Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
XANDER
“ F uck you, guys! I’m done,” I exclaim, as I head over to the bleachers.
It’s our weekly game of basketball and it’s finally warm enough to play on our preferred outdoor court and these guys have run me ragged.
“Don’t be a sore loser,” Ty calls to my back as I grab my bottle of water.
Tossing a middle finger over my head, I chug my water.
Did I play like shit today? Maybe.
Do I give a fuck? Not a single one.
Does that have everything to do with the beautiful distraction that is London Cameron? Absolutely.
Blocking out all their shit talking, my mind wanders back to London, her smile, that sass, the softness of her body against mine that night in Seattle. After we sucked face like it was what we were put on this earth to do, she’d walked away, leaving me hard and aching. I watched her go, dick in hand as she climbed the stairs before turning to look over her shoulder, mischief lighting those beautiful eyes, before rocking me with a fucking dynamite smile that promised me so much more.
Like the fucking idiot I am, I waved, wanting nothing more than to climb the stairs behind her, track her through the house, finally getting her into bed. I want her stretched out beneath me, to be skin to skin. Those long legs tangled with mine. Fuck that, I just want to hold her. Talk to her all night and wake up with her in my arms. But my time will come. One of these days she'll let me in completely. Until then, I'll keep working, proving I’m the man for her.
I’m picturing those alluring eyes when a towel snaps, the thwap shooting fire over my ass.
“Fuck!” I jump a mile and try to block any additional onslaughts with my hands.
Drew grins at me as I whip around, Ty and Eli still shooting around on the court are doubled over in laughter.
“Sorry not sorry. I had to snap you out of your funk.”
Scowling, I rub my sore ass. “What funk, asshole?”
“The one you’ve been in since we got back from Seattle. Let you tell it, you had all these plans . What happened?”
Flopping down on the bleacher, I wince a bit at the contact before saying, “I definitely have plans, some damn good ones. But what if they scare her off? I finally have her attention and how do I know if I’m coming on too strong or not strong enough?”
Dropping down next to me, Drew pulls out another towel from his bag and wipes his face. “Did you just hear yourself? You finally have her attention. Think about how you got it.”
I nod, considering his words.
“Right, by being you. All loud and in your face, so I guess she likes that shit. If I were you, I wouldn’t stop now. I’d be full steam ahead. Think about it, you’ve finally found someone who likes you for you. Even when you’re a cocky bastard, she thinks you’re hilarious. The rest of us, not so much, so I say, go hard. Harder than you went today on this court, and you’ll be fine. No, but seriously, I watched you guys together and the roots are there. Now, you got to water that shit.”
I turn to him, because I can’t tell if that was super profound or the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard. We burst into laughter at the exact same time, falling back on the bleachers, and I expel a breath.
“Alright, alright. I’ll decipher what that all meant, but the biggest takeaway is to water that shit…”
“Yes, you know exactly what I meant. Be you, she obviously likes you, and if she doesn’t, at least you’ll know now rather than months down the line when you’re already too invested.”
Shit. Where was he a few months ago? It may be too late for that.
Who knew that fucker could be right about anything other than recommendations for a good steak dinner. Taking Drew’s advice to go big or go home, it’s been a whirlwind of dates and stolen moments. London is my future, my home, and I want to make sure she knows it.
We’d been out to dinner a few times, and he was right, I just had to be myself. Deciding to text her, I started with a dinner date.
I want to stuff your mouth. Dinner?
Since I loved to see that body moving, all slow and sensual, I had to take her dancing.
I need to feel your body against me.
Of course I had to show my babycakes off, so an art exhibit was a must.
You’re my favorite work of art and you should be surrounded by beautiful things.
And each time she accepted my invitation, if it was even possible, my confidence grew.
We’ve done it all the last few weeks, but I’m excited for tonight. Not just because London said we didn’t have to do something so grand every night. She’ll learn it’s just how I roll, and this is something I know she’ll enjoy.
I can’t keep the smile off my face as the bell for the elevator dings, notifying me that my date has arrived. London bustles off the elevator all cute and frazzled. With the weather finally cooperating and heating up, she’s effortlessly sexy in a body-hugging magenta dress. With a sigh, she tosses her shopping bags to the side, kicks off her heels, and wiggles her toes.
“London.”
Her head shoots up as she gasps, stepping back. “Xander! You scared the shit out of me.” Her hand rests on her chest as if she can slow her racing heart.
“Sorry, baby. You were in your own little world. We have to work on your situational awareness,” I say, striding to her and cupping her face in my hands. “When I’m not around, you have to take care of what’s mine, just like I would.”
Smiling up at me, those hypnotic eyes sparkle, and I’m thankful I have her to myself tonight.
“Yours?” She’s all attitude, and my dick perks up even though I know she’s trying to push my buttons.
“You better believe it.” Peppering kisses to her nose and forehead, she sighs again, leaning into my embrace.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here? Ty and Sasha aren’t home. They left for LA today.”
“I know, so it’s the perfect time for you and me to spend some quiet time at home. All alone.” Dropping my hands from her face, our hands find each other like magnets as I lead her further into the penthouse. “Are you hungry?”
Pulling her deeper into the house, she stops when she notices the chef standing behind the massive kitchen island.
“London, this is Chef Rordann. He’ll be helping us prepare dinner tonight.”
“Chef, this delectable woman is London Cameron.”
“Nice to meet you, Chef. Did I hear him right?”
He laughs, shaking my hand. “You did. I’m going to teach you how to make a decadent lobster pasta with roasted tomatoes and corn.”
She squeals, adorably bouncing on her toes, before turning to me, flinging her arms around my neck.
“Xan! Where do you come up with this stuff? I love it.” Rising up on her toes, she stretches to take my lips in a too quick kiss.
“Nuh-uh. Come here,” I growl, not giving a damn about the chef and pull her to me. “You're too cute and I need another taste.”
If I’d bet that my babycakes would be self-conscious or shy in front of Rordann, I would’ve lost my money. Soft glossed lips meet mine and move just as greedily against me as our tongues meet and slide together. Her arms wrap tighter, pulling me closer, our bodies melting together as we both take what we desperately need.
The sound of running water and dishes clinking finally pull me from the clutches of whatever spell I’ve fallen under when it comes to her. Resting my forehead against hers, we share breaths, as my heart beats to her rhythm.
“Do you wanna get changed into something more comfortable?” I whisper against her lips.
“Oh no, Mr. Grant. I'm ready whenever you are.”
Dropping another kiss to her nose, I’m finally able to pull myself away from those mesmerizing eyes.
“Okay, let’s get started. Sorry about that, Chef. I haven't seen my baby all day. What should we do first?”
Rordann chuckles. “No problem, please don’t apologize. I am here for you. But we'll start with you both washing your hands.”
London beats me to the sink. She’s watched too many medical dramas because she scrubs up as if she’s heading into surgery. My pretty girl is a perfectionist, but I want her to have fun tonight.
Holding out a towel to her, I take one and dry my hands.
“Look what I’ve got,” I singsong, holding up aprons on my index fingers.
Gesturing to London, she smiles broadly, ducking as I slip the strap over her head, and sneak a few kisses as I reach around to tie it.
I did damn good, the hot pink looks good with her dress and even better against her beautiful skin. The flowing black script across the front reads, Enjoy Tonight’s Special , with an arrow pointing south. Holding mine up, her eyes are alight with mirth as she scans the black apron with red bold letters that reads, Wanna taste my secret sauce?
Rordann laughs as he gets a look at our aprons, and London shakes her head at the picture we paint.
“Is that a no, Ms. Cameron? You don’t want a taste?” I murmur in her ear.
“Maybe a nibble.”
“Oh, I know for a fact you can handle more than a mouthful.” My dick twitches just remembering her mouth spread wide as she deep throated me like the cock slut she pretends not to be.
She looks me up and down with a bite to her lip before sauntering over to the chef who has eggs on the counter and flour measured out to start our pasta.
Her smile and enthusiastic nods as she listens to the chef draw me to her, her excitement palpable. Unable to resist, I approach, wrapping my arms around her waist, burying my nose in her hair, breathing her in, and soaking up every bit of her.
And that’s how our cooking lesson goes. My gaze remains fixed on her, following along to whatever she does because I can’t pull my eyes away. I’m sure the food will turn out just fine, but I don’t give a fuck. I’m too enthralled with the woman in front of me.
Once Chef Rordann has cleared out and we’re seated at the dining table finishing up our early dinner, London’s phone goes off somewhere in the house. Hesitating, she looks at me, gauging my reaction to the interruption.
Shaking her head, she doesn’t meet my eyes, saying, “I could have sworn my phone was on vibrate. I’m sorry.”
What’s this? Does she think I’m upset or that I could ever be upset with her, especially for something as innocuous as her phone ringing? While I like the idea of her considering our time together as sacred, I’d never give her shit about something this trivial.
Taking her free hand in mine, I squeeze it until she looks at me. “There’s no need to apologize, ever. Do I like having you to myself? One thousand percent. That doesn't mean I’m going to get upset when I don’t. Please, go get your phone. I know you’re in demand. Who wouldn’t want even the briefest moment of your time?”
Shaking her head again, she stretches over to give me a quick kiss. “I’ve had this conversation too many times to count and it was never this mature and generous. Thank you.”
Letting her words sink in as she finds her phone, my fists clench thinking about that asshole reprimanding her for anything, let alone her phone ringing during dinner. Returning to her seat, she holds the phone to her ear, brows furrowed as she listens to the voicemail. Her posture straightening grabs my attention as I’m riveted by the play of emotions rapidly flickering across her face as she continues listening. My heart races until she finally puts the phone face down on the table, the smile she flashes me is almost incandescent as pride radiates from her every pore.
“Remember that interview I had the day we went to the rage room? That was them. They want to offer me the job. You’re looking at their newest Senior Brand Photographer,” she squeals. “I love what this company stands for, I’d take any position to get my foot in the door, but this is more the cherry on the sundae. I did it, Xander. I moved here for a fresh start, and everything is finally falling into place.”
Emotion shines in her wide eyes, and I have to swallow the sudden lump in my throat before I can speak, “Of course you did it, baby. You’re the most capable person I know.”
Gripping the back of her neck, I pull her to me for a kiss.
“Congratulations, gorgeous.”
Our lips meet again.
“I can’t wait to hear more about this position and just how close our offices will be to each other.”
Unable to resist, I lean in for another kiss.
“But first, you have to know just how proud I am of you. Like you said, you picked up and moved across the country, and look at you, prospering and shit. I lo—I’m so fucking proud of you and now we have to celebrate.”
“I like the sound of that, Mr. Grant. What did you have in mind?” Her teeth sinking into her lip distract me, but I pull it together.
“I know that look, and yes, that’s coming, but first.” I grab my phone, pulling London into my lap.
Kissing her neck, I whisper, “You ready, baby?”
Her nod is eager as she says, “I don’t know for what, but if you’re there, so am I.”
My heart swells at her words, and I can’t resist tasting her lips once more. Pulling away, I run a thumb over her wet, pouty mouth before opening up our group chat to video call everyone.
One by one, everyone joins the call, and I have appreciation for my friends and the life I have. We’re all busy as fuck, but I knew I could count on them to make this moment memorable for my baby.
“What’s up?” Ty says, Sasha beside him, as Eli, Gem, Drew, and Mia join the call.
Angling my phone, I pull London into my chest, my chin on her shoulder, so they can see us both.
“Alright, ladies and dbags, you heard it here first. This beautiful woman just landed her dream job as the new Senior Brand Photographer for one of the biggest branding companies in the game.”
Cheers ring out as everyone starts speaking at once to congratulate London and ask questions about her new position.
I listen to her with pride as she thanks them, tells them more about the role, and answers their questions.
When everything finally quiets down, I ask, “You know what this means? Fords, get your asses back here asap. It’s a celebration, bitches!”
London
The roar of the crowd below shoots excitement through me as I scan the arena and the colorful and sparkly attendees below. The R&B Queens Tour brought my favorite divas together and with our suite filled with some of my favorite people, food, and drinks, we were set to have a ball.
Earlier tonight, we met for dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Everyone attended and I was showered with praise and love and support from this tight circle. We’ve known each other for such a short time, but it’s been amazing to be welcomed and supported so completely.
And Xander. I appreciate him making all of this happen, and so quickly. But it was more that he repeatedly vocalized how proud of me he is. His shining eyes and the adoration in his voice as he told everyone about my new job and how I was going to rock it, made my heart beat a little faster. This was all so new to me and I had to fight to keep my emotions in check.
Travis would never. For whatever reason, my job, my success wasn’t important. He’d called it a hobby too many times for me to count. He would have never called all his friends to share the news, and he wouldn’t have put together anything to celebrate me, especially something so elaborate.
Which Zuri was quick to point out. Last night, we harped on the differences in these two relationships and Xander will always be the clear winner, standing head, shoulders, knees, and toes above my ex. Sadly, she couldn’t make it tonight, with the short notice, but we have plans for her to visit soon.
Who knew you could decorate a concert suite? Obviously, Xander. The room was filled with white roses, and pale pink, white, and gold balloons, while along one wall, oversized pink balloons spelled out ‘Congratulations London.’
The opening act doesn’t go on for another thirty minutes, so we have time to grab drinks and amp up our excitement. The DJ is doing his best to help, playing some old school hits that had us singing along, belting out every lyric like we were the true stars of the night.
Turning, I head back into the suite, my eyes colliding with Xander’s, as he holds court at the bar with the guys. That sexy man winked at me. Fucking little tease. I’ve wanted to get him alone to sit on his face since he picked me up, suited up in all black. His dark messy hair begging to be gripped in my hands. Blowing him a kiss back, he wolf whistles, and I can’t resist giving him a little spin, showing off my ass in my silver sequin mini slip dress. Xander got a kick out of the mirrored sequins, saying he could see himself in my panties.
Joining the girls at one of the high-top tables, their smiles are as wide as their eyes as they flick back and forth between me and Xander.
Tapping her nose, Sasha looks me over, her eyes flitting over me from the top of my freshly silk wrapped hair to my sparkly rhinestone stilettos.
“Wow, London, you look amazing, but there’s something different about you. Right, girls?”
Gem nods. “Yes, your hair looks so healthy and thick, like you've gotten a lot of protein.”
Sasha and Mia giggle, as I smile smugly, before Mia gestures to my face. “Yes, your skin looks amazing. It always does but it looks even better than usual. You have that multiple orgasm glow.”
We all howl, high fiving each other, nodding, and gaining the attention of the boys.
Fluffing my hair, I demure. “Thank you, but I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
Lies. I’d taken so many cum shots to the face, and my skin and hair were looking rather radiant, I almost believed Xan’s joke about the benefits of his cum for my well-being.
“What’s going on over there? You ladies can’t be having more fun than us,” Drew calls out.
“Mind your business, Drew. Unless you want us all up in yours,” Mia fires back. “Where’s your date tonight?”
Covering my mouth, I stifle my laugh. Drew is so secretive, and we’ve been speculating about him for weeks. He has to be in a sexy, secret workplace romance, right?
“Well, nosey, she’s traveling right now. Even if she weren’t I wouldn’t bring her around your crazy asses anytime soon. I don’t want to scare her off.”
We all gasp, feigning offense, and wave him off.
“Enough about him,” Sasha says with a smile.
Gem grins, her smile infectious as she looks between me and Xander. Of course, he notices my eyes on him, and winks before he returns to his conversation.
Her hand rests on my arm as she says, “I’ve never seen him like this. You guys are so hot together. Plus, you match each other’s fly.”
“Yaasss, you’re both too beautiful for words and your styles complement each other so much. That’s super important,” Sasha says earnestly.
I snort. “Is it?”
They all nod before Mia says, “Would you want a guy who just wears tees and sweats? I’ve dated that guy. I met him on a random late-night run to the store and I thought he was just dressed like that due to the errand. No, it was all day every day. I couldn’t take his ass anywhere.”
Her huff has me throwing my head back with laughter. I hadn’t really thought about it that way. I’d seen Xander in casual clothes when we hung out around the house, but he was typically outfitted in a perfectly tailored three-piece suit. I especially loved him in just his vest with his shirt sleeves rolled up, showing off his thick, veiny forearms. Besides, with him always looking so put together, it made every little thing we did feel like a moment.
Conceding, I nod. “I get what you’re saying. Please believe I’m here for the suit porn.”
“So, you’re finally seeing all the green flags we told you about?” Gem asks softly.
Groaning, I mime banging my head on the table before throwing my hands up to wave my imaginary flag. “I admit it, I was wrong. He’s my favorite shade of green. I’ll never doubt any of you again.”
“Happy to hear it, but I have to ask. Are you guys fucking for fun or are you fucking for feelings?” Mia asks.
Meeting Xander’s hungry gaze, that zing flows through me and I can’t fight the smile that splits my face.
“That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?” I murmur as Xander makes his way to me as the crowd roars to life below.
Wrapped in Xan’s embrace, with his nose in my hair and his lips trailing along my jaw, I dance and sing the night away, knowing I don’t want to be anywhere else. Even as Mia’s question plays on repeat in my head.