Chapter 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
XANDER
“ A lright, folks, it’s been fun and all, but we'll see you later,” I call out while herding these tipsy fools toward the sprinter van. Glancing at London, she mouths, we, and I shoot her a wink.
“You're really gonna send us off in the van while you guys have that big ass bus to play on?” Eli calls.
“Hell yeah, get out of here. I got this chariot for my baby.” Shooting him a glare, hoping he takes the fucking hint, and repeat, “We'll see you guys later.” Their snickers hit my back as I usher London onto the bus, and I swear I can still smell the faint scent of sex in the air.
“The last time I had you on this bus, you were on your knees for me, ass up.”
Nodding, she laughs. “Yes, I do recall that.” Sitting on the long black bench seat, she crosses her legs as she watches me with bright eyes. The bus rumbles as it pulls away from the curb, and I sway a little before sliding onto the seat beside her.
“Where are you taking me, Mr. Grant?”
That Mr. Grant in her sexy rasp gets me every time and I can’t resist taking her hand in mine. “I want to see the city with you. I meant it when I said I want us to spend some time together. Just us, to get to know each other better.”
“I love how that sounds. I’m starting to like how your mind works.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” I can’t resist kissing her nose, the look on her face so soft and open. “Bill, our driver, is going to take us around but feel free to shout out any destinations we should see and after I have plans for you.” Checking my watch, I add, “A little surprise in about an hour.”
Tucking under my arm, London burrows in. “You know I love surprises.”
“I do, and I love being the one to surprise you. It’s one of my greatest pleasures,” I say, brushing a quick kiss to her temple.
The flickering lights of the city highlight her perfect upturned face and her soft smile in response sends a lick of warmth through me.
“You know,” she muses, “no one has ever taken the time to find all the little things to make me happy.”
“Babycakes, when it comes to you, I’ve got nothing but time.”
She hums, mischief flaring in her eyes. “I hope that’s not all you have for me.”
Our lips meet in a soft kiss, tongues sweeping, breaths mingling, and I know without a doubt that I’ll give her everything.
The bus pulls to a stop at our destination. Wide windows showcase the dim restaurant’s white tableclothed small round tables.
“Where are we?” Her lips are wet and kiss swollen as we finally part for more than the quick breaths to pull air into our lungs. I didn’t see a single lick of this city while we rode around. Instead preferring to sip from her lips, savoring the sweetness of her tongue, and kissing her as if the world was about to end.
Pointing to the sign, we share a laugh.
Bite Me.
London looks around and shakes her head. “Totally sounds like something I would say, but I don’t remember this place. Is it new? It must have popped up after I moved.”
Nodding, I say, “Well, my pretty girl has the sweetest tooth, so I thought I’d bring you here for some late-night treats. Bite Me is a dessert restaurant.” Her gasp of appreciation sends something warm through my gut.
“That’s right, baby. Everything. All the decadent treats you can imagine are here for you to get your cute little hands on.”
I caress her cheek, my thumb gliding over her silky skin before brushing gently across her swollen bottom lip.
“This is our official first date. What do you say?”
My eyes remain locked on her as hers trail over my face before flicking down to the hand she has gripped in my shirt before she gives an infinitesimal nod. Victory soars through me as I cup her face in my hands.
“You can trust me, London. Please trust that I want to be here with you.”
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip before she nods again, and my grin spreads a mile wide. Pulling her to me, I drop a quick kiss to her lips.
“Come on. It’s time to stuff that mouth with something almost as good as me.”
Standing, I keep a good grip on her ass before she slides down my body to straighten her dress, covering up all that delicious thigh that I love.
“Here, baby.” Helping her into her coat, I run a hand through her mussed hair. “You’re perfect.”
She’s all smiles as we step off the bus and before I can knock, a young dude in a white shirt, black pants, and vest opens the door.
“Welcome to Bite Me . Please, come in. May I take your coat, ma’am?”
“No, thank you.”
Nodding, he clasps his hands in front of his body. “Very good. Please follow me.”
Waving a hand, I gesture for London to walk ahead of me, my hand immediately coming down to rest on her ass and she gives a little wiggle, shooting me a wink over her shoulder.
Wrapping my arms around her waist, I bury my nose in her hair, whispering, “You’re looking too delectable for me to keep my hands to myself.”
Our waiter stands, waiting patiently at an elevator. “We’ve prepared our private viewing room for you. This elevator will take you up to the next floor. Please settle in and someone will be with you in a few moments.”
Slapping a few bills into his hand, we thank him before he sends us to the next floor. The room is a decent size for a small party. The walls are made completely of glass and offer us boundless views of the entire restaurant and kitchen below.
The main dining room is awash in luxurious textures, including pink velvet and white marble, paired with gold accents. Gold open face shelving lines the wall behind the bar that runs the length of the far-right wall. The bar is covered in a stone of pale pinks and creams, golds and yellows and gold inlay and gold stools.
Our white marble dining table again captures the decadence of this evening with an array of gold candelabras with pale pink candles, and pink and white bouquets in ornate gold vases. Everything about this place screams London and I’m happy, for once, someone’s online reviews and pictures are not just accurate but exceed expectations.
The table erected in the center of the room gives us a bird’s eye view of the team below bustling around the kitchen pulling trays from the industrial ovens to cool. Before I can pour up the champagne chilling on the table, another waiter appears, stepping off the elevator.
Removing the bottle from my hands, he prepares two glasses. “Mr. and Mrs. Grant.” A small squeak of protest falls from London’s lips, but I keep my eyes trained on the waiter.
“I’m here to answer any questions you may have while they prepare your tasting.” He gestures below. “I must say, we’re excited to create everything on the menu, as requested. Please feel free to observe our chefs below and enjoy.” He nods before returning to the elevator.
Wide eyes meet mine and we stare at each other as the whir of the elevator slips through the room.
“Mr. and Mrs. Grant?”
I shrug, wanting to tell her I like the sound of it, but that may just push her away.
If it’s possible, her eyes grow even larger, and I make the decision to move things along. Swiping the menu from the table, I flip it over, holding it up for my lovely date to peruse.
The dramatic intake of breath that’s pulled from London is hilarious as she stares at the thick pale pink and gold cardstock with the tasting menu.
“Xan,” she whispers, “this is all so incredible, but I don't want them to have to do any extra work for us.”
“Don't you worry, babycakes. For one, you deserve it all. But the chef, she’s such a boss and guaranteed tonight wouldn’t be a problem. Besides, doesn’t it sound cool to say, we'll take everything on the menu? I’ve always wanted to do that.”
Her laugh pulls me in and all I can think about is getting our bodies closer. “Stick with me, baby. I'll get you so high and not just on sugar. I got something special for you with all the cream filling.”
“Damn it. Way to ruin our night,” she says, as her arms come around my neck.
As if on cue, soft melodic music flows through unseen speakers. Etta James, At Last . How fitting.
“You were saying?” I ask, as she sways with me, following my lead.
Her cheek goes to my chest as she whispers, “You know how to make my night. It’s been perfect.”
My eyes close as I breathe her in, filling my lungs with her jasmine scent, savoring the feel of her in my arms.
Locked in this embrace, our bodies fitting together perfectly, the ding of the elevator barely registers. Meeting the waiter’s eyes, I nod toward the table, not for one second ready for this moment to end. Placing the covered tray on the table, he leaves quickly, as my eyes close and I pull her closer to me.
“Oh my gosh, stud. I can’t fit another thing in here.” She pats her stomach.” I am going to burst,” London says as she pushes her plate of the delectable Tarte Tatin aside. I don’t blame her. We’ve probably sampled fifteen desserts so far.
I'm right there with her. I'm going to need some extra time in the pool and add some weight training to my schedule this week to undo the damage I just did.
“Do you want to put that to the test?” I waggle my eyebrows at her, suggestion heating up in my gaze.
“Don’t do it,” she cries, covering her ears.
Pushing away from the table, I pat my lap. “I got something to fill you up. Come sit on Daddy’s dick.”
“Absolutely not. What did I tell you about your mouth? You’re a ruiner of fun,” she says without any heat. Her pretty pout makes me want to pull her into a kiss and never come up for air.
“Okay, but did you enjoy yourself? That’s all that matters. I want to ensure that everything about tonight puts a smile on your face,” I say, taking her hand in mine.
“Xander, seriously, thank you. This has been the sweetest surprise, maybe even too sweet. I'll probably never eat another dessert in my life.” She laughs, turning her hand over to intertwine our fingers. “But I'm glad I was able to do this with you. How do you know me so well? I've always wondered, from my favorite wine to my favorite foods, and my love of all things sweet. You have all the answers.”
Do I tell her about the recon I've done? How I've perused her social media accounts for months, just to give me a reason to smile each day. Or how The Council happily answered every question about her I had, and helped get her to each rendezvous
“I pay attention. It's hard not to do when you’re around.”
She shakes her head, a soft smile on her beautiful lips. “You're such a sweet talker, but do you mean it or is it just another line?”
We lock eyes. “Have I used lines in the past? Definitely. When I'm with you, when I'm speaking to you about how I feel, I am one hundred percent genuine. How can I not be with you?” She shakes her head, and my hands fly up to cup her cheeks. “Hear me, London. There's nothing I want more than to spend time with you, to build this trust between us, so you never have to question whether I mean it. Baby, please know, I’ll always mean it.”
Her eyes flutter closed as she leans into my hand. We sit like that until she finally exhales.
“I’m happy you mean it. It’s what I’ve wanted for a while,” she whispers.
Something twinges in my heart at her words. Brushing featherlight kisses across her lips, I whisper, “Good. Finally, we’re on the same fucking page. Now, let’s get you home. I have another date to plan.”
She smiles against my lips, and I can’t help but do the same. “Another date? Only if you ask nicely.”
“That’s your problem right there. I wasn’t asking.”
She rolls her eyes but doesn’t protest, so score one for me.
Transitioning from the restaurant is a blur of faces as London and I thank the chef and staff profusely. These really were the best desserts I’ve ever eaten, and they assure us the leftover food will be donated to a local shelter.
Alone on the bus, we’re both quiet, lost in thought as the Seattle cityscape passes by. Pulling her closer, I drop a kiss to her temple. Tonight has been a turning point hopefully, or at least that’s how I feel deep in my gut. We fit together so well, I just hope she finally sees it.
The bus pulls up outside her rental and I take my time helping London into her coat, not quite ready for this night to end. This time together has shifted everything between us, and I don’t want our magical bubble to pop once we step off this bus.
Once on the curb, I turn, offering her a hand, which she accepts with a smile. Once she joins me on the sidewalk, her attempts to pull away are futile, because I’m never letting go.
“It’s our first date, so we have to do all the things one does on a date and that means I walk you to the door.”
Throwing her head back with a groan, she allows me to guide her to the door, her soft body tucked into mine and my hand resting possessively on all that ass.
Stopping at the door, we turn to each other at the same time. It’s as if neither of us want this to end, but instead we seek each other with roaming hands and warm gazes.
“So, Ms. Cameron. Are you one of those girls who kiss on the first date?”
“That depends.” Her eyes sparkle in the moonlight, and I take a few moments to let my gaze linger on her beautiful, upturned face, her smile stealing the breath from my lungs.
“On?” I murmur, stroking her cheek.
“Does it make me your good girl if I do or…”
“You’re always my good girl. Don’t you ever worry about that, gorgeous,” I say, bending to meet her luscious lips.
She opens for me easily, as if she wants this as much as I do. Our lips and tongues move together seeking, craving, and the hint of apple and spice is my undoing as I pull her closer. Cradling her head, I take and take some more, and my baby gives me everything, even a little nip to my bottom lip and I can’t help laughing into the kiss.
This beautiful woman brings so much joy into my life. I could stand here and kiss her for hours, for years, forever. Pulling away, I scan her face, taking in her blown pupils and swollen lips, as we both struggle to catch our breath.
Bringing her fingers to her wet lips, her eyes hold mine before she whispers, “Good night, Xander.”
“Until I see you again, baby. Have a good night.”
Her hesitation tugs at my heart, but she finally pulls away, offering one more soft smile and a cute little wave before she closes the door with a soft click.
Yes, forever wouldn’t be long enough, but I know I’d treasure every single moment.
London
Standing under the warm spray of the shower, slowly washing away the scent of sugar and sex, my mind drifts to the sexy man whose cinnamon kisses still have my body flushed from head to toe and everywhere in between.
How did I get here?
Alexander fucking Grant.
I snicker to myself. I know his middle name is Franklin but fucking fits better.
But it’s the words Ty whispered in my ear earlier tonight that sobered me. Don’t hurt my friend. I didn’t know what he meant at the time but now I wonder if everyone else has been able to see what I haven’t… the perfect man for me is right at my fingertips and I’ve been pushing him away.
Quickly completing my nighttime skincare routine, my hair goes up in a messy bun, and I throw on my favorite silky pajamas. With the slight chill tonight, the matching pants and long sleeve shirt are perfect, even if I can barely concentrate enough to get the buttons in each hole of my shirt. Sliding my feet into my fuzzy slippers, I follow the sound of pounding bass to the basement. Maybe we’ll have another all-night ping pong tournament.
Raucous voices greet me as I open the door and descend the stairs. Holy crap, the boys are here. My eyes race around the room, searching, hopeful.
Eli and Gem are at the bar with Sasha and Ty, while Zuri, Mia, and Drew are hanging out by the old school video games. But Xander’s all I see, manspread all over the couch, looking too sexy for words in his black joggers and tank. His muscled arms casually draped along the back of the couch, tense and flex, his eyes dark as he watches me watch him pretty much eye fucking him as if I didn't just see him forty minutes ago and we hadn’t already fucked on that bus.
Clearing my throat, I finally find my voice, raising it to be heard over the music. “What's going on down here?”
Xander’s smile is slow and sexy as he looks me up and down. “We’re having a slumber party, babycakes, since we weren’t invited to the last one. Aren’t you cute in your little PJs. Come join the fun.”
He gives a little thrust of his hips, and I can’t help but laugh and roll my eyes. God, I can’t get enough of this cute, playful side of him. Simply hanging out with him, in a basement, sounds like the most fun.
Someone dials down the music as Ty looks up, noticing me. “You didn't really think I was spending the night without my wife again, did you?” he says before lifting her, bringing her up to him for a kiss.
My heart pulls at the gesture. “Duh. What was I thinking?” I exclaim, slapping a hand to my forehead.
“Oh, yeah. Everyone's staying here. The girls told us about this amazing house you have so now it's a real party,” Eli adds.
“If we're really having a slumber party, what games are we playing?” Drew eyes Zuri. “Spin the bottle could be fun. Let’s do it for nostalgia’s sake.”
Sasha calls out, “If we play spin the bottle the only people you can kiss are Mia, Zuri, and London.”
My eyes fly to her as Xander’s voice booms through the room. “London Cameron is mine. I’ll be the only one kissing those delicious lips.”
Trying to hide how his words affect me, I shake my head as everyone laughs and whistles scream through the air. Why is his possession so fucking hot?
“You all do whatever you want,” Xander calls out. “I'm just here to hang out with my baby.”
Reaching over, Xander snatches up a blanket and holds it up.
“Come here, babycakes. Let me warm you up.”
Laughing, I realize I’d frozen in my tracks at the bottom of the stairs at the sight of him. Something flips over in my stomach because I want nothing more than to simply cuddle up with him on the couch. So, I do as I'm told, kicking off my slippers, and climb onto the big deep sofa. Xander maneuvers himself next to me, using another blanket to block out everyone else. Cocooned in his warmth and our little blanket fort, I feel so safe as he leans up on an elbow watching me with a look on his face I can’t interpret.
“Is this still considered our first date?” he asks softly.
“I don't know. What do you think?” My smile spreads across my face.
“Tonight and our first date were perfect, but I’m ready for more with you.”
The chatter, the music, and everything outside of us fades away as we lock eyes. This man continues to surprise me in the most unexpected ways. Somewhere between our pranks, the banter, flirting, and teasing, he has become someone I trust and look to for reassurance and comfort. More sounds exactly like what I want to give him.
“Since I already know you kiss on the first date, what else can I get into tonight…” he murmurs, dropping soft kisses along my jaw.
I laugh quietly to myself. My man, and his sensual mouth, can’t help but say whatever pops into his head. My man … yes, that’s exactly what I consider him. Maybe even since the first time I saw him at the wedding. I wanted him and knew he was mine, at least for the night. But now, I’m in uncharted waters.
I hum, leaning into his kisses. “So greedy.” Giggling as he nips the lobe of my ear, I pull back so I can meet his eyes. “You being here, dropping everything to come to me and ensuring I was okay and coming home means more to me than you’ll ever know. Can I say thank you before you distract me any further?”
“You can say it, but it’s unnecessary. I go where you go now. I meant what I said earlier. Let’s see where this goes because I’m nowhere near done with you.”
My heart flips over at his words and the intensity in his dark eyes, but I give a noncommittal shrug as my hand finds his face, stroking the soft stubble along his jaw. “I think I need more convincing. You’re pretty and all but—”
Warm lips find mine and if I didn’t already feel transported away in our little bubble, the first sweep of his tongue along the seam of my lips sends me to orbit. Smiling at the soft groan and slow caress of his lips, I sink deeper into the swirling, dark water and let him consume me.