Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
On the inside, I felt nothing, maybe even a faint repulsion. Yes, he was handsome, but beyond what he’d done to me emotionally, he held zero physical appeal for me. He was tall and wiry, with none of Xander’s carnal brawn. His icy blue eyes lacked the warmth and depth of Xander’s smoldering brown. His teeth were too white, his hair too blond, his clothes too stylish, his voice too smooth, his jaw too weak, his cologne too strong.
When we were done and the mics were off, Duke gave me an impersonal hug and took me by both hands. “I’m so glad we’re doing this. Thanks so much for filling in.”
“Thanks for asking me.”
“You sound amazing,” he said. “Never better. It’s like there’s something different in your voice. It’s richer, more mature.”
“Thank you. It’s a great song.”
“Hey, Duke?” a producer called. “We’ve got a question on something.”
“I should go,” I said. “I’ve got one last fitting this afternoon.”
He nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Pick you up at four?”
“Fine. But we make it clear we’re just friends, okay?”
“Just friends,” he said with a wink. “I promise.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze and moved past me.
I didn’t love that wink, but I decided to forget about it—I just wanted to get through my fitting and go home, eager to spend every last minute I could with Xander before he left.
He still hated the idea of leaving me, but I had a surprise for him. As soon as I could clear it with Marius, I planned to book a flight to Michigan so I could be there for the Buckley’s Pub opening. I knew Xander would be frantically busy the whole time, but that wouldn’t bother me. What mattered was supporting each other’s dreams.
I had a feeling we’d be good at that.
TWENTY-FOUR
xander
“Maybe I won’t go.” I was lying on top of her, our bodies still damp with sweat, my cock still inside her. If I was going to make my flight, I needed to leave for the airport in half an hour.
She beat her hands on my back. “Xander, if you don’t get out of this bed right now, I’m going to kick you out.”
“Try.”
She dug her heels into the backs of my thighs. “Listen, I know some moves.”
I laughed. “Unless you have some I didn’t teach you, I can anticipate all your moves.”
“Xander. You need to go. I need to get up and start getting ready anyway. My glam squad will be here shortly.”
“Fine, I’ll go.” I gave her one last kiss and reluctantly extricated myself. “But only because a glam squad sounds terrifying.”
I took a quick shower, trying hard to shake the feeling that leaving her today was the wrong decision. But she fought back every time I suggested staying today and leaving tomorrow. Xander, don’t be ridiculous! The opening is tomorrow. What if your flight is delayed? What if there’s a last-minute emergency at the bar? What if there’s a decision to be made that only you can make?
She was right, but fuck if that pit in my stomach wouldn’t close up. I’d told her about the run-in with Hooper, but she blew it off. “Face it—I posted a photo that broadcast my address to millions of people without even realizing it. We’re lucky he was the only one to show up.”
“But don’t you think that’s weird?” I asked. “Why was he the only one?”
“Maybe I’m just not that popular,” she joked. “Maybe I should be glad Hoop even bothered.”
I got her in a headlock for that one, rubbed my knuckles against her scalp.
But all jokes and foreboding feelings aside, I did hate saying goodbye to her, even if it was only temporary.
“We have to get used to this,” she said at the front door. “We’re going to be coming and going a lot—no pun intended.”
I smiled, but I still felt uneasy as I kissed her one last time. “Kick some ass tonight. I’ll be watching.”
“Thank you. I’ll try.” She touched her stomach. “I’m nervous.”
“You’re going to bring them to their knees.” I pressed my lips to her forehead. “Just like you did to me.”
“Be safe,” she whispered. “And I will too.”
“Call me when you can.” I opened the front door, words I wanted to say sticking in my throat. “I’ll see you soon, baby.”
She blew me a kiss, and I forced myself to walk out.
I should have trusted my gut and stayed.
TWENTY-FIVE
kelly
After shutting the door behind Xander, I went into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. I found my mother sitting at the counter in her bathrobe, her eyes bloodshot and her face puffy. A wad of tissue was balled up in her hand.
“Mama?” Alarmed, I sat next to her and touched her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
“He left again. He’s gone.”
Every time, it hurt. Every. Single. Time. “I’m sorry.”