Just a Couple Ex's Blindsided Read Online Free

brought a wicked smile to Axel’s full lips. Inside her, a small gasp sounded. It had been years since she’d sat with a man she barely knew in such an intimate situation. She couldn’t help feeling a little excited.
    Axel watched Liv sip the drink he’d brought her. She obviously enjoyed it and her pretty eyes and curved lips showed her pleasure. The difference between Liv and Kiki was so plain, he couldn’t ignore it. Maybe being married for four years had dampened Kiki’s kindness toward him.
    Kiki would never be so sweetly pleased at any drink he’d brought her, in fact she’d likely complain about something. No straw, no napkin, too hot, and didn’t he remember she drank only organic coffee now. But he pushed those thoughts aside to enjoy a lovely woman’s attention. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been alone with a woman like this that wasn’t his wife.
    “You should have told me you were coming over here, Liv. It’s no place for a woman alone.” He kept his tone low and unaccusing.
    “I didn’t know it when I left your store.” Her gaze looked out the window, as she said, “I just couldn’t leave without knowing.”
    The hurt in her voice propelled his hand to touch hers sitting on the table. Her hand was cool and he covered it with his larger, warmer hand.
    “I couldn’t either.”
    It was the best comfort he could give and he realized he wanted to comfort her. Maybe it was their shared hurt that drew him closer, because he so intimately understood it. His gaze followed hers to the red sports car.
    “This is the best spot to have eyes on the target,” he said.
    Her gaze turned back to him, not moving her hand. “Is that military?”
    The question puzzled him for a moment, then he realized what he’d said ... how he’d said it. “Yes, old habit.” He shrugged.
    She smiled again and he had to admit he basked in it a bit. “I’m sure your expertise is going to help us.”
    “I would have my binoculars in here, and my scope on its tripod, if I thought I could get away with it.” He squeezed her hand and grabbed his mug with the other hand.
    Her smile grew. “What about your store?” she asked.
    He nodded out the window and she looked across the street. “That’s my marine buddy Jax, pulling in. He’s going to back me up. Look after the store.”
    Liv saw a tall, well-built man in khakis and a sleeveless tee shirt get out of a Jeep and walk up to the store. He had long brown hair in a ponytail and he looked partially Asian.
    “Did you tell him?” she asked, and she heard the concern in her voice. If they told other people, that would make it real.
    “No,” Axel answered quickly, and she sighed in relief. “On a need to know basis. And he won’t ask.”
    Axel’s hand moved from the top of hers and she regretted its absence. Then she silently admonished herself. She was a married woman. Whose husband was likely cheating.
    “It’s such a small town,” she murmured, looking at Axel’s profile as he looked out the window.
    He didn’t turn to her as he studied the opposite side of the main street. “I love it here. Kind of unexpected, I wasn’t sure I would again.” His maple colored eyes turned back to her. “My aunt’s here at Vidas Home, it’s what brought us here to live.”
    Liv took a sip of her drink, watching him over the rim, then she said, “I know Vidas, my grandmother spent her finally years there and they were wonderful with her.”
    He nodded, briefly rubbing his hand over the short, inky black hair on his head, then his hand settled on the table between them. “They’re very good with the dignity thing. I see her several times a week, but sometimes ...” He halted on a sigh. Liv leaned forward with the gesture trying to encourage him to finish. “It’s just ...” His gaze looked hurt for a second. “Kiki. I think she feels trapped to be here. Her thing is the big city, shopping, and social gigs.”
    Liv nodded, suddenly feeling commonness