Dear Sexy Lexie Read online

  Tyler dragged a chair over and sat with them. “So, do you live around here, Al?”

  “Santa Barbara.”

  Lexie tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Every couple of months we meet in the middle.”

  “Ha. The middle? I drive almost twice as far as you do.”

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  They were brother and sister all right.

  “So Lexie tells me you’re a cop. Are the real streets of San Francisco like the TV

  show?”

  “Don’t know. I’ve never seen it.”

  57

  Ashlyn Chase

  Al leaned forward. “You’ve never seen… Jesus. That’s right, you’re young. There’s probably a lot of our pop culture you’ve never heard of.”

  Tyler said nothing but noted that she’d told her brother about it. Maybe their age difference bothered her more than she’d let on.

  Al continued. “Well, if TV is the only thing you don’t get, it shouldn’t be too bad.”

  “Don’t get? What wouldn’t I get?”

  Al shrugged. “Well, Lexie first and foremost.”

  Tyler straightened. “I get Lexie just fine.”

  Lexie put a hand on each of them. “Stop it, you two.”

  Al tossed his napkin on the table and fished out his wallet. “You know what? I’ve got a long drive ahead of me and things to do at home. Why don’t I go and let the two of you enjoy the rest of the day.”

  “No, that won’t be necessary.” Tyler stood. “I was the uninvited guest.”

  Al fished a twenty out of his wallet and laid it on the table. “That ought to cover my lunch. Give the rest to the waitress. She had nice tits.”

  Lexie sighed. “Age doesn’t guarantee maturity.”

  * * * * *

  “Can I make you a cup of tea or something?”

  “Nah, you don’t have to.”

  “Are you sure? I feel like I need to do something to make up for being a bit of a jackass to your brother. If nothing else, I can boil water.”

  “You were fine. But sure, tea sounds good.”

  Tyler left her resting in her living room and proceeded to the kitchen.

  “You’ll find the kettle in the lower cabinet next to the fridge.”

  A few moments later, Tyler called out to her, “You may have an intruder in the house.”

  58

  Dear Sexy Lexie

  Lexie jumped up, shocked. She edged her way to the kitchen and peeked around the corner. Tyler was on his hands and knees in front of an open cabinet when he noticed her.

  “Do you have a flashlight?” he asked.

  Frowning at the odd point of entry she stammered, “Uh, yeah. I’ll get it.” She opened the drawer above Tyler’s head and watched him as he tried to poke around in the cabinet.

  Feeling something soft and moving, Lexie shrieked and jumped backward. Instead of the flashlight, she pulled a mouse out of the cabinet. The poor furry creature flew across the room into the sink and as it tried to scurry across the counter, Tyler lunged for it. Lexie gasped when he caught the terrified mouse in his hands.

  “Man, impressive reflexes,” she exclaimed.

  Tyler grinned and held the mouse captive. “See? Younger men can come in handy. How would you like me to dispose of him?”

  “Oh, let him go—outside, please.”

  Tyler carried the prisoner to the back door with Lexie following. They let him go on her small patio and watched him scurry under the budding rose trellis, off to freedom.

  “I’m glad you caught him. I could never have managed that and somehow a mouse trap seems so cruel.”

  He stood and wiped his hands on his blue jeans. “I’m here to protect and serve.” He smiled and his dimples appeared.

  “Tyler Black. I could fall in love with that smile alone,” she said.

  “Why don’t you?” Reaching for her, he pulled her close and gave her several sweet little kisses then he hugged her.

  For some reason, Lexie noticed the pink rose buds promising to bloom on the white trellises and arbor. Nature’s beautiful life cycle beginning again in her semi-private 59

  Ashlyn Chase

  backyard suggested a new beginning to her. “I might,” she said, with uncharacteristic shyness.

  “I’m glad we ran into each other today.” He cupped her jaw and stroked her lips with his thumb. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too and sending you home might be hard but overdoing the togetherness might not be the wisest thing at this point in the relationship.” She kissed him tenderly, hugged him around his neck and said, “Now get out of here before I come to my senses.”

  “Don’t come to your senses. Come with me.” He led her to the opposite side of the trellis where they could only be seen by the most observant peeping Tom. The evening was breezy and he plied her with kisses and slipped his hand under her sweater.

  “Can you guess what I’m thinking?”

  “Here? On the dirt?”

  “No. Standing up.”

  He held her tight around the waist and massaged her buttocks. Whispering in her ear, he said, “I’m perfectly willing to go inside and make love but outdoor sex can be extra hot.”

  “Aren’t you afraid of getting caught?”

  “Yup.”

  His warm breath on her neck seemed to penetrate her body and heated her on the inside. She gazed up at him with what she hoped was an impish smile. How would he react if she showed her wild side? Hmm. It might be fun to find out. “I got an IUD

  implanted last week. Want to ride bareback?”

  “Is that a trick question?”

  Moisture pooled in her nether regions. “Let’s not waste time with foreplay. Just fuck me.”

  Tyler grinned. “Turn around and let me see that dazzling ass of yours.”

  60

  Dear Sexy Lexie

  She chuckled and rotated to lean against the brick wall. Then she flipped her skirt up to expose her buttocks and thong. “Should I ‘spread ’em’?”

  She heard Tyler suck in a deep breath and unzip his pants. Eventually he answered,

  “Oh, yeah.”

  He slid his huge, hard cock up and down her buttocks and fingered her clit while she tried hard not to moan. Her deep breaths were followed by a whimper.

  “Do you like this?”

  After a moment’s hesitation, she panted out the words, “You know I do.” A low groan escaped her throat when he teased her opening with his fingers. She was already wet and hot for him.

  “Please do it. Please, before I change my mind.”

  He lost no time positioning himself to enter her from behind. She wore the heels, which elevated her almost to the right level but she leaned in and pushed her buttocks out and up in invitation. He pulled the thong aside and pushed his cock into her opening.

  She moaned softly as he moved in and out of her cunt. He reached around and massaged her clit as he pumped harder and faster.

  Her low moans and whimpers betrayed the fire burning inside. In only a few short minutes they were both ready to come. Lexie began to shudder and her elbows buckled. Her face pressed up against the cool brick in sharp contrast to the heat that radiated throughout her body. How could I go back to life without this? Without him?

  “Oh God.” Both of them were bucking fiercely by the time Lexie exploded in a shattering orgasm and Tyler followed shortly after. They panted breathlessly, resting up against the solid, silent wall. Lexie felt as if little pieces of her were flittering around her legs. How she needed this release! It was as if all the tensions and frustrations of her 61

  Ashlyn Chase

  life over the past two years were blasted out of her. The all-encompassing peace that came over her filled the empty space within each time.

  He kissed her ear and whispered, “You’re an awesome woman, Lexie.”

  “You’re pretty awesome yourself, lover.”

  Tyler chuckled and nibbled her earlobe. He touched her hair and murmured,
“So soft. Every part of you is perfection.” He hesitated, then said, “It’s more than just physical, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah,” she breathed. “It is.”

  He withdrew his cock, turned her around and kissed her with passion, then gentled, which sent a warm, tender sensation through her entire being. She was falling in love. She still couldn’t say it but at least she knew it now—unless it was just the shoes. Next time she saw him, she’d leave the shoes in her closet—just to be sure.

  * * * * *

  Lexie stared at her computer monitor. She was supposed to be answering a letter signed “Can’t Stay Away” but all she could think about was Tyler. Her boss strolled over to her. “Earth to Lexie.”

  Lexie jumped. “Jeez, Gloria. You startled me.”

  “Where were you just now?”

  Lexie’s cheeks warmed and a smile stole across her face. “Uh… I don’t think I can say.”

  Gloria crossed her arms. “You don’t have to. So who’s the guy?”

  Her smile turned into a grin and she focused on her lap. “He’s a friend of a friend.”

  “And now he’s your friend. Or are you still in the wishing stage?”

  “Oh, no. You were right the first time.”

  “Good. You need someone in your life. Especially since syndication means you won’t have a lot of time or energy to put into meeting local men.”

  62

  Dear Sexy Lexie

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, you’ll probably be doing a lot of public appearances in other cities to drum up interest. As you know, the newspaper business isn’t doing well but I think you might be just the shot in the arm this business needs.”

  Lexie laughed. “I hardly think the future of periodicals rests on my shoulders.”

  “What can I say? Sex sells. Your column is just what people need. Hip, no nonsense advice from a modern woman who’s not afraid to ‘let ’em have it’. I just hope happiness doesn’t make you less provocative.”

  Lexie shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out.”

  Her boss nodded toward her computer. “What are you working on?”

  She sighed. “Obsessed ex. Staying just this side of creepy.”

  “Well, go ahead. Let him know what happens if he becomes any creepier.”

  “Fine but I feel like I’ve answered this letter before—about half a dozen times.”

  “Do you think they’re from the same person?”

  “No. I meant it’s the same problem—different writers. But they don’t listen. Am I just talking to myself here?”

  “Hardly! You can answer the exact same letter six different ways and readers will eat it up. You’re entertaining thousands of people, Lexie, not saving the world.”

  “I keep forgetting that. It seems as if the letters I get are from people who are honestly asking for my help. Sure, I can be glib but I don’t want to just blow them off.”

  “Well, don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember your main objective is entertainment. Because pretty soon you’ll be entertaining millions.”

  “Why? Do you know something I don’t?”

  Gloria smiled and her eyes twinkled. “Beginning next month, your column is being picked up by six cities. You’re on your way to becoming an icon.”

  63

  Ashlyn Chase

  Lexie’s jaw dropped. She didn’t know what to do or say. At last, she jumped out of her chair and hugged her boss. “Holy crap, I thought you were speaking hypothetically.”

  “That reminds me, you may not be able to swear in all of these papers. Some of them cater to middle America.”

  “Don’t worry. I always remember the responsibility that goes with it. I’ll have to be a role model.”

  “I know I don’t have to worry about you doing anything foolish.”

  Lexie cleared her throat. “Uh, no. Of course not.”

  “We’ll arrange for a publicist to work with you on the local appearances.”

  “Gloria, that’s fantastic! I assume I’ll be getting a big, fat raise, right?”

  “Naturally but I’ll expect you to earn it. Do us proud, Lexie.”

  64

  Dear Sexy Lexie

  Chapter Seven

  “Tyler, buzz me in. I have the best news!”

  “Come on up.” Tyler hit the buzzer allowing Lexie to enter his apartment building. Rather than wait for her to come up three flights of stairs, he thought he’d meet her halfway.

  He grabbed his keys and let his door lock behind him. He half expected to hear Lexie’s red heels tapping but the stairwell was surprisingly quiet. At last, he saw her curly brunette head coming closer. She wore a tan trench coat and sneakers and was carrying a slim paper bag.

  “Hey beautiful,” he called, leaning over the rail.

  She glanced up and shot him a grin. “Back at ya handsome.”

  She seemed more excited than usual. When they met on the second floor landing, she practically jumped into his arms.

  He hugged her tight. “What brings you here all bubbly and excited?”

  She drew a bottle of champagne out of the bag. “I am excited and I brought the bubbly—to toast to my syndication.”

  Tyler knew how badly she’d wanted this, so he picked her up and twirled her around as he whooped it up.

  She was giggling and grinning.

  “Congratulations!” He took her hand and said, “Race ya.”

  They both dashed up the stairs and down the hall toward his apartment. Should he let her win? Would she prefer he didn’t? She thought he was puzzling, well so was she. On one hand, she liked to win. Other the other, she wanted to stand on her own merit. 65

  Ashlyn Chase

  She gave up before reaching the door and doubled over, puffing and holding her side.

  “Oh, man! I’m not as young as I used to be,” she panted.

  Tyler returned to where she halted and rubbed her back. “Are you all right?”

  Suddenly she took off like a shot and reached his front door.

  “Tag. I win!”

  “You little cheat!”

  She shook her head. “I never cheat. I just needed a little rest. Can I help it if my strength came back quickly?”

  He grinned and shook his head. “That was sneaky, Ms. Burns.” He unlocked the door and followed her in.

  “So what did I win?”

  “This.” He cupped her jaw and drew her in for a long, deep kiss. She made an appreciative “mmm” sound.

  When he released her lips, he wrapped her in his arms for a long embrace. “I’m proud of you, Lexie. You knew what you wanted and worked hard for it. Now your dream is coming true and we don’t have to pretend you’re a workaholic anymore. Let me take you out to celebrate.”

  She was uncharacteristically quiet.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She pulled away from him and said, “Let’s sit down. There’s a little bit of a catch.”

  “Uh-oh.” They strolled to his sleeper sofa. Not the most comfortable thing but this didn’t seem like a bed moment. “What is it?”

  “I have to do some advance promotion in the six cities that picked up my column. I leave for New Orleans the day after tomorrow.”

  “Oh damn. Your birthday is this weekend.”

  66

  Dear Sexy Lexie

  “This is way more important than any birthday.”

  “I guess that makes sense. How long will you be gone?”

  “A month.”

  Tyler’s eyes popped. “A month? What are they having you do? Sell papers door to door?”

  Lexie chuckled but weakly. “No, I have TV interviews at the local stations, a couple of radio interviews in each city and, of course, a meeting with the upper mucky-mucks of each newspaper.”

  “It sounds like a whirlwind. Are you up for this?”

  She shrugged. “Sure. I guess.”

  “You don’t sound convinced. Is that all that’s bursting your bubble?”

  She l
ooked up at him from under her long lashes. “I’ll miss you. Will you—um…”

  “Will I what? Miss you? Yeah, of course. I’ll miss you like crazy.”

  She looked away. There was something she wasn’t saying and he didn’t need to be a cop to know that.

  He put his arm around her. “What aren’t you telling me, Lexie?”

  “These interviews. I don’t know what they’re going to ask me but I can guess. Since I write about relationships, they’re bound to ask me about mine.”

  He smiled. “Oh, is that all? Well, you can tell them anything you want about me. Say you’ve got a handsome young stud, anxiously waiting for you to come home.” He leaned in and whispered, “You just can’t tell them what I’m going to do to you the minute you walk in the door.” Feathering kisses down her neck, he thought he heard her giggle and was surprised when she pushed him away.

  “I can’t tell them about you. We have to be even more secretive than before.”

  He straightened. “What?”

  She inhaled deeply and let it out on a sigh. “It’s only six cities but it’s a start. I have to be a good example. If my own reputation is sullied…”

  67

  Ashlyn Chase

  “Sullied?” Tyler stood and jammed his hands on his hips. “What the hell have I done to sully your reputation? I’m a cop, goddamit. That should make me respectable enough.”

  “I’m sorry. Sullied was the wrong word. It’s just that we’re not…” She shrugged.

  “Not what?”

  “Not a traditional couple. You’re so much younger than I am. If it were only a few years, no big deal. But a dozen?”

  Tyler was stunned. “That’s what this is about? The age difference?”

  She nodded. “That and looking like a hypocrite. I’ve admonished people in my column for trying to date despite generation gaps. When one gets old, the other may still be full of energy and one’s looks will fade while the other one is just coming into their prime. It’s better if the man is older, because a little gray in the temples is considered distinguished.”

  “There’s not much I can do about that, Lexie. It’s not like I can work hard and catch up.”

  She chuckled. “I know.”

  “So what does this mean? That you’re ashamed of me? Of us?”

  “No, of course I’m not ashamed of you. I’m as proud as hell of you. It’s just that if I talk about you, the world won’t see anything but your age.”