14. Holden

Lexi is a mix of enthusiastic and proud. She also appears like a jumping bean due to her eagerness for me to inspect her creation. With her hand on the handle, it feels like she's opening a door to a new kingdom.

I'm not sure it's a kingdom without us. Especially when she's in a flared skirt that ends just above her knees.

"I really think you are going to love this. It's the largest suite at the Dizzy Duck, and it's by no means a cheap stay. Ready?"

Her mood is infectious which is why my face is beaming. "I am."

She nods her head. "Great. Here we are."

The door slowly opens, and I guess all those house shows I watch in my spare time feel a little more realistic. I walk a few steps in and then freeze. I need to take a moment to assess the room that is a complete opposite to what it was before, and I'm in awe.

Lexi observes me, with her hands in tight fists against her chest. She's about to burst if I don't say something.

"This is… fantastic," I exclaim.

The natural dark wood floors have replaced the carpet, and instead there is a threaded area rug. Everything in this room is white except accessories and pillows that are the pop of color. The dark blue blends well. A free-standing tub has a tray across it with a candle holder resting on it for effect.

Stepping farther into the room, my eyes focus on different areas. The chest at the bottom of the four-poster bed, the different heightened candlesticks along the mantle of the cozy fireplace with two rocking chairs nearby.

"Like a magazine, right?" She finally lets out her excitement.

My eyes can't stop exploring, but I slow down my track when I land on my destination which is Lexi who is now twirling once as she takes in her surroundings.

"That was the goal," I reply. "It's exactly what I was hoping for and more." Already my mind has marketing plans, and I'm eager to get this room available as soon as possible. I could probably raise the price too.

"I was hoping you would say that." She rushes to me and grabs my arm to ensure she can direct me to where she wants me to examine. "Did you see the table by the window with a feathered pen and glasses with a classic bottle for port? And then there are little things like a hockey rubber duck with a Spinners jersey for Lake Spark's favorite pastime, next to the towels and shampoo. The curtains along the massive window and French terrace really removes the cookie-cutter hotel feel. Out on the terrace we ha?—"

I spin to grab her wrist and pull her close. She seems caught off guard as she peers down to my hand then back up. "Everything is great… really," I assure her.

It's honesty, and I also need to cool her down a bit. I won't need any more coffee today, that's for sure. Her hyper state has rubbed off on me.

"I'm happy about that," she quietly answers.

I ease my grip. "Where is the furniture from that antique barn place?"

"I'm using that for another room. Remember? Every room will be unique."

I scoff. "Unique." Just like her. Lexi doesn't seem to grasp that it's her I mean.

She steps away. "Everything is coming along so well. Moving ahead of schedule probably," she continues to babble.

Oh, I know why, I really know why.

"Lexi." I think I need to rein her in a bit. She remains oblivious to my attempt. "Lexi," I repeat.

"I can imagine this will be a prime honeymoon destination, and with matching bathrobes and a welcome basket, then it's…"

"Lexi." Now my voice is tight, and it catches her attention, except she avoids my gaze. I notice that her breath is heavy. "Are you speaking a mile a minute because you're alone with me?"

She chortles. "Trust me, you don't scare me. It's just…" Her head tilts gently. "I'm not sure," she admits.

My journey begins with walking to her while she backs up. "You probably feel how I did last night when I wished you good night."

Lexi licks her lips. "We do seem to align on thoughts."

Closer, but it's not fast enough.

"I must insist on one more thing in relation to your design process." My eyes are hunting her.

"What might that be?" Her voice is thick with curiosity, especially when the back of her knees hit the end of the mattress and she braces her hand on the bedpost.

My arm circles around her waist in a flash to pull her tight against me. "We need to test the bed."

Our mouths meet for a kiss that has more urgency than last night. Not as tender, not as soft. It's a hell of a lot more demanding and reverent.

She squeals when I lift her onto the mattress, creating a dent against the duvet. "Hey," she scolds.

I'm already traveling to her hips with my hands but freeze at her warning. "Yes?"

"What will housekeeping think if they come in here and see a rumpled bed?"

A gruff chuckle rumbles in my throat while I hover over her, causing her to lie on her back. "That's why we should just use the bed all afternoon. Make it worth their time. Besides, I pay them, and they signed papers for discretion of all guests. I get a free pass."

And who the fuck cares? Because I'm desperate for her.

She hums due to my answer, and we kiss as she kicks off her shoes. Her fingers drag the fabric of my shirt up my back, and every inch of my body that she touches spirals me into a man that is about to rip clothes if I can't get us naked fast enough.

Somehow, we get there and I'm naked, and all she has is her turquoise bra that needs to find the floor. I kiss her along her shoulder, dragging the straps down, trying to fight the magnetism to plunge right into her because her thighs align with my hips and her knees point to the ceiling. The mere touch of her thigh against my cock is a dangerous game for us.

Lexi lifts her shoulders enough to enable me to sneak behind her to unclasp the bra.

I imprint the image of Lexi underneath me with hair splayed against the duvet and a gleam in her eyes of hazed desire.

Maybe I should take her slowly? That's what I'm wanting, isn't it?

To distract that thought, I stand, ensuring her legs stayed glued to my middle, and I grip some of her hair, pulling her up to inform her that I'm in control.

"The last twenty-four hours, all I've wanted is to fuck you."

Her smile indicates that I have no chance of being in control. This is her show, because right now she is slaying me in every way possible.

"Well, Holden, what a funny coincidence." She falls back and her legs loosen until she urges me to return to her, only she fools me and presses her big toe into my chest to keep me at bay. "I've been wanting the same thing. Now before you get comfortable, we need a condom."

"Obviously. While I handle that, how about you get those hands of yours wrapped around the bedpost as you stand, and I'll take you from behind."

She salutes me, and we both do what we need.

With condom sheathed, I bring her back to my front, and she jolts from my force. My lips scrape along her neck, my breath creating a wildfire against her skin. Lexi's arm wraps up behind my neck, with her body now stretched, and she searches over her shoulder for my mouth. Our lips meld together for a long kiss that confirms that whatever we do, we'll walk away as two people who can handle our boundaries.

Lexi hums into my mouth when my palm flattens against her belly then travels down to land on her clit that I circle with my long finger.

"You're soaking. Is that all for me?"

"Yes," she rasps.

Growling into her neck, I want to punish her for creating a man that is determined only for her.

"Those hands of yours better hold on to the post, Lexi," I warn.

Always the obedient one, she does as I say, and I guide her hips back to ensure prime position.

A few strokes of my cock in her arousal and then I'm sliding into her pussy.

"Fuck, Holden." Lexi does her best to scoot back to bring me deeper inside of her while she tightens around my length.

"Be a fucking good girl and face forward."

I press down at the bottom of her spine for a better angle, bringing my hands underneath her to squeeze her breasts and twist her nipples a few times. Everything is heightened, which is why I slam into her harder and faster, her body jolting on every thrust.

"See? The bed isn't even moving. Your designer picked a sturdy piece of furniture."

That comment earns her my palm on her ass in one spank. "Your wicked mouth, Lexi," I taunt. "But I guess it isn't punishment since you enjoy it."

"I do. In fact, I think I earned a few more."

This woman. I move faster, harder, deeper. Sweat breaks out as her body heats and her breathing changes. I spank her once more, just making us like this. Thrusting together with equal temptation to get us to an orgasm because there is no stopping this ride that we're on together in this moment.

The post gets held tighter because Lexi's body is bouncing every time I hit her deep, then I lift her off just enough that only my tip remains before I plunge into her body.

I grunt because we're out of control now. No possibility to slow down. Nor would we want to.

My release comes first, even though she's close. A dizzy spell hits me which is new for me, but then again, Lexi probably has the ability to change my blood supply. I moan and sigh when the very last drop is out, but I continue to pump her slowly and bring my fingers to flick her clit to help her, and it's not long until she's coming around my cock.

We're both completely gone when she falls onto the mattress, and I join her to steady my breath.

"We need to try harder. All scenarios to ensure the bed really can't break," I joke.

Lexi wipes her hand across her forehead. "Let me recover a minute or at least a few seconds."

"You consider your timeline while I head to the bathroom to take care of this."

I force myself to leave the bed and walk to the bathroom.

"Now housekeeping will really know what we did," she calls out.

My smirk only intensifies with perhaps a sense of pride because I don't think I'm afraid about people figuring out that I have a claim on Lexi.

Shaking my head from my apparent new philosophy, I join her back on the bed where she seems to be searching for clothes.

"No, you don't." I shackle her wrist with my hand and drag her back to lying down. "I've literally added another notch to my bedpost."

Lexi snorts a laugh. "Fair enough, that joke was waiting to be said."

I bring my hands behind my head and stare up at the ceiling. "Comfy bed."

"Only the best."

My arm shapes around Lexi, and she inches close to me on her side.

"Give me a few minutes then I need to lick that pussy of yours."

"Seriously, we had our quickie, and now we need to get out of here because this room needs new linens, even though there are no guest reservations."

I roll to my side with mischief on my face. "When you say it like that, then it makes me want to do it even more."

Her grin stays fixed. "Don't you have work to do?"

"Probably, but I would much prefer having an afternoon of sliding into you." Not even that. I could spend an afternoon just staring at her while she's tucked into my body.

"I need a nap," she deadpans.

I laugh to myself. "Not a bad idea either."

Lexi places her hand over mine and guides it along her curves. "Maybe sliding into me before a nap would be a perfect compromise?"

With that I drag her on top of me with full intention to give us this.

* * *

Blinking my eyes open,I'm drowsy. My blurry vision fades when I see Lexi sitting on the side of the bed throwing on a shirt.

"Running away?" I sit up and search for my watch which is lying next to an old rotary phone where you need to spin the dial, an extra touch, I guess.

She throws me a glare. "We've been in here for three hours because we really did fall asleep."

"I guess the bed passes all the tests then."

"Except if it can handle the weight of three." She flashes her eyes at me,

I leach forward and tackle her back to her position on the pillow next to mine. "That doesn't need to be tested," I affirm.

"Anyhow, I'm going to run and grab a cookie on my way through the lobby on my walk of shame when I tell the front desk that they need to send housekeeping here."

I grin. "Let me handle that. I'm sure your excuse would be creative, though."

"As opposed to yours?"

"Stuart won't ask questions. He's a pro. Discretion is key for my staff."

She sputters a laugh. "I'm sure there is a fine line crossed when you have to clean up your boss's afternoon activities that involves sheets."

I ruefully drop my head.

The sheet still hangs around my waist which draws Lexi's attention low, or rather she's unable to move out of this bed,

"Well, this has been a fun afternoon," she says. I nod in agreement with her. "Don't forget that Harry wanted you to check his tablet. It was malfunctioning during his stock update."

I can tell that she thinks we're all crazy.

"Ah, the economy is malfunctioning, so it might not be his piece of technology at all."

"He really is a smart kid."

Pride and fondness come over me. "The math club is starting up again, so he will be in his element."

Appreciation floods me too. Lexi asks about my kids because she's generally interested. They are not a deterrent to her.

"That's good because he will need to count how many pieces of cheesecake have been stolen because peanut butter and jelly cheesecake is hands down the best thing in my life in the last few weeks."

I feign a scowl. "Sorry for not making you come on a regular basis."

Her smile stretches. "Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder."

We both seem to settle back to sinking into the mattress and take in the air around us that's filled with lust.

"But seriously, the last few weeks have been fun." Fun, huh. I'm beginning to hate that word. "I guess I've been so busy in a life of wanderlust and then the spontaneity of every project that it's refreshing to just be steady and having a chance to really observe life floating by."

"Doesn't sound half bad."

Lexi presses her lips together and ponders for a second. "I guess so. Nearly makes me want to put down roots and settle. My parents would be thrilled with that."

Holding her closer, it dawns on me that I haven't really asked. "I keep forgetting who your father is." I smirk to myself.

She points at me. "Good. Most men try to get into my bed because of my sports connection. You're way past your prime game days, so I don't need to worry."

I shake my head. "Great way of explaining that. Love being reminded of my expiration date."

"Oops, sorry. It just makes you hotter." She soothes my chest with the print of her fingers.

We both begin to shuffle. "I'll take that." I spot my clothes on the floor and yawn as I leave the bed.

"Really need to talk to the owner. There are no snacks in this room," I comment.

"The owner was busy today." She smirks.

"That he was." I grin proudly.

Lexi and I acknowledge this moment while she ties up her hair. "I was going to run to the grocery store. Now that I'm comfortable with your kids not poisoning me at breakfast, I can finally buy yogurt and not live in fear. Need anything?"

"You're not scared of them," I state.

She shrugs. "Why would I be? They're kids and great kids. If I run into the PTA mom at the store, I will even run my cart into her for them."

Lexi makes everything sound so simple. It's comforting, it's new, it's… hopeful?

Don't do it. No, Holden, don't go down this road.

DO. NOT. DO. IT

"Hey, Lexi, uhm, Lori and Harry are going to stay at my parents' up north. Forgot to mention." They live just far and close enough all the same.

That hint doesn't count, does it? I can still back out.

Lexi holds onto the post as she slips on a shoe, pausing for a quick second. "That's… an interesting piece of information."

I scratch the back of my head. "Yeah, so we'll have the house all to ourselves."

Damn it, man, don't suddenly have nerves when I'm perceived as the man with a heart of steel.

"Wait… so, we're alone… the whole weekend… together." It dawns on her, and she even gulps in this adorable way.

I work the buckle of my jeans. "Something like that. Maybe we can find an antique store or farmers' market, hiking maybe." Okay, ready to spit it out. "Maybe do adult things like dinner or wine, in case we need to leave the bed."

Lexi has an odd look as she stands then brings one hand to her waist as she tips out her hip. "I hate hiking," she flatly informs me. "But, uhm… the other things are appealing."

We both walk to one another to meet in the middle of the room, as if we are walking on a balance beam. Once we're close enough, our eyes meet to be certain, and her face softens. From an automatic response that's formed recently around her, the back of my knuckles caress her cheek and her fingers play with my shirt.

"Other things it is," I whisper.

"Yeah… just to be sure I'm not confusing things. You mean, like, kind of spending the weekend together as more than friends with benefits?" She isn't nervous, she is well aware what I said, but she wants to hear it.

"Exactly."

We smile at one another, both blushing. Something new floats between us because we have a fresh horizon.

Because I completely did what I said I wouldn't.

I'm asking for more.