One Temptation (ManxMan)

There's Something in the Water

Ren

When I speak, Xavier's eyes grow wide and I see a new emotion. I feel my anxiety spiking and I have to explain before he thinks anything bad.

"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, I've always had problems with people taking advantage of me whenever they found out who I was. You've trusted me so much, and I don't want you to think that I don't trust you-"

"Ren, it's okay." He smiles, "Your position doesn't change how I feel about you."

I hang my head, "I'm sorry for having your father as an employee, I want to ruin his career."

"There's no need to apologize for that, there's over 500 employees. I don't want anything he did to me to go to court, I think that would just be too hard." Xavier is gentle, and he's holding both of my hands.

"Every cell in my body just wants to crush him." My blood is boiling, nothing would make me happier than ruining that weak, toxic, good-for-nothing bi-

"Please, Ren." Xavier tugs on my blazer, getting my attention back to him, "Don't go after him because of what happened to me."

Slowly, I sigh. Respecting his wishes is the least I can do. I would never want to put him in a spot that he's not comfortable with. Legally speaking, this isn't even my problem to deal with. I nod to Xavier showing I understand.

"I won't go after him for that, but that doesn't mean I won't look into him." I level my gaze with Xavier.

Xavier touches my chest, running his fingers across my tie, "I'm not going to stop you from that."

I move one of my hands to his face and lean closer to him, "I don't want to lose you."

He's so close to me now, I can feel his hand on my chest and I can't look away. I move my arms to lock around his waist. His face is tipped up toward mine and I can hear his soft breathing. The anticipation is causing my fingers to twitch.

When he speaks his voice is quiet, "You're not going to."

"Can I kiss you?"

He whispers back, "I would be really disappointed if you didn't."

I pull him closer to me and feel his arms wrap around my neck, his hand sliding into my hair. Our lips meet and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. He pushes against me and holds me tighter. Xavier's lips are warm and I can feel his stubble just barely tickling my face. Why does this feel so right? Is this what it's supposed to be like? There's a knock at the door and I reluctantly pull away. My face is flushed, but I move back on the bed making some distance. Xavier's mother enters the room and smiles at the two of us.

"Dinner is ready. Ren, we have a place set for you if you would like to stay." Olivia smiles at the two of us.

I turn back toward Xavier and he gives me a small nod of approval.

"I would love to."

I sit at the wooden table beside Xavier at the seat on the end. Olivia sits across from me and Jackson to my right. Janine is not present, and is apparently not going to be home until late. I've been told that it's probably a good thing Janine is not here tonight. I haven't been told why, I only know that they don't want to overwhelm me. The table is set with mismatched silverware and blue plates. It's strangely very comforting and relaxing to be in this home. Xavier's mother has made chicken, mashed potatoes and salad. It's been a long time since I've eaten something made by a mom. The food tastes great, and of course I could never complain when someone else makes me something.

I learn that Xavier's mother works as computer support specialist in a high school. Jackson is currently working as sales clerk in a department store in order to save up for some college classes. Janine is currently at a local community college getting a degree in journalism. Xavier is saving for a car and then putting the rest of the savings toward college classes. I am fighting the urge to not give them all my money.