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Chapter 25
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Lexie and Killian Chapter 26
"It's not stupid at all. It's the truth." Killian uncapped the beer and took a long drink straight from the bottle. "What if I took a chance, and I was right? Someone like you can't imagine what it would be like to make a mistake in a personal relationship."Enough."Is that so? Someone like me? Well, I made a monumental mistake, and I've regretted it ever since.""Like what?" he challenged."I went to art school in Savannah. Yes, art school," she repeated, when she saw his expression of skepticism. "Even people in Red Creek can love the arts.""I didn't mean-""Oh, yes, you did. I saw it on your face. See? See what happens when you make assumptions?" She swallowed some of her wine. "So I met someone in art school, a very talented painter. His name was Rick.""Let me guess." His mouth twisted in a grimace. "The two of you fell in love.""At least one of us did," she snapped. "But he had an ulterior motive. I was in line for a prestigious award and the possibility of my own show
Lexie and Killian Chapter 27
Killian didn't remember the last time he'd been so miserable. When he'd left Lexie's, he'd felt worse than garbage, so upset with himself he didn't think he'd feel better any time soon. He drove around for a long time, not thinking, just trying to get his head on straight. Lexie's excellent dinner sat like lead in his stomach, much as the whole situation lodged like a rifle bullet in his brain.How had he let this happen? All he'd wanted was to get into Red Creek, do his week of servitude, and get the hell out. There was nothing here for him, he'd told himself. And certainly it was no place for him to pursue his dream.But then he'd walked into Heart Starter, and his brain took a vacation. Lexie Choate slammed into him with the force of a tornado. He felt like Dorothy must have in the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. Unfortunately, he didn't have red boots, and when he clicked his heels, all that happened was the sound of the heels hitting each other. He'd done his best to keep in mi
Lexie and Killian Chapter 28
"Oh, Killian." Marliss's sigh was even louder than his. Let me get a cup of coffee so I can wake up my brain. Then you can tell me how you've made a mess of things."He waited impatiently until she picked up the phone again and told him she was ready. It took him a while, and he wasn't sure he was coherent at all times. His mother listened without interrupting until he got it all out. When he finished, he blew out a breath and waited for her to tell him he was full of shit. What she said hurt him even more."Killian." Her voice actually sounded sad. "I can't tell you how disappointed in you I am.""Oh, Mama, you know I hate hearing that.""Too bad," she said. "It's the truth. I thought I gave you a good picture of the kind of man Dusty was, of his good qualities and why I fell in love with him. I tried to get you to remember what a good dad he was when he was with you.""Yeah," he said bitterly, "when he was with me. I was one of many.""You stop that," she snapped. "He may not h
Lexie and Killian Chapter 29
Lexie poured fresh coffee into the mug on the counter and took a sip. She'd been drinking coffee since Killian left and by now probably had a caffeine high she'd never come down from. But at least she wasn't crying any more. She'd pulled on shorts and an old shirt five sizes too big for her, pulled her hair into a ponytail, and cleaned up the kitchen. Later, before she opened the shop, she'd clean up the mess from the flowers, but at the moment, she hadn't been able to tackle it. Then, with her first cup of coffee, she'd gone to work on Killian's portrait.Maybe it was a form of self-punishment for deluding herself into thinking they had something together. She probably would have been a lot better off finishing the painting of the stallion she'd started, but working on Killian was a form of self-flagellation. Now, hours later, the portrait was almost done, and the sight of it made her heart hurt and tears come to her eyes.Why was he so damn stubborn? So stupid about this Dusty thin
Lexie and Killian Chapter 30
Killian looked out the cabin window as the D. Walker Minerals jet he flew in landed on the tarmac. Here he was, back at the little airport Dusty had built outside Red Creek. Through the window he could see two similar planes already parked. Jackson and Dylan. Of course. Rogue was already here, having worked the fourth week of their schedule. Today was the thirty-first of August, and they were right on target for their final meeting."Nervous, honey?" Lexie stirred in the seat beside him."No." He took her hand and linked his fingers with hers. "For the very first time since this whole mess exploded, I actually feel calm. I know where I'm going and what I'm going to do." He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I have you to thank for most of it."She laughed softly, the musical sound that made his heart and cock both jump."I wish I could take all the credit, but I'd say a good share of it belongs to your mother.""She's really something, isn't she?""She sure is," Lexie agre
Lexie and Killian Chapter 31
Killian Walker sat in the D. Walker Mineral Company's small conference room with his brothers and their attorney, Stanley Benner, Esquire. It was the start of the week they were all to spend together here in Red Creek, Kansas, and so far they'd just been sitting there jawing on about every little detail of the company. Who the hell knew there was so much crap to get through? It seemed they each had their own idea of how to distribute Dusty Walker's duties as owner and CEO, but none of them showed any interest in the traveling portion. Not when every one of them had a honey living and loving right here in town. Especially Killian, newly married and loving every minute of it.They'd been there for a couple of hours when he noticed Jackson look at the wall clock for the seventieth time. Killian frowned. Only five past ten and the lawyer had only gotten through a tenth of the files stacked in front of him. This might just kill him, and his brothers, too.Dylan stared at a spot on the wal
Lexie and Killian Chapter 32
The fishing trip turned out to be more exciting than they'd expected, what with Jackson getting a lure embedded in his hand and the unexpected trip to the local emergency room. Yup, they'd certainly made a lasting impression their first day here together. Although they'd bonded over the situation in a way fishing might not have done.But Killian believed they still needed a brothers-only get-together where they could sit around, drink a little, and hash out all the bullshit. He and Lexie had cut their honeymoon short because he'd gotten a line on a ranch for sale dirt cheap. The man hadn't even had a chance to stock it before his bride decided she didn't want to live in Kansas. He'd sold the land and his brand new house to Killian at an unbelievable price. What a mad whirl that had been, closing the deal, moving into the house, trying to get everything organized. He'd wanted to be set at the ranch when all the brothers were in Red Creek for the week they'd agreed to spend together.H
Lexie and Killian Chapter 33
Killian remembered that simple wedding now, in her parents' backyard, with her family and close friends, his mother and his newly discovered brothers flown in for the day. He knew he'd always remember every minute of it, especially when the pastor pronounced them man and wife.They'd barely gotten settled when they'd been meeting again with the attorney. And hadn't that just been like rubbing sandpaper on a hangnail. Jackson's idea of a fishing trip to get them in a more relaxed environment would have been great if he hadn't gotten nailed with a lure. Killian had thought a casual barbecue with just the four of them might be a good step in that direction.He was the one who brought up the idea, but everyone else agreed it would be a great thing to do. They were all finally beginning to adjust to each other, to learn about each other and to put aside the hostility that exploded when they learned Dusty had actually fathered four sons with four different wives.They all had challenges r
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Lexie and Killian Chapter 108
Rogue cleared his throat."I have something to say." The room grew so quiet you could've heard a pin drop. "This past year has brought a lot of changes for all of us. We've stepped out on faith to form an alliance none us ever expected. We've faced challenges." He held out his hand to Kit. "We've had to come to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy." Rogue chuckled. "I'm glad I can laugh about it now. A man I scarcely know did his best to destroy me. But what I've gained is so much greater than what I lost." Smiling at Kit, he continued. "I have a beautiful wife, a baby on the way, and..." He raised his glass to his brothers and their ladies. "I have the best family a man could ask for.""Here, here!" Jackson cheered as the rest joined in with raised glasses and happy comments. "I think this calls for refills."Marliss, who was standing near, came forward with a tray full of drinks when, with a bang, the front door opened, and a tall, thin woman walked in. Her long, gray,
Lexie and Killian Chapter 107
At approximately five in the evening on December twenty-fourth, the entire family arrived at Dusty's house on Osprey Lake. Marliss opened the door for the group as they crowded together on the porch, giving hugs to the women, and manly pats on the back to the brothers. Hunter jumped up and down with excitement."Oh, good." Marliss grinned at them. "You're all here together. Well, come on in and let's get to celebrating."Marliss and Lou had gone all-out in decorating the place. Flickering electric candles glowed in every window, pine greenery graced the mantel of the big flat stone fireplace, and garland wrapped in white lights ran along the railing of the walkway on the second floor.The tree was a massive white pine culled from a local grower, since no pine trees called Kansas their native home. Multicolored lights shimmered among the green needles, but no ornaments hung from the boughs.Theresa Walker had boxes of white bulbs that she'd always decorated the tree with, but after the
Lexie and Killian Chapter 106
Killian took his wife's small hand in his, giving it an intimate squeeze as they walked to where the microphone had been set up. Anatole Rudman, one of the partners in the Rudman-Speight Gallery and a major sponsor of the competition, was already there, smiling at everyone."I want to thank everyone for coming," he began. "This is an important night for everyone. You all know why we are here, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer. We have some outstanding entries this year and the choices were very tough. Let's begin with third place."Lexie squeezed his hand harder than he thought she could for someone so small.He leaned down to her. "I don't care if you don't win one of their stupid prizes. I think you're the best artist in the world, and I'll take out an ad telling everyone.""Okay." She tried to smile, but it wasn't working well.They announced third place and then second, and, with each announcement, Lexie's grip grew tighter."And now," Anatole Rudman said, "we come to our
Lexie and Killian Chapter 105
Killian spent most of the day cursing himself and calling himself all kinds of a fool. How the hell had he made such a mess? Of course Lexie didn't want anything to do with the asshole. He'd just been feeling so inadequate since they arrived in Savannah. He knew this whole thing was way out of his league and worried Lexie would wake up any minute and realize it.Now, he was the asshole, ruining what was probably going to be the biggest day of her life. At least her professional life. He had been blown away by her talent from the first moment he saw her paintings and, as subtly as possible, encouraged her to spread her wings again. The fact she'd applied to enter this prestigious art show was a big step for her, and now, he'd turned it all to shit. He'd play hell trying to make it all up to her.He wondered how he'd be able to do that. She'd spoken to him today only when absolutely necessary and then in the coldest of tones. He would have thought it pent-up anger except, in unguarded mo
Lexie and Killian Chapter 104
Killian put a possessive arm around her shoulders. "Anything you have to discuss with my wife, you can discuss with me, too."Rick glared at Killian, a hint of disdain on his face. "Lexie and I have things to discuss that can't possibly be of interest to you. I'm sure you can excuse us for a few moments."Lexie finally found her voice. "I can't think of a thing we have to say to each other, Rick. Now, if you'll excuse us, we were heading for the bar."At first he stood in place, blocking them. Then he shrugged. "We'll see."She let out a long breath of relief when he moved away."You should let me take him out in back to the woodshed." Killian's deep voice was low, just loud enough for her to hear.She laughed, a nervous sound. "I don't think the hotel has a woodshed. Anyway, he isn't worth your time and trouble.""As long as he doesn't bother you, no problem."Lexie hoped Rick had gotten the message to stay away because she knew full well Killian was in no mood to tolerate him.The ne
Lexie and Killian Chapter 103
Lexie peered in through the open doors to one of the hotel's smaller ballrooms, taking in the activity inside. A large crowd-she knew more than two hundred people had been invited-were milling about, the chatter of conversation a loud hum that flowed out to the wide hallway. Most of them would be at the reception tomorrow night, also, the one where the prizes would be awarded and the artist selected for a gallery show. Tonight was to give people a chance to chat ahead of time with the artists and generate buzz in advance. She thought she was prepared for this, but she had a sudden attack of stage fright, the butterflies in her stomach dancing the fast jive. Now that she'd left the solitude of the ranch and the protection of her hotel room, could she really do this?Would Rick be here? What would happen if they met again? After he'd used his family's money and influence to make sure he won that last competition instead of her, she'd sworn never to put herself in this situation again. Ye
Lexie and Killian Chapter 102
"Never done this before?" Killian sure hoped not."Are you kidding?" Lexie stared at him. "Who with? Besides, you're the only man who has ever thought up special things for me.""Well, hang on for the ride, honey. It's gonna be a good one." Maneuvering so he could reach his hands down between her legs, he spread the lips of her sex to get maximum exposure for the jet stream. "Now, start sipping the champagne. That way you've got bubbles inside and out."Her thighs tensed against his legs as the bubbles hit her, teasing at her sensitive flesh. Those sweet little noises she made whenever they made love drifted on the steamy air. He didn't know how much he could take of her moving her nicely rounded little ass back and forth against his cock and balls, but he was determined to hold off until he made her come this way."Oh! Oh! Oh!"She tried hard to squeeze her legs together, but Killian was focused and relentless. He felt the tension rise in her body, the tightening of all her muscles, h
Lexie and Killian Chapter 101
Killian left Lexie's skirt in place, covering her thighs to the knees, but slipped his hands back up and lightly stroked her full labia. She trembled beneath his touch, trying to squeeze her thighs against his hands and draw them in tighter, urge him to touch her everywhere. But Killian was on a mission, and he wouldn't be deterred. He stroked her lips with his thumbs, brushed his knuckles against her thighs, and squeezed her soft mound with his fingers. When she was squirming beneath him, he rose, helped her to a sitting position, and unzipped the back of her dress, lowering it to her waist."I don't know why you even wear this." He stroked his thumbs over the satin of her flimsy bra. "I'd like you much better without it.""But I don't think you'd like the people of Savannah getting an unrestrained view of my goodies bouncing when I walked, would you?""Hell, no. I'm the only one who gets to enjoy them, and don't you forget it." To emphasize his possession, he lowered his head and cap
Lexie and Killian Chapter 100
Lunch had been wonderful, and they'd even had wine with it. Then they'd decided to do a little strolling and walked through historic Savannah, an incredible section of downtown. The four-block city market had a variety of shops and outdoor café tables and chairs for weary walkers to rest their feet and their wallets. Late in the afternoon, they'd stopped for ice cream cones and eaten them silently as they people-watched.By the time they returned to the inn, he noticed Lexie had relaxed fractionally, but he knew she needed something more to take the edge off before the reception tonight. He ached for her as she battled her unpleasant memories. He wanted to do something, anything, to remind her how cherished she was and that the damn award didn't mean as much to him as she did.But he also knew how the past ate away at her. He just hoped if he saw that bastard Rick he could restrain himself from punching out his lights.As soon as they were back in their room, he pulled her into his arm
