All's Fair in Love and Business: Xavier's Story

Ch. 16

Piper Keller

I stare at myself in the mirror...What are you thinking? His word or his promise, I don't stand a chance on surviving the night. I should cancel. Make up an excuse...that he'll see right though, no. I need to be in control tonight, not allow him any openings to assume I want more from him than just dinner. Listening to the shower running I debate whether to shave my legs or not. If I shave, it opens my mind to the possibility of them potentially being wrapped around Xavier. I scoff and my reflection and get in the shower. Washing my hair and body. I pick up the pink razor and start to shave my legs, there's noway Xavier will be deterred by some picky legs. I rather not be embarrassed if the time comes.

    After straightening my hair and putting on a small amount of makeup I leave the house and head for Xavier's. I go five under the speed limit trying to delay my arrival. Too soon I am knocking on his door, when he answers he has a huge smile on his face.

"You're late. You're never late." He states, his eyes suspicious. "I bet you almost canceled on me."

"I thought about it." I admit, walking past him.

"My promise is as useless as my word?" He questions amused, his hand setting on my lower back guiding me to the kitchen.

I glance up at him, and his smirk tells me they both are indeed, useless. I narrow my eyes are him, "You could gain a lot of my trust by keeping both."

His hand travels gently up my spine and his fingers brush the hair on the nap of my neck. He stops walking and he urges me to turn towards him. His hand caresses my neck lifting my face to him.

"We're going to have to find another way to do that. What you're asking for is impossible." He states, seriously. I back up before his lips touch mine.

"What are you cooking?" I ask.

"Lasagna, your favorite." He says, huskily stepping towards me to close the gap. I slip past him and he scowls. I shake my head, no and walk the rest of the way to the kitchen with him following me.

"It smells amazing." I comment, pulling out a stool. From behind I feel his arms wrap around me and his face lowers to my neck, kissing it softly, only once. His hard body against mine, is so tempting. His hands boldly grip my waist as he eases me onto the stool, I watch him walk to the stove and let out a ragged breath.

His eyes are hot on mine, he doesn't have to say a thing. I know what he's feeling and exactly what he's thinking. "Ian's been busy." I say, conversationally. When I walked in I wanted to comment on the house, but I was a tad preoccupied.

"Do you like it?" He questions, putting on an oven-mitt to take the Lasagna out.

"I do. Are you happy with it?"

He shrugs, "I couldn't care less." He answers, honestly.

I laugh, "You could've save a lot of money keeping as it was, if you didn't care."

"Like my Mom or Eva would've let that happen. I'm just glad you were there to choose for me." He replies.

"Its your house, you should've chose it." I point out, rolling my eyes.

"I'd only have to redo it later if you didn't like it."

"My opinion on your decor means that much to you?" I question, in disbelief.

He nods, "When you move in it will."

Stunned momentarily, I gape at him. "I have my own house." I remind him.

"You can sell it. I'm sure it was an investment and you'll walk away with a profit. You're smart like that." He responds, reaching for plates. I watch him slice the garlic bread and serve a square of Lasagna on both our plates.