Chapter 41

Chapter 41
A L E X I S
Dylan and I had been kissing for about five minutes now, just lips. His hands were protectively wrapped around the back of my head, one sliding down to rest around my neck. It was amazing.
I loved how he bit my lip from time to time, how his hand touched the right places, the ones that made me throb, but I wanted us to move forward. We’d been devouring each other’s mouths long enough.
I moved my hand down, reaching for his zip, but he suddenly pulled away. Embarrassed, I tried again, brushing his waist, but he shifted back. That’s when I looked down and saw it, he was hard.
His bulge was impossible to miss, pointing in one direction, standing tall. Damn, Daniella was right. It looked... big, even through his trousers.
“I’m not in the mood for sex. Maybe some other time,” he said.
I glanced down at my exposed chest, then back at him. Confused. How could a man refuse a naked woman? Dylan, of all people? I knew for a fact he’d slept with half of LA, some not even remotely sexy.
“What? Are you kidding me?”
“No, and I think it’s time for you to go to bed.”
“Dylan, you’re hard. I can see it... through the trousers. What is it? Is it because I’m a nerd?”
“What? You’re not a nerd. And yes, I’m aroused, but I… I can’t cheat on my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?” Dylan didn’t want to cheat on someone? That was a first. “Oh, Daniella.” I said quietly, already reaching for my shirt.
“Yeah,” he muttered, now looking away as I slipped it back on.
Alright, I must’ve gotten him wrong too. His kindness had just been pity. And about the vibrator... well, he was Dylan. All he knew was how to mess with people. So maybe the kiss didn’t mean anything either.
I couldn’t stand another second there. I was embarrassed. Rejected, twice, in one day. That had to be some kind of record.
Without a word, I walked past him and went back inside. Ray was sleeping peacefully on the couch. I gave him a quick glance, then headed straight for the bedroom, not even bothering to get ready for bed. I threw myself in and stayed there.
I fell asleep counting sheep, and when I opened my eyes again, it was already early morning. I turned to the side and found that my phone was on the charger. Of course, Dylan. He always liked charging it for me.
I almost unlocked the screen but stopped myself. I didn’t want to see anything that might ruin my fragile mood. Instead, I jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom, cleaned up, and got ready for work, if I still had a job.
I wasn’t a morning person, so naturally, my face was gloomy. After gathering everything I needed, I stepped out, and that’s when I noticed Ray, sleeping in what used to be Elliot’s bed. Or now Dylan’s.
He looked so peaceful I didn’t want to wake him. And honestly, he might be trending right now. If Layla exposed him, he’d definitely be mad. Best to let him sleep.
“Oh. Good morning, guys,” I greeted the room as I reached the living area. Everyone was already at the table having breakfast.
“How are you feeling, Lex?” Harvey asked.
I nodded faintly, my eyes landing on Chloe, who was comfortably seated on Elliot’s lap. Did she even know about Mindy?
Telling her would be a mistake. I’d slept with him too, even knowing she was expecting his child. So best to stay out of it.
Phoebe was in the kitchen. She turned with a soft smile. “You want coffee?... I’m making for everyone,” she added, but I shook my head.
“You should eat. The doctor said—” Harvey began.
“Oh, stop, Harvey. Why do you care so much about Alexis more than your girlfriend?” Chloe snapped, glaring at him.
I looked at Phoebe, ready to explain, to apologize, but she just smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Chloe. I know my man. His big heart is one of the reasons I fell for him.” Her kindness forced a smile out of me, even though I was reeling inside.
“Don’t give her that, right, Phoebe? Alexis is known for wanting other ladies’ men. For all we know, she faked the whole fainting thing,” Chloe added venomously.
She really hated me.
I looked away, accidentally locking eyes with Elliot, and only then did I notice the bruise. His eye was blue.
My heart skipped a beat. I almost, almost ran to him to ask what happened, but Chloe was right there. She’d use that against me in a heartbeat.
“Harvey... can you escort me out, please?” I asked.
He stood immediately and led the way. As I passed Phoebe, I wished her a good day.
“I hope to see you when you come back,” she said kindly. “So we can spend time together. Harvey always talks about you.”
I smiled again and lied, “I’ll try to be back early.” Outside, as Harvey held the door open for me, I asked, “What happened to Elliot?”
“A lamp fell on him.”
“What? How?”
“That’s what he told me. You know Elliot, he never answers questions.”
He was right. Elliot never did. My eyes drifted toward Dylan, who was standing on the porch, smoking. Again. Was there ever a day he didn’t?
Swallowing hard, I got into the cab. I’d ordered a ride earlier.
On the way to work, my thoughts raced. Would Layla show up? Was I already trending? I refused to check online. Not today.
We arrived a few minutes later, and surprisingly, the reception ladies were still... kind.
“Good job!” a voice called out as soon as I stepped inside.
I jumped slightly, it was Gia’s assistant, strutting toward me.
“Huh?”
“The party! Mr. Taylor is trending again, and his song jumped to number three from eleven. Impressive.”
“Party? I—”
“The pre-Halloween party. I heard everyone forgot their name and had a good time. You’re doing good, Ms. Sanders.” She left before I could respond, closing the door behind her.
“Wow.” I blinked, letting out a deep sigh. Maybe I didn’t lose my job after all. I was about to sit down when the phone rang. I answered quickly. “Alexis?”
“We have Mr. and Mrs. Perez here. They want to see you.”
“Perez?” My chest tightened. Elliot and Dylan’s parents? “S-send them in,” I stuttered after clearing my throat.
“You got it, Ms. Sanders.” The line clicked off.
I drew in a breath and tried to stay calm, but I was already trembling.
Sure, Ximena showing up alone? That would’ve made sense. But both of them?
My God... What kind of trouble was I in now?