Wild Promises (The Wilde Brothers #4)

Chapter 15

15

XANDER

I felt so good after our lunch the other day, and we'd promised to practice kissing that evening. When Tori got home, she'd gone to her room, complaining of a headache. I think it had something to do with the doctor she had met, but she hadn't shared any more information.

So I'd met with a realtor, giving her my criteria for my ideal house, and we were supposed to go look at places when she found some that ticked all the boxes. But first, we had the ball on Saturday. I'd told my brothers I was coming with Tori, and I hoped she hadn't changed her mind about our fake relationship. I needed her to prove to my brothers that I'd changed.

Eli was thrilled about the holiday lights trail, as we were now calling it. He'd advertised it on social media and asked that it be included on the town's website on the list of holiday outings. We were getting an uptick of guests who'd come just to ski that trail.

I was happy that something I'd created was important for the business. I never thought of myself as business savvy, but maybe I had a few skills I didn't give myself credit for.

I got dressed in my room, my hands shaking as I attempted to wrangle the bow tie. I intended to go outside and knock on the door like this was a real date. I even had flowers for her. But I couldn't get the bow to bend to my will.

When there was a soft knock, I said, "Come in."

Tori opened the door and stepped inside. She wore an emerald-green dress that cupped her breasts, lifting them as if offering them to me on a silver platter. The material dipped at the waist and flared out slightly at the hips.

"Do you need help?" Tori asked, already moving in my direction, but all I could clock was the slit on her leg that gave me a peekaboo of bare skin as she walked.

Before I could respond, she stood in front of me, her hands on the tie and a slight smile on her face. "Why didn't you say you needed help?"

My mouth was dry and my heart hammering. "I thought I could do it."

Tori laughed, and it was the sweetest sound I'd ever heard. "Typical man."

"You look gorgeous."

Tori finished the tie and patted it with a satisfied smile. "And you're handsome."

The collar felt tight. Too tight. My hand landed on her hip, and I pulled her into my body. "Weren't we supposed to practice something the other night?"

All my good sense had flown out the window. All I could think about was how good she looked and felt. Her scent was swirling around me, luring me into her world.

Her tongue darted out and licked her lower lip. "Kissing?"

I gripped her hip more tightly. "You were going to kiss me." That wasn't exactly the truth, but I needed her to make the first move. I felt like a cave man, touching her like this and making demands.

"Was I now?" Her voice was soft, sultry.

What was happening? I was the one that was supposed to be in control, but I was quickly spiraling, getting lost in her seduction. "Yes, you were."

Her hand curled around my neck, playing with the hair at the base, sending tingles down my spine. Then she lifted onto tiptoes and pulled me down to meet her. Her touch was tentative, as if she was asking permission, but when I opened my mouth for her tongue, she dove in, licking, tasting, and exploring.

I pressed her tight to my body as I angled her head to the perfect position. I wanted more. I needed more. I ground my erection into her belly, needing her to know how she affected me.

She moaned into my mouth, pressing her tits against my chest. I could feel the hard points through the thin, silky material of her dress. She wasn't wearing a bra. Was she wearing a thong, or had she gone completely bare? I was driving myself crazy imagining what she looked like under her dress. How easy it would be to slip my hand in that slit and touch miles of soft skin.

Was she already wet for me?

But she'd pulled back, dropping down to her heels. I wanted to snatch her back to me, continuing the kiss until I didn't know where I ended and she began.

"How was that?" Tori smoothed her hair, then rubbed lipstick off my face with an unaffected expression on her face.

What was I supposed to say? It was fine? Passable but could be better? Why didn't she feel what I did? Something had shifted between us, but she was carefree and I was strung tight. "That was good."

Tori smiled as if she'd won an award, then said, "We should probably get going."

"I'll need a minute." I gestured in the general direction of my throbbing dick, which was weeping at her nonchalance. I wanted her to drop to her knees and tug my zipper down. But that thought wasn't helping me calm down.

With a smirk, Tori said, "I'll be waiting for you in the living room." Then she was gone, leaving behind her scent and the feel of her body pressed against mine. I didn't think she'd be waiting naked for me in the living room. But the thought of that made it take longer for me to calm down.

When I was finally under control, I walked into the living room. This apartment was too small for the both of us. When I approached, she stood and slipped on her heels, throwing a coat over her shoulders.

I felt like I was moving through quick sand. I should have rushed to help her put her coat on, but my brain was mush.

She opened the door, and I said, "I got you flowers. They're in the truck. I meant to go outside, get them, and then knock on the door like a?—"

Tori's eyes softened. "Real date."

I nodded. "Yeah. Like that."

"Could you do that now? Can you pretend you didn't already see me in my dress and kiss me senseless?"

"Yeah, okay. I can do that." I needed the cold air on my skin. I didn't bother grabbing a coat. Just opened the door and jogged down the steps. I took a few seconds in the cab of my truck to talk to myself. This is fake. It's not real. No matter how real that kiss felt. Tori didn't want me like I wanted her.

She hadn't asked for a repeat of the other night and hadn't been excited about our scheduled practice session for kissing. Most importantly, she was unaffected by what we'd just shared. I felt off balance, and she just went about life as usual. Like nothing had changed for her, when everything was different for me.

I finally grabbed the bouquet of flowers, breathing in their scent before carrying them up the stairs and knocking on my door. It was a little weird to knock on my own door, but it felt right. Tori deserved to be treated like the queen she was.

When she opened the door, I was struck all over again by how stunning she was. Her blond hair was half up in some kind of bun and the rest curled around her shoulders, the bright color contrasting nicely with the deep green of her dress.

I handed her the bouquet. "You're beautiful."

She buried her nose in the blooms. "You already said that."

"And I'll probably say it a million more times tonight." Apparently, I had no filter anymore.

She lowered the flowers, revealing a smile. "Let me put these in water. Then we'll get going."

I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. My heart was thumping hard, and I didn't know what to do with my hands. I'd been out with many women, but it was usually meeting for drinks at a bar. I hadn't taken a girl out in forever, and I'd never done the thing where I met the girl's parents or brought her flowers.

It just meant that this thing with Tori was even more special. But then I remembered; this wasn't real. Even if it felt like it was.

Tori grabbed a vase from underneath the sink, filled it with water, then trimmed the stem of each flower carefully before arranging them. It was just enough time for me to panic.

My breath was coming in short pants, and my heart felt like it was racing out of control. Was this a panic attack?

When the flowers were arranged just so, Tori's gaze lifted to meet mine. "Are you okay?"

"I'm just nervous about my family. They can be a lot." Although tonight would just be my brothers. My parents were traveling again this holiday.

Tori came around the counter, looping her arm through my elbow. "Don't worry. We've got this."

I wasn't so sure I had anything. After that kiss, I was more confident than ever that Tori was the one for me, but I wasn't seeing that same realization in her. My greatest fear was that this relationship was one-sided, that Tori didn't see it as anything more than what it was, a fake arrangement. Once it had served its purpose, she'd be gone.

I escorted her out of the apartment and to my truck. I helped her climb into the passenger seat. Then I shut the door. I sucked in the cold air, hoping it would freeze my lungs and maybe my overactive brain.

I turned on the heat, ensuring the vents were pointed toward Tori.

"What is the winter ball?" she asked. "I don't remember there being one before."

"This is the first one. I'm not sure what to expect. But it was Scarlett's idea. She enjoys entertaining, and she thought it would be fun for locals and guests to participate."

"Who doesn't love an excuse to dress up and dance?"

I chuckled. "I can't say that's my favorite thing in the world." But I'd do it to make Tori happy. I didn't want to think about how many dances there were during her college and med school years that she attended with other men.

"You prefer to be outdoors," Tori said simply, and I reached over and squeezed her hand which was resting on her thigh.

Tori understood me in a way no one else did. "That's true. How are you feeling about staying in Telluride now that you've been here for a bit?" I desperately needed to change the subject, get it off of me and my reaction to her.

Tori let out a breath. "I love it here. It just sucks that I can't get everything I want."

I became instantly alert to her words. "What do you want?"

"My father's practice. I wouldn't mind working with him for a few years, transitioning him out of the office, before I officially took over. Maybe by then, I'd have the funds to purchase the place outright."

"I think that's it. You should talk to someone at the bank, figure out what could be done."

Instead, Tori sighed. "That's not what Dad wants."

"How do you know if you don't talk to him?" I saw my life flashing in front of me, and whether I was with Tori or not, she was in my life. I felt that in my soul.

"He wants to sell and get that lump sum of cash."

I wasn't so sure about that. "But this is different. He'd still be able to work for a while while you saved the money to pay him in installments. I think it could work."

"I told myself I wouldn't interfere with the sale. I want my father to be happy, and this is what he wants." Tori looked out the window, her tone dismissive.

I wanted to insist that it wouldn't hurt to ask, but this was Tori's decision. I wouldn't interfere. I pulled up to the valet, letting the attendant park the truck. When I met Tori on the sidewalk, she said, "This is so fancy."

There were couples walking in, women in gowns and men in tuxes. I took her hand and followed them inside, where another attendant took our coats and handed me the coat check numbers. I wanted to be a good date tonight. I wanted to show Tori that I could be the man for her. I'd started out this arrangement proving something to my brothers, but it was Tori I wanted to impress.

We entered the ballroom, where the lights were dim and twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, giving the room a magical glow.

"This is so nice," Tori said, her voice full of aw.

Scarlett and Eli appeared in front of us. "I'm so glad you could make it. It's so good to see you again, Tori." Scarlett hugged Tori, talking about her being back in town. Eli moved closer to me, keeping his hand on Scarlett's lower back.

Those two practically orbited around each other. It made me long for something similar. "How is the new house?" I could make small talk like anybody else.

"We're settling in. Thinking of having a house warming party here soon."

I was wondering when he was going to officially invite us over. I'd wanted to give them space for a while. They'd hired a moving company, not needing our assistance to move. "Isn't that what this is?"

Eli clasped my shoulder briefly. "You have a lot to learn about relationships and parties. You can have one for every occasion. But maybe you'll get those lessons now."

I was eager to learn. I wanted to be the man for Tori. I just wished some of this came naturally to me or that I'd practiced on other women. It felt new, which was scary. "I'm learning as I go."

Eli nodded.

"It's so good to see you two. We're greeting everyone who's coming in for now. But hopefully we'll see you later on the dance floor." Scarlett winked at us before Eli wrapped an arm around her shoulder and guided her toward another couple who'd just walked in.

"It was good to see Scarlett again."

"Yeah, she's great." I was pleased that she and Eli had connected. She was good for him. I just wished I could have the same kind of relationship they did. I just wasn't sure I deserved it or that Tori wanted me.

"What should we do now?" Tori asked as she looked around the room.

"I believe we're supposed to mingle."

Tori curved her hand around my upper arm, standing so close to me; I could feel the swell of her breasts pressed against my elbow.

I wanted more, but it would have to wait. We had an evening of entertaining ahead of us.

"There's your sister, Kylie. Let's go say hello," Tori said.

I didn't protest when she led the way to the bar where Kylie stood with her husband, Tyler. Growing up, he hung around with us.

"I can't believe Kylie married Tyler. That must have shocked your older brothers."

"They weren't happy about it when they learned of it, but they were happy to have her home and working with us. She found her love in fundraising and doesn't do as much around the resort."

We stopped in front of them.

Kylie clasped her hands together. "You came."

"Why is everyone always surprised when I appear at these things?" I asked Kylie as she hugged me.

Kylie drew back, a smile on her face. "Because you rarely come, and when you do, you disappear after a few minutes."

I didn't respond because that was accurate.

Tori was in the process of telling Tyler her plans to come home and work with her dad. She didn't mention the sale. I assumed she didn't want anyone else to know about it. Or that it hurt too much to talk about.

Tonight, we were supposed to be proving to everyone that we were the real deal. I wouldn't do or say anything to mess up Tori's plans.

"I'm so happy that you two finally got together," Kylie said softly to me.

That surprised me because, as the youngest, she wasn't as involved in our relationships. As soon as she was old enough, she went to college and then onto Paris for work. "We'll see if I can hold onto her."

Kylie's startled gaze darted to mine. "Are you worried?"

"Petrified." The no-filter thing was still in full effect with my sister.

"All you can do is be honest about your feelings."

I almost scoffed at that, giving away everything. To Kylie, this was real. She didn't know it was a ruse to garner respect from our families. I'd gotten myself into this ridiculous situation and didn't know how to navigate it. How do you tell your fake girlfriend that your feelings for her were real?

You didn't if you wanted everything to work out. I promised her I'd help her get her father's practice. I couldn't change the rules now.

"It's so sweet to watch my brothers fall, one by one. First it was Eli and now you."

"Har har. I'm so glad it's entertaining for you." I wanted to throw an arm around her neck and give her a noogie, but I was fairly positive Tyler would have something to say about that. Kylie wasn't just my little sister who I could torment anymore. She was a functioning adult, who didn't deserve my roughhousing. Besides, I was supposed to be more mature now.

Kylie rested a hand on my arm. "I don't find it funny. I'm just happy for you."

"Thanks," I said before Tyler asked me, "How're the ski lessons going?"

"Busy as usual." For the first time, I felt a little odd talking about my job. "Ski instructor" didn't quite measure up to Tyler's business ownership. He ran a construction company with his brothers. If I wanted the same respect, I needed to be more involved in the business, like Oliver and Eli had been saying all along. Why hadn't I seen it before?

"I heard you built a holiday trail," Tyler said, respect in his voice.

"I hung some lights," I said, a little uncomfortable with the attention.

"I heard it's pretty magical. We'll have to check it out," Kylie said.

"I hope people are enjoying it," I said.

When a man approached Tyler to talk construction, Kylie whispered in my ear. "Enjoy your evening."

"Thanks, Kylie. You too." We drifted away, and when Tori's parents entered the room, she stiffened.

"Want to go talk to them?"

Tori steeled herself. "We should."

"It's weird pretending in front of your parents, ya know?”

Pretend. How could I keep forgetting that all of this was an act for Tori. "Just remember; it's for a good cause."

Tori smiled at me. "You're right. Of course."

I led the way to her parents because I wasn't hiding from anyone anymore. "Dr. and Mrs. Clark. How are you this evening?"

"We're good. How are you two? Having fun?" Dr. Clark asked.

"So far, it's a lot of small talk. But we're hoping to get on the dance floor soon," Tori said, as if she didn't have a care in the world. Despite that show of nerves, she was at ease in her role as my doting girlfriend.

I needed to protect my heart, or it was going to be broken.