In the Cards(94)

Rob’s eyes focus on my wet hair and bare chest. I’m supremely pleased to make my relationship with Lindsey obvious.

“Rob Whitmore.” He waits for me to recognize his name.

“Huh. The ex from New York?” I tip my chin up. “She didn’t mention expecting you.” I’m still blocking his entrance.

Through gritted teeth, he utters, “It’s a surprise visit.”

“Indeed it is.” I step back and wave him into her house. “Come on in. I’ll get her for you.” Now I know she didn’t ask him to come, which improves my mood considerably. “Take a seat.” I motion toward the sofa before trotting upstairs.

Lindsey is putting her hair in a ponytail. “Was it a delivery or something?”

“Or something.” I stare at her, waiting for her full attention so I can read her facial expression when I tell her about Rob. “Rob’s here . . . with more damned flowers.” I cross my arms in front of my chest.

Lindsey’s hands whip up and cover her mouth. Her jaw drops, and her feral eyes dart around the room. Not the response I wanted. Her eyes glisten as she holds her stomach and bends over.

“You answered the door . . . like that?” She gapes at my lack of clothing.

“Yes.” I scowl. Her guilt and remorse shred my heart. “What’s the problem, Lindsey?”

“This is not good.” She’s shaking and talking to herself. “This isn’t the way . . . This is messed up. . . .”

“Messed up?” The edge in my voice catches her attention.

“Levi, I’m sorry. I—I should talk to him. Alone.”

“You’re asking me to leave?” I glower. “Why’s he even here, Lindsey? I thought you and he had ended things.” I choke back my anger, because I suspect he’s listening to us.

“It’s not that easy, Levi. Yes, technically, we’re not together. But there are a lot of things still unsaid. I haven’t seen him in months and this is not the way I’d have preferred he learn about you.”

“What’re you gonna tell him?” I grab my shirt. I need to leave before I do or say something I can’t take back.

“I’m not sure.” Lindsey stops fidgeting and looks at me expectantly. “What do you want me to do?”

Jesus. Really? She’s asking me to tell her what to do? Now I’m furious.

“Christ, Lindsey, it’s your damn life. I don’t want you to do anything because of me, that’s for sure.” I grab my shoes, but stomp down her steps in my bare feet.

Rob waits near the bottom of the stairs with a grin on his face. He’s gloating. I compose myself, unwilling to cede more of the upper hand to him.

“She’ll be down in a minute. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you two alone to talk.” I start toward the door, then he speaks.

“How was Atlanta?” His arrogant tone slices through me.

Caught off guard by his remark, I can’t summon a snappy retort.

“None of your business.” My icy tone doesn’t deter him.

“Helene mentioned your circumstances to me. She expressed concerns about what might develop between you and Lindsey. I hope you didn’t get too attached. I’m not slinking away without a fight, and I don’t usually lose.”

I’m ready to pop the cocky son of a bitch in the face, but Lindsey appears.

“Hi, Rob.” She’s pale and upset. “I’m surprised to see you.”

He turns his attention to her and then glances back at me. I stare at Lindsey, but she makes no overture to me, so I back away and go home.



Lindsey

I can’t think. I’m torn in two. I didn’t want to hurt Levi or Rob yet managed to level both of them. As Levi left, his walls came slamming down around him, like heavy metal doors. What have I done?

Before I collect my thoughts, Rob hands me a bouquet of roses. The look in his eyes indicates he’s here on a mission.

“When I brought these for you, I didn’t expect to find you in a compromising position with another man.” He’s too calm. “Lindsey, did you sleep with him to strike back at me because of Ava?”

Oh, he’s made it all about him. Is it so inconceivable I might simply prefer someone else? Perhaps I have moved on. I deposit the flowers on the table without care.

Time to seize control of the conversation. “Rob, why are you here? Without invitation or warning, I might add.”

He places his hands on my shoulders. “I received your thank-you note. Seeing the picture of you with the flowers I sent made me miss you more. Then I ran into your mother, who told me about your growing infatuation with your neighbor. I assume he’s the guy who just ducked out of here. Anyway, desperate measures were required to bring you back where you belong.”