Accept

Chapter 18- Chris

Lexie frequently haunted me in my dreams and I would awaken feeling lost and alone. It had been months since the admittance of her affair and I couldn't stop thinking about her.  I missed everything about her; the way she wrinkled her nose when she laughed, her playful, mischievous smile, and even her off-key voice singing to country music.  Most of all, I missed the way I felt when she looked at me.

I continued to find ways to run into her. I waited for her during lunch, between classes, and even ran by her house in the evenings, hoping for a chance to talk. But the most conversation I received was a simple"hi" with a huge smile. Matt said a private detective was watching their house and hinted Lexie was seeing him. It seemed as if she was moving on with her life without me in it.

Black Eyed Peas were playing on the speaker, and the DJ announced the last call for the evening.  Caroline was sitting next to me, tapping her fingers on my arm to the beat of the music.  She was a beautiful woman and I felt guilty for using her. It was obvious she was in love with me, but only a distraction from Lexie for me.

The two were nothing alike. Caroline was mature and confident; never letting her guard down. She was one of those girls that never left the house unless she was camera ready.

Lexie was just the opposite. Her long, brown hair was usually pulled up in a ponytail and she was dressed in a sweatshirt bearing the remains of whatever she had just eaten. She loved life to the fullest and wasn't afraid of how others perceived her.  Lexie wore her emotions on her sleeve, and when she smiled, you knew it was genuine.

Initially, I was attracted to Lexie's pure, natural charm which made me feel peaceful and carefree. Later, I discovered a sensual beauty about her, which is what intrigued me the most.

The stormy, winter wind was angry as we stepped out of the muggy bar. The air was mysterious as if something were wrong.

"Are we heading back to my place before the blizzard gets too bad?" "Caroline asked as I started my car and headed out of the parking lot.

"I think I'll just drop you off and go home. I don't feel well," I lied.

"I bet I can make you feel better," she replied rubbing her hand between my legs.

She was a beautiful woman and a night of sex would help me forget Lexie.  But, something wasn't right, and I needed to find out what it was. As tempted as I was to take her up on her offer, I refused.

"Can I get a rain check for tomorrow night?"

"Sure," she pouted pulling back her hand.

I gave her a quick kiss goodnight and continued to sit in her parking lot watching the wind drift across the roads debating what to do. Kate and Matt had left for home and I knew Lexie was home alone. My only option was to do a quick drive-by, to reassure myself everything was alright.

Red and blue flashing lights reflected in the snow as I rounded the corner of her street. Police cars lined the streets with an ambulance leaving her driveway. I knew my intuition was correct and Lexie was in trouble as I jumped from my car and ran down the street towards her house.

I headed for the front door just as someone grabbed my arm. "You can't go in there"

"The hell I can't. My girlfriend lives here. Was she in the ambulance?"

He let go of my arm and asked, "Who's your girlfriend?"

"Lexie Dunn."

"Hold on," he said walking into the house.

A man dressed in jeans and leather jacket waved me towards the doorway as stepping outside. He wasn't dressed in a uniform and didn't appear to be a cop. "What's your name?"