TWENTY SIX - LEXXIE

Lexie If I thought Ryder looked intimidating at the airport, that was nothing compared to the sight of him now. His furrowed brows and taut skin gave him an aura of menace that made me instantly regret my decision. Samantha's enthusiastic encouragement echoed in my mind, adding to my unease. "Come on, Lexie. He's looking forward to lunch with you. He's not scary at all. He's my dad, after all! And that practically makes him your dad too, considering I'm your older sister." I nearly choked on my own tongue at her assertion. "No way! He's not..." But Samantha's laughter and persuasive words had convinced me otherwise. By the time I hung up the phone, I was convinced I had misjudged Ryder and that he genuinely wanted to have lunch with me, despite my initial doubts. Now, faced with his stern expression, I realized my mistake. As the cliquey, exclusive group from Brand Development sauntered past my desk, leaving me out of their lunch plans, I should have taken the hint and eaten alone at m