HIS PRETENSE BRIDE

CHAPTER 34

Alexa's POV

"Have you ever gone Kayaking?" I blurt, absentminded as I gaze out in the open. I don't hear Xander reply so I turn to him. My eyes double at the casual clothes he has on.

"No work?" I ask.

"Not today." He shakes his head. "We are going shopping. It should have been sooner." He mutters.

"Oh," I smile. Eyeing him the muscular T-shirt he has on paired with some dark jeans that he pulls off effortlessly, I can't help noticing how different he looks. Different in a good way, I mean.

"What was your question?" He asks, reminding me.

"Kayaking. Have you ever gone kayaking?" I ask.

He stares at me for a second before shaking his head. "No, and the thought never occurred to me. Why? You love kayaking?" He asks.

"I've never gone kayaking too. I just wondered what it would feel or look like kayaking before sunrise. It must be a sight." I exhaled, picturing it in my mind.

"We can go if you want," he offers in a heartbeat.

"Nah, I'm good." I decline. "I'm not a morning person." I groan.

He chuckles softly but nods anyway. I walk toward the table and put down my cup. I went for orange juice this morning rather than coffee and it was a nice choice. Taking a sizable sausage, I shove it into my mouth and chew.

"Sofia already texted me. She is helping me out with the whole dinner preparations." I tell him.

"Really?" He asks.

"Yup."

"Well, Sofia can wait. Today is our day off. Our day together. I will suggest you go up and change. There's a lot on my list today." He tells me.

I open my mouth to argue but the stubborn look on his face tells me that won't be a good choice. Speechless, I nod quietly and finish up my breakfast. I head to my room after where I change into one of my old jeans and a nice chiffon top. It is one of the nicest things I own. I consider throwing on the heels Xander bought me the night before for a few seconds over some old sneakers I own. I don't know how long we will be out but I also want to feel good. Look good.

"Beauty is pain, Alexa." I drone my mother's favorite words as I slip on the heels.

I walk over to the mirror to check myself out. I almost broke down in front of the mirror when I checked the night before but I'm good. I look good with the minimal make up on my face. Not bothering with a bag, I grab my phone and head out.

Xander is already waiting for me when I climb down the stairs. His eyes light up and I smile. Doris and a few other maids smile at me, complimenting me as I walk up to him.

"Ready?" He breathes when I get to him.

"Yeah," I nod.

Without a word, Xander takes my hand and leads me out of the house to the car. He helps me get into the passenger seat, holding the door for me. Such a gentleman. I don't see Stanley in sight so I'm not surprised when Xander settles into the passenger seat. I notice a car following us as we drive out of the estate and I frown.

"There is something I haven't told you," Xander starts. I lean back in my seat to stare at him.

"Go on," I urge him, quietly.

"My stepmother came by my office yesterday." He tells me and I freeze for a second. "After you left. She put on quite a show, asking one of her guards who is doomed by the way, to touch Carly. He almost choked her to death."