Read Online Lexie and Killian by Desiree Holt - Free Book Online Page B

Rick had called several times afterwards, pleading with her to speak to him, but she’d let everything go to voice mail. Finally, she’d just blocked his calls.
    She’d given him everything—her support and encouragement, her body, her heart—and he’d trampled on everything.
    Now, with a deliberate effort, she pushed it all out of her mind.
    “The painting is gorgeous,” the volunteer standing next to her whispered. “We’re not supposed to have opinions, but it’s impossible. I’ll be surprised if this one doesn’t win.”
    Lexie felt herself blush. “Thank you. But a lot of talented people entered.”
    “That’s true. But the judges will be looking for the right person, the right talent, not just for the prize but for the solo showing promised to the winner.” She glanced at Lexie, questioningly. “You do have enough for a show, right? If you win?”
    “I do.” All the things she’d been painting in secret for two years.
    “Well, then. However, I hate to do this, but you’ll need to leave. The judges will begin arriving in about fifteen minutes.”
    Lexie nodded. “Understood. And thank you so much for allowing me in to see this.”
    “My pleasure. But let’s get you out of here quickly. One of the regulations of this particular show is that the artists have no input on placement of their entries. We try to be impartial about all of them.”
    “I know. And thank you again.”
    She was trembling when she stepped back out to the sidewalk and heard the lock click into place behind her.
    I’m really doing it.
    If nothing else, just entering the competition and being selected was a big step to slaying her dragons. If she won, well, maybe she could finally put the past to rest. She just hoped there wouldn’t be a problem when she told the committee the painting was not for sale.
    Well, if anyone wanted to buy it, she’d deal with it then.
     

Chapter Five
     
    Killian wished Lexie would relax a little more. Lunch had been wonderful, and they’d even had wine with it. Then they’d decided to do a little strolling and walked through historic Savannah, an incredible section of downtown. The four-block city market had a variety of shops and outdoor café tables and chairs for weary walkers to rest their feet and their wallets. Late in the afternoon, they’d stopped for ice cream cones and eaten them silently as they people-watched.
    By the time they returned to the inn, he noticed Lexie had relaxed fractionally, but he knew she needed something more to take the edge off before the reception tonight. He ached for her as she battled her unpleasant memories. He wanted to do something, anything, to remind her how cherished she was and that the damn award didn’t mean as much to him as she did.
    But he also knew how the past ate away at her. He just hoped if he saw that bastard Rick he could restrain himself from punching out his lights.
    As soon as they were back in their room, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a light kiss.
    “How about if we take a bath before the reception tonight?”
    “A bath?” She looked at him with a question in her eyes. “You mean, together?”
    “Uh-huh. Seems a shame to waste that great big tub in there for just one person. You said they always serve a mountain of food at the opening reception, so I’m guessing we don’t have to worry about eating. At least food.”
    Her eyes sparkled as she caught his meaning. “Nooo,” she drawled. “We sure don’t.”
    “So, I had a thought or two about how we could spend the time. Maybe soothe those nerves of yours you keep trying so hard to hide.” He took her hand and tugged her toward him, staring down into her face.”
    “You know me so well,” she admitted. “I’m doing my best, Killian.”
    “I know you are, darlin’. And now I’m going to do my best to help you out here.”
    She let out a squeal when he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the giant four-poster bed. Pulling back the comforter,