Semua Bab Surrendering to my Best Friend's Dad: Bab 21 - Bab 30

*Lexie’s POV*The idea of going out shopping for some paint supplies did not let me rest all morning, so after lunch I decided to go buy some things from the store a few blocks away. I felt inspired and I wanted to do something. The day was sunny and the heat was not that intense, so a nice walk would be perfect.As I got a block away from the estate, though, I could have sworn that I saw Thomas, but as soon as I blinked, he was gone. Or maybe he was never there. I should try to focus on what I wanted to do instead of worrying about him.Now, I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck prickle as I clutch the bag of painting supplies to my chest, my heart pounding in my ears. The bustling city streets fade into a blur as I scan the faces around me, searching for any sign of Thomas. Hadn't I just caught a glimpse of him lurking in the shadows? It feels like he's everywhere, haunting my every step.But that is ridiculous, right? ‘Get it together, Lexie,’ I whisper to myself, trying t

Lexie's POVIn the dim glow of the car's interior light, I watch Noland's strong jaw clench as he navigates through the night. The tension in the air is palpable, and it feels like we're both on the edge of a precipice, waiting for the other to take the plunge."Look, Lexie," he begins, his voice deep and controlled. "I need to set things straight between us. I've been trying to discuss things with you, but it's becoming increasingly difficult.""Maybe you should try harder," I retort, feeling a surge of defiance rising within me. I don't want to be the one to give in to this forbidden attraction.He sighs, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "It's not just about what I want. It is also about what you want.” He shakes his head. “And I'm tired of Avery's constant advances. She doesn't seem to understand that I'm not interested in her. What you saw tonight was only her latest attempt."My heart skips a beat at his words. Is he saying that he's interested in me? It's hard not to get

*Lexie’s POV*The warm California sun kisses my skin as I stand at the familiar doorstep of Eleanor's lavish home. I take a deep breath, feeling both excited and anxious to see Natasha again. It's been too long since we last spent time together, and my heart aches for the comfort of her presence. Yet, the memory of her recent fashion show disaster still lingers, casting a heavy shadow over our reunion.“I will wait for you all the time you need, Miss Lexie,” Carol, my new security companion, tells me with a nod. Noland told her that, while at Eleanor’s house, she doesn’t need to actually follow my every step. It would draw unnecessary questions from his ex.“Thank you Carol, I will send you a message if I need your help, though I doubt it while I am here.” I say with a weak smile, she can see I am nervous."Lexie!" Natasha's voice rings out like a sweet melody, instantly easing my worries. I turn to see her striding towards me with open arms, her statuesque frame and golden hair gl

*Lexie’s POV*The moment Natasha's car pulls into the driveway of the mansion, I can't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. My hands grip the edges of my seat, knuckles turning white as we come to a stop. The accident with Noland is still fresh in my mind, and though I'm physically unscathed, my emotions are anything but."Lexie, you okay?" Natasha asks, her voice soft and concerned. I nod, my throat tight as I try to swallow past the lump that has formed there."I'm fine," I whisper, forcing myself to release my grip on the seat and open the car door. As soon as my feet touch the ground, I find my legs trembling beneath me. I hate feeling so weak, so vulnerable.Natasha notices my struggle and wraps an arm around me, steadying me as we walk inside. Her warmth against my side is reassuring, even if it does nothing to quell the storm raging within me. I can't shake the image of Noland's car losing control."Let's get you settled in," Natasha murmurs, guiding me up the stairs

*Noland’s POV*As Lexie and I step into the sterile, fluorescent-lit lobby of the police station, an uneasy tension coils in my chest. She clutches my arm, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. I can feel her fear radiating off her like a feverish heat, and I can't help but be drawn to her vulnerability."May I help you?" The officer behind the front desk glances up from his paperwork, his gaze flicking between me and Lexie. My presence seems to unsettle him - something I've grown used to over the years."Officer Connor is expecting us," I inform him, my voice steady despite the roiling emotions within me. He nods curtly and directs us down a narrow hallway towards the office of the officer in charge."Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Montgomery, please come in." Officer Connor greets us with a warm smile as he opens the door to his cramped office. Lexie gives him a hesitant smile in return."Please, have a seat," Officer Connor gestures to the two chairs facing his cluttered desk."Lexie,"