19. Pictures of You

CHAPTER 19

PICTURES OF YOU

THE CURE

She's practically climbing me to escape the sharp bite of icy water, but she's still laughing. It's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard, and I know with every ounce of my soul that I want to spend the rest of my life making her laugh. She slips down into my arms. All I can do is stare into her eyes until the cold becomes too much and I race back into the sand with her.

"Oh my god, that was crazy, James!"

"If you're going to beach, beach properly," I say, chuckling and shivering as I put her back down on dry land.The wind is catching the loose strands of her hair as she looks out over the ocean. I've snapped more pictures of her than anything else this morning, but I can't help it—she's radiant.

"Come on, my hair is a mess and you're wasting film! Fuck, we need to find some new clothes before I die."

I wrap around her, trying to warm her up, but it's no use since I'm freezing, too. We hurry back up to the street, finding a tourist trap of a store with overpriced everything. She grabs a ridiculously enormous hat and matching sunglasses and directs me to sit in a display beach chair. Over the next twenty minutes, she models different hideous outfits for me by holding them up and spinning around or walking between the racks like it's a runway at fashion week. She adds her own soundtrack and even starts doing commentary in a goofy German accent. I've never laughed this hard—or felt this free—around anyone. I don't know how she does it considering she has every right and reason to be furious at the world, to be miserable and angry—like me.

Instead, she's snarky and full of life, curious and playful, and god is she sexy. She's effortlessly breathing new life into me every moment I'm with her.

"James, I simply cannot choose!" she says in an awful posh accent, dramatically holding her wrist to her forehead and giggling when the giant hat falls off. "What am I to do! I can't wear these to the ball! You must choose."

"Well, sure as fuck not that thing." I take the shapeless muumuu she's modeling and change it out with something I'd been eyeing. Standing behind her, I slip the hanger over her head, and we look in the mirror. It's a white dress with tiny pink flowers that match her hair. There's a deep v-cut front, and the bottom hits her mid-thigh. I wouldn't blame her if she smacked me for picking it out.

"Come on, there's no black in that. Are you trying to be my mother?"

My hand is on her hip, and I whisper against her ear, making her shiver. "Your mother isn't going to be who you think about when I get you so wet you'll drip down those pretty thighs."

"James!"

"I can't wait to rip this dress off you, cherry blossom."

The hand I've splayed over her belly slips down, bunching the skirt fabric so it rides up her thigh. She swallows hard, watching. All I can think about is bending her over in this thing later.

"I don't know, James. I can't wear these leggings under it since they're soaked. It's…that's not a lot of…dress," she laughs and turns to hang it back up, but I stop her.

"We could consider it payback for the tight grey sweats you gave me this morning. You know you were looking."

"I would never," she giggles while she blushes and holds up the dress again. She bites her lip and thinks it over before giving in. "Fine, I guess fair is fair. Don't think this is going to be a thing, though. I don't even like dresses."

"You might like them more, now that you've got me." I kiss her before she slips into the dressing room.

The woman at the register has been eyeing us since we walked in, so I can't sneak in after Lexi. So I find a cheap pair of board shorts and change into them. When Lexi comes out, she's clutching her wet clothes to her chest and has a dusting of pink on her cheeks. She refuses to let go of her things as I pay, and I'm dying to see how she looks.

"I really don't get how this is supposed to keep me warm," she grumbles as we head out. I feel a tug on my t-shirt followed by a groan. "Dude, we need to go back. You forgot to get a shirt and I should find something else to wear," she decides as we're almost to the Jeep.

I glance down at the t-shirt I borrowed from her. She tossed it at me this morning since it's the largest shirt she owns. It's tight, but the way she looked at me when I pulled it on was pure sin. I have no intention of letting go of it until she forces me. "No chance! It smells like you and no one could pry it off me now. I'm girlfriending this shirt. It will dry while we walk."

"Girlfriending?"

"Yeah, my idiot friend, Steve, calls it that when one of his dates permanently borrows his clothes or other stuff." I hold the bag open and nod toward it.

"If you tell Dani about this, I will murder you."She takes a deep breath and reluctantly drops her leggings and shirt into the bag.

"Tell Dani about what?" I freeze the moment I pick my head up and take her in. I can't stop staring.

"It's stupid, isn't it?" She glances down at herself and groans. "Shit. Let me go back in and pick something else. I'm too pale and no where near skinny enough for this thing, James."

I grab her arm, swallowing thickly as she turns away. I can't catch my breath. "Stay," is all I can manage as I step back and study her body. "You…you're…breathtaking."

"Breathtakingly dumb. This is why I don't wear dresses. Did you know there's a literal office pool for when I'll be seen in public in a dress?" With her arms outstretched, she spins carefully, making sure not to go too fast. "This is what you can't tell Dani about. Me. In a dress."

"Hey, unless she cuts me in on the office pool, my lips are sealed." I grab my digital camera, knocking a bag out of the back and accidentally spilling stuff everywhere. I go to pick it up and she beats me to it, holding up one of the small blue ducks that fell out.

"Rubber duckies?"

"It's a Jeep thing. I always keep them handy in case I see another Jeep around." I bring the camera up and snap a series of quick pictures.

"Fuck, James? Come on, I look like an idiot." She holds a duck up, trying to hide her face behind it even though it's tiny. Her nose scrunches and it kicks up a fresh wave of butterflies in my stomach.

I take more photos before handing her the camera, hoping she can see what I see. She stares for a long time, and I'm concerned she's trying to delete it, but then her glistening eyes meet mine.

"Okay, it's a good picture. Whatever." She hands the camera back. Her cheeks are red and she's chewing on her lip. "Just, you know, don't send it to Dani. Or Kennedy. Or Sam!"

"Scout's honor."

She narrows her eyes at me. "You were never a scout, were you?"

"Correct." I tuck the bag of ducks into the back.

"How do you feel about bikes?" she asks as I help her into my jacket, sneaking a few kisses while I do.

"Bikes?"

"Yeah. We could rent bikes, and that way we could get more shots from different places down the beach without moving the Jeep." I hesitate and rub the back of my neck as she pokes at my stomach. "You do know how to ride a bike, don't you?"

"I mean, yeah, but…," I stammer and frown at the idea. I've never biked on the beach before. "Angel, I'm all for watching you bike around in that little dress, but it's the beach."

"Is…is that your grumpy face?" she teases, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"My…no…it's just my face."

"Okay, grumpy duck, if you say so. There's a bike trail, concrete. I saw it earlier while we were walking. We're not biking through the sand. We could see if they have any of those tandem bikes. I'll do the steering and you can see the sights. By ‘see the sights' I do mean stare at my ass." I'm thinking it over when she drops her arms and hooks my pinkie around hers. She blushes again—fuck that's cute, I can't say no to that. She slips my camera off my neck and points it at me. "We don't have to. How do I do this again?"

I put my hand over hers and help her adjust the settings. She takes a burst of shots, then pulls the camera away and starts flipping through them.

"You have a wonderful smile, Jamie. Has anyone told you that?"

"I better. Those damn invisible braces aren't cheap."

She turns the camera around and shows me and I just stare. "What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing. I'm not used to seeing myself smile for pictures."

"Well, it's been nice seeing you smile then." She puts the strap of the camera back over my neck and kisses my cheek before skipping toward the bike shop.

Days ago, I stared at a stack of bills, mulling over how to pay off, rent out, and escape the house. I hated my life, and myself, to the point that I was ready to give up on everything. I've been begging for something to keep me here—and not just in the city I've always called home. Maybe I was just waiting for her. Life can be funny like that, or at least that's what people say.

Two kids are working at the rental shop and they're both gawking at Lexi through the window before we even step inside. Neither of them is even trying to hide what they're doing as they fog up the glass with their breath. They're probably straight out of high school and blazed out of their minds, but if I had to do this job, I would be, too.

Most days, I am.

"Hey, pretty mama," the blonde kid says as we walk in, making me wonder if they know the windows don't have a tint. It's like I'm not even standing there next to her as he continues to hit on her. "Are you looking for something fun to ride today?"

Her hand finds mine, and she smirks. "Oh, I've already got that covered."

"Dickhead!" the other kid with braces whisper shouts, smacking his buddy in the head then turning back to us. "What he meant was, do you guys wanna rent a bike?"

"Do you have tandem bikes?" Lexi asks, and the kid with braces offers to take her outside to see them.

I hang back, and as soon as they're out of earshot, I turn the blonde jackass. "You need to apologize to her."

"Oh, come on, it was funny! Bro. Chicks love that line," he snorts, clearly amused with himself as he plays on his phone. "It was, you know, like a compliment, man. I had to shoot my shot with a thick ass piece like that."

"Apologize to her for acting like a primate in heat." I keep my voice low as I step forward. "Or I'll rip your fucking nose ring right out of your face. Bro."

The kid's eyes are wide and I'm not sure they've ever been open this wide before. He sizes me up, which is hilarious considering I doubt he could lift a pencil, let alone stand up for himself. I'm not a fighter, I never have been, but he can plainly see that I haven't missed a gym day in a while.

"Yo, bro, chill. Fuck, I'm super jealous that you're hitting that, my man! High five? Those tits are banging, and that round ass?—"

Before I can move toward him, a familiar warmth slides up next to me. "They have a tandem bike. I think we should rent it."

"Alex, you're gonna get us fired, dickwad!" the kid with the braces scolds his friend.

"Whatever, Todd. Your dad owns the place!"

"Uhm," Todd stutters, looking at us. "I could give you a discount if you don't say anything to the owner about Alex being a douche. I kind of need this job. So does he."

I'm staring Alex down, and he's starting to sweat. He shoves his hands deep into his pockets and mumbled, "Uh, so, like, I'm sorry I was acting like a primate in heat." It sounds like he's reading off a script. "Please don't complain to my uncle. He's already pretty pissed at me because I never show up on time."

Lexi has to fight back a giggle. "Apology accepted. How about we call it even and you give us the bike for an extra hour?"

"No shit? Yeah, totally! That doesn't even show up on the log, bro!" Todd takes us outside to the bike and gives us both a quick rundown on safety as Alex gets distracted by a group of teenage girls with accents.

Lexi waits till they're both back inside, then turns to me, laughing. "How badly did you threaten him?"

"Barely. Kid's just a dumbass. He did say you looked lovely in that dress, though."

"Lovely isn't in his vocabulary," she hums as her hand slides over mine on the handlebar.

"Yeah, you're right." I lean into her. "I agree with his assessment, though; your tits are banging. I'm sure he was about to be just as eloquent in describing your ass."

"Oh my god, you're both idiots." She grabs my shirt and pulls me in for a soft, slow kiss. I could kiss her all day. Someday I will. Someday, I'll do nothing but make her come until she begs me to stop. I'll listen to those intoxicating moans while she digs those nails into my hair. "So, would it be okay to walk it around the corner before hopping on? If I make a fool of myself, I'd rather it not be in front of those guys."

I can't stop looking at her and realizing that I'm finally seeing the real her. She's sassy and brilliant with enough confidence for me to forget how fragile she can be. The combination of strength and beautywhile she stands beside me takes my breath away. She's letting me in to see her authentic self, the woman she's meant to be, the one I fell for with a glance, and I don't think she even knows it.

This is my Lexi. Brilliant and unbroken. She doesn't hide behind sarcasm and wit; she wields them like blades. Her parents tried to force this version of her into the darkness because they know this is the one they should fear. This is the phoenix that will burn their empire to the ground and dance in their ashes.

"What are you thinking about?"

"How badly I hope to be by your side when the world begs your forgiveness, and you unleash that raging fire inside you."

"Wow, okay," she snorts, pulling the bike around the corner. "I was expecting something about me falling off this bike and onto my ass, and a little less deep there, pal."

I could tell her I love her right now. I'd mean it, too. I love her.

We take a couple of tries to work out our timing and for Lexi to get comfortable steering for two, but eventually, we're on our way. We cruise nice and slow down a beach that's emptier than I've seen since the lockdown a few years ago. Even the gulls aren't out in force, probably because there's no one to swipe food from. We stop at a handful of street vendors and check out Muscle Park, and I get some fantastic shots that even the clouds can't ruin.

We've been going for a while when Lexi brings us to a stop and puts her feet down. She spins around, eyes wide with surprise and child-like excitement.

"Wait! That's the fucking Ferris wheel!"

"You know, if you'd come down here more than once every fifteen years, you would know that Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier aren't too far away from each other."

"But I thought it was, like, miles!" Her expression changes as she pouts and bats her eyes at me.

If she asked me to jump into the water and fight a great white shark with my bare hands right now, I'd absolutely do it. Good luck, Jaws. I'm here to win the heart of my beautiful bike mate and muse. I'm unstoppable!

"Do you think we could go on the Ferris wheel? We couldn't go on when we got here because it was already closed."

That sounds much better than fighting a shark. "Absolutely, Angel. In fact, it's a Los Angeles requirement that you're 15 years behind on."

My phone rings and as I'm pulling it from my pocket, a giant beach ball knocks into the side of us. Neither of us is ready for it, so we go down with a crash, bags, equipment, and both of us hitting the ground hard.

"God fucking damnit! Lex, are you okay, Angel?" I hop up and pull the bike off her as she winces. Blood is pouring out of a long, hopefully shallow gash. Without hesitation, I pull off my shirt and grab the bottle of water from her bag so I can wash the sand and blood from her leg. Two kids run over, grab the ball, and then take off in the opposite direction, not an adult anywhere to be seen. "Idiots. This is why I like about five kids in the whole world."

"The cameras!" she shouts and winces at the same time.

"What?"

"Make sure the cameras are okay."

"You matter way more than a camera, Angel." I pour some water over the cut, then wrap the shirt around her calf. "It's not perfect; I can probably get a first aid kit from somewhere."

"I'm fine. I fell off a bike in front of the hottest guy on the beach. I'm more embarrassed than anything." She snickers, but I can hear the underlying pain. "Now I'll never get in your pants."

I don't even hear the last words because of where her eyes are. I took off my shirt. Shit. I turn so she doesn't have to stare at the disgusting scars. I'm not ready to ruin our day with that conversation. My hands shake as I clean the blood, bracing myself for the questions I don't want to answer. When her words finally replay in my head in slow motion, I realize she said nothing about my side or the jagged disfigurement. In fact, she called me…hot.

She's smiling through the pain, giving me a shrug. I feel like an absolute moron. Panicking over something she's not concerned about at all. I'm blaming myself for the crash, too. I should have been paying more attention and not fucking with my phone. "Damnit, I ruined your shirt. Fucking assholes. I'm sorry I dragged you out here. We should have stayed at your place and gone over pictures."

She reaches over and touches my arm so softly I almost don't feel it. "I'm the one who suggested the beach and the bikes. You didn't do anything wrong, James."

"Sorry, I…uhm… guess I got a little upset. It's not deep, so you shouldn't need stitches."

"Hey," She tilts my head up with a finger and I can't breathe. "Don't let it ruin the morning. We still had a really wonderful time, and we got some work done. You should check out all the texts I'm getting from my sister and Dani because of a few pictures I posted."

I take a breath and try to relax. "Posted? Should I be ready for round two with your mom later?"

"No, I keep my account super private. Want to help me back up, tough guy? Let's find out if I can ride this thing or if I have to walk."

"You're not walking back like that," I say firmly as I help her to her feet, then lean in next to her ear and whisper, "Would you prefer to ride the bike back, or me?"

She covers her face and how the pinks and reds of her skin creep through her fingers when she laughs. "Oh, my god. Are you taking flirting lessons from a bike shop kid?"

"Hey, at least you didn't slap me. Now wrap those pretty legs around me and I'll carry you back and walk the bike."

"James, you don't have to do that. I can?—"

"I want to. I want to take care of you." I brush her hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. "Please?"

We strap the bag to the bike and I help her climb on my back, careful not to bump against the cut. She snuggles against my neck and plays with my hair. For the first time in my life, I never want to leave the beach. It takes us over an hour to get back to the Jeep after we stopped a few times to give us both a break.

"Alright, you stay here and I'll run the bike back. I'll try to find something to clean that up a little better, too." I start to move away, but she grabs my shirt and pulls me in for a deep, fiery kiss.

"Hurry back."

On my way back from returning the bike, I pull out my phone to check my texts to make sure Lexi doesn't need anything else. As soon as the screen lights up, I remember what distracted me before the bike went down.

Unknown Number

I went by the house, but you're not at home. Such a shame.

Don't ignore my calls again, dickhead.

She's cute in a boring way. How long before I get this one to leave your sorry ass?

[Image Attached]

Lexi and I eating breakfast this morning just down the street from where I'm standing now.

I think back over the last couple of days, trying to figure out how the hell she found me and how she knows about Lexi. It wouldn't surprise me if she hired a PI to follow me around before she came into town so she could have extra ammunition to hurl at me.

I shove the phone in my pocket, knowing I can't let her get to Lexi. No matter what.