Xavier

55

Luna's POV

Xavier was so good at calming me its insane. One minute I'm a mess rambling and the next he's just easing my worries. Or at least helping me forget them.

"Do you know who you'll bring along to the auction?"

"Not really. Nadia and I aren't really speaking and I don't really have any other friends." I shrugged.

"Hmm...what about that brunette I saw you with? What happened to him?"

My eyebrows raised slightly from surprise. I didn't expect him to bring Mason up. "i hadn't even thought to ask Mason. You think I should?"

"I mean if you want. I just don't want you be sitting around by yourself." He shrugged.

"I think i will. Nine times out of ten he'll agree."

"I'm glad you're coming I know I won't be able to really be with you the whole time but seeing you will make it tolerable." He chuckled. "Anytime."

As Our conversation died down I moved around in the water a bit just enjoying the warmth. It was a major plus that this hot tub is huge. It really was like half the size of a regular sized pool. It allowed us to have some distance from each other but I ached to be closer to him. I could feel his eyes on me as I moved but I didn't look him in the eyes.

The sound of a phone dinging grabbed my attention however. I looked to my own for a second but remembered that there really wasn't anyone that could be texting me right now.

He looked at his phone with furrowed eyebrows. Whatever the message said clearly bothered him. I could see it in the way the light smile he wore before completely disappeared and formed a scowl. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing my parents are just being a tad irritating." He replied and started to get out of the water. "Where are you going?" I asked.

"I'm gonna get started on dinner. I almost forgot I had to do that."

I just nodded and sat along the edge of the hot tub. I stayed in the water for another twenty minutes just thinking. I would've gotten out a lot sooner so I could sit while he cooked but I figured he'd want some time to himself. I mean we were together all day long.

When I got out I grabbed a clean towel from the linen rack in the corner and grabbed my clothes before quietly going to my room. I showered and brushed my hair up into a high ponytail. I stood in my towel staring at my clothes trying to decide whether or not I wanted to wear underwear under my pajamas. If I did it would no doubt be my lingerie.

It was a deep crimson red that left very little to the imagination because it was so skimpy. The lace material was decorated in little red hearts but it was otherwise transparent. I decided to go ahead and put it on with no real thought behind it. I wasn't expecting to be seen in it but I was alone at a cabin with Xavier. I wanted to at least be prepared for anything.

I threw on my large t shirt and very short shorts over top of the set before shielding my feet with socks.

I found Xavier in the kitchen easily. He was stood at the stove stirring something in a pot. His back was turned to me and boy was it a good view.

He was clad in a fresh white t shirt and sweatpants. His hair looked damp which let me know he'd found the time to shower after he walked away. I nearly started drooling at the sight of his muscles moving beneath the fabric of his shirt. The way his bicep and his forearm flexed while he stirred the substance alone could make anyone week in the knees.

He looked up towards the window that was conveniently placed in front of the sink before turning to look at me. Im assuming he saw my reflection. I offered a shy wave and it earned me a chuckle. "Hi."

"Hey love. You okay?" He asked. "Yeah I'm good. Are you?"

"Better."

I nodded as I approached the kitchen island. "What are you making again?"

"Chicken Marsala."

"Sounds fancy what is it exactly?"

"Chicken with this type of Marsala wine sauce and pasta. It usually has mushrooms but for you I left them out." He replied as he turned back to the pan. "It smells great."

"Come here." He beckoned. I raised a brow but followed his instructions anyway. As I approached him I noticed the array of seasonings on the counter beside him and the bowl of raw chicken on the counter. "Did you clean that?" I asked.

"Of course."

I think I just fell in love.

"Here taste it." He said softly as he extended the wooden spoon to me. I looked up and into his eyes as I let him feed me the sauce he was preparing. His eyes bored into mine with the intensity of a fire. I quickly averted my gaze to put an end to the stare.

I found a new focus as I tasted the sauce. I couldn't help the soft moan I let out. "You like it?"

"I think I'm in love...what's the recipe so I can make this all the time?" I asked dramatically. "Ever the dramatic." He smiled.

"Yes but I do want the recipe."

"A good cook never shares his secret. How about I make it for you whenever you want it?" He offered. "Trying to get me wrapped around your finger I see?"

"More like Trying to always have an excuse to see you."

"You and I both know you don't need an excuse." I replied as I finally met his eyes again. His hazel eyes met mine and we just looked at each other for a second. The moment was ruined by the sound of the pan sizzling as the liquid in it started to boil over a little bit. I flinched lightly and stepped back so he could finish cooking.

I hung out at the kitchen table on my phone reading some article about a new professor we were supposed to be getting. She would be teaching but she was also to be the new assistant Dean of the legal studies department. I was shocked to know that it would be led by a very young and very attractive black woman. "Did you see this article about the new head of legal studies?" I asked as he prepared our plates.

"No. Who is it?" He queried.

"A woman named Liliana...Johnson. She's kinda fine." I told him. I jumped slightly in my seat at the sound of something shattering. When I looked over in his direction he was coughing and patting his chest while shards of broken glass slid across the floor.

As I got up to help him he started chugging water. "Oh my God are you okay?" I asked as I found my way to his side. He let out a few more coughs before nodding. "I'm good."

I helped him clean up the glass and we sat down at the table to eat. "I wonder if she'll be at that auction thing." I voiced after a few moments of silence.

"Uh most likely. They invited pretty much every staff member."

"I read in there she's an alum. Graduated her law program the same time as you did you know her?" I asked curiously.

"Y-yeah I know her."

"Oh cool, will you introduce me. I find her story interesting and I want to network more this coming semester."

"Sure." He smiled.