Free Fast Lane by Lizzie Hart Stevens Page A

the bathroom sink. I brace myself there as I stare at the mirror. I’m so pissed at myself for letting her get under my skin. What happens now? If I push her away like all the others, I could be pushing away the best thing that’s ever walked into my life. I’m usually so careful. I’m so used to keeping my heart locked up, but somehow Lexi has found the key. For the first time in a long time, I feel like she’s someone that I want to be with for more than just a one-night stand. Tonight was…amazing. The only thing that could have made it perfect would’ve been taking her out for dinner first and showing her the back seat of my car. After all, the Hellcat hasn’t been christened yet.
    My cock starts to stiffen again at the thought of pounding Lexi in my car, her legs wrapped around my neck. Steaming up the windows. I reach down and splash some cold water on my face. If I go back in there with a hard on, I’ll have an even harder time pushing her away.
    Shit. I just remembered Aunt Sarah wants me over there bright and early in the morning. I better go remind Lexi she won’t be able to sleep in. Guess that makes it easier for me to get rid of her.
    Even though part of me really doesn’t want to. I need to.
    I turn the bathroom light off and walk back down the hall to my bedroom. Is she…crying? Oh fuck me. Great. I slowly open the door and see her wiping her face, frantically trying to hide the tears. “Were you crying, Lexi? Is everything okay?” I ask softly, worried I’ll set her off again.
    “Huh? Me? Crying? No.” she sniffles. “I don’t cry. My eyes were just watering. Allergies.
    “Sure…okay, Lex. Whatever you say.” I slide into bed beside her. I don’t want to make this harder than it already is. “Hey, uh, listen, Lexi. I know I asked you to stay here tonight and all, but remember I told you my aunt wants me at her place first thing in the morning? We’ll have to get up a little on the early side. I’m sorry.”
    “It’s no problem, Coen. I appreciate you letting me stay tonight. Today was all so unexpected, but I don’t regret a thing. Goodnight.” I feel the bed and hear the sheets rustling as she rolls over. Now facing me. Ah, crap. Here it comes. Sure enough, she slips her arm around my waist. Without thinking, I jerk a little. She quickly pulls her arm away.
    “Sorry, I’m used to hugging a pillow or something while I sleep. Habit.” I hear the pain in her voice. She did just break up with someone yesterday. Right now, after the day I’ve had, I’m too exhausted to bother putting up a fight.
    “It’s fine, Lex. Sleep however you’re comfortable. Goodnight.” I yawn, sticking one arm under my pillow. As I start to drift off to sleep I hear her faintly snoring behind me as her arm creeps back over me. She wiggles herself closer in her sleep. Her hard nipples pressed up against my back and one leg draped over mine.
    Maybe this cuddling thing isn’t so bad after all.
     

     
    IMAGES OF LEXI from yesterday flash through my mind. Her sitting in the diner, the sunlight catching her hair just right. Her in just her bra at the tattoo studio. Her straddling me in her car, making out with me like her life depended on it. That damn Offspring song blasting from my pocket.
    It gets louder and louder.
    “Coen, your phone. Answer your phone!” Lexi is shaking me awake. Without opening my eyes, I blindly reach over to the bedside table and grab my phone. I clear my throat and groggily answer it.
    “Hello?”
    “Are you still asleep, dear? It’s 6:30 in the morning! I told you I needed you here early.” Aunt Sarah’s voice is like nails on a chalkboard at the best of times. Even more so when I’m not awake.
    “Nope. Awake now. Be there in half an hour. I need to shower first.”
    “Well hurry up, will you? I don’t have all day, you know.” The bitch hangs up before I can say anything else. I slam my phone back onto the table.
    “Wow, you were right. She really is a bitch,