LEXI
The rest of the night passed by in a blur of gawking eyes and mindless chatter. Around midnight, Lexi heard someone say, âWho knew Daniel Jackson would actually stay until the very end of an event?â
The chemistry they shared on the dance floor had long shifted. Sensing that her date was returning to his douchebag self, Lexi said, âI should get going.â She did not want to stick around to witness the drastic shift when it reached its completion.
âWe didnât see the garden yet,â Daniel said with a smirk. He didnât reach for her hand this time, but he gestured for her to follow him.
Even knowing what could happen, how she could end up hating him for the bullshit comments he would probably make when completely alone, the masochist in her, justâdidnât want to leave. ~Against her better judgment, Lexi followed.
When they walked through the sliding door that led to the garden, she saw white and red roses, as well as many different kinds of flower beds. Small lanterns hung from what seemed like thin thread, and there was a rock fountain at the far end of the garden. Brick pavement led to a stone fountain in the middle. It was all very romantic.
âThis is so beautiful!â Lexi exclaimed, though she had told herself she would be quiet.
She took the chance to fulfill one of her fantasies: twirling in an enchanted garden, wearing a gorgeous gown. Daniel watched her.
After a moment, he asked the two words that both men and women are afraid of at some point in their lives: âWhat now?â
After a breakupâwhat now?
After a business idea failsâwhat now?
After a funeral or a weddingâwhat now?
When you first find out that youâre pregnantâwhat now?
It was a very common two-word question, but as Daniel looked into her eyes, Lexi wasnât sure what he meant. Was he asking what would happen between them tonight? Or all the nights in the future?
He gave her some time to answer, but she didnât know what to say. She was afraid of saying something that would push him, toppling him right off the ledge heâd been dangling from all night and forcing the asshole in him to resurface.
Finally, Lexi decided to stick to the script her best friend had given her. A script she had rehearsed to herself in the car until her throat was dry. âI should go; I fulfilled my purpose. Your friends are convinced that you arenât as arrogant and shallow as they thought you were, so my work here is done.â
Now that she said the words out loud, Lexi realized how unlike her they sounded. And how much she wanted to take them back.
Daniel was clearly stunned. He stared at her, his features shifting to a darkness she hadnât seen on his face before.
âSo thatâs it then?â he asked.
Lexi knew it was too late to turn back now. Whatever fluttering occurred in her heart tonight was a hoax. She knew that. She knew the real Daniel.
Her initial impression of him was even confirmed tonight when his friends admitted he was an ass. They made it perfectly clear that they hoped he would change, but she didnât know if she wanted to give energy to a man as stubborn as a rock. No matter how hard you rub stone, it wonât soften.
Besides, Lexi was sure Danielâs change in behavior tonight was because of her makeover. She was convinced he wouldnât have treated her so nicely if she hadnât shown up like she did. He had played into everything Reece told her he would.
At this point, Lexi didnât know if she was upset because the plan had worked or because she wished it didnât. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to run away. So, she decided to finish what she started and end the night the way she had intended to in the first place.
âIsnât this how you wanted things to go? This morning, you said that after tonight we wouldnât have to see each other again or speak to each other again. Itâs strictly business because, and I quoteââLexi raised two fingers from each handâââIâm definitely not attracted to you, and youâre not attracted to me either.ââ
As she finished what she had planned to say to him, Lexi thought that this was the worst sheâd ever felt in her life. It took every ounce of strength she had left not to cry.
When Daniel didnât say anything, she sputtered more harsh realities. âIâm sure you would much rather spend the rest of your night with someone that youâre actually attracted to. Not someone who had to get dressed up to be ~pretty~. Your driver doesnât have to take me home; Iâll call a cab. Thank you for the fairy-tale experience, but itâs time for me to go back to my reality.â
Daniel stared at her for so long Lexi was sure she would have holes in her face by morning.
It had taken everything in her not to launch herself at him earlier tonight on the dance floor, but what good would that do? She was sure he wouldâve just rejected her in front of everyone anyway.
Besides, if he did seem interested, it was only because she had changed her look. If she came here in her old clothes, she was absolutely sure he wouldâve never been concerned about â~What now?~â He probably wouldâve forced her to leave the fundraiser three hours early.
These thoughts concerned and consumed her the most.
Every woman wants to be loved and treated with respect. No woman wants a manâs commitment under false pretenses⦠At least, those with high self-esteem donât.
When Daniel didnât speak or move, Lexi turned on her heel and walked right pass him, leaving everything she might have felt behind.