Chapter 4 Bachelorette party 2

Lexi's gaze swept across the crowded room, her eyes scanning the familiar faces of Rachel's friends and acquaintances. And then, suddenly, she saw him.

Jake.

Standing across the room, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.

Lexi's breath caught in her throat as she felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins. She quickly turned away, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.

Why was he here?

Hadn't Rachel specifically said Jake would only attend the wedding?

Lexi's mind whirled with questions. Why was he looking at her like that?

As she struggled to compose herself, a deep masculine voice said behind her, "Hi Lexi."

Lexi's pulse skipped a beat. She slowly turned in the direction of the voice, her eyes meeting those unmistakable blue ones.

Jake stood before her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. The same lips that had once kissed hers, the same eyes that had once gazed into hers with love.

For a moment, time stood still.

The music, the laughter, the chatter – everything faded into the background.

All Lexi saw was Jake.

The past came flooding back – memories of their high school romance, the laughter, the tears, the heartbreak.

Lexi's heart wrestled with conflicting emotions: surprise, curiosity, and a hint of longing.

Would she be able to confront the ghosts of their past?

Lexi's lips curled into a tentative smile as she greeted Jake, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Hi Jake." She managed, hating the way her voice sounded.

" Hey."

Jake's response was immediate, his bright blue eyes locking onto hers with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat.

"Why are you here?" Lexi asked, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside and then mentally scolded herself for that question, it was obvious why he was there.

"Rachel invited me," Jake replied, his voice low and smooth.

As he spoke, his gaze drifted over Lexi's face, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "You look good," he said, his boyish smile still as disarming as ever.

" I look like a mess." Lexi wanted to say but instead, she echoed his compliment, "Thanks, you look good too."

And it was the truth. Jake's tan skin glowed in the dim light of the party, accentuating the sharp angles of his face. He stood taller and broader than she remembered, his physique honed from years of hard work and dedication.

As they stood there, exchanging pleasantries, Lexi couldn't help but notice the way Jake's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. It was as if time had stood still, and they were once again the teenagers who had shared laughter, tears, and secrets.

But life had taken them down different paths, and Lexi wondered what had brought Jake to this point. What stories did he now hold? What scars?

As the silence between them grew, Lexi's thoughts swirled with questions and doubts. Was Jake still the same charming, carefree boy she once knew? Or had life molded him into someone new? He still had that boyish smile though.

Jake's question hung in the air, breaking the silence, his eyes genuinely interested. "So, how are you doing?"

Lexi's response was automatic, a well-rehearsed line. "I'm alright."

Jake's gaze drifted to her hands, his eyes scanning for any sign of commitment. "No ring on it yet?" he asked, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice.

Lexi's smile was forced. "No. Marriage isn't for me. My career is going well, and I'm content."

But the words felt hollow, even to her own ears. Deep down, Lexi yearned for a family of her own – laughter-filled dinner tables, sleepy bedtime stories, and warm embraces.

Jake's next question cut through her facade. "Still scared of commitment or is it the trust issues?"

His words struck a nerve, and Lexi felt a stab in her heart. She tried to conceal the pain, but Jake's piercing blue eyes saw right through her.

" How about you? Married?" Lexi asked to change the subject although Rachel had told her that he was divorced with a kid.

" I'm divorced but I have a kid. She's the center of my world."

Lexi smiled genuinely this time. " I can imagine."

For a moment, they stood there. The sounds of the party receded into the background, leaving only the echoes of their past.

Lexi's thoughts swirled with memories of their high school romance, the laughter, and the tears. She had thought she'd long buried those emotions.

Now, as Jake's gaze held hers, Lexi wondered if she'd been lying to herself all along. Did she still have lingering feelings for this guy.

" Are you alright Lexi?" Jake asked, his eyes holding a look she could fathom.

" Yes, I'm fine." Lexi said, wondering why her voice sounded drunk. " Why?"

" You've been drinking a lot."

It was then Lexi realized she was on her fourth cocktail. She laughed, brushing Jake's words off. " It's alright, I can hold my liquor."

Jake nodded. " I should go. I promised not to leave my daughter with the nanny for too long." He pushed for a bit, his eyes on her face as if trying to enscript in his head. " Take care of yourself Lexi."

" Okay."