Page 107 of Finding Lexie
“Exactly,” he said with a nod. “And for the record, I seriously doubt that he is. As I said, being with a SEAL, with any soldier or sailor, isn’t easy. Their partners need to be independent, not the type who freak out if the smallest thing—hell, the biggest thing—goes wrong while they’re deployed. And most of all, Midas needs someone who he knows without a doubt will be there when he gets home, and who will stick by his side no matter what.”
Lexie frowned. “So you were…what…testing me?”
“Yup,” Baker said without embarrassment or remorse.
“So if I’d burst into tears or something, I would’ve failed your test?”
Baker shrugged.
“You’re kind of an asshole,” Lexie commented.
“Yup.”
“But… I can’t fault you for wanting to look out for Midas.”
“Which is something a woman with high self-esteem would say,” Baker said with a laugh. “And so you know… I’m impressed with your work at Food For All. You have lived in some shitty places, but you seem to make friends everywhere you go. And by the way, Astur and Yuusuf cried when they learned about the scholarships their children were receiving from you and Midas.”
Lexie’s eyes widened. “You talked to them?”
“Well, not directly, but I have it on good authority that Shermake will definitely be taking you guys up on your generous offer. As will the younger kids.”
Lexie wasn’t sure how she’d gone from being so irritated to wanting to cry, but she blinked back her tears. She studied the man sitting next to her.
“What?” he asked.
“You’re kind of scary.”
He smiled.
“That wasn’t a compliment.” She felt compelled to inform him.
His grin widened.
“I’m back,” Midas said. “I put the dish in my car.”
Lexie jumped in surprise. She hadn’t seen or heard him approach.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
Lexie noted that Baker didn’t seem startled in the least. The man was definitely spooky. But damned if she didn’t like him.
“You good?” Midas asked Lexie.
“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” she said a little too enthusiastically.
Midas narrowed his eyes and turned to glare at Baker.
“We had a nice chat,” Baker said as he stood. “She’s feisty. Kind of like that hair of hers.”
Lexie also stood, pleased when Midas immediately draped his arm around her shoulders. “Would you stop commenting on my out-of-control hair,” she grumbled. “You’re gonna give me a complex.”
“Naw. You’ve got too much confidence for that,” Baker said.
It was true. Lexie didn’t give a shit if others didn’t like her hair. Or her. She’d grown out of the need to be liked by everyone she met. And Baker made her realize that yes, Midas was lucky to have her as a girlfriend. She was loyal, would never cheat on him, would stick by his side no matter what, and she might not be that good of a cook, would never make a ton of money, but she was a damn good person. She smiled at Baker.
He nodded at her in return. Even though he’d been a jerk, Lexie knew he’d done it for his friend’s benefit.
“You headed out to surf again?” Midas asked.
