A/N –THIS STORY HAS BEEN CHANGED. ANY OLD READERS WILL HAVE TO GO BACK AND READ CHAPTER ONE.
Episode 2
Alexis groaned as she turned over on an unfamiliar bed. Well, it wasn't completely unfamiliar. She'd slept on it once before and as she pushed her face into the pillow, she could smell Asher's nice scent. Maybe too nice. She should tell him to take it easy on the aftershave. She opened her eyes, expecting to see him on the other side of the bed, but the sheets were empty. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up.
There was music drifting into the room and Lexi realized that was what had woken her bathroom door was ajar and through the reflection in the mirror, she could see Asher in a towel, wiggling his hips to the tune while he shaved. Lexi couldn't resist a laugh. How could someone be so sexy and goofy at the same time? "What are you doing?" she called out, giggling.
Asher turned to see her looking at him and instantly stopped his stupid dance, clearing his throat and wiping his razor. "Oh, hey. You're awake. You should hurry up, we got to meet the boss at 10." He paused and smiled. "Sounds cool, huh? Calling Annalise Keating the boss?"
Lexi shrugged, pushing the sheets off and getting up. She walked barefoot across the room and entered the bathroom. "Damn it. If I drive home again, I might be late. I should just shower here… but I don't have clothes. Why didn't I think this through?"
Asher grinned as Lexi leaned against the bathroom doorframe. Her legs were bare, and she was wearing only his shirt from last night. He put the razor down and moved closer to wrap his arms around her waist, getting wet droplets from his body onto her. "Well, you could just, uh… come like this. I sure wouldn't mind. What do you think?"
Lexi smiled mischievously, slipping her hand in between them and under his towel. Asher's eyes widened in surprise. "I think someone's not taking my dilemma seriously. I'm going to drive back home. See you at Keating's." She leaned up to press her lips against his jaw seductively, before withdrawing her hand from his towel and going to find her jeans.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
"Have you heard of hairdryers?" Michaela Pratt asked condescendingly as Lexi turned up, once again, with damp hair. Her dark strands were glistening and leaving small wet patches on her shirt. "They're not a bad investment; considering how often you turn up to professional settings with dripping wet hair."
Lexi raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I know. If it's bothering you so much…" she trailed off, lifting a hand to ruffle her hair and causing small droplets to fall on Michaela. Michaela squealed in horror and moved a safe distance away from her. "See, it's a hard choice to make. Wet hair is a bitch repellent."
"You are disgusting," Michaela replied sharply. She was desperately rubbing at the tiny droplet marks on her sleeve. Lexi turned around and winked at Connor, who looked rather amused.
They met Annalise's new client; Max St. Vincent, a man accused of killing his wife. He showed them around his enormous house and Lexi listened absently while he told them soppy stories of how he'd met his wife and how much he loved her. Personally, Lexi thought there was something off about him but she could see that Michaela looked interested. So the bitch has a romantic side. Although, it wasn't as though anyone else was paying much attention. Wes and Connor were both eyeing up the creepy animal heads that adorned the walls and Asher was staring holes into her ass. Maybe Laurel was listening, Lexi couldn't be sure.
He opened the doors to the bedroom, and that was when everyone snapped back to reality. The mattress was stained with blood. It had spattered onto the walls and the lampshade. Lexi felt her breakfast kick up in her stomach. Oh my God, this is disgusting. She stopped at the door while everyone else entered, not wanting to be any closer to the blood.
"I've asked Max to preserve the crime scene until after the trial is over," Annalise explained. "You never know what forensic clues you'll find to help our case later."
"The room needed some colour anyway," Max replied coolly, and Lexi felt her stomach turn again as she looked at him. What kind of a sick, perverted man was he? That was his wife's dried blood covering the walls! Her hands trembled, and she had to close her eyes. She felt a touch on her arm and looked up to see Connor.
"Don't make a scene," he whispered, pulling her a little further into the room. His confidence made her feel a little better. He didn't seem as creeped out by the blood and she let him walk her further into the room before someone realized how disturbed she was. Considering that both Michaela and Laurel hadn't freaked, she didn't want to seem weak. Connor knew that.
"Look around, take photos, be the fresh eyes we need to help this case," Annalise was saying, as they all began to walk around the room and inspect the crime scene. Connor whipped out his phone and started clicking pictures, but he kept a firm grasp on Lexi's arm. It was comforting, and she relaxed long enough to take out a notebook and a pen.
"I need a volunteer," Max announced, clapping his hands together. It was almost as if he could sense Lexi's obvious discomfort and took pleasure in it, because she was the first person his eyes landed on. Laurel and Michaela were giving each other doubtful looks. "Ladies?"
Lexi started trembling slightly, and Connor could feel it. He released her arm and stepped forward. "I'll do it," he replied confidently and Lexi almost sank to the floor in relief. She didn't want to be anywhere near this man and she could tell that the other girls shared her thoughts.
"Very well," Max replied, walking up to Connor and standing inches away from his face. Connor suddenly seemed to regret his burst of confidence and smiled uncomfortably. "You're about as pretty as my wife."
He pushed Connor down on the bloody bed and Lexi cringed, taking a step back. She ended up walking right into Wes, who looked equally disturbed. She apologized to him quickly, but he barely noticed. Everyone was watching Max climb up onto the bed beside Connor and stab him in the neck with a pen. "Is this necessary?" Lexi whispered, as Max explained how he'd missed, and hit an artery, which explained the blood spatters on the walls.
Wes shrugged, his eyes wide. Max had sat up and was now stabbing Conor repeatedly, a demented look in his eyes. Lexi could picture the man sitting astride his wife in the very same bed, stabbing her writhing body again and again with a knife while blood gushed out of her wounds, covering the bed, the walls, the maniacal smile on his face… I'm going to puke.
She ran out of the room and into the hall outside, breathing heavily. Her stomach was twisting and blood-stained white sheets danced in front of her eyes as she closed them. The sight of the animal heads staring at her from the walls wasn't helping. She could imagine how they'd been killed, heads severed from their necks, blood dripping down a butcher's knife…
"Come on, get up," a voice muttered gently, helping her up. She hadn't even realized that she'd slid down the wall and was crouching just outside the bedroom. Connor put an arm around her. "Relax, okay? We'll get you out of here. It's okay."
Max St. Vincent was standing a few feet away, watching with mild interest as the girl trembled. She managed to stand up with Connor's help, but there was still a terrified look in her eyes. Lexi noticed Max and felt the bile rise up in her throat. She couldn't stand to see him looking at her like that- it sent a chill down her spine, like he was going to start stabbing her next. Luckily, Asher stepped in between, blocking Max's sight of her. "Is she okay?" he asked Connor. "Damn, she just bolted out of there like-"
"Shut up, Millstone," Connor snapped. He was looking down at Lexi as he led her out of the house. "Come on, I saw a coffee shop across the street. You feeling better?"
Lexi nodded. "Yeah. I was trying not to freak out, I just- oh god, I humiliated myself in front of Annalise Keating. She must think I'm so pathetic, why couldn't I just stay in control for a few more minutes?" she muttered. Now that the animal heads and the blood-stained bed were behind her, she felt better. She took a deep breath as Connor led her out into the street. "Did she notice?"
Connor nodded. "Oh, she noticed all right. You made quite the scene. She didn't say anything, though."
Lexi nodded, straightening up. "Thanks, Connor. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
"I know," he replied, smiling at her.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
"The murder book," Frank explained, slamming a big binder down on the table. "Given to us by the prosecution with all the evidence they've gathered in Max's case. Go through it- find the holes that will help get our guy a 'not guilty'."
Alexis trudged forward and took her share of the files, carrying them back to the couch. It looked like a lot of work. She put them down with a groan and then curled up next to a cushion. Wes was about to take the seat next to her, when Annalise called out- "Mr. Gibbins? My office, now."
Connor was watching Wes with a suspicious look. As soon as he had walked out of the room, he turned to look at the others. "What do we think is going on there?" he asked through gritted teeth. "We all earned our spot, here, right? But waitlist?"
Laurel frowned. "Don't call him that."
"Maybe he's her secret baby, like she gave him up for adoption and he doesn't even know," Asher grinned, taking the seat next to Lexi that Wes had vacated.
"Because all black people are related?" Michaela snapped.
"What? No, I-"
Lexi tuned out of the conversation, turning her attention to the files in front of her. Waitlist or not, Wes had managed to keep his cool in Max St. Vincent's house today, while she'd totally screwed up her image in front of her boss. She was determined to make up for her behavior, when she felt Asher's hand on her leg. "You liked my theory, right?" he whispered in her ear, fingers gliding up and down her knee.
Lexi pushed his hand away sharply. She liked how it felt, but she didn't like the idea of Michaela or Connor noticing that Asher was feeling her up. "Haven't we talked about this?" she hissed. "Not in public."
Asher grinned. "Later, then? Third time's the charm."
"I'll think about it," she replied.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
"Lexi," Asher breathed in between lustful kisses and trying to pull off clothes. He was pressing kisses to Lexi's neck while she tugged at the buckle on his belt and tried to remove his pants. He paused, his fingers tightening in her hair as he tilted her head up to look at him. "Will you-ah- will you go to my parents' anniversary party with me?"
Lexi hardly heard him, her fingers were busy fumbling with his belt buckle. "What?
"It's my parents' anniversary this weekend. They're throwing this party at this hotel. You know, black tie, lots of important people and…" he paused, grabbing her fingers to stop her from unbuttoning his jeans. "Are you listening to me? Do you want to go?"
"Yeah, fine, whatever," she muttered distractedly as she got back to working on his pants. Asher grinned and reached down to help her out.
Alexis did spend the night at Asher's. She wasn't sure what it was about him that made her keep going back. He was a goofball with no grace or tact whatsoever. But after the long day she'd had, she looked forward to his stupidity. She'd never really admit that she found him funny, but he helped her relax. In more ways than one.
"Hey, Lexi?" Asher muttered, as they lay back in bed. She was half asleep; she'd cuddled close to him for the first time, throwing an arm over his bare torso and resting her head on his shoulder while he gently stroked her back. The smooth touch was relaxing and it was making her more and more drowsy. "Lexi. Are you asleep?"
"I'm trying to be," she mumbled. His hand stopped stroking her back and she let out a spontaneous moan. "No. Keep doing that."
He grinned to himself and resumed stroking her back. "Okay. Can I ask you something?"
"Mm."
Asher sat up slightly, resting on one elbow so he could look at her. Her eyes were still slightly closed and her hair spread out on the pillow. She looked extremely peaceful, and he reached out a hand to brush strands of hair out of her face. "Are we, like… are we exclusive or something? How would you feel if I slept with other girls?"
Lexi opened one eye to look up at him. He looked so worried, it was adorable. She smiled. "Relax, Millstone. You can sleep with other guys, for all I care. But I'm not into threesomes, so don't even bother bringing that up."
Asher frowned. "Okay… so you can sleep with other guys?"
"That's how it works."
"Are you sleeping with other guys? Connor, for example?"
Lexi opened one eye and looked up at him, bewildered. "Where did you get that idea from? No, I'm not sleeping with Connor. I told you this before, he's just a friend."
"Well, you were getting all touchy-feely this morning after you ran out of Max's bedroom, and he seemed really concerned about you, so I thought-"
"Don't."
"Don't what?" Asher wanted to know.
"Don't think. Just sleep, I'm tired." She turned over and faced the other side of the bed, curling up into herself and proceeding to ignore him. Asher frowned down at her for a few moments before allowing his own head to hit the pillow.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
Lexi's head drooped as she pored over files. They'd had to stay in the night after Max's daughter gave witness and it was revealed that he'd murdered his first wife in Switzerland. She'd developed a justified loathing for their client now, considering that she could be at home, watching tv or getting a good night's sleep.
"Does anyone want coffee?" she asked, getting up. She couldn't stay awake and Annalise's sofa was far too comfortable for Lexi to pay attention to what she was reading. She got a murmured approval from both Wes and Laurel, so she stepped over boxes of files towards the kitchen, stopping for a moment at Connor's chair. "Didn't you have a date tonight?" she whispered, bending to talk to him.
Connor frowned and sat up, closing the file in his lap and pulling out his phone. "Shit. I forgot about Oliver. Annalise will never let me leave, I'll have to call him and cancel."
Lexi nodded, moving into the kitchen to make the coffee she needed. If Annalise was going to fucking make them work overtime, she could at least provide them with caffeine. She flicked the switch on the coffee maker and stood there, her eyes drooping shut. She almost fell asleep standing, before machine luckily made a noise. Pouring out mugs of coffee, she entered the living room only to find it deserted. Only the files were lying all over the table and couches.
"What the- where is everyone?" Lexi asked, turning to Bonnie, who was sitting at her desk. Bonnie looked up coolly.
"They went to Max's house to look for more clues at the crime scene. Annalise thought it was better not to take you, since you made quite the scene last time."
Lexi frowned. "Oh. Coffee?"
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
Lexi entered her apartment the evening after Max St. Vincent was acquitted. She couldn't help but shake the feeling that they kept getting guilty people off- but then again, that was what Annalise did most of the time. It doesn't matter whether they're innocent or guilty, she told herself. Not to mention that she'd been entirely useless this trial. So useless that Annalise hadn't even bothered to take her to the crime scene a second time.
"Ah, so she's alive," Grace greeted Lexi. She was sitting in the living room with a magazine, but she lowered it as her flatmate entered. "I was starting to wonder if I would have to pay the rent myself this month; you're never around. Either Keating's working you too hard, or you have a new boyfriend you're planning to move in with."
Lexi chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm not moving anywhere."
"Yeah? Well, you must be having a lot of sex because you hardly spend nights here anymore. It's not Connor, is it? Is he still gay? How do you look at that gorgeous man every day and not want to screw him senseless?"
"I've seen him in diapers, it's not that hard. If you must know, I'm sleeping with Judge Millstone's son."
Grace nodded thoughtfully. "I thought he would be loaded."
"Why's that?"
"Go look in the kitchen. I ate some, by the way. Figured you wouldn't mind."
Lexi kicked her heels aside and walked into the kitchen, realizing what Grace was talking about. There was a huge basket of red roses lying on the counter, along with a card. There was also a large box of chocolates that had been unwrapped. Lexi couldn't help but smile. It was always nice to get such a pretty gift after a long day. She popped a chocolate into her mouth and picked up the card.
Hey, sexy. I knew you'd forget. I'll pick you up at 8. Dress fancy. –Asher
Oh shit. Asher's parents' anniversary had completely slipped her mind. She glanced at the clock, relieved that it was only 6 and she had time to get ready. Part of her wondered why Asher was doing this – sending flowers, asking her on a date where she'd end up meeting his parents…. And he'd even asked if they were exclusive. Had he wanted them to be exclusive? Asher Millstone seemed to get pretty jealous at the idea of Lexi sleeping with Connor.
Her phone rang and Lexi answered it quickly. "Hello?"
"Lexi." It was Connor. "How about a drink to celebrate letting another murderer loose on the streets, huh? It's been a long day."
"Can't," Lexi replied. She walked out of the kitchen and into her bedroom, opening her closet. What did you wear to Judge Millstone's anniversary party? If she was going to be meeting important people, she needed to look her best. Contacts were everything in the legal world, and she was determined to make as many as she could. "I've got a date."
Connor snorted. "You're kidding me. It's not with Asher, is it? That guy's got like, a kindergarten crush on you. He found me after the trial and tried to ask me what kind of flowers you liked."
Lexi smiled. As stupid as that was, it was sort of… sweet. "What did you tell him?"
"I told him to fuck off," Connor replied simply. "What do we look like, BFFs who braid each other's hair? I don't know what kind of flowers you like. Who even talks about that shit? Come on, blow him off, I'm bored as hell."
Lexi sighed. "I'm not blowing him off, he's taking me to a party where there'll be a lot of important people. Besides, you should be busy too. What happened to Oliver? Go find him and get laid, you're annoying when you haven't had any."
"He's mad about me cancelling on Wednesday."
"You idiot. Swallow that pride, go get takeout or something, and knock on his door with a puppy dog face. It'll be worth it. If he's anything like you say he is, he's not going to turn you down."
Connor sounded doubtful. "Yeah?"
"Your only other option is to come over here and help me figure out what to wear."
"Eurgh. Point made."
"Take flowers!" she added, but he'd already hung up. Sighing, she dropped the phone on the bed and turned back to her closet. What did you wear to Judge Millstone's anniversary party?
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
Asher let out a low whistle when Lexi opened the door, wearing a simple black dress that came to her knees and a fashionably draped shawl. It managed to be attractive, without showing too much inappropriate skin. Lexi thought it would be better to dress conservatively if there were going to be a lot of middle-aged people there.
"Shut up," Lexi told him as she grabbed her purse and stepped out, closing the door behind her. 'What's up with the flowers and taking me to your parents' anniversary, huh? Some might say you have a crush on me."
Asher grinned. "You're hot, babe, but I don't do crushes. No, you're my arm candy tonight. Asher Millstone's smart, sexy and successful girlfriend. People are going to look at me and wonder how I manage to have everything, while they have nothing."
"Wow," Lexi muttered, as he held open the door of his car for her. "I'm not seeing it. Please, tell me what exactly it is that you have that other people don't?"
Asher grinned. "Let's see. I've got money. I've got a successful dad, so I've got contacts. I'm working for one of the best lawyers in the state so I've got career, and I've got a hot and intelligent woman on my arm- who I didn't pay to be here, so it shows that I know how to work it with the ladies too."
"So I'm the stupid girl who's dating you for free."
Asher leaned over and put a hand on her knee, slowly sliding it up under her skirt. "Trust me, baby, I know how to make it worth your while."
Lexi smiled as Asher held out his arm and escorted her up to the restaurant. As much of a goofball as he was, he knew how to behave in the right kind of society. There were a lot of fancy chandeliers and crystal glasses clinking. Lexi suddenly felt nervous. She wasn't good in high society events- she didn't have a lot of experience. Would she do something wrong? What if she said something stupid? "Babe, ease up on the grip," Asher muttered, using a finger to retract her nails from his arm. "You're not nervous, are you?"
Lexi frowned. "What? Please."
Asher raised an eyebrow. "You look tense."
"Fine," she sighed. "I can't believe I'm saying this to you of all people- but you won't let me say or do anything stupid, right? I'm not used to parties like these. I can't afford to humiliate myself in front of seriously influential people."
Asher chuckled. "Relax. I got this. Now come on, meet my parents."
Lexi took a deep breath as Asher led her over to where Judge Millstone was standing with his wife. She tried to force a smile on her face as Asher hugged his mother and kissed her on the cheek. "Happy Anniversary," he said to them with a smile. "Wow, Mom, you look great."
Mrs. Millstone smiled. She seemed like a very friendly woman and Lexi felt a little more relaxed. "Thank you, darling. And who's this?" she asked, turning to look at Lexi.
"This is my girlfriend, Alexis Gray," Asher replied, sounding a little smug. Lexi couldn't help but wonder exactly how many times Asher had had girlfriends that he could bring home to his parents. Somehow, she imagined most of his sexual experiences were with escorts and girls he picked up at bars. "She's in my class and she works for Annalise Keating too."
Alexis smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said quickly, to both of them. Judge Millstone gave her a nod and then turned to speak to another man that approached them. Lexi felt slightly hurt, but then, she didn't know what she'd expected. He wasn't going to spend time talking to his son's arm candy. She turned to look at Asher, whose face had dropped slightly. "Are you okay?" she asked him.
"Fine," he muttered. "Come on, let's go get a drink."
Asher was quiet for most of the evening. Lexi was surprised- he almost always had something to say, but he seemed content to just stand there in a corner and drink. Lexi had hoped to meet a few people, but it didn't seem like that was going to happen. "Asher," she muttered, after they'd stood alone and in a stony silence for almost ten minutes straight. "If you don't want to be here, we should just leave."
Asher looked up at her, seeming to realize how he was behaving. "What? No, I- I should introduce you to some people, right? That's why you came. I see Senator Wilkins right there, I know him, let's-"
"No," Lexi cut him off. "I don't want you to force yourself to introduce me to people, I'm not that cheap. You seemed fine on the way here, and now you're silent and this is your fifth drink. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Asher muttered.
"Okay. Well, do you at least want to dance?"
He nodded and led her out to the floor where couples were moving to slow music. Lexi put her arms around his neck. Asher placed his hands on her back, but he refused to look into her eyes. His gaze was fixed on the floor, and Lexi felt uncomfortable. He wasn't even trying to grope her ass. She placed a palm on his cheek and turned his head so he was looking at her. "Asher. You're not even looking at me. Do you want me to leave or something?' she asked quietly.
"No." Asher said firmly, with a sigh. "Look, I'm sorry. I asked you to come here and now I'm ruining it for you. Are you sure you don't want to meet Senator Wilkins? He's a really funny guy, cracks fart jokes and everything."
Lexi cracked a smile, and Asher returned it hesitantly. "I'm fine. I just want to make sure you are too. I know it's none of my business, but… is it something to do with your Dad? Why you're acting all quiet?"
"Look, forget it. I'm fine," Asher replied with a shrug. "We've never really talked, right? Tell me something about you."
"You've seen me naked, what more can you possibly want?" Lexi joked.
"I don't know. I mean, we've been sleeping together but I don't know anything except for the fact that you're studying to be a lawyer and you've known Connor since you were a kid. Thanks for telling me that he's gay, by the way," he added with a frown. "You could have mentioned that when I asked if you were sleeping with him."
"I don't know. I think it was cute seeing you get all jealous," she teased.
"Please. I do not get jealous. Anyway, forget about sex for a minute-"
Lexi mock gasped. "Did Asher Millstone just say 'forget about sex'?"
"Oh ha ha, you're cracking me up here. Hilarious," he replied, his fingers slowly moving down to grasp her ass. Lexi smiled. Well, at least he was somewhat back to normal. "Tell me about your family. Did you grow up here?"
Lexi smiled. "I did. My Dad's an ex-cop. He got a permanent injury in his leg saving a little girl during a shooting, and now he can't walk without a crutch. So he retired from the police force and he does some work for my uncle's business now and then. His options are limited, really, he's usually at home. Mom's a high school teacher. She quit her job after I was born but she started working again after Dad's injury to sustain the family financially."
There was something different about the way Asher looked at her as she spoke. It wasn't the usual lust, or carefree joking expression. There was something serious about it, and it made her slightly uncomfortable. She didn't know this side of Asher. He wasn't as easy to predict as the horny rich college kid. "You're in law school on scholarship," he stated.
"Yeah," she muttered. "Well, for tuition, at least. I took a loan from my uncle before I started here. He runs a business in New York, he doesn't have any kids, so… he lends me money when I need it, and lets me pay him back without interest."
Asher looked down at her. "Hmm. He sounds cool."
"Yeah. My parents don't really know that I borrow money from him sometimes," Lexi admitted. "I made him promise not to tell my Dad."
"Why?"
"It's…. it's hard to explain," Lexi replied. She frowned, wondering why she was even telling Asher all this. She'd never really talked to anyone about it besides Connor, and that was because he'd been there when it all happened. "I don't want my parents to feel like they can't provide for me, you know? I mean, they're amazing. I love my Dad, and I know that he would do anything for me. I don't want him to feel guilty about having to leave his job. He's a hero, and I never want him to regret saving that girl. I'm proud of him."
Asher smiled. "Yeah. I know what you mean. I'm proud of my Dad too."
"Of course you are. I mean, Judge Millstone got to where he is all by himself. Your dad's a role model for anyone joining the legal career. It's not easy to maintain such a spotless reputation."
"Feels good when someone praises your parents, doesn't it?" Asher asked softly. "I've always wanted to be like my Dad. I mean, he's achieved so much and I know he cares about me, I just… I just sometimes wish he'd stop and see how much I admire him, you know? And maybe tell me that he's as proud of me as I am of him. I know it's stupid and selfish, but-"
Lexi could hear his voice break slightly, and her she felt a sudden rush of affection for him. Asher Millstone might seem insensitive and tactless, but there was a child inside of him that just needed to be appreciated. Moving closer, Lexi rested her head on his shoulder. It felt odd- being in his arms in this way. They'd only ever embraced in lust. "It's not selfish," she whispered.
"No?" he asked. She could feel his head resting on top of hers gently as she pressed her cheek into the soft material of his suit. His aftershave smelled amazing.
"No. Everyone wants to feel loved. It's human nature. Sometimes people don't show their love, but that doesn't mean it's not there. They're just having trouble expressing it."
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
He didn't ask her to come back to his place, and Lexi didn't suggest it either. The car ride back to Lexi's apartment was quiet. She could sense that there was something different; Asher had revealed a part of him to her that she didn't think he shared with anyone before and she wondered if he was regretting it.
"Hey, I'm sorry about tonight," he said quietly as he walked her to her apartment door. "I know it was kind of a bust. I'll make it up to you, if you'll let me."
Lexi shook her head. "It wasn't a bust. I planned to meet a lot of people, but I ended up getting to know one person a lot better. It was worth it. I didn't realize there was more to you than just sex and dirty jokes, Millstone."
Asher smiled as he leaned against the wall. He had his arms crossed over his chest and he was surprised when Lexi moved closer and kissed him. Her hand moved to rest on his cheek and he froze, unsure what to do. There was something sweet and gentle about the way she was kissing him; Asher had never really experienced it before. He slowly pressed his lips back to hers but before he could even move to touch her, Lexi had pulled away.
"Good night," she whispered.
"Night."
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
A/N – I would love to hear more feedback on this story. Anything I can do to improve would be great, I have never written a story that follows a TV show's plotline so closely so let me know if the scenes that repeat from the show are boring or if I should keep doing the same thing.
While I am a first year law student and the law is not entirely unfamiliar to me, I know very little of the American system. All I know about the legal system in the US is what I've learned from watching shows like The Practice and HTGAWM itself. If I make any factual errors, in this or any future chapters, do let me know.
Thanks guys. Merry Christmas!