7. LYCA
Chapter 7
LYCA
I stood there rigidly, my feet rooted in place, beginning to sweat despite having just showered. Clutching the towel tightly around my body, I began to feel very self-conscious.
Xander cleared his throat, looking down at the miniature toy cars that my son had arranged on the rug.
Water continued to drip from the tips of my locks, creating a small puddle at my feet. My first impulse was to shout and throw him out. But before I could do that, my son came running up to me.
“Mommy! I want you to meet my new best friend! Come on!” He dragged me by the hand and there was nothing I could do.
I found myself awkwardly standing in front of Xander, who also decided to get up and face me. With just the towel separating my naked body from his presence, I could sense the carnal blaze escalating within me. My mind began to conjure up naughty images of us tangled in each other’s arms.
“Hey, I’m sorry,” Xander said. “Your son let me in, but I can come back some other time.”
“No!” Lucas cried out, tugging at his hand and not letting go.
I sighed, not knowing how I could possibly make him leave now. “Let me just get dressed and then we’ll talk.”
As I went to put on a shirt and a pair of shorts, I couldn’t help imagining how it would feel to have his strong hands grazing my skin. He'd been making an effort to keep his eyes focused on my face, but I sensed the tension lingering between us during that fleeting moment. There was definitely some kind of forceful energy passing between us.
I glanced at the mirror, noticing that even without makeup, my cheeks seemed flushed. As my gaze drifted down to my lips, memories of that passionate kiss flooded back. It had kept me awake for a long time the previous evening, and if I wanted to be honest, I’d admit I yearned to feel it again. I hadn’t been kissed by anyone for a long time, and it just felt so good.
A fit of laughter came from the living room. I could hear my son having fun with his new friend, and it made me smile despite my usual irritation with Xander.
What is he doing here, anyway? I guess I’m about to find out…
When I joined them again, Lucas was busy making his cars fly off from the sofa to the rug.
Xander approached me, and I could feel my heart beating faster. Why the hell do I feel this way?
“Why’d you come?” I asked him straight away.
He looked flustered, and despite having had enough time to come up with a good excuse, he stuttered, “Oh, I, uh, just wanted to return this... um, imaginary sugar I borrowed for my imaginary coffee. Yeah, that's it.”
I laughed despite myself. Mr. Xander Ryan actually had a sense of humor.
“Seriously, Lyca, I’m sorry for seemingly barging into your private space. I, uh, honestly just wanted to apologize for yesterday.”
“Why? Because you pretended to be my boyfriend and kissed me?”I asked quietly.
“Yes,” he admitted sheepishly. “That wasn’t right. I mean, I just wanted to help.”
I was even more bewildered at how he was being so nice. And he seemed to mean it too.
“Yeah, I get it,” I said. “And thanks. My ex can really be a pain in the ass.”
We both chuckled as he nodded in agreement. “Yeah, looks like it,” he agreed. At that moment, every bit of negative emotion that I used to feel toward him dissipated.
“Mom! Xander! Let’s go play!” Lucas invited, making us turn toward him and join him on the floor.
The room filled with laughter as Lucas orchestrated an imaginary racing competition with his collection of miniature cars. I found myself drawn into the playfulness of the moment, the vibrant energy of the room contagious. Xander, too, seemed to embrace the lighthearted atmosphere.
“Alright, buckle up, everyone! It's time for the ultimate race!” Lucas announced, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Xander and I exchanged amused glances before joining in the imaginative competition. As the toy cars zoomed across the makeshift track, Lucas guided us through the twists and turns of his vivid imagination.
“These are the fastest cars in the world! They can go faster than anything!” Lucas exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. He seemed so happy, and I couldn’t help thinking that it was because he never had the opportunity to play like that with his own dad or any other father figure.
Xander played along with enthusiasm. “Whoa, look at them go! They're like lightning!”
It was truly endearing to watch the two of them getting along so well.
“So, Lyca, what's your favorite racetrack?” Xander asked, his eyes glinting with genuine curiosity.
I smiled, the question sparking memories. “I've always been fascinated by the Monaco Grand Prix. The elegance of the circuit and the challenging twists make it an iconic race. But I haven’t really been there yet.”
Xander nodded thoughtfully. “Monaco is a classic. I love the history behind it. Perhaps someday we’ll get to visit it together.”
That made my heart thump hard. Monaco was a romantic destination, and in that instance, I found myself imagining the possibility of enjoying time with Xander there and watching him race.
As we continued discussing about our favorite racetracks, the conversation theme seamlessly transitioned to racing legends. It was refreshing to share this passion with someone else who appreciated the sport and actually lived it, apart from my brother. Of course, I haven’t been in touch with my dad for a long time now, and he was the one who introduced me to the world of racing in the first place.
“I've always admired Ayrton Senna,” Xander admitted, his eyes reflecting a deep appreciation. “His skill and charisma were unmatched.”
“He was truly extraordinary,” I agreed. “It's inspiring how these legends leave an indelible mark on the sport.”
“How about your dad? Have you ever watched him race in the past?” I added, but then suddenly felt like biting on my lip when I saw the expression on his face change. “Oh, sorry. You don’t have to share this with me if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s fine. I mean, I’ve always longed to watch him live, but I never got to. But I was aware that this amazing race car driver was my father, and I guess that still influenced me to pursue the sport when I got older.”
“Mr. Steele didn’t stay long as a driver, though, because he got busy establishing his business, which has grown so massively now.”
“Yes, he became very successful, but that made him all the more busy. I guess that’s one of the reasons I wanted to succeed too, to make him notice me.”
“It worked,” I said with a smile.
“Yeah, it did. So I’m giving him another chance to be a real father to me.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
I was taken aback by him actually confiding such things in me. Honestly, it warmed my heart. I felt like there was a stronger connection forming between us, perhaps that was the beginning of a new friendship. It was puzzling and funny at the same time. Now, he didn’t seem to fit the image I’d created of him in my head. He also didn’t suit the persona the media had painted of him.
“How about your dad, Lyca? When did you last hear from him?”
I shrugged. “I don’t remember, honestly. It’s different for us because he left us on purpose, unlike your parents who mutually decided to separate… But that was a long time ago. I’m not even sure if I’m still angry at him.”
There was silence for a while. Lucas was still busy making roaring sounds as he continued the imaginary race.
Xander suddenly reached over and squeezed my hand gently. I felt a shiver run down my spine. This sweet, simple gesture made me long for a romantic partner, someone to listen to me and take me in his arms. It was exhausting to always have to be strong on my own all the time. Of course, my mom and my best friend had always been around, but that was just different.
“So, Lyca, how did you get into sports psychology, especially in a field usually dominated by males?" Xander wondered. He was changing the subject, perhaps because he could feel the growing awkwardness on my part. I wasn’t ready to bear my entire heart and life to him.
“Well, it wasn't easy, but I was hardheaded, and I really wanted to contribute to the mental well-being of athletes, regardless of gender. I think it’s an aspect of sports that’s often ignored or not given much attention.”
“Hhmmm… You have a point. That's impressive. Dad’s company is lucky to have you.”
“Thanks,” I answered, smiling.
Our conversation was abruptly cut short by the unexpected arrival of Jessie, who seemed to have a knack for impeccable timing—or lack thereof. The door swung open, and she sauntered in with her usual flair, only to stop short when she saw Xander.
“Hey, Lyca! What's go—Oh my stars!” Jessie's eyes widened as she caught sight of Xander.
“It’s my lucky day!” Jessie exclaimed dramatically, a hand pressed against her forehead as if she could faint at any moment. She wasted no time in unleashing her signature swoon, which, much to my amusement, seemed to make Xander visibly uncomfortable.
Xander, caught off guard by the unexpected attention, managed a polite but reserved smile. “Uh, hi, Jessie. Nice to see you again.”
Jessie responded with an exaggerated gasp, clasping her hands together. “You remembered my name? Oh, wow! Happy to see me? Oh, no, no, the pleasure is all mine! I mean, have you seen those commercials? You're like a dream on wheels!”
I couldn't help but chuckle at Jessie's over-the-top enthusiasm. “Jess, we were just—”
“—playing with race cars! How adorable!” Jessie interjected, her gaze lingering on Xander as if he were the rarest gem in the room.
Xander shifted uncomfortably, glancing at me as if silently pleading for rescue. I decided to play along with the unexpected theatrics, enjoying the unfolding spectacle.
“Yeah, we were having a little race car competition with Lucas here,” I explained, gesturing to the still-enthralled Lucas, oblivious to the comedic exchange.
Jessie leaned in, her tone conspiratorial. “So, Xander, do you have a favorite race car? I mean, besides the one you drive, of course.”
Xander chuckled. “Well, I appreciate the craftsmanship of all race cars, really.”
“Oh, modesty! How utterly charming!” Jessie exclaimed, causing Lucas to look up from his miniature racetrack, curiosity evident in his eyes.
Suddenly, Jessie grabbed Xander’s hand and led him to the sofa. “You know, I work for this magazine and it would make me so happy if you could give me just a short interview. Please?”
Xander’s eyes widened. “Oh.”
“Pretty please?” Jessie pleaded charmingly.
“Okay, sure.”
“Fantastic!” Then she launched into the interview as I shook my head in laughter and disbelief. I left them for a while to prepare some sandwiches for everyone. As I headed back to the kitchen, I could sense Xander gazing at me even as Jessie continued to speak. My heart skipped a beat.
The interview seemed to be finished. “You know, maybe Xander has plans for today and needs to go already,” I said. “I’m sure you must be a busy guy.”
“I don’t really have plans for today…” Xander began to say. To my surprise, he appeared to be willing to stay longer. But what’s even more surprising was that I felt delighted to spend more time with him.
Lucas suddenly piped up with an eager plea. “Yes, stay some more, Uncle Xander! Let’s play Twister first!”
The innocence in Lucas's eyes was hard to resist, and it was evident that he desperately wanted Xander to join in the impromptu game.
Xander, agreed to stay and play with a bemused smile, “Sure, why not? Twister it is.”
Lucas beamed with excitement and rushed to retrieve the colorful Twister pad. As he unfurled it on the living room floor, the array of colored circles seemed to spark a renewed sense of enthusiasm in all of us.
“I'm afraid I'll have to sit this one out,” Jessie chimed in, adopting a mock pout. "A minor knee injury from the gym, you know. But I'll gladly be the referee.”
Lucas, undeterred, gave Jessie an understanding nod before turning his attention back to the game. “Okay, let's play!”
My son immediately took charge as the spinner. The room echoed with laughter as we contorted ourselves into awkward positions, attempting to navigate the increasingly complex array of colored circles.
“Left foot on green!” Lucas called out, his eyes gleaming with delight.
Xander moved quickly, reaching over my already stretched figure and causing our bodies to rub against one another. His leg was now on top of mine, and I could feel the heat from him transferring to me through our touching skin. My body was suddenly blazing with fire, making me a bit wobbly. We turned our heads toward each other, our faces only inches apart. I could hear and feel his breath, and it triggered waves of electricity to shoot up my limbs.
“Now right hand on blue!” Lucas announced in a spirited manner.
Both Xander and I immediately placed our hands over the nearest blue circle, our fingers touching. The sexual tension between us was undeniable. We ended up both losing our balance and stumbling on the ground with tangled limbs, laughing aloud.
I saw Jessie wiggling her eyebrows at us as we untangled and got back on our feet. My heart was pounding crazily by this time.
And Xander was staring at me with his incredibly intense brown eyes.