh before sitting back on his heels. I stare at him in wonder.

  “Come out, angel.”

  Within moments, Gracie’s head pops out. She’s grinning, sucking on another dummy. She walks over to Dray and snuggles into him.

  “What am I going to do with you?” Dray shakes his head and chuckles as Gracie giggles. I can’t help but smile.

  She’s too adorable.

  “I lub it.”

  “Well, Daddy was going to get you a nice present, but this kind of present is only for big girls who no longer suck dummies. So I guess Daddy will have to send the present back.”