Lex(66)

“Let’s make this quick.” He declares and I nod, still picking my nails and biting my lip, about to burst from an overflow of anxiety.

“Ms. Keagan and Ms. Phoenix, you will need to sign these.” Sliding papers across the table, I turn to Kim, our lawyer. And she nods approvingly of this document that I’m sure she’s thoroughly read through.

Daniel drops a pen on the document, and I sign where the pink color tabs indicate. Still unable to bring myself to look up, Daniel does the decent thing and hands the packet back to Gage.

“That’s all.” I hear the tapping of papers on the table, the zip of a briefcase, and Gage exchanging professional handshakes for a completed case. I should probably participate in this.

Bravely glancing up, my heart nearly explodes out of my chest at the sight of him. Daniel, somehow knowing how I must be feeling, grabs my knee, centering me.

“I’m okay.” I whisper to him and stand, reaching across the table I extend the professional courtesy and shake all three Saks reps hands. Then it’s Gage’s turn, offering my hand he takes it into his, giving it a little jerk. I peer up to see what that was for, and when our eyes meet, I hold my breath and nervously gnaw on my bottom lip. He’s unbelievably gorgeous today. Hairs done to perfection, his face slightly scruffy, just enough to wonder what it’d feel like brushing against my skin. His black suit with steel gray vest and blue paisley tie is impeccably tailored to his body. I can’t see his shoes, but I’d guess he’s wearing some expensive designer ones.

“Pleasant outcome, Ms. Keagan,” he shakes my hand firmly and drops it, taking my heart with him. I hate that I feel this much. It’s terrible and wrong on so many fronts.

A few minutes later, we are all filing out of the conference room and Gage is strolling ahead of me, reading something on his cell.

“Gage, can we talk?” I ask, catching up to him and gently placing my hand on his forearm.

Shaking his head, he keeps walking, ignoring that I’m even talking to him.

“Gage.” I plead.

Passing office after office, he stops for a moment, tucks his phone back into his pocket with a smile and turns to face me. “Ms. Keagan?”

That’s it! I’ve had enough of this cold shoulder.

Flashing me a questioning look, like I’m supposed to speak, I wait until the last person passes us and I quickly grab his tie and yank him into an open office. Closing the door behind me, he tries to grab the handle to let himself out.

“No,” I order, staring him down.

“Let me out, this isn’t a game, Ms. Keagan. Weren’t you already being sued for sexual advances? Don’t make me file a report.” His tone suggests he’s beyond bored with me, already.

“No,” I slap his chest, pushing him backward.

“Don’t touch me again.” He warns, finally making eye contact, his eyes shooting lasers of molten anger at me. I can see the pain lingering in his gaze. I damaged him.

“How’s Emma?” I inquire, pushing his hand away from the doorknob as he tries to open it for the second time.

“How do you want her to be?”

“Good, happy…”

He cuts me off. “Yeah well, you should have thought about that before you broke her heart.”

Whoa! Wait a minute here. I didn’t break anybody’s heart! I want to see Emma, he just won’t let me.

“I want to see her.” I drop my tone low, so he doesn’t find me too demanding.

“No,”

“Please.” I’m begging now.

“No.” I can feel the resentment hanging in the air.

“Do you want me to get on my knees and beg?”

“There’s a lot of things I’d like you on your knees for, Lex. Begging to see my daughter isn’t one of them.”

That was a straight shot to my heart. I tried. I’m done. This is too much.

Slouching my shoulders, I bow my head and scoot away from the door to let him leave, but he doesn’t move.

“Go.” I grumble, sweeping my hand toward the door handle.

“No.”

“Why?” I morosely ask, staring at his unmoving feet. I knew he’d be wearing nice shoes. I was right.

“Look at me.”

I shake my head.

“Please, Lex, look at me.” Now he’s the one pleading. What’s his deal? One minute he’s trying to escape and knocking me down a peg. The next he’s staying and asking me to look at him. Men! Sheesh!

I comply with his sweet tone and bit-by-bit raise my head and lock eyes with him.

He smiles.

Now I’m really feeling like a fool and an emotional basket case. I really wish I didn’t allow him to hold this much power over me but he does. It’s like Brian all over again. What is wrong with me!?