Chapter 27
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
LONDON
“ B abycakes, open those pretty eyes for me,” Xander rumbles in my ear.
I’m smiling before I’m fully awake, practically purring at the heat and muscles curled around my back.
“Come on. Wake up and play with me,” Xander whispers, sending goose bumps across my skin.
I smile into my pillow and reach back, grabbing his dick, I give it a squeeze and nice slow tug as he nips my ear.
“Yep. You're totally my kind of girl, but that’s not what I meant.”
Stretching, I scoot in even closer to Xander’s warm body. “You’re right. You wore me out. I need rest,” I say around a yawn.
“Yeah, I did.” A big hand caresses my hip. “You know just what I like to hear. But I have a surprise for you, so I need you up and dressed, sadly.”
A surprise! My eyes shoot open, and I flip over to face Xan. “I love surprises!”
He kisses me softly, with my morning breath and all. “I know you do, so come on.”
Racing to the bathroom with Xan hot on my tail, I giggle and squeal. I can’t believe this is my life now.
“I still can't with you stealing all my clothes,” I exclaim to Xander as we take the elevator down to the parking garage. “You said they grabbed my toiletry bags and a few things I may need. Not my entire wardrobe.”
He shrugs. “Not your entire wardrobe. You have a fuck ton of shoes. But you need to have options here since you aren’t leaving me now.”
“I’m not?” Leaning into him, I offer a coy smile and bat my lashes.
“Yeah, you're not going to Ty and Sasha's place every day to get new clothes.”
“Why wouldn’t I? I live there.” Hope and excitement swirl in my stomach.
“No. You live here now.”
“Xander!” I gasp. “Are you adultnapping me?”
“If I have to, I will, and if you run, I'll chase. But I’m hoping you want to stay with me. Forever.”
My stomach flips at his words and at the sincerity coating every single word that crosses his lips. “Xan, it's too soon,” I whisper.
Wrapping me in his strong embrace, I sink into the comfort as he kisses the top of my head. “It could never be too soon, not with you. I want it all, baby, and I want it now.”
The elevator slides open and Xander takes my hand as we step into the garage. I look around for his SUV and driver but instead he leads past a row of shiny cars before stopping at his pickup truck. Chivalrous as always, he opens the door for me and helps me step into the high vehicle with a hand on my ass.
“Thank you,” I say softly, and beam at him.
Everything about this man makes my insides feel warm and gooey.
“You're always welcome, love,” he says, kissing my hand. Closing the door soundly behind him, my eyes don’t wander from him as he strides around to his side and climbs in.
Maneuvering his beast of a vehicle onto the road, Xander is relaxed and has an ease about him that I love. Where his confidence used to irritate me, I now find it sexy. He has every right to be confident. From the little show he put on last night to him stealing my clothes and kidnapping me today, only this man would have the gumption to attempt it and pull it off.
At the light he looks over to me and takes my hand in his. “I like having you with me,” he says, his lips lifted in a radiant smile. “My day is always better when you're here.”
I don't respond as the light changes, because what can you say to that, and I swoon in silence as his attention turns back to the road, but he gives my hand a squeeze, letting me gather my thoughts. This man is so forthcoming and doesn’t bite his tongue, which I’m not used to, but it’s something I’ve always secretly longed for.
“Okay,” I say, breaking whatever hazy spell he has me under. “Let me see your phone.”
His eyes flicker to mine again before he gestures with his chin, and I hastily grab it from the center console.
“Let's check out your taste in music, this will tell me all I need to know about you.”
He chuckles. “I don't know about that. I'm pretty much an open book. You didn't take advantage of that the last time we played twenty questions.”
Glancing over to him, I wave his phone back and forth. “Maybe you're right. Is there anywhere I can't look?”
“No. My emails are boring. It's work stuff I don't even like looking at. But feel free to browse anything.”
“Okay, you're being too nice about this.” My ex would never. Again, what was I thinking? “What's your pin?”
“I have nothing to hide, babycakes. I want to share my life with you. The pin is the date we met.”
Gasping, my head whips to him so fast, I’m surprised it doesn't fly right off.
He shrugs. “What can I say? I knew there was something about you from the moment we locked eyes.”
Typing in the date, I select a song and place the phone back in the console.
He chances another glance at me as he weaves through traffic. “I thought you were gonna take a peek. Find all my secrets,” he says with a laugh.
“No, there is nothing I need to find on your phone. You show me all of you every day.”
“Good girl. But just know I wouldn't mind. I want you involved in every aspect of my life.”
Stopping at another light, he reaches into the backseat and hands me a stack of papers.
My brows scrunch in question. “What are these?”
“Take a look and see.”
“Is this my surprise?”
He shrugs. “One of them.”
One of them! Glancing at the top sheet, it’s a specs and safety breakdown for a luxury SUV. Flipping to the next sheet, it’s the same but for another vehicle. Thumbing through the thick stack, it’s more of the same.
Holding the sheets up, I turn to Xander. “What’s this? Are you getting a new car?”
He nods. “Yes. Possibly a few.”
My brow furrows. Why does he need more cars? So, I ask, “You don’t have enough cars?”
“Those are actually for you.” He flashes me a quick grin before his eyes return to the road.
My mouth drops open. “What?”
“We really need something safe and dependable, and God forbid, something with a great impact score. Take a look at those and tell me which ones you like.”
“Wait, Xander. What are you talking about?”
“Babycakes, we need at least one family car, and I want to get you a sexy mom mobile.”
As his words finally register, my jaw practically hits my lap. A mom mobile… family car? This man.
“You can’t be serious,” I squeak.
“Yeah. I am, but maybe we could get matching red ones.”
“Matching?” I’m gobsmacked. I can’t tell if he’s serious or trying to be funny.
He nods again.
“Matching what?”
“Matching cars,” he says, as if I'm being silly. “Well, they don't have to be the same car, but we can get the same color maybe? Or is that corny?”
Incredulity fits tight over my face. “Xander, we’ve barely started this relationship and now we need matching family cars?”
“London, we've been together for months. We started the new year together.”
“We did? So that means, what… we've been together for almost six months?”
“Yep, and every day has flown by, hasn't it? That’s what happens when you’re happy and falling in love.”
I laugh. “You can’t be all sweet and then drop that we're in a relationship and give us an anniversary date, when technically it was my birthday present to myself and we just—”
“Fucked in the bathroom?”
“Why do you have to say it like that?” I ask, biting my lip.
“Because you get this look in your eyes.” He flashes me that panty dropping grin. “Like you’re remembering every deep stroke, my every lick and suck of that sweet pussy.”
Huffing because he’s right, I return to the sheets, flipping through the stack, taking in each model and reading over the specs. Picking out the three I like. Yes, three. Shopping of any kind is my greatest thrill and who am I to deny him what he wants.
“I really like the boxier trucks. I love the lines of this one and it has great safety features.”
He looks over as we come to a four-way stop. “Those are nice. I usually like classic black, white, or silver, but I feel like this one will look good in red.”
It's not until we turn onto a familiar street that my attention is pulled from our silly discussion, and I sit up quickly.
“Xander, where are we going?”
He pulls up to park at the curb and kills the engine. I know this house very well, but I am shocked beyond belief that he not only knows where it is but didn't need navigation to get here.
Unbuckling his seat belt, he leans across the console and kisses me on the cheek, lingering a bit to lick my neck.
“Come on, babycakes, it's time for brunch.”
Stunned, I stare at him, all wide eyed and open mouthed. Taking pity on me, he offers me another soft kiss before he climbs out of the truck. And like the perfect man he is, he comes to my side, opens the door, unbuckles my seat belt, and helps me down from the truck. Inhaling a calming breath, I meet his gaze and the warmth and adoration there soothes that last of my nerves away.
“You're nervous,” he says, and it’s not a question but an observation. Running sure hands through my hair, he straightens my necklace, before gently caressing my cheek, and I don’t try to stop myself from leaning into his touch. I love how he cares for me.
“Just a little, well maybe not nervous, just surprised. I hadn't thought about you meeting my parents and I never thought that you would initiate it.”
“I take what I want. And I want you and everything that comes with that. Now, let’s go hang out with Mom and Dad.” Dropping a kiss to my nose, he opens the rear door, collecting a bag before taking my hand and leading me to the house, where I can see the curtains moving.
“We've been spotted,” I murmur.
Stepping on the porch, the door flies open before I can even reach a hand out to turn the knob. And just like that, my parents are standing on the other side of the entryway with huge smiles on their faces.
“There's my little girl,” my dad says, as we step in. Never letting go of Xander’s hand, I embrace him and then my mom.
“Mom, Dad, this is Alexander. Xander, these are my parents Edna and Gerald.”
Holding my breath, I watch Xander step forward, all that confidence oozing off him as he shakes both of their hands.
“Mr. and Mrs. Cameron. Thank you for having me in your home. We’ll get more into it later, but I want to also thank you for raising this beautiful woman. I'm sure you already know, she's utterly arresting.”
Mom’s hand comes to her chest, and Dad smiles and says, “She sure is. You're welcome. And it’s Edna and Gerald.”
I’d laugh at Xan’s audacity, but I’m too busy preening under his warm gaze before he reaches into the bag he set at our feet.
“These are for you.” He hands Mom a lush bouquet of tulips and my dad a bottle of whiskey.
“Gerald, I hear you are a connoisseur of sorts. We may have to crack that baby open today so you can let me know what you think. If you like it, I'll bring a case by for you.”
Dad holds the bottle, perusing the label. “Son, you’re saying all the words I love to hear.”
“Yes, he is,” Mom says, cradling her flowers. “And these are lovely, thank you so much.” She turns, giving me a wink. “Alright come, come. Everyone else is already here. And they're hungry. I’m going to put these in water then we can sit down.”
Everyone else? My brow furrows as we follow behind them into the family room as Xander's arm comes around my shoulders and I can't help but slide my arm around his waist. Expelling a breath, I sink into the warmth of this body. That went smoother than I thought, but again that's Xan for you.
Smiling up at him, I mouth, thank you.
“You're welcome, babycakes.”
“Look who’s here,” Ty calls out as we step into the family room.
“What's up, man?” Xander walks over and they do the man hug thing, and Sasha squeals as she runs over, wrapping me up and all her exuberance.
“Surprise,” Sasha whispers.
It's the best surprise.
But my attention is on the other people in the room.
An even bigger surprise.
Mr. and Mrs. Grant.
Xander’s parents.
My heart squeezes.
“London! It’s so good to see you again,” Mrs. Grant says, as she pulls me into a hug.
My brain to mouth function is no good right now, so I just gape, and I allow myself to be pulled into her warm embrace.
Xander approaches, slapping his dad on the back. “Thanks for coming.”
“Of course. When your son invites you to meet the future in-laws, you make it work.”
My eyes bug out and shoot to my parents. Mom sees something in my face and nods her head to the kitchen before calling out, “Make yourselves comfortable. We have a few things left to prepare and then we’ll eat.”
We excuse ourselves to the kitchen and I throw over my shoulder, “Dad, you be nice.”
He holds up his hands as everyone laughs. “Don't you worry. I'm always nice,” he says, all indignant.
Laughing to myself, I concede he’s right and that's probably why that whole debacle with Travis wasn't brought to my attention sooner. My stomach churns at the thought and I turn to my mom ready to interrogate her.
“Do you need help with anything?” Sasha says, as we wash our hands.
“No, thank you, girls. Everything's done.”
She's made a feast of all my favorites. Eggs, French toast, sausage, bacon, and biscuits and gravy. With the hashbrowns and all the fixings for breakfast tacos, I had a feeling I’d need a wheelbarrow to get out of here later.
“So,” I say, climbing onto one of the stools around the large island. “You both did a pretty good job keeping this secret from me. How long have you known about this?” I ask.
Sasha offers me an impish smile and shrugs. “I can be sneaky for a good cause. I'm glad you’re both finally on the same page.”
But Mom doesn’t say anything as she wipes down the pristine countertop.
Sasha takes the seat next to me, reading my apprehension, and starts chattering. “Oh, Xander is the best, you'll love him. Next time we'll have to meet at our house, invite the whole family over. Do you remember my friends, you met them at our wedding? They’d love to see you again.”
Mom smiles softly. “I would love that. Getting the family together again.”
They were already planning the menu, throwing out dates, and the word family reverberates in my head. Our family. Is that what Xander is? Has he become part of my family?
Today has been a bit of a mind fuck. I never thought we’d end up here. If anything, I thought this would last a few weeks because he drove me crazy, and then I could move toward what I was really here to do.
But we shot straight past every milestone. Were we ever anything but this? Frenemies with bennies, as he called us. But Xander’s persistence, charm, his ability to be both playful and supportive. Somewhere along the way, Xander weaseled in, became someone I needed more than my next breath, and now we're talking about family meals, kids, and matching cars.
Holy hell.
“What do you think of him?” I blurt, interrupting Sasha and Mom's planning.
They both turn to me, and I repeat my question, “What do you think of Xander?”
My mom chuckles. “Well, I've only known him for approximately three minutes. The wedding doesn’t count.”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes, because I know better. “Right, but give me your first impression of him, of us together so far.”
“Well,” she says, resting her elbows on the island countertop. “He seems smitten with you. We watched you get out of the car, and I love how he opened your door and helped you from the truck. All these years later and your father still opens doors for me. It’s a great quality. I thought it was so cute how you guys were holding hands as you walked up to the house.”
Sasha nods, smiling. She’s eating this up with a spoon.
“But it's the way he looks at you. The look he gave you warmed my heart, that’s how I want someone to look at my little girl. Like they’ll protect and respect her at all costs. Obviously, I'll get to know him better, but from what I've seen so far, I like him. We still have hours to get to know him, so let's not dwell, just have fun, and you can ask me again later.”
“You can count on it.”
This time I'll be all ears. I don't want to make the same mistakes I’ve made in the past, but everything tells me this is the furthest thing from what that was.
Xander’s gentle fingers move through my hair causing me to shiver as I talk with Mrs. Gr— Marilyn, after we’ve finished eating, just relaxing at the table with our mimosas. Ty and Sasha left a while ago, I think they were just here as buffers, but with everything going so well, they skedaddled.
“London, Xander mentioned you’re a photographer?”
I finish my mimosa before answering, “Yes, ma’am. I was just hired as a brand photographer for a reputable company here in Chicago and I’m excited to get started next week.”
“That’s right. Xander also mentioned that. Congratulations. I’d love to see your work.”
A warm hand caresses my back as Xander shifts to peer at his mother. “I’ll send it to you. My baby is so talented. You’re going to love it.”
Before turning back to a conversation with my parents and his dad, he refills my flute with the perfect pour of champagne and a splash of juice and presses a soft kiss to my cheek.
Smiling in thanks, my eyes meet my mom’s, and her expression is soft as she watches us. That, right there. I can see myself in her face and I just know she approves.
“How about we move to the family room, so we can get comfortable?” Mom suggests.
Xander rises quickly and starts to clear the table.
“Xander, leave it, you’re our guest,” Mom calls out.
“Respectfully, no. Growing up in my house, the cook never cleans. I’ll get this cleaned up. You all go ahead, and I’ll take care of this.”
I shake my head as she starts to protest. “You heard him. We’ve got this. Take your drinks and relax.”
“We’ll be done here soon, and then I can’t wait to see those photo albums you mentioned,” he calls out.
As soon as we’re in the kitchen and out of sight, Xander pulls me into his arms, his lips crashing into mine. Sinking into the kiss, I drift along the crashing waves, completely swept away.
Finally coming up for air, I cup his face, searching his eyes. “How? How did you know family means this much to me?” My voice falters, this overwhelming feeling seeps into every crevice of my being.
“You’re not only the epitome of strength and perseverance. But you fought your way back home, ready to set down roots, how could I not want to strengthen your foundation and bring the love we all have for you together? This is where you belong. You deserve to be loved by the people who know and support you the most, and I couldn’t think of anyone better than our parents.”
My heart swells, and I swear it grows two sizes as I pull him down to me, tasting honesty and pure love as sweet as honey on his lips.
Allowing only a whisper between us, I murmur against his lips, “Thank you.”
Today has been perfect, I almost don’t want to leave. Xander being his usual charming self, had us all in stitches, and I'm sure my dad will never recover from this hangover. Xander plied him and John with so much whiskey they can barely see straight. I even think he promised to drop off at least five cases of the stuff when my dad couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved it.
My gaze gravitates to Xander, my smile widening as I watch him interact with everyone. We’re just hanging on the couch, a movie forgotten on the flatscreen, just enjoying everyone’s company. Everything is so comfortable and natural—nothing like the strained attempts to connect with my family when I was with my ex. He always questioned when we were leaving, or even negotiated how long he would have to stay. We never did this, now that I think about it. It was me spending time with my family and him on his phone or in another room until it was time to go. He never took the time to truly get to know them or even consider what I needed when it came to family time.
I snuggle deeper into his side, feeling too warm and cozy to move. “You feel too good right now for me to move,” I whisper, half asleep.
He groans softly, pulling me even closer until I’m practically in his lap, before murmuring in my ear, “Don't start this soft and sexy shit in front of your parents. We don't want them to know how much of a slut you are for me and all the dirty things you beg me to do to you.”
We certainly do not. My face heats and I laugh turning my face into his neck, before glancing up to catch our parents watching us, and I can’t help resting my head on his chest and offering them a genuine smile. Being here with Xander is as easy as breathing, I don't even have to think about it.
A soft kiss to my crown pulls me from my thoughts and I turn to look up at him again. “I'm ready when you are,” I say softly. Hopefully conveying, I’m okay with leaving the warmth of our families, but that I’m also ready for it all. Everything that comes next.
“Those words are music to my ears, babycakes.”
The possessive glint in his eyes tells me he got my message loud and clear.
“Come with me, I have another surprise for you.”
We stand in unison, united, Xander’s large hand warm and secure around mine.
“We have to get going. Apparently, there's another surprise waiting for me,” I say with a broad grin.
“Gerald, Edna, thank you so much for allowing me and my family into your home to break bread. We appreciate your hospitality.”
“Nonsense,” Mom says. “You keep treating her like you did today and you're always welcome. All of you.” She turns to Marilyn and John before I can respond.
“Oh god,” I groan, turning my face into Xander’s shoulder.
“Well, I guess I'll be seeing a lot of you then.”
After another round of hugs and promises to visit Xander’s family in Colorado soon, we leave them laughing in the family room. And just as we’re about to close the door, Mom yells, “Look at him. What am I going to do with him for the rest of the day?” They all howl with laughter and it warms my heart that our families were able to come together so easily.
Quietly, he helps me into the truck and ensures I’m secure in my seat belt before he climbs in beside me.
“Are you ready?” he asks softly, giving my thigh a squeeze.
Somehow, every word carries a weight that deepens the significance of this moment. But I don’t need to think twice. Am I ready for all that he’s offering?
Cupping his face, I gaze into his eyes.
“Yes.”