Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Chloe smiled, her face lighting up. “Thank you. It’s been a whirlwind but so amazing. Umm, are you ready for filming to start?”
“I am.”
An awkward silence followed as Sasha loaded the dishwasher and started to wash the plates Chloe had brought in.
Chloe sighed. “Okay, listen, I admit I’m protective of my brother, but watching him today, I see he’s happy. And that’s all I want. So if I was cold to you today, I’m sorry.”
Sasha blinked in surprise. “Thank you.” But she was pleased. She’d always liked Chloe Kingston. Sasha didn’t want Chloe to assume things about her relationship with Xander. “Your brother and I have an understanding about things this time around.”
Chloe narrowed her gaze. “What kind of understanding?” she asked. “I mean, not that it’s any of my business, but you mentioned it so…”
“It’s fine. You’re right. I brought it up.” Sasha shut the faucet. Wiping her hands on paper towels, she turned to Chloe. “It’s just that we don’t have unreal expectations this time. I live in California, Xander’s here, and our lives don’t mesh.” Every time she said or thought those words, her stomach churned uncomfortably.
“Sasha, I doubt you know about how I got together with Beck, but I tried to tell myself I could keep those boundaries. You know, be together while I was living with him and walk away when I moved out.” Chloe bit down on her bottom lip. “But that’s not what happened, and there was a lot of pain involved before things worked out. All I’m saying is, be careful. You and Xander both.”
Sasha’s eyes filled with tears, and she turned away despite the fact that it was too late. Chloe had probably noticed. And when she put her hand on Sasha’s shoulder, Sasha knew she was right.
“Hey, I was looking all over for you,” Beck said, joining them in the kitchen. “Hi, Sasha.”
She smiled. “Hi.”
“Is everything okay in here?” he asked, glancing from woman to woman.
“We’re all good,” Sasha said, meaning it. She appreciated Chloe’s attempt to help.
“Great. Because I thought I’d take my fiance home.” He strode over and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him. “Ready?”
“I am.” She glanced at Sasha. “Take care, okay? And good luck on the movie.”
Sasha smiled. “Thanks.”
The couple walked out, leaving Sasha to think. Chloe had made very good points. Sasha and Xander were walking a tightrope and were definitely headed for a fall without the possibility of things working out the way they had for Chloe and Beck. But even knowing that ahead of time, nothing would stop Sasha from making the most of the time she had with Xander now.
* * *
The day had gone well by Kingston family standards. Everyone seemed to have a good time, the pool got use, there were a couple of arguments that needed someone to referee, and they all ate well. Best of all, everyone seemed to welcome Sasha without giving her shit. All in all, Xander would take it.
He said goodbye to the last of his family – finally – and took Bella out for a walk, waving at Tate as he headed down the driveway. Upon his return, he did a final check of all the doors in the house, closing everything, locking up, and setting the alarm.
He hadn’t seen Sasha since she’d said goodbye to his mom and the rest of the family. He stopped by the spotless kitchen, courtesy of Sasha, but all the lights were off. Going in search of her, he headed in the direction of their bedrooms. Her door was partially open, and the sound of the shower came from the bathroom inside. Debating for only half a second, he walked in to join her.
He stripped in her bedroom then opened the bathroom door. Steam greeted him, but as he stepped inside, he saw her. Eyes closed, face tipped up toward the spray, her body even more luscious than he remembered. His cock stood at attention, and he gripped himself in one hand and groaned.
She turned, her eyes opening wide. “Xander.”
His dick twitched at the sound of his name on her lips. He pulled open the door and stepped into the large shower, the hot water streaming over them.
Her lips parted in surprise and he raised an eyebrow. If she had a problem with him here, he was out. He wouldn’t pressure her–
Before he could finish the thought, she threw herself against him, plastering her naked body against his. He caught her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her when she jumped so she could wrap her legs around his waist. Holding her again, he finally felt whole.
And fucking horny. It was so much easier to focus on the latter than the emotions rushing through him. Turning, he backed her against the wall, his hips holding her up, his cock hard against her pussy and abdomen. Once he had her pinned, he sealed their lips together, kissing her hard, tasting mint, and wanting more. His tongue swept through the deep recesses of her mouth, devouring her with all that he had to give.