Her Temptation

Chapter 37

Danny

After Lexie told me what had went down between her and Maverick, I finally was able to make the purchase that I've been planning on for the last two months.

"What about Val?"

"I want Lexie more than anything, Anthony."

He shook his head. "I disagree with this. Wasn't she moving?"

"Yeah, she wanted to go back to St. Louis, but I have another surprise for her."

"What's that?"

"I bought a house in Santa Monica."

"You're moving to California?"

"If she allows me to, yes."

"What about Valentina?"

"We're ending things."

"You mean that you are ending things?"

"Yes."

"I can't believe you're going to just up and leave your family, Danny."

"It is what I want, Anthony. I love Lexie and I refuse to change my mind."

"You are willing to destroy your family and damage the strained relationship that you already have with your kids and wife just because of a stupid little affair you've had with Lexie?"

"Yes."

"I know you're my best friend, but that is the most disgusting behavior that you've ever done and the fact that you're willing to destroy your relationship with not only Valentina but Callie and Maverick as well?"

"I want her."

"You need to think about things before you seriously make a fucked-up choice like that."

"My family will understand."

Anthony looked beyond angry. "No, they won't understand."

"Yes, they will."

"If you do this, I honestly can't be your friend anymore."

"Are you serious?"

"You and Valentina have been through so much together and you are about to lose a woman who's been nothing but sweet to you."

"We've drifted apart."

"No, you have drifted apart from your own damn family because of your fucked up choices, so you know what? Be a fucking man and tell them what's going on or I will."

"You wouldn't."

"Bullshit. I refuse to see your family be torn apart because of this. You have until tomorrow, Danny or else I am telling them."

Anthony slammed my door shut and pulled out of the driveway. If I was about to lose the relationship with my family, so be it. I loved Lexie and I was not changing my mind.

*** Later that night: I met Lexie at the restaurant, the small box in my blazer pocket nearby. After I paid the bill, I was beyond nervous.

Once we got to her apartment, it was time. "Lexie, I want to talk to you."

"Sure."

"I know what you've been through with Maverick and its total bullshit, but I am here for you and that will never change. I know the risks of doing this, but I don't care at this point. I want to treat Andrew as my own son, and I feel that our hookups are not good enough and I want to do this."

"Do what?"

"Shut your eyes."

Nodding, she shut her eyes, and I grabbed the box out of my pocket and had her open her eyes. "Lexie, will you marry me?"

"W-what? Are you serious?"

"As serious as a heart attack."

"Yes! Of course, I will!"