42. Double Date
My phone buzzes on the counter just as I'm fixing the straps of my dress. Clara, of course.
Clara ??: Sooo, ready for tonight? ???
Me: You mean the part where I third-wheel you and logan while Xavier glares at ppl?
Clara??: EXACTLY. But babe, it's not third-wheeling if we're both double-wheeling.
Me: That's not a thing
Clara??: It is now so shut up and be cute. Are you wearing the white dress??
Me: Stopppp! you're making me nervous.
Clara??: You'll be fine. Besides, Logan says Xavier looks like the type of guy who tips badly.
Me: Clara. My man literally buys out bakeries for kids! don't slander him like that
Clara??: OHHH look at you defending your Ring Lord ??
I shove my phone on the counter, cheeks warm, but my smile won't leave.
The double date wasn't even my idea.
Clara had been buzzing with energy after rehearsal, practically skipping down the street beside me, when she suddenly blurted, "You know what we need? A double date."
And just like that, I was trapped in Clara's master plan. I texted Xavier on my way home, bracing myself for the flat rejection, but he only sent back one word: Fine.
Which, in Xavier-language, meant I'll put up with this because it's you.
Now, standing in front of my mirror, smoothing the white dress over my hips.
"Xav!" I call out "I'm ready, what about you-" The second he steps into the room, every word I was about to say slips right out of my mouth.
God.
He's perfect.
The kind of perfect that makes you forget how to breathe.
That black shirt clings to him like it was made for his body alone, every line of his chest and shoulders cut sharper by the fabric.
The sleeves are rolled up just enough to show his forearms—strong, veined, lethal, and somehow more distracting than they should be.
Dark trousers, fitted just right, completing the picture of quiet danger wrapped in elegance.
And then there's his face. His jaw looks sharper tonight, like it could slice through my composure with one glance.
His hair, slightly tousled yet perfectly intentional, frames those eyes—dark, steady, devastating.
Eyes that find me instantly, as if I'm the only thing worth looking at in this entire world.
My breath catches. My pulse trips. I try not to stare, but it's useless. My gaze traces him over and over, from the subtle curve of his smirk to the way his broad frame moves with casual, controlled strength.
He doesn't just look good. He looks like temptation incarnate.
And I—I can't look away.
His smirk deepens as he catches me frozen, eyes locked on him like I've forgotten how to blink.
"Take a picture, Swan," he drawls, voice low, teasing. "It'll last longer."
Before I can even think, I actually grab my phone from the dresser and snap. The sound of the camera click fills the silence.
His brows lift, clearly not expecting me to call his bluff. For once, Xavier Hayes—the undefeated Ring Lord, the man who terrifies opponents with just a look—actually looks stunned.
I grin, victorious. "Done." I hold up the screen so he can see the photo, perfectly capturing him standing there, dark and devastating and entirely mine. "Now it'll last forever."
Something flickers in his eyes before he closes the distance between us in two long strides. His hand slides around my waist, pulling me against his chest.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" he murmurs, his lips brushing dangerously close to mine.
I don't even get a chance to answer before his mouth claims mine.
It's rough at first like he's punishing me. His hand tightens at my waist, pulling me flush against him, while his other hand cups the back of my neck, tilting my head exactly how he wants it.
I melt into him. Every inch of me is pressed to every inch of him, and I swear my knees would give out if he wasn't holding me up.
He softens then, lips molding slower, deeper, like he's savoring every second. His thumb brushes over my jaw, gentler now, a stark contrast to the fire in his kiss."Let's go, Amara," he whispers, voice thick with restraint, "before I take you right here."
--
"Clara!" I beam, rushing over to wrap her in a hug.
"Hello, babe." She pulls back with her usual sunshine grin, eyes sparkling as she spins slightly like she wants me to take her in.
And I do.
Her blonde hair is twisted into the most elegant bun, a few delicate strands framing her face. That wine-red dress hugs her perfectly, the rich color making her eyes stand out brighter, and her lipstick matches like she planned every single detail.
Beside her, Logan stands tall in a navy blue suit, the two of them looking like they just stepped out of an art gallery together of course, knowing Clara, that's probably where she made him try on outfits in the first place.
"You look so beautiful." I whisper honestly, squeezing her hands.
She grins wider, lowering her voice so only I hear. "Not as beautiful as the way your Ring Lord is staring at you right now."
Heat rushes up my neck, and I glance over my shoulder, Xavier is standing there looking like he owns the entire restaurant just by existing. And judging by the way other people's heads turn, I'm not the only one noticing.
We quickly get into our seats. Clara and I are already discus like we haven't seen each other in years, even though rehearsal ended just hours ago. Meanwhile, across the table, the boys sit in silence, like two statues in very expensive clothes.
Clara finally huffs, throwing her hands up. "Okay, enough of this awkwardness. Xavier, talk to your bestie!"
Xavier's head snaps up. "He is not—"
My heel connects sharply with his shin under the table. He stiffens, jaw tightening, and I shoot him a glare that very clearly says be nice.
A beat of silence, then he exhales through his nose and forces a smile at Logan. "Hey, man. Long time no see."
But I can tell. It's that rare Xavier-smile that's all teeth and no warmth—the one he uses in press photos when he'd rather be anywhere else.
Logan, ever the easygoing one, doesn't miss a beat. "Yeah, man. It's been a while. You still punching guys for a living?"
"Every week," Xavier says smoothly, swirling the wine in his glass. "You still playing with rocks?"
Clara gasps, smacking his arm from across the table. "They're sculptures, you brute!"
"You still asking my girl about my secrets in exchange for something?" Logan glares at Xavier before turning to Clara.
Xavier and Clara look at each other for a second before looking away, Clara plays with the strap of her purse while Xavier looks at me across the table.
I mouth to him, raising my brows "what?"
"Guys, what?" I ask again, but no one responds.
Logan finally says, "So, apparently your boyfriend asked my woman about small things about you, and of course Clara being Clara asked your boyfriend information about me."
Clara cheekily smiles at Logan, and he returns it back.
"So, Ama, like when you were mad at Xavier, for hiding your shoes?" she asks, and I nod at her, "he asked me to put the coffee and pastries in your locker."
"So it was you?" I ask her.
Clara nods, still grinning, like she's proud of herself.
I knew the coffee and the pastry was from him, but I didn't know that it was Clara was put it there.
I can feel my cheeks warming, and my chest flutters in that way it always does around Xavier. I glance over at him, who's watching me carefully, that unreadable smirk on his face. The way he looks at me now like he's claiming this moment, claiming me, makes my heart skip again.
"Wait, that's how you got the list?" I ask, as I realized it.
I had sent my Sephora cart to Clara as a playful joke, asking her to buy it for me.
He nods slowly, eyes never leaving mine. "Yeah." His voice softens as he reaches across the table, letting his fingers brush mine.
"I didn't even know why I did it," he continues, gaze unwavering, "or what the story behind it was or who it was for. But there was one thing I did know, Amara."
"What?" I whisper, leaning slightly closer without realizing it.
"I want to be the one who gives you everything you want," he says, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. "Anything or everything you want. All you have to do is say the word, Swan."
I feel my heart hammering, warmth flooding through me, and the world around us seems to blur. It's just him, his eyes, his words and me.
The waiter finally arrives, placing steaming plates in front of us, the scent of perfectly cooked pasta and garlic bread making my stomach growl.
I slide into the seat beside Xavier, feeling the heat radiate off him even though the air is cool. Logan settles beside Clara, clearly enjoying her chatter as she fusses with her napkin.
Xavier's hand finds my thigh under the table, light at first, just enough to let me know he's there. My chest flutters immediately, heart skipping a beat at the contact. It's casual, effortless, but the possessiveness in that single touch makes me feel... safe. Wanted.
I glance up at him, and his eyes meet mine, dark and unreadable, a small smirk tugging at his lips like he knows exactly the effect he's having on me. "Hungry, Swan?" he murmurs quietly, so only I can hear.
"Starving," I whisper back, trying and failing not to lean just a little closer. I can't help myself. "Do you think the waiter judges people based on how much garlic bread they eat?" I ask, giggling softly. "Because if he does, we're definitely on the naughty list."
Xavier's head slowly turns to the side, jaw tight, and his hand brushes the back of his hair as if annoyed. A subtle ruffle, like he's trying to act frustrated.
But I know him. That little gesture? It's his way of hiding a smile. He's not annoyed at all.
I glance at him, eyes sparkling, and can't stop the smile tugging at my lips. Inside, I'm grinning like a fool.
He finally looks back at me, dark eyes meeting mine for just a moment before he lets his gaze drift elsewhere. But I catch the tiny twitch at the corner of his mouth, the silent admission that he's completely entertained.
I bite my lip, trying not to laugh, and smile to myself.
Clara laughs, pointing at one of Logan's sculptures on his phone. "I swear, this one looks like he's ready to punch someone. Did you model it after Xavier?"
I snort, hiding my laugh behind my napkin. Xavier shoots me a look, jaw tight, like how dare you? but I can see the corners of his mouth twitching anyway.
Logan rolls his eyes, rubbing the back of his neck. "Very funny, love. No, I didn't model it after anyone. And Xavier, don't even start pretending you're not judging me right now."
Xavier tilts his head, dark gaze flicking between Logan and me. "Judging? Me? Never," he says smoothly, though the subtle smirk betrays him.
"Ama," Clara continues, leaning back, eyes sparkling, "do you even know how he's spoiling you? I mean, pretty sure he can spoil a cat to the point it demands its own personal butler, and you're just standing there letting him!"
I roll my eyes, laughing, while Xavier chuckles quietly beside me "She's exaggerating," he murmurs, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "I only spoil the important ones."
"And what counts as important?" I ask, smiling up at him.
He leans closer, lips just inches from mine. "You."
After we finish eating, Clara and I excuse ourselves as we head to the restroom together.
When we return, the restaurant feels quieter, the soft hum of background music filling the space. My eyes immediately find Xavier and Logan sitting side by side—and close.
Clara nudges me, whispering, "Ohhh, look at them. I think they've officially become partners in crime."
As we near the table, we catch snippets of their conversation.
"I'm telling you, I got this" Logan says, voice firm but amused, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
"Nope. I insist," Xavier replies, smirk tugging at his lips, clearly enjoying this little standoff. "You're my guest tonight. I pay."
"You're my guest too, Xavier." Logan shoots back, mock indignation in his tone.
I bite my lip, trying not to laugh. We watch the two men spar like it's some ridiculous game show
"You know what," Xavier says, leaning back with that infuriatingly smug look, "the last time I let someone else pay, I ended up doing all the dishes. Not happening tonight."
Logan snorts, shaking his head. "Dude, that's ridiculous. I don't care what happened last time. You're not paying for both of us."
"I'm not paying for both of us. I'm paying for my girl" Xavier counters, voice low but pointed, eyes flicking to where I sit.
Logan leans closer, elbows on the table, grinning. "Well, lucky for me, I'm with my girl too. She won't let me get away with it."
They go back and forth, neither willing to give an inch. "I insist." "I insist more." "You're my guest!" "No, you are!"
Xavier leans forward, smirk sharpening, voice low but teasing. "I don't think you understand the concept of my guest, Logan. I even brought the wine she likes."
Logan grins, shaking his head. "Bringing the wine doesn't make you more generous. It just proves you planned this."
"I planned this? Ha. I always plan to treat my girl like the queen she is." Xavier shoots back.
After bickering and arguing, the jury has decided that- "I'm paying." Logan says to the waiter.
The waiter finally sighs.
Poor guy was traumatized. We need to pay for his therapy as well.
With the argument settled, we all settle back into our seats. Xavier gives my hand a gentle squeeze under the table, smirk lingering, clearly pleased with how things turned out.
Across from me, Clara leans against Logan, her head tilting toward him as he adjusts her napkin with an adorably careful touch.
She's laughing softly at something he's whispered, and I can see the way her eyes sparkle when they lock together.
Logan's smile is soft, tender—so unlike the teasing, exasperated grin he wears around everyone else.
I can't help but grin to myself, heart swelling. My hopeless romantic bestie, finally letting herself fall for someone who truly deserves her. The way she laughs, the way she leans into him—it's perfect.
And sitting here, watching them, I feel a warm, quiet happiness settle over me. For once, it's not just about Xavier and me. It's about seeing love happen around me.
Xavier notices my smile and leans closer, whispering, "Thinking about her again?"
I laugh softly, pressing my head lightly against his shoulder. "Yeah... she's so happy. I just... love seeing her like this."
He presses a soft kiss to my temple, murmuring, "Just like I love seeing you happy."
thought of giving y'all a xmas gift hehe!
Merry Christmas!
i open wattpad after a week and see 26K reads? I'm forever grateful to you guys! thankyou 3
i still dont feel like writing, but here we are 33
life update: