Page 106 of The Scientist
His expression faltered, disappointment crossing his features, as if he expected more. “I still have a few of your things at my place. Do you want me to send them to you?”
I didn’t remember leaving anything there. “What is it?”
“Just some of the things you wore on our trip to Cancun—a couple of dresses, some shoes… that red bikini.” He stared down Lex. “You know, the one with the all the strings.”
Lex fell right into the trap. I watched his expression darken with anger as he took a step toward Garrett.
I put my arm out to block him. “No, I’m good. Thanks,” I said quickly.
He cocked his head. “You sure?” he asked, still eyeing Lex. “I remember you telling me that night in the hot tub that it was your favorite.”
Lex’s jaw flexed. “I’d be happy to help wipe that from your memory.”
I put my whole body in front of Lex as he took anotherthreatening step forward.
A smug expression came over Garrett’s face, knowing he’d succeeded in getting a rise out of Lex.
“I think it’s time for you to leave, Garrett,” I said.
Garrett grinned. “Alright, I’m going.” He pulled the handle up on his luggage. “Once you get back to New York, you should give me a call. Maybe we could try to be friends again. I know Sophie misses you.”
I felt Lex stiffen. “Yeah, maybe,” I said, trying to hurry this along.
Garrett gazed at me with a torn expression. “I never thought this is how things would turn out for us.” His eyes flicked to Lex momentarily before settling back on me. “I guess I just have to accept that this is what makes you happy now.”
“It does,” I confirmed.
He nodded. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t.”
The look of hurt on his face had my stomach clenching. I never meant to hurt Garrett.
Lex curled his hand gently around my waist, pulling me into his chest. Garrett took the hint and turned to leave. I exhaled a long breath as he closed the door behind him.
He ran his hand down my arm soothingly. “You alright?”
“I’m fine,” I said. “I just hate hurting people. I didn’t love him, but I still cared about him.”
“I know,” Lex said, and I was grateful for his understanding.
"Are you okay?" I asked, wondering if he was still annoyed at Garrett for bringing up our history.
"Yes... feeling pretty good, actually, now that he's finally gone and I won't have to hear about any more bikini-clad trips the two of you took."
I sighed. "He just said that to get a rise out of you."
"Oh, I know," he said with a smile. "Sorry if I was a jerk. I was struggling to muster any of the empathy I once had for him."
I shook my head. "I need some coffee," I said, wanting to move past this whole Garrett thing. "I'm dragging a bit this morning... Any idea why that might be?" I asked innocently as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
A slow, knowing smile spread across his face. "Can’t say that I do," he replied, his hands sliding down my backside. "Though, for the record, I’m feeling pretty energized this morning."
"Oh, really?" I brushed my lips along his jawline, the feel of his scruff grazing against my mouth in the most tantalizing way. "Got any specific plans for how you’re going to burn off all that extra energy?"
"I can think of a few things," he said roughly as I traced my tongue along his throat.
He pulled my mouth up to meet his, but just as he started tugging at my clothes, there was a loud knock at the door. Lex let out a noise of irritation as I pulled away, chuckling. I went to the door, opening it to find exactly who I thought would be there.
“Well, that was an interesting night,” Stuart said, chuckling as he walked in and made himself at home on my couch. “Your ex-lover and I stayed up late talking and playing video games. Lex never plays video games with me.” He shot Lex an annoyed look. “I even let him cry on my shoulder over this whole mess. I think I’ve finally found a replacement best friend.”