“None that involve my vertical challenge, no.” She finishes off the rest of her cone and I toss the rest of mine in the trash. “Ready to head back?” she challenges with a smirk.
Fuck. The thought of falling on and off that stupid contraption for the two-mile return trek doesn’t sound pleasant at all. “Can’t I just carry it? Or how about I call us a ride?”
She laughs as she hops onto hers, perfectly balanced as she zooms back and forth like a taunt. “That’s cheating! Besides, I like watching you fall down. It’s half the fun!”
“You are a sick motherfucker, Lexi Marx,” I grumble even though I’m the sicko. I love that I’m providing her with entertainment, even if it is at my expense. I check my phone for the time, happy we have another hour until we meet the guys for dinner. Today has been the perfect break before we hit the road again and resume life in the fast lane. This town is almost like a hideaway and today I haven’t felt like much of a rock star. It’s been refreshing and nice, an unexpected opportunity to just be me. Unimpressive as that is, I’ve still made her laugh, smile, and talk. That’s a win.
“Let’s ride back on the opposite side of the street this time. There’s a shop I want to stop in,” she says.
“More underwear. Please tell me we’re going panty shopping.”
“No, dumbass.” She rolls her eyes. “I want to pick up a vape for Iz.”
“Iz? Why?” As much as I’ve seen between his lips, I’ve never seen him with a vape. Finally catching my balance, I slowly roll my way over to her and we head down the sidewalk.
“That stuff he smokes is gonna kill him. And before you say it, I know he doesn’t care, but I have to try to help.”
A bump in the road sends me flying off, but her thoughtfulness is what really rattles inside. That she’s not only beautiful, talented, and funny as a badass. She’s also kind and generous in a most authentic way. I resume my balance and catch back up to where she spins in circles. “That’s sweet.”
“Ugh.” She shakes her head and rolls forward. “Forget I mentioned it. I don’t need any more shit from you.”
“No, I’m not fucking with you. It’s really nice. I hope he uses it. He’s a talented guy, and we like having him around.”
“Oh.” She chews her lip before darting her tongue out to trace the skin. Fuck. That’s so hot.
“Fuck!” I biff it at a rut in the curb and jump off the death trap before I tumble into the road. “Shit!” I say again. Lexi’s laughter fills the space between the passing cars, and the sound, it goes right to my gut. If I were still on the hoverboard I’d have been knocked on my ass. Again.
She scoots in front of my board, her eyes pinched with so much delight that the edges crinkle and the green of her irises almost disappears. With the added height from the board she’s so much taller than I’m used to. Her lips kick up so her teeth show through her smile. Radiant. “You win. Best afternoon off. Ever. Thank you, Trent.”
The admission and praise fill me with joy. It’s worth getting back on that stupid board. “You’re most welcome,” I say and start forward again. I catch her glance and can’t help but ask once more, “So, how about that lingerie store?”
She peels off so fast, and her laughter combines with mine as she leaves me in the dust. Fucking hell, I’m really starting to like that woman.
