Chapter 24
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
XANDER
L ondon's body tenses in my arms as she looks up at me, eyes wide. Ignoring her cute ass shocked face, I turn to my parents, beaming with pride.
“London. Oh, you’re so gorgeous,” Mom says, pulling London into her arms. “It's so nice to finally meet you. Alexander has told us so much about you and we have been begging him to introduce us since we arrived. I hate that it's happening at this party when we have so many obligations and guests to greet, but we'll have to get together for lunch soon, dear.”
Before she can respond, Dad's pulling London into his grasp. “It's so nice to meet you, young lady. As my lovely wife said, Alex has spoken very highly of you, and we're already impressed.”
London seems to come around then, an enchanting smile lifting her lips. “Absolutely, Mr. and Mrs. Grant. It’s so lovely to meet you and I can't wait to get to know you better myself. Congratulations on your anniversary, how many years is it?”
My parents take each other's hands, smiling as they look into each other's eyes. “It's been thirty-seven wonderful years,” Mom says proudly. “And please call us Marilyn and John.”
London nods, smiling broadly. “That’s wonderful and I'm sure you both have some stories to share and especially the sagas that came with raising this one. Lunch would be too fun to miss.”
My parents laugh at her words. “Yes, we absolutely have stories that we could share.” Mom pats my cheek. “But you two kids go have fun.”
Dad gestures to the bar and the waiters. “Dinner starts in forty-five minutes. Drink up and be merry and we'll see you two later.”
Bending, I drop a kiss to Mom’s cheek and slap Dad on the back. “You two don't get too crazy tonight. Remember you're not young kids anymore, think about your hips. No dancing on the tables this year.”
“That’s enough out of you. It's our party and we'll grind if we want to,” Dad says with a laugh. They both give London another hug before they head off into the crowd to dance and celebrate with their friends.
Turning to London, her mouth is already moving before I can even get a word out. “The future Mrs. Grant? Did you really just introduce me to your parents as your future wife? We haven't spoken since… and our relationship was just…” She shakes her head. “No, what am I even talking about. There is no relationship here, and I feel bad I just had to lie to your parents that we need to get together for dinner or lunch or whatever the fuck.”
I knew that was coming. I was ready for her outburst. Squaring my shoulders, I nod. “Come on.”
“What?”
“Come with me. I want to speak to you privately, and maybe if you’re my good girl, you’ll get rewarded.”
Her glare would wither a lesser man, but it just makes my dick harder. “Don’t say that. Your parents are right over there.” She shakes her head but allows me to take her hand and guide her down the hall to a secluded back patio.
Soft twinkling lights frame the space, highlighting the ornate chaise and small table with an ice bucket with London’s favorite white wine.
“Have a seat.” I gesture to the chaise and prepare our drinks.
“Xander, I really don't want to do this now and cause a scene at your parents’ party. I'm just here with the girls to have fun and hopefully forget all of this.” She gestures between us before declining the offered wine.
Okay, she’s going to make me work for this, but she’s fucking worth it.
“Forget me? Damn, that’s a dagger. But come on. You and I both know that's impossible. So why don't we talk and figure this out together since you did all the talking last time.”
She nods, looking away and waving her hand as if telling me to continue.
“There are things you want in life, I understand that. You moved here to be closer to your family, to lay down roots and to start your own family. And before you mentioned it, it wasn't on my radar. I'll admit that. But the more time I spend with you, the more time I want to spend with you. Not to sound like an asshole, but that doesn't usually happen.”
She laughs. “You can be a bit of a yawn. I’d be shocked if anyone would want to spend any more time with you than they have to.”
My hand flies to cover my heart. “We both know there's not a boring bone in my body. Let’s not forget that you’ve been up close and personal with my very prominent bone, and you loved every second.” She shakes her head, but the glint in her eyes spurs me on. “But like I said, spending time with you has made me see how much I'm missing in my life. How unfulfilled I am. Money. Got it. The apartment. The cars. They mean nothing. I thought I had the best of everything, but I was wrong. I didn’t have you. Everything about me is better with you.”
Her eyes widen, as the words I should have said forever ago continue to fall from my lips. Without thought, I move closer, my hand finds her cheek, cradling it gently.
“Yes, I introduced you to my family as the future Mrs. because I want to be your partner, in all the ways that matter and all the ways you need. So, you wanting a family doesn't scare me. It makes me want those things with you. If that's today, tomorrow, next month, next year. I'm your man and I want everything that comes along with that.”
Shaking her head, she whispers, “Xander, you don't know what you're saying.”
“Beautiful, stubborn woman, I know exactly what I’m saying.” My thumb strokes rhythmically to reassure her, and she leans into my touch. “You moved here to start a family, go the whole strong, independent single mom route. While I find that admirable, you don't have to do it alone. You have me. I could throw in that you also have Ty, Sasha, Eli, Gem, Mia, and Drew. That you have family here ready to support you. How we’re your family now. But you have me. You have me , baby. You never have to do another thing alone.”
Her eyes gleam under the lights as she watches me. “This is crazy,” she whispers.
“Totally, ten thousand percent. I am fucking crazy about you. The thought of you pregnant and swollen with my baby inside of you gets my dick so fucking hard. But besides that, I can't wait to meet a little you and a little me and get all those years back that we missed before we met. See you through the eyes of our children.”
My heart beats erratically waiting for her response. I can’t lose her. Not now, not ever.
“Xan... I don't know if this is just you being afraid to lose what we have. I get it. Everything between us has been incredible, but this is too much, you’re not ready for me. We've known each other for such a short period of time. I don’t know what else to say to this… insanity. You can’t mean…”
Pulling away with a shake of her head, my heart follows, as it always will.
“It may be insane, maybe the shortest courtship of all time. But for me this relationship, this fire burning inside of me to be with you started months ago. That first night I saw you on that beach, you took my breath away, and I had to have you, even if just for the night. Maybe I didn't go about it the right way, you know, fucking in the bathroom.” My smile is predatory as her eyes flare at my words. “But you’ve been under my skin, blistering me from the inside out ever since. I didn't know what that meant before, I thought it was just sex. Burning curiosity to explore you and map every inch of your body with my tongue. But after all those months of not seeing you and for you to walk back into my life it was like a jolt to my heart, restarting my life. I had to know you better, get closer to you as something started growing and unfurling inside of me. You changed me, London. You've made me a better man.”
Her hand rests on my chest, right over my heart. “Xander, you have always been a good man. I have no doubts about it.”
The tension fades from my chest at her touch and the softness in her voice. My words are slowly getting through to her and my hand finds hers, and I hold on to it like a lifeline. “Maybe. But I was selfish. Only thinking of myself, my wants. Before you, I thought I was happy to play the field, but since you and that night all those months ago, I've been searching for something, for more, and that more is you. If that means a white picket fence, cute little babies, then that's what we'll do. It’s what I want.”
She shakes her head. “Xander, what’s happening right now? I’m sorry,” she continues. “You’re you and amazing but taking a chance with this. It’s too big, too important for me to risk it. We haven’t known each other for long, but you can’t be ready for such a drastic change. Even I’m still wrapping my head around everything and I want this more than anything. But…” Her voice wobbles as she trails off.
My heart seizes and without thought, I lower to my knees, gently turning her to face me. “I know, baby. I fucked up and I’ll never be able to apologize enough. I froze, and it took me a while to get my shit together, to wrap my head around what you said, and by that time, you had already walked away. But I never wanted you any less. If anything, I’ve wanted you more, craved you deep in my soul after you painted that picture for me. I’m not going to lie, the images I have of us practicing , me coming so deep inside you over and over again, filling you with my cum night and day, is such a fucking turn on. I seriously think I have a breeding kink.”
“Be serious.” She stands with a huff, and I shut it. Not willing to risk losing her again.
“London, wait.” My hand shoots out to grab her before she can escape, leaving me again. I’m not making that mistake this time. “Baby, I know you’re scared, but please. Let me prove it to you.” She hesitates for a split second, and I forge ahead, not giving her a second to reconsider.
Rising to my full height, she’s in my arms, and I just breathe her in, allowing her to center me before I step back, and her eyes rise to mine.
“Come home with me tonight.” Sliding my hands lower, they find her hips before cupping her ass, pulling her closer.
“Sorry, slugger.” She gives an exaggerated head shake. “Your dick is not going to change my mind. Been there. Fucked that.”
I can hear the smile in her voice and my hand comes to my chest as if I’m wounded. “That sounds like a challenge. But seriously, I just want to spend some time with you. Alone.”
She stares at me. Those hazel eyes simmer with something I can’t decipher.
“Please. I’ll be a good boy,” I murmur.
Sighing, she looks away, staring off into the distance. “We’ll see how the rest of tonight goes, but I’m not making any promises.”
Relief flows through me as I release a breath. All I need is this inch, and I’ll scrape together a mile. “Cake, that's all I'm asking for. Just give me a chance. I'll make all my promises come true.”
My lips brush against hers in the briefest caress, testing the waters, tasting the want on each breath.
“Baby, I’ve missed you. Don’t leave me again,” I beg against her lips, moaning in anticipation of her familiar taste, I suck that full bottom lip into my mouth. She gives a small shake of her head as I surge forward, cutting off her protests, and she opens for me so beautifully. Delving into her sweet warmth, our tongues stroke, seeking more, and I take everything she's offering and the words she refuses to say.
Pulling back, we both suck in deep breaths and the intensity of London’s gaze is almost my undoing, and I growl, “Don’t you know by now that I’ll always chase you.”
She shakes her head, those eyes burning holes into me, and I bask in her undivided attention.
“Come on,” I say, pulling on her hand. “Back to the party. I have the prettiest girl here tonight. I wanna show you off.”
Hesitating, she meets my gaze. “Where’s the restroom? And no, not for that.”
She knows me well.
Stopping at the powder room, I stand, leaning against the doorjamb, riveted as she reapplies her lipstick, her hands smoothing her dress and hair in the mirror, when she clears her throat.
“By the way, hypothetically, if we were to get married, who says I would become Mrs. Grant? London Cameron has the best ring to it.”
I scoff. “Don’t start with me.”
“What?” She pulls an innocent face that I know better than to trust.
Shrugging, I concede. “You know what, once you give yourself to me, I’ll call you whatever you want.”
“I’m just saying.”
Shaking my head, I extend a hand. “Are we ready, gorgeous?” My eyes trail over her and she’s perfect.
Meeting my gaze in the mirror, she nods, turning, her hand sliding into mine.
Kissing her temple, I inhale her familiar scent. “I meant what I said. I know we still have a lot to talk about, but I’ve never been more serious about anything. No matter what, remember that, please.”
Leading her back to the party, I give her hand another squeeze, kissing her knuckles.
“Call me a broken record, but have I told you how incredibly stunning you look tonight? I still can't believe you came. I had to beg and plead with the girls to help me get you here with the short notice. I owe them big time, like a kidney or a Maserati.”
Throwing her head back with a laugh, she says, “I knew it. I did not remember any of the details for tonight.”
“That’s my fault. I always planned on your being here beside me, but with everything going on, I didn’t get a chance to mention it. But everything was already in motion and after I explained how I fucked up, the girls were more than willing to help me out.”
Ignoring everyone’s bid for attention, I lead us through the crowd, heading straight to the center of the dance floor. Stepping easily into my arms, we sway to the music.
“You do. I planned to stay home, curled up in my bed.” Looking away, she finally asks, “Why was it so important for me to be here tonight? Was it just to spring your parents on me?”
“London, I don't know how many ways I can say this, but I will keep trying until I figure out a way that penetrates that beautiful brain of yours. It was always my intention to have you here by my side. I want you. I want you in my life. I wanted you to be here with me tonight to meet my family. My grandparents. My sisters and brother are around here somewhere, and they are looking forward to meeting you, too.” Lifting her chin, our eyes meet, and I try to convey just how serious I am. “So, you being here, enjoying a night that is all about celebrating love and partnership, is important to me. Okay?”
“Okay,” she whispers.
“Good. Now, let’s enjoy the night. It’s been too long since I’ve held you in my arms.”
Those eyes meet mine again, searching. I meet her gaze, showing her everything, showing her she can trust me. But better yet, she can trust herself and how she feels.
Walking hand in hand with London into my apartment feels right. Having her here has always felt right, even though those moments were brief, back when she used me just to get off, I knew we were moving toward something special. Or at least, I’d hoped.
“Welcome home,” I murmur, pulling London to me and nuzzling her hair.
Her silence surprises me, but my confidence remains unshaken. She met family tonight. That’s a huge step for her and now she’s here, there’s no way I’m letting her go again.
But before I can disrespect the shit out of her body, I remember my manners.
“Do you need anything, water, food, before we go to bed?” I murmur against her ear.
She shakes her head, and I lead her through the darkened apartment, the glow of lights from the city below plays a distant guide to the room she’s always avoided. Like always, I watch her for every little reaction as we step inside.
Stopping short, her eyes roam the scene surrounding us. An array of white candles glow along every available surface, casting flickering light across her face.
“What’s all this?” she whispers.
“I really wanted to see you in candlelight. Watch the flames dance in your eyes. But first...” Guiding her deeper into the room, I kneel to unbuckle the sparkly gold strap of her sky-high stiletto.
She doesn't respond and when I look up, her eyes are already on me. Tossing that shoe to the side I caress her other ankle.
“Hold on to me, baby, I'm gonna take your other shoe off.”
Thin fingers weave through my hair, she gets a grip, tugging lightly, pulling a soft moan from my throat.
Standing, my eyes follow the movement as her tongue slips out to slide over her plump bottom lip.
“Thank you.”
“Always my pleasure. But now that I have you here, you're not leaving. I may just toss these shoes over my balcony.”
She laughs. “If I wanted to leave, I’d leave.”
Stroking my finger down her shoulder, I shake my head. “No, you wouldn't. Not barefoot. I know you well enough at this point to know that would be too disgusting for you to even fathom.”
She makes a face scrunching her nose. “Fine. You're right. I would have to cut my feet off and burn them at the stake.”
I chuckle, stepping closer. “I love your hair like this.” She's fantastically beautiful, with her hair full and sexy, framing her perfect face, and highlighting her graceful neck, and delicate collarbone. Her feline eyes glow with the flames as my hand moves to encircle that neck, offering a squeeze and positioning her how I want her at the perfect angle take her lip in a soft kiss.
Against her lips, I murmur, “Wait here.”
My good girl is right where I left her when I return with our necessities.
“Xander?”
“Yes, baby?” Moving next to the bed, I double checked the positioning.
“What are you doing?”
Looking up, I meet her gaze. “Memories, London. I want to capture all my memories with you.”
London’s breath hitches as I hold up the camera, snapping a pic.
“To commemorate tonight, you being here and finally realizing you’re mine… and I’ve always been yours.”
Another soft gasp fills the space between us.
Click.
“Everything changes tonight, baby.”
Click.
My voice is rough as gravel when I growl, “Undress for me.”