Page 44 of Finding Lexie
She could’ve said something about how there was no guarantee things would work out between them. Relationships were hard work, and they might find out that they weren’t as compatible as they’d hoped. While she loved talking to Midas and they seemed to click, in a few months, things could be very different. But she’d never regret taking a chance and coming to Hawaii. If a relationship with Midas didn’t work out, it would gut her, but she’d be okay. She was in Hawaii, she was doing a job she loved, and she didn’t need a man to be happy, she’d already proven that.
But she couldn’t deny that having Midas by her side felt pretty damn good.
The suitcases began to appear on the conveyor belt, and Midas turned her in his arms so her back was against his chest, his hands draped around her waist. She pointed out her suitcase and he hefted it off the belt without even a grunt. Lexie was impressed; she knew firsthand how heavy that sucker was. She’d had to pay a fee in Germany because it was overweight.
She grabbed the handle of her carry-on as Midas pulled the heavy suitcase toward the exit. He once again took her hand in his and smiled down at her before heading out the door.
Lexie inhaled deeply, loving the smell of the tropical air. She couldn’t believe she was really here. In Hawaii. Yes, she’d picked this assignment because Midas lived here, but she couldn’t deny she was excited to experience everything the island of Oahu had to offer. Hiking, swimming, boogie boarding, snorkeling, sightseeing, going to a luau…she wanted to do it all.
“You look happy,” Midas remarked as they approached his vehicle.
Lexie simply stared at the Ford Mustang convertible Midas was putting her suitcase into.
“Is this yours?” she asked.
“Nope. I just decided it looked cool and wondered if your suitcase would fit in the back seat,” he said with a straight face.
Lexie turned her startled gaze to him.
He laughed. “Yes, of course it’s mine. I know it’s a little over the top, but when I first arrived here, I couldn’t imagine not having a convertible. Got a good deal on this since it’s a few years old.”
“It’s…holy shit, Midas, it’s perfect.”
His grin widened. “I take it you like it.”
“Like it? I love it!”
He took her carry-on from her and added it to the suitcase in the back. “You got something to tie your hair with? I love your hair when it’s all out of control, but I’m thinking you might not be as happy when we get to your place and you have to try to get a brush through it.”
Lexie nodded. She usually had a hair tie handy. She dug in her crossbody purse and came out with an old fashioned fabric scrunchie. She knew it was so ’80s, but she didn’t care. They worked best with her hair since it was so thick.
She quickly twisted her locks into a messy bun at the nape of her neck and wrapped the material around it. “Ready,” she declared happily.
“Come on, let me show you my island,” he said, opening the passenger door.
“Your island?” Lexie teased as she sat down. “I didn’t know you owned the whole thing.”
He chuckled as he headed around to the driver’s side. He got in and put an arm on the back of the seat behind her. “Lex?”
“Yeah?” she asked.
“I’m gonna do everything I can to make sure you don’t regret coming here.” He looked completely serious.
“I’m not going to regret it, no matter what,” she said.
“I’m so damn happy you’re here,” he said, before leaning toward her.
Once again, Lexie met him halfway. She could get used to kissing this man whenever she wanted.
This time, their kiss was long, slow, and deep. Lexie was breathing hard when Midas pulled back. He lifted his hand and ran his thumb over her bottom lip sensually, smiling at her gently before reaching for the ignition.
As they navigated the parking garage and headed toward the interstate, Lexie tried to figure out what was so different about Midas than anyone else she’d dated. Maybe it was the way he was totally keyed into her when they were together. He wasn’t looking around to see who else was nearby. He wasn’t lost in his head, thinking about something or someone else. He was focused on her, and what she was saying and doing.
It was a little intimidating, but extremely flattering at the same time.
Maybe that was because he was larger than life. Not only tall, but muscular and obviously able to deal with anyone who might want to say or do anything rude. Maybe it was because she’d known him as a teenager and they had that as a base for what they were feeling now. Maybe it was simply a matter of intense chemistry and sexual attraction.
Whatever it was that connected them, Lexie wasn’t going to question it.
