chapter 14
The next morning, I get up and head to the kitchen to eat, as I'm making oatmeal and brewing some coffee I hear Trina get out of her room. I turn towards her and she is dressed in her robe with her hair is in a loose bun just like mine was.
"Morning Trina!" I say grabbing her attention.
"Morning Nat, when did you get home?" She asks.
"I got back around 10. I have a lot to talk about." I say.
"I bet, but first let me get some coffee," she says while grabbing a mug out of the pantry and pour herself some from my brew.
When Trina is done getting her coffee and some cereal I begin filling her in on the events that happened the other day.
When I told her about my visit to my family's house she agreed that my response was justified and that I had a right to be angry at my own father.
After all, giving his own daughter away to an older man was completely wrong.
I then tell her Xander and I hung out at his place for dinner.
I left out the part where we had sex in my room because that was a private moment between him and I.
Trina was glad that my day wasn't completely ruined.
I eventually tell her that I agreed to meet Xander again for today to hang out and I ask for some opinions on what to wear for my so-called "date" with him.
Trina is more than happy to help with my outfit for today which is normal at this point.
Besides me going on with my family drama and night with Xander I ask her about her day to which I learned she ran all over downtown going to each appointment and running errands like a madwoman.
I applaud her for her patience for everything she had to get through the other day.
I look up at the clock and notice that I should start getting ready.
"Come on, let me see your options." She commands and I lead her to my closet.
About an hour later, Trina and I come to a decision over what I should wear.
We decide on some light washed skinny jeans, a simple white structured button-down blouse with short sleeves.
For my shoes, I stuck with comfort but Trina insists on style.
As a compromise, we decide on some flat ankle boots that I could last hours of walking in.
For my makeup, she keeps it light and simple.
As for my hair, she styles it half up and half down knowing it's going to be a little windy today.
When I'm done getting ready, I say my goodbyes to Trina and promising to give her a detailed summary of my date with Xander.
Before I head out my phone is flashing with a message from Xander letting me know that he is downstairs waiting for me.
With excitement, I quickly head downstairs towards the lobby.
Through the windows of the lobby, I see Xander's Tesla parked outside on the curb by my building.
When I get inside Xander's car I notice that he is once again dressed casually like he did the other day.
"Hey, Nat." He says and I'm taken aback from his use of my nickname. "What?" He asks as I buckle my seatbelt.
"You called me by my nickname. I only reserve that for friends and family." I confess.
"I believe I've earned the privilege." He says.
"I guess so," I chuckle. "So where are you taking me today?" I ask as Xander pulls out of my building.
"A place everyone in this town has visited." He says. I can only wonder the possibilities of where he could be taking me. Our drive doesn't take long and before I know it I can assume where we are headed towards.
"Pier 39?" I ask as Xander pulls into a private lot that has a valet service.
"It's just a stop," Xander says as he gets out of the car for the valet worker. Xander opens my door before I get the chance to open it. I look at him in surprise because no guy has ever opened my door. I thank him and we walk towards the pier. As we get towards the entrance Xander stops me midway.
"We're not going to the pier but we'll go later." He promises.
"So where are you really taking me?" I ask him again.
"We're going to walk to the docks first then meet someone there." He says.
"Okay..." I say slowly. Meet someone? What could he mean?
"Just trust me." He says holding out his hand before I tell him I do trust him and take his hand.
Holding hands together as we walk has made me realize that we are out in public and if the paparazzi where here we could be in serious trouble.
I look around feeling guarded at the moment but I remind myself that I shouldn't worry because we wouldn't be out if there were paparazzi and Xander would know if it would happen.
As we head towards what I assume are the private ports, Xander takes a key to open the gate in front of us that leads to the deck of the ports.
When we're passed the gate I follow Xander down a pathway of luxury boats.
Suddenly we stop in front of a white boat. No, not a boat it's a yacht.
"We're here," Xander tells me. By the yacht is a man who appears to be much older than both Xander and I. He is dressed in a sailing uniform.
"This is Arnold he'll be steering the boat for today."
Xander introduces him to me. Arnold shakes my hand and tells Xander the route he is sailing us as well as some other nautical details Xander should know.
When we're done talking Arnold shows us inside the yacht.
When we're in the yacht I'm taken aback at how different the interior of the ship is.
The boat is like a small apartment. It has a dining area, an open bar, and two rooms off to the side which I can assume are the bedrooms and the kitchen.
Out on the railing of the ship is a little seating area.
Arnold tells us if we need anything to let him know and to enjoy our short voyage.
"What do you think?" Xander asks while staring at me.
"I can't believe you own a yacht. Nevermind, I can believe it but I never thought you would take me on one." I say in disbelief.
"I've only had it for a few years." He explains while tucking a loose strand of my hair away from my face.
"I've never been on a boat like this since I was just a kid," I confess. I vaguely remember my father once took my mother and me on his boat when I was younger, but my father sold it soon as my mother died.
"I thought we could enjoy touring the pier for the afternoon. I hardly use this ship because I've gotten busy." He confesses.
"Well let's enjoy it," I say in agreement.
Arnold rings the bell indicating that he is leaving to port.
In the meantime, for us, we enjoy our slow descent through the bay.
The sight of the bay is calming and for once the December afternoon isn't too cold to sail out.
Xander and I enjoy our little voyage until he tells me that his chef has prepared lunch for us.
I must have missed his staff walk in and out because I was focusing on Xander.
We sit down at the dining table and the smell of the food makes my mouth water.
The food isn't anything too fancy it's just a simple chicken pasta dish paired with a salad and bread.
Xander and I continue to speak while we eat.
I continue to learn more about his sister and how she'll be flying back home for the holidays.
"That reminds me what do you do for Christmas?" He asks.
"I usually go to Trina's mother's house but this year she is spending it with Trina in Colorado until the first weekend of January. So really I'm not doing anything this year." I say.
"Would you like to spend it with me? I don't do much other than visiting my sister for the holidays." He explains.
"I would love to spend it with you but wouldn't you be spending it with your parents?" I ask.
"Why would I? I hardly go over there unless there's a problem."
He says and I assume that he doesn't visit his family because of his resentment towards his parents over his marriage.
I can see why he isolate himself from them but I hope the rift between them is resolved.
I decide to change the subject knowing not to press further.
"So what do you want to do that day?" I ask.
"How about dinner at my place? I know my sister won't be coming back till the day of Christmas." He says.
"Okay, and should I bring anything?" I ask wanting to know if I should help with dinner.
"No just you being there is enough." He says while looking at me.
When we're finished with our food, dessert is placed in front of us. The dessert is a sweet-tart that is filled with various fruits and berries. Once again, our plates are disregarded at the same time our little voyage around the bay is almost to an end as I see the port we came from.
When we are docked, Xander asks if I wanted to walk around the pier with him which I agree to.
We walk around hand in hand as we continue talking.
I'm thankful that this day has gone better than I expected and I'm glad no photographers have followed us.
As the sun begins to set Xander and I head back to the lot knowing our day together is coming to an end.
The car ride back is silent for a moment until we reach the familiar route to my apartment.
"I really enjoyed today," I say looking at him as I speak.
"I'm glad you did." He says as he gently squeezes my hand and I smile. When we approach my apartment, Xander parks on the curb in front of my building and turns towards me.
"I'll see you tomorrow." He says as he moves towards me to place a kiss on my forehead which I smile in response over his sweet but simple touch.
"Yes, I will," I answer back. I have to fight the urge to stay in the car when I leave and say our goodbyes. As I get inside the apartment I can't stop smiling. This day has really been an amazing one.
"I'm assuming your date with Xander went well?" Trina asks as I step further into the living room.
"Yes, it did," I say as I continue to smile.
"I guess it did because you're smiling more than usual. Where did he take you?" She asks and I sit down on the couch next to her.
"We went to the pier and hung out on his boat," I say.
"He has a boat?" Trina asks.
"It's more of a yacht," I slowly mention.
"Whoa!" She comments.
"I know!" I say.
"What else did you guys do?" She asks.
"We just talked and then he asked if I wanted to spend Christmas together. I said yes of course." Knowing her next question.
"Well, I guess you too are official." She says with a smile.
"Yeah, I guess we are," I say. We continue to talk until both of us head to our rooms.
I'm exhausted but I'm excited that I will see Xander at work tomorrow knowing that we are together.
After I get to bed I decide to check my phone before I go to sleep and I see a text message from Xander and it reads "Goodnight Natalia."
and I respond with "Goodnight Xander." I put my phone away and fall asleep dreaming of Xander and me on a boat together.
The next morning I wake up feeling refreshed for once.
While getting ready I decide on wearing a light blue fitted pencil dress that has a v-neck collar and three-quarter inch sleeves.
I decide to wear some low black heels and style my hair down in loose waves.
For my makeup, I keep it light and natural since I'm only going to the office.
When I make my way to the office I get a few glances but decide to ignore them.
As usual, I get my breakfast and Xander's coffee as I go on ahead to drop it off.
This time however Xander's office's light is on and I have to double-check the time on my phone to see if I'm late.
When I get inside I see Xander on the phone talking to someone and I decide on lightly knocking on his door to get his attention.
"Yeah I'll call you later and I promise I'll pick you up on time. I know! Don't remind me about that other time. Okay! I'll see you! Bye."
Xander says to his phone and turns towards me as I hand him his coffee.
I notice he is wearing a grey suit with a black skinny tie and black leather shoes. I swear he looks good in suits.
"That was my annoying sister." He says.
"Is something wrong?" I ask. while I set the coffee down on his desk.
"No. My sister decided to fly back early and asked that I pick her up tomorrow at the airport. I know it's an inconvenience but would you like to stay at my place tomorrow night? My sister is having dinner on Christmas day and I would like for you to come."
I don't know if I should go to his sister's but I really want to meet his family and I would like to spend those days with him.
I don't mind staying at his place because it would mean less time going back and forth between my apartment and his place.
"I would love to stay over at your place," I say.
"Good." He says. I'm anxious to stay at his place but at the same time, I'm excited because it will just be us too for most of Christmas Eve. Before I continue my thought I realize something.
"Also quick question. Why are you here early?" I ask. I'm usually the one that comes into the office before him.
"I wanted to see you before you got in and seeing you in that dress makes it worthwhile." He says as his eyes rake over my body and I blush.
"Thanks," I say. Xander walks closer towards me. I suddenly feel the warmth of his hand as he places it under my chin. I look up to meet his beautiful green eyes.
"If only you knew what you do to me." He says and tips his forehead to mine.
I'm close enough to reach his lips and feel his breath.
He looks at me and slowly he let his lips touch my own and I let my hands rest on his chest.
The presence of his touch makes me wild but I keep myself tame for the moment.
I don't ever want to break from his hold on me and when we stop kissing we are out of breath but I could still feel how fresh his touch was as well as his minted taste.
For a moment Xander lets his hands rest on my waist while mine continues to rest on his chest.
"Xander," I say softly.
"Natalia." He says back with a grin and I laugh at his response. I notice the clock and see that I have a minute to get back to my office. Great. I can't believe I have to work already.
"I have to go but I promise I'll be back," I say to him.
"You better." He says with a grin but before I leave Xander kisses me just as passionately as before and this time I make myself pull away even though I know I want to stay with him but I know I can't miss a minute of work.
Xander mockingly pouts when I pull away and I chuckle at his expression and take my leave to the office to begin my Monday morning.