“Nothing,” West replies, sitting up straighter. “I just thought that your type was... more demanding. Nothing like Lexi.”
I grit my teeth and clench my jaw at his words. I hate when people talk about types, not only that but he’s going off what Geena was, and although she was demanding, she was more than that.
I scan the room, taking in all of the furniture and ornaments of elephants that are scattered about as I try to find the right words to answer him.
“That woman is nothing but a bitch.” My head snaps to Livvy as she shrugs. “Just saying it like it is.”
I open my mouth to say something but suddenly all eyes are on something behind me, and when I turn around, I can’t help the way my eyes widen just like theirs have.
Lexi was beautiful the first time I saw her in a sweater and leggings but in this dress, that hugs her every curve, and the heels that encase her feet, I can only think of one word to describe her—stunning.
“Hi?” Her soft voice pulls my eyes from her legs and up to her face. Her eyes scream the nerves that she feels as mine start to disappear the longer I’m in her presence.
Something happens to me when I’m around her, I feel like nothing else matters. Not the past, not the present, but only the future. And when I look at her, I know that she’s my future. I know it deep in my bones, but most importantly, I feel it in the way my heart beats faster around her, in the way my soul feels connected to hers.
“Hey,” I say, sauntering toward her and letting my hand run down her bare arm and to her hand that hangs loosely at her side. “You look beautiful.” I bring her hand to my lips. “Stunning.” I press my lips gently to her knuckles, not taking my eyes from hers. “Breathtaking.”
A blush rises on her cheeks as I keep ahold of her hand and pull her closer.
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“Thank you,” she whispers, not moving her eyes from mine. “You look... Breathtaking too?”
I chuckle, my lips spreading into a grin as I let my hand rest on her hip, feeling the static air between us as I do.
“Thanks.” I flit my eyes between hers, loving how she shows me every single emotion. “Shall we get out of here?”
“Please,” she whispers. “I feel three pairs of eyes on us and it makes me feel... strange.”
I chuckle again, loving how carefree I can be around her and press a kiss to her temple before pulling away and turning around to face the eyes that are on us.
Not saying another word, I lead her out of the house as she waves and picks up her wallet off the table by the front door. Her heels clack on the path as I intertwine our hands on the way to my car, spotting my dad and pop in the window of their house.
I lift my hand in a wave when Dad places his hand over his heart and I can almost hear the “awww” sound that he’s making.
“Mal is such a romantic,” Lexi comments.
I make a noise in the back of my throat as I open the passenger door and step back, allowing Lexi to slide inside before I close the door and jog around the back and get into the driver’s side.
My stomach dips as I push the key into the ignition and turn it. “Ready?” I ask, turning my head and meeting her nervous gaze.
Her chest lifts up and down, and I can’t stop my eyes from focusing there for a second before she says, “Yeah.”
Shaking the thoughts from my head, I twist back to face the front and press my foot on the gas pedal, heading toward Barney’s.
I searched for hours on the internet, trying to find somewhere special to take Lexi on our first date, but ultimately, I kept coming back to Barney’s. I feel comfortable there and I know the people, I know they’ll be welcoming to Lexi. But most importantly, I know that we won’t see Geena there because she hates the place.
We listen to country music on the way and I revel in the sound of Lexi’s voice as she sings along to the words softly. Her voice sounds unlike any that I’ve ever heard: I could sit and listen to her all day.
Pulling up into the lot of Barney’s, I park in my usual spot and jump out of the car, jogging around to her side before opening her door and offering my hand for her.
She places her small one in mine as she lifts her leg out of the car, my eyes wandering down and soaking in the sight of her creamy skin as it glistens under the lights that shine above the door.
“Thanks,” she says, clearing her throat and adjusting her dress when she’s fully out.
I intertwine my fingers with hers as I smile at her, trying to say without words that I understand how she’s feeling right now.
Pushing the door open, the smell of beer and ribs hits me, just like it does every time I come in here. It may not be the most upscale place to bring a date, but the atmosphere is amazing, the people welcoming and the food good.