Can't Slow Down - Lizzie Hart Stevens Page 0,24

me a quick smile and a nod and walks out to the bathroom.

I can’t believe the words that have just come out of my mouth, but the mere thought of any other man ever being inside Lexi makes me want to put my fist through the wall. Judging by her reaction just now, I’m almost sure she feels the same way, but I think we’re both too afraid to say the words so early in our relationship. I mean, it can’t actually be love this soon, can it?

AFTER OUR BREAKFAST of Belgian waffles with fresh berries and whipped cream, I quickly showered and we hopped in the car to head to Aunt Sarah’s. Lexi hasn’t said much the entire way, but it’s only about a fifteen- or twenty-minute drive. She’s been busy answering Brea’s text messages the whole time.

Man, that chick likes to talk.

“Brea says that you can’t hog me all to yourself for forever.” Lexi laughs as I turn down Aunt Sarah’s street.

“Tell her that you—” I pause and my smile fades as I pull into the driveway. The car of the surprise guest we are supposed to be meeting is already here. It looks strangely familiar, but I can’t quite place it. Lexi still has her head down and her eyes focused on her phone.

“Tell her you will text her back later.”

Lexi finishes texting Brea and slips her phone into her bag. The moment I turn the car off she looks up and her grin suddenly fades. Her face turns white and for a moment I think she’s going to be sick. She grips the door handle and locks the doors.

“What the fuck is he doing here? Is this some kind of sick fucking joke, Coen? Take me home,” she shouts.

That’s when it hits me. I should know that fucking tool’s car anywhere. I’ve been so wrapped up in Lexi that I’d forgotten.

“Lex, I’m just as fucking surprised by this shit as you are. Give me a sec—” My phone rings. It’s Derek.

“Dude, dickhead’s watchdog just texted me the address of where he is today.”

“Too late, D. I know exactly where he is. I’m going to find out what in the actual fuck is going on. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Shit. Call me if you need backup, man. Is Lexi with you?”

“Yeah, I got her. Thanks, man.”

I slide my phone back in my pocket and look over at Lexi. She’s gone from looking like she saw a ghost to looking like she wants to rip someone’s throat out.

“This is some fucked up shit, Coen. Why is he here? Do you think your aunt is okay? We should get in there and check on her.”

I shut the car off and run my hand through my hair with a deep breath.

“Maybe you should wait in the car.”

“No way, Coen. I owe him a piece of my fucking mind,” Lexi argues.

“Fucking damn it, Lex!” I shout, slamming my hands against the steering wheel.

Her jaw drops in shock.

“Don’t you dare shout at me,” she yells back.

I look toward the house and see Aunt Sarah standing at the front door with her hands on her hips. She’s smiling and waving for us to come in. I haven’t seen that woman smile in years. Something seriously messed up is going on here.

“I’m sorry, Lex. I just don’t want anything to happen to you again.” My voice is quieter this time. “Stay close to me. This won’t take long.”

She nods in agreement and with her gripping my hand tight, we head inside.

I HAVE A DEATH grip on Coen’s hand, though I’m not sure if it’s because I’m scared, nervous, pissed off, or all of the above. It’s most likely the latter. The slight nerves I had about meeting his aunt are now overpowered by anger, anxiety, and wondering why Patrick’s car is here. Did he come here looking for me? How did he know we would be here? We’re just about to approach his aunt at the door when it dawns on me. Patrick must be the person she wanted Coen to meet. But why?

I squeeze Coen a little tighter and he brushes his thumb against the back of my hand to try to comfort me as we make our way up the porch steps.

“Hello, Coen dear.” She smiles, not seeming as horrible as I expected her to be. “And Lexi, is it? It’s nice to meet you.” She extends her hand to greet me.

Before she even stops shaking my hand Coen pulls me closer to