Shades of Resolution (Distortion #3) Page 9

  Lexie gasped when she looked at his chest. “What happened?”

  Jackson looked down at the injuries he had sustained when they had rescued Evan. He had been grazed by a few bullets and was covered in scratches. Dark bruising had formed on his ribs, but he didn’t feel any pain. Truth be told; they were relatively tame compared to injuries he had sustained over the years. He had plenty of scars to prove it.

  “Hazards of the job,” Jackson quickly discarded. “They don’t even hurt.”

  Jackson grabbed her hand that was gently touching his bruised ribs and brought it to his lips, kissing it. “The only thing I feel is you.” Jackson looked up at Lexie with a sly smile. “And you feel amazing.” The worried crease in her brow quickly melted with her smile.

  Jackson braced himself on either side of her as he looked upon her. He wanted to remember every detail of this moment when he would make love to her. He slid his length into her until he filled her completely. He leaned down and kissed her face and she gave a gentle moan of satisfaction. Jackson moved slowly at first: in and out in languid thrusts. He was slowly kneading her pleasure, building it until he ripened it enough just so that she would feel the bliss that currently blurred the edges of his vision and set his body on fire.

  Reaching up, Lexie grabbed the bars of her headboard and met each thrust as she demanded him to move faster. Her body writhed and her breasts bounced with each push. Jackson held her hips firm against him as to not break their connection. He ran his hand down her leg before placing it over his shoulder. Jackson could no longer separate himself from the pleasure he felt as his body was completely victim to it. He grabbed onto the edge, refusing to fall until Lexie joined him. He used his thumb to milk her with each thrust as he rubbed her swollen sex until her body began to jerk against him. He could feel the trembling of her legs as she came undone for him. A beautiful whimper left her lips. Jackson let go and it hit him like a crashing wave.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Lexie

  Heavy drops fell from the grey sky and splattered on the windshield. It was the perfect weather for the representation of Lexie’s loss. She ran her finger over the smooth surface of her mother’s urn as she clutched it in her lap. The small ceramic jar contained all that was left of the beautiful person she was. A whole lifetime reduced to ashes in a pretty jar.

  Lexie was so grateful to Molly for taking care of the details, she felt like she wasn’t even in control of herself as she floated through the day. She had always known her mother wanted to be cremated. She had always said that when she died she didn’t want her bones to be buried in the ground out of fear that she would be forever tied to them. She wanted to be set free. Lexie always laughed at her mother’s strange belief, but now she felt a sense of peace that she had her wish.

  Holding the jar now, she didn’t feel her mother’s presence. What was in the jar felt like only ash; nothing more. Her mother was no longer bound to the restrictions of her life. Lexie looked out the window and wondered where her mother’s soul was. She hoped that she was a gentle breeze that softly caressed a bed of flowers, absorbing their aroma. Drifting free from one place to the next, wherever the sun led her; free as a bird. That was what she wished for her mother, to never feel worry or pain again.

  Jackson reached over from the driver’s side of the car and placed his hand on her leg. The touch was so gentle but it offered immense comfort. Lexie placed her hand on top of his. He grabbed hold of her fingers and gave them an affectionate squeeze.

  When they pulled up in front of the diner, Lexie looked up at the sign. It looked exactly the same but felt so strange. She suddenly felt like a stranger in her own life. Lexie took a deep, shaky breath and leaned back against the seat. Molly decided it was the best place to hold the wake. They had the facilities to handle the food preparation and the seating. Lexie thought it was perfect because her mother spent most of her time within the walls of the diner. She loved this place. There was a sign placed out front stating that it was closed to the public for a private service.

  “Do you want me to keep the guys out here? We don’t have to go in if you think its best,” Jackson offered. “Keep you from having to explain to everyone who we are.”

  “Are you kidding? The only thing that will keep the questions contained is the fact that most people will be scared to ask with you there.” Lexie grinned softly. “I’m sure the whole town has been talking about you.”

  Stephanie reached up from the backseat and placed her hand on Lexie’s shoulder. “Ready?” she asked.

  Lexie turned around to see Stephanie and Cherry quietly watching her. “I need you all with me,” Lexie said.

  Lexie watched Jackson walk around the car and open the door for her. She wished circumstances were different so she could appreciate how stunning he looked. His dark hair was swept back, accentuating his pronounced cheekbones and a jaw that put others to shame. Jackson opened the door and held out his hand for her.

  Lexie looked at it and up at him, trying to will her body to stand up.

  “Take as long as you need, Lexie,” Jackson said.

  Lexie looked up and noticed Molly standing in the open door, waving toward them.

  “Cherry and I can buy you some time,” Stephanie suggested, grabbing Cherry’s arm as they huddled under a red polka-dot umbrella.

  “We have it covered, doll,” Cherry agreed before they both walked off. Evan, Teddy, Dane, and Nate walked toward them. They had traveled in a different car and had just arrived.

  “We’ll be in shortly,” Jackson said as they all looked at Lexie.

  “Lexie?” Evan questioned. He looked like a new person after the harsh few days he’d suffered. Thanks to Cherry, Evan was well enough to attend today. He still had a long road ahead of him, but at least he was on the right path. He finally broke the news to his parents that he hadn’t made it to rehab. They made him promise he would go and he gladly accepted. He wanted to get his life back on track and Lexie was proud of him. The mischievous twinkle had returned to his eyes and his color was much improved. Now that the physically taxing part of the process had come to an end, the hardest part would be dealing with the reason he’d become an addict in the first place. This was a part of the process that could not be handled in a matter of days. Evan’s road was long but he would not be alone.

  “I’m fine.” She nodded. “Just need a second.”

  “Do you want me to stay with you?” Evan asked.

  “No, go ahead. Molly said she would make extra apple pie, but it won’t last long.”

  Evan glanced back and forth between Jackson and Lexie. “Okay, I’ll save you a piece.”

  Lexie watched Evan throw her one last look before he swung the door open and walked inside. She knew everyone was waiting for her. She knew they would all have questions about why she and her mother had taken off without a word and then weeks later her mother ended up in a fatal car crash. Even Evan and Stephanie’s story was altered to keep people away from the truth.

  Lexie hated the lies but she knew it was necessary. She was nervous that she would let something slip and expose the truth they were all carefully trying to remain hidden―at least for now.

  “I used to spend so much time here as a child,” Lexie said thoughtfully, looking up at the sign. “I would fall asleep in one of the booths when Mom worked late and not even wake up when she carried me to the car. It was just me and her for so long. I don’t know how to live without her.” Lexie teared up as she looked down at the urn.

  Jackson crouched down and took Lexie’s hand. “She’ll always be with you, just in a different way.”

  “How’d you do it?” Lexie asked. She knew he had lost his mother but he didn’t talk about it much. “How’d you deal with the loss of your parents?”

  “I don’t really know how to answer that for you. Eventually the rawness of it faded but it’s still a big part of me. It changed me.”

  Lexie placed her hand against her heart. “Like a scar?”

&nb
sp; “Yeah,” Jackson agreed.

  Lexie sighed and thought about the beautiful scar her mother left on her heart. She grabbed hold of Jackson’s hand and brought it to her face, leaning into his touch. She needed the comfort that only he could provide. Jackson pressed his lips against her forehead. The simple gesture seemed so full of emotion it reached inside her and filled her heart. She never imagined the seed planted when they had met would grow roots so deep and intricately woven. She no longer knew where she ended and he began.

  “Thank you for staying with me,” Lexie said.

  Jackson wove his fingers in hers and helped her out of the car. “Where else would I be?” he replied and they both broke out in a smile.

  “I can think of a few places,” Lexie replied, looking up into the sky. The heavy drops fell onto her face and they felt refreshing. She had always loved the rain and how it cleansed everything. Even the air was fresher. Lexie closed her eyes for a moment to collect herself before she had to face all of the people that would remind her that her mother was forever gone. When Lexie looked at Jackson, he offered her a warm smile. The look in his eyes made her want to melt.

  “Sorry, I’m making you stand here in the rain,” Lexie said.

  “I like the rain,” Jackson assured her.

  “Me too. We should probably get inside, though. Evan’s good intentions always go out the window when food is involved. I could really use a big slice of apple pie right now.”

  “Evan is not allowed anywhere near your pie,” Jackson joked.

  Lexie laughed nervously as they approached the door. “This will be so painful.” Lexie squeezed his hand for strength.

  “You got this,” Jackson said as he swung the door open.

  Lexie took a deep breath and walked inside, holding her mother’s urn in one hand while clinging to Jackson with the other. The interior was packed with familiar faces. Everyone turned toward her as she entered. She managed a small smile before Molly gathered her up in her arms. “Sweet Lexie,” she said, holding her tight.

  “Don’t make me cry, Molly,” Lexie warned softly.

  “I know, I know, I’m sorry.” Molly dabbed her eyes with a tissue that had been balled tightly in her hand. “Hello again, Jackson,” Molly offered with a gentle touch on his arm. “Come with me. There’s a table set up over here.” Molly led her through the crowd of people that all acknowledged her as she passed.

  The table had a white lace table cloth and was covered with beautiful pictures of her mother surrounded by white candles.

  “This is beautiful, Molly,” Lexie said, placing the urn in the center. She picked up one of the pictures of her mother and smiled. Lexie remembered the day it was taken. She’d gone to the beach with Molly and her mother and spent the day looking for shells. “Thank you so much for doing this,” Lexie said gratefully.

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Your mom deserved the best.” Molly straightened the edge of the tablecloth thoughtfully before turning toward Lexie. “I know this is not the place for business talk but soon we need to discuss the fact that this…” Molly waved around the diner, “…is yours now. I have to admit that for the mean time we have this place covered, but none of us are qualified to run this place like she did.”

  Lexie hadn’t even thought of it until now. She had been too distracted with the loss of her mother to consider what it meant. “Yes, of course.”

  Molly smiled and took her hands in hers. “She loved this place, didn’t she?” Molly said.

  “Yes, she did.”

  “We’re all here for you, Lexie,” Molly said.

  “Thank you, Molly, I really appreciate it.”

  “It’s good to see Stephanie and Evan looking well. The three of you have seen so much pain.”

  Lexie placed her hand on Molly’s arm. “We find strength in each other.”

  “Yes, you always have, haven’t you,” Molly said thoughtfully. “You have very interesting additions to your group, if you don’t mind me saying.”

  Lexie looked over at Jackson, who was watching her from across the room, next to the rest of them. They really stood out in the crowd.

  “Interesting is a good way to describe them.” Lexie grinned. “They’ve become very close to my heart.”

  “Let’s get you all fed before everyone starts to talk your ear off.”

  Molly served them up a piece of warm apple pie with a large helping of ice cream. Once Teddy took a bite, he was asking Molly to marry him. Molly turned as red as her hair and absolutely loved the attention.

  Lexie lost track of how many people she had spoken to. There were so many people in the small town that stopped in to offer their condolences over the course of the afternoon. It wasn’t long before she was emotionally exhausted from the ups and downs of revisiting old memories.

  When the kitchen staff became overwhelmed, Cherry grabbed an apron and stepped in. No one knew quite what to make of her at first as she began directing people around the kitchen to better utilize the space and their efforts. Before long, the kitchen was running smoothly and everyone was warming up to Cherry. Lexie soon learned that Cherry’s talent for cooking extended toward managing a kitchen as well. She was a natural as she worked her way around the space. Molly was grateful for the help with the extra rush of customers. Her big personality seemed very compatible with the other staff and she quickly earned their respect. There were a few ignorant customers that mumbled under their breath, but Lexie knew their small town had its backwards people who would never change.

  Lexie shook her head and smiled when a few of the local single girls moved in on the fresh meat. Poor Dane, Teddy, and Jackson didn’t know what they were in for when the women came with their claws sharpened. The small town options were slim and they didn’t realize that these women didn’t waste any time before they were about ready to brawl each other for the front of the line.

  Though she had to give the guys credit, they certainly knew how to handle themselves around women. Jackson had the alpha-male persona, Teddy was the charmer, Dane was the tortured soul, and Nate had a boy-next-door thing going on. They were like a romance novel come to life.

  Lexie spun around in her chair when the front door swung open and rattled on its hinges from the force. Mike came sauntering in with his shirt mis-buttoned and his tie hanging from his neck. His bloodshot eyes narrowed when they fell on Stephanie sitting beside Nate on the bar stools.

  “Oh shit,” Stephanie mumbled under her breath. “This won’t be good.”

  Lexie hopped off her stool and approached Mike. Most people noticed his entrance and the sight of him brought most conversations to a standstill.

  “Mike,” Lexie acknowledged when she came to stand a few feet from him. She could smell the liquor on his breath.

  “Lexie.” He tilted his head and raked his eyes over her. “You look fuckable. What do you say?”

  Jackson tried to step around Lexie but she held her hand up. Jackson looked ready to start swinging and this was the last place she was going to let a fight break out.

  “It’s best if you leave, Mike,” Lexie demanded.

  “I got this, honey.” Molly swooped in and grabbed Mike by the arm. “Let’s go outside to talk,” she said before waving to one of the other waitresses. “Package up a piece of pie for Mikey, will you, dear?”

  Mike didn’t put up much of a fight as Molly led him outside. He looked like he was barely able to walk in a straight line. Lexie watched through the window as Molly spoke to him. She had a way with people that made them put their guard down. Lexie was grateful she stepped in because she had no patience for Mike right now.

  Luckily he didn’t return inside the diner. One of the men attending offered to take him home and he went without a scene. Lexie watched him stumble into the truck and then drive away. She felt her shoulders drop with relief. Mike always had a temper on him that got him into trouble. He was unpredictable, especially when alcohol was in the mix. He obviously wasn’t taking the break up with Stephanie very
well. She had a sinking suspicion that this was not the end of it.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  John

  “It’s healing nicely,” Dr. Collins said as he removed the bandage on John’s side.

  “Good.” John was sitting on the edge of the bed; a cigar in one hand and a drink in the other. He placed the cigar in his mouth and paid no mind to the fact that the smoke seemed to bother the doctor. Dr. Collins waved the cloud from his face before tossing the soiled bandages into the garbage can.

  “How’s the pain?” the doctor asked, pushing his glasses up his nose with his forearm.

  “Don’t notice much, to be honest,” John answered with a casual frown.

  “Well, I suppose the liquor helps with the pain management,” the doctor said with a raised brow.

  “I suppose it does,” John said defiantly as he tipped the glass to his lips. The doctor had recommended he not drink while in recovery but John never did pay attention to things that did not suit his desires.

  Dr. Collins had been John’s personal physician for years and John knew he appreciated his paycheck and would not risk falling on John’s bad side. Everyone close to John knew that they didn’t want to cross into such waters or bad fortune would find them.

  A knock on the door captured their attention. Rayner walked in, his expression subdued. “Rosh is here to see you, boss,” he said.

  “Good.” John drained his glass before setting it down. He stood up and grabbed his shirt from the back of a chair.

  “I’m not done with your new dressings,” Dr. Collins complained, throwing his hands up in frustration.

  John ignored the doctor and stalked out of the room, following Rayner. He was anxious for word on Mary and Lexie. Having to lay low meant he was cut off from most of his sources of information for the time being. He hated being confined and unable to conduct business as usual.