Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
XANDER
T he round of applause that greets me as I stride into Ty and Sasha’s place is like music to my ears. Mia wolf whistles wildly as Gem, Sasha, and London dance around, hooting and hollering like banshees.
Bending, I offer the girls a deep bow. “Thank you. Thank you. You’re far too kind.”
Bopping past them, I can’t help but think, this is how I should be greeted whenever I walk into a room. What’s even better? They came to that conclusion on their own.
This isn’t the reception I expected when I saw London again, but I’ll take it. It’s only when I make it into the family room that I reconsider their reaction, which I guess says a lot about me.
Ty, Eli, and Drew’s snickers blare in my ears and I come to an abrupt halt as I take in the large, open room. About six easels are lined up behind the couch, each covered in a poster sized image. Smaller images litter the couch cushions and coffee table. Snaps of… me?
The girls titter behind me as I take everything in. Me in navy or hunter green briefs, which means they are from my competitive swimming college days.
The room grows quiet, everyone waiting with bated breath as I walk from each blown-up image.
Stopping at the most offensive photograph, several bursts of laughter escape as I take in all the chaos.
The image captured me standing, hands in the air, cheering on my teammate. But it’s the tufts of dark pubes overlapping the bands of my suit at my waist and thighs that really draw the eye. Holy fuck. I look like I’m smuggling troll dolls and black Brillo pads between my legs.
Sliding to the next one, my gaze flickers over the picture quickly.
Standing beside the pool, I admire my cut physique. College me was a motherfucking beast. Then I see it. A saggy as fuck crotch with a nonexistent cock. This is rude AF! Moving the fuck on.
Someone snorts behind me as my hand goes to my chest, inspecting. Those aren’t my nipples. Are those moobies?
A small smile starts to creep in at the next poster. Still no cock but an overinflated moose knuckle. Okay, that’s actually impressive.
This last one has mysterious brown stains on the back of my green uniform and thighs, but it’s the look on my face, eyes wide in surprise that says, Whoopsie , that makes me want to burst out laughing, but I cover it with a cough.
An intricate ass butterfly tattoo at the base of my spine is the last shot. I don’t even think I could sit still for that long.
Turning abruptly, I stroll by each poster again. Someone has clearly mastered photoshop.
London, seemingly unable to take my silence anymore, makes her way over to me, holding up a smaller postcard sized image.
“I had no idea you were such a prolific swimmer, stud. Would you sign this for me?” She bats her lashes, as if I can’t see right through her fake nice shit.
“Of course. Anything for a fan.” Snatching the marker, I sign her card, the one with the overgrown bush, with a flourish and a predatory smile. Choke on a dick!
Flinging it back to her, I turn to the room. “Damn! My abs were insane. I need to get my shit together and get back into the gym.”
My guys erupt into laughter, and I whisper in her ear, “You’re going to have to do better than this, babycakes. I do love to see you flop and flounder, but I don’t want you to hurt yourself. However, for once, you’re right. I was and still am a fucking stud. If you want me to sign a real poster for you to hang up on your wall so you can watch me while you stroke that perfect little pussy every night before bed, let me know. I’m always willing to help a beautiful woman in need.”
I don’t wait for her biting retort. Striding around the couch, the guys all dap me up and clap me on the back as I say, “Who’s next? I’m happy to sign anything for my fans.”
The girls ignore me as London rejoins them and they head over to the kitchen. Ty gestures with his chin and we follow him over to his massive black and brass bar that runs along the wall of his dining room. He steps behind it, ready to play mixologist.
It’s Friday, the night of our weekly catch-up dinner, but before these two settled down we used to lavish ourselves with decadent fare, libations, and the beautiful women Chicago has to offer. Instead, I received a text from Sasha that London wasn’t feeling well, and she didn’t want to leave her home alone, so we’d be having dinner at their place so she could keep an eye on her.
Lies. These girls are sneaky and here I thought Sasha was on my team.
“Bourbon. You already know.”
Ty nods, preparing our drinks. Excusing himself, he carries a tray of drinks into the kitchen, vodka soda for Sasha, tequila rocks for Mia, champagne for Gem, and white wine for London. He’s fucking whipped.
But I can’t help but watch as Sasha thanks him, her eyes big with little hearts floating out of them, as he picks her up, bringing her up to his height so they are eye to eye. I give a little grumble as something twinges in my chest. Could I have that? I can’t stop the question from reverberating in my mind as I watch them. They’re good for each other and I’m happy that my friend found his perfect match.
Glancing over to London, I notice her watching them with a soft smile on her face. The rest of us are used to them, Gem and Eli too, but these overt signs of love and affection between her cousin and his wife are new for her. Ty offers Sash one more kiss before he sets her gently on her feet, kisses her head, and returns to the bar.
Pouring my drink and refreshing everyone else’s, he finally meets my gaze. “Sorry, man. I had no idea they were setting you up like that.”
Drew and Eli finally pull their faces out of their phones. “No worries. I’m confident it was all London and everyone else was just along for the ride.”
They laugh as I intended. “I don’t know what it is about me that has her panties in a bunch, but I’ll figure it out.”
I say it with a smile, but I mean it. It’s all fun and games if underneath it all she enjoys these little games we play, but if not, I’ll work harder to win her over and then bend her over. She’s been hard to figure out, to get close to, but something tells me most men disappoint her. Her little tricks, that smart ass mouth, cuts them off at the knees, and she knows it. It’s like her fucking armor.
Tuning the guys out as they rib each other and talk shit, I watch London, unabashedly as she drinks and hangs with the girls. As if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders, she’s now light, carefree, that hint of sparkle is back as she watches them, that soft smile on her beautiful lips, laughs freely, and shit talks right along with them. I like this side of her. I like it a lot and I want to see more of it.
As if feeling my heated gaze travel down the soft curves of her body, over the tantalizing swell of her breasts propped up in her fitted pink tank, flowing over those shapely thighs encased in black leggings, she looks up suddenly, our eyes clashing. Instantly we’re two titans, sizing each other up, scanning the other for weaknesses as we prepare for battle.
Desire flares in my gut but by that sexy scowl of hers, it is not reciprocated. I just have to get her to trust me, maybe she just needs to get to know me better. Because for some odd reason, that’s what I want. I need to know more about the mysterious London Cameron. One minute, she's funny and flirty. The next, she acts like she hates my guts. And after the way I rearranged hers, I have no clue why. She should be thanking me.
Blowing her a kiss does me no favors as she salutes me with her middle finger and a smile. Ah, there’s my girl.
Ignoring Eli and Ty’s boring ass work conversation, I turn to Drew. “Dude, what’s been up with you? You’ve been missing in action lately. Work kicking your ass?”
He smiles, and there’s a softness in his gaze. “Something like that. Shit’s been a little crazy. But I’m handling it. What about you? London has it out for your ass.”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Don’t I fucking know it. I just don’t know if she really means it. One minute she’s laughing, having fun with me, and the next minute she seems to remember she hates me. I gotta figure her pretty ass out.”
His eyes widen. “Oh, fuck.”
I avert my gaze. “What?”
“You forget how well I know your ass and the look on your face says it all. You like her. More than just a hook up or the usual women you play with. But she’s different. She’s a challenge and that’s why you don’t know what to do.”
“Believe me, I know what to do with that ass.”
He doesn’t laugh, just shoves me in the shoulder. “Knock that shit off. You know that’s not what I mean. I’m not saying this is some Eli and Ty forever type shit, but she’s different from the women who usually seek you out. You have to work for it. She’s not the one to beg and plead for your attention and you’re just not use to that.”
The thought of London begging and pleading chubs me up. Her blindfolded, hands tied, and on her knees for me is even better. Risking another glare from her, I glance her way again before turning back to Drew.
“Dude, I don’t know.”
Nodding sagely, as if he has all the answers, he adds, “Let’s think back to all the tall tales you’ve told. All those beautiful ladies. The crazy ass predicaments you’ve found yourself in over the years. You know what the difference is?”
I sigh. “No, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”
“They initiated it. They pursued you. You of course had an insane story to tell us but so did they and you were the star. Alexander Grant.” He does some jazz hands shit. “Now, the shoe is on the other foot.”
I hesitate before saying, “That’s the most ridiculous shit I’ve ever heard.”
He shrugs, not giving a shit. “Maybe. But it’s probably true. Don’t worry. If it makes you feel any better, now that she’s moving here and you’ll see her all the time, you’ll get over her shiny newness in no time.”
A spark of annoyance flares in my gut, and I bristle at his words, looking over at her again. Shiny newness? She is the light I’m drawn to in any room , I can’t help but think with a frown.
“Oh, you didn’t like that.”
Turning back to Drew, I meet his gaze over the rim of my glass before gulping the rest down.
“No, the fuck I didn’t.”
“What part?”
I glare, leaning in. “All of it, asshole.”
Throwing his head back, Drew’s laugh rings out, drawing everyone’s attention.
“What’s so funny?” Mia calls out. “I haven’t heard Drew laugh like that in too long.”
Everyone murmurs their agreement as the girls join us around the bar. But my mind is whirling at his words. You can lie to yourself but not to the people who know you and your grimiest shit, and they love you anyway.
“We’ve missed you, Drew. You work way too hard,” Mia says as she comes over and gives him a hug. Gem and Sasha join her, and they all struggle to squeeze the life out of him, and I smile as he fights to get out of their grips. Eli and Ty get pulled into it and before long, they’re all screaming and chasing each other around the house. I don’t even want to know what happens when the girls get caught.
Making my way over to London at the end of the bar, I stop beside her stool, close enough she has to look up at me through dark lashes. Her golden green eyes already captivate me as she offers a knowing smile.
“No, I won’t play Hide and Go Get It with you.”
I growl, actually fucking growl, at the thought. “Your mind. Gutter,” I say against her ear as she shivers. “Should I call you my gutta girl?”
Pushing me away, her hand flutters against her ear, like she misses the feel of my lips. “Get out of here. It’s you with your mind in the gutter.”
“Hey.” My hands go up, showing her my palms. “I came down here to ask you about job prospects and your apartment search. You started by tossing out fantasies of mine.”
“Hide and Go Get It is a fantasy of yours?” she whispers, her hand coming to her chest.
I follow the movement, licking my lips as her breaths begin to quicken. “Here you go again. Chasing you down and fucking you where I find you? Yes, as of today, it’s my number one fantasy,” I whisper.
Our eyes collide again but this time, her shields are down. As I step closer, her gaze softens, holding mine as she surrenders to this push and pull between us, ready to embrace the give and get.
Her tongue flicks out to moisten her already shiny bottom lip and I suppress a groan, following the movement with my eyes. Not being able to taste her has haunted me for months and I long for just a sip from her lips. She must feel the same, as she turns to face me, opening her legs, and pulling closer with a grip to the front of my shirt. Magnificent eyes rise to meet mine and my heart pounds in anticipation.
Our breaths mingle and heads tilt, and as her eyes drift shut, a scream pierces the air. In unison we jump, the sound snapping her from my trance. Pulling away, she shakes her head with a laugh before meeting my eyes again.
“Nice try, Alex.”
Alex? The fuck. Three steps forward, ten steps back.
I shake my head. “There you go, running again. I don’t know what I have to do to prove to you that this is happening, that we’re happening, but I’ll do it.”
She ignores me, jerking away from the bar. “I-I’m going to grab, um, something…” she trails off as she looks around, making a beeline for the pantry.
Done with the games and not too proud to chase, I follow right behind her. Her back is to me, the motion sensor lights shining down on her, and as she turns to me, those beautiful eyes wide like I surprised her, she’s the most wonderous woman I’ve ever seen.
“When are you going to figure it out?” I growl, prowling toward her. “Wherever you go, I’ll follow. I’ll chase. Hunt. Capture.”
Her gasp fills the space, but she stands tall, waiting for me to stop before her.
“Xander.” Her voice is flat, defeated, and I hate the sound instantly.
“What? You want to keep pushing me away? Go ahead, but I’ll just push back harder.”
“To what end? What’s the point of any of this?” Her eyes hold mine as if I have an answer for whatever this is that’s between us, pulling us together like magnets.
Shaking my head, I grip her chin, my eyes roaming over her face. “This can be whatever we want it to be. Fun. Sexy. An escape,” I murmur, bending, ready to claim her and her plump lips. “Seal it with a…”
The whisper of breath between our lips evaporates as we move in unison. She’s finally done running, even as her eyes drift closed, mine remain open, too afraid to miss even a second of this. Our lips meet for the barest of moments, sending my heart racing, before we come together in a desperate sweep of our lips and I groan, ready to fucking devour her.
Her eyes fly open, her hands shooting up to grab my wrist. “Xander.”
Pain and disappointment flash through my chest like a bolt of lightning, and all I can do is wrap my arms around her and drop my forehead to hers.
“I’m a patient man, London Cameron. Everything in me tells me this will all be worth it.”
Brushing the briefest kiss to her temple, I turn, leaving her with the words I didn’t intend to fall from my lips.