Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
The shininess of my hair was the least of my worries.
“This is the first time you and Xavier will appear at a public event as a couple,” Fiona said gently as she applied my lipstick, then perched on the corner of the vanity.
“Yeah,” I admitted. “When I sent out the guest lists, we weren’t a couple yet, and there will be many single females making an appearance.”
Fiona gave a shrug. “He’s with you now, so it shouldn’t matter.”
“Do you really think I can hold someone like Xavier? He could have any girl he wants.”
Fiona gripped my shoulders. “The question is if he can hold you, because I’m still not convinced he deserves you. He can thank his lucky stars that you gave him another chance after he popped your cherry so rudely.”
“He didn’t pop it rudely. What came afterward was rude, but nothing I hadn’t expected.”
“Yeah, well. I haven’t forgiven him for that stunt yet. I’m angry for the both of us since you don’t have the necessary bitchiness to hold on to grudges.”
I laughed. “Did you just insult or compliment me?”
“Both,” Fiona said with a grin.
“Only you,” I muttered.
She sobered. “He’s good to you?”
I had lost count of the times she’d asked me that question since the press conference a few days ago. “He is. He is patient and gentle and loving and funny.”
Fiona sighed. “Good Lord.” Then she smirked. “And how’s the sex? I mean with all the practice he’s had he should be a grenade in bed. Or is he one of those who only ever cared about themselves, so they don’t know how to please a woman?”
I stood. “I’m not sure I want to have that kind of conversation.”
“Come on, give me something.”
I could feel my cheeks heating. “He’s very considerate.” Then because I couldn’t hold it in, “And I just can’t keep my hands off him. Everything he does feels amazing.”
Fiona smirked. “That’s what I wanted to hear.”
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this nervous.
The bell rang and Fiona jumped up from the vanity. “It’s Xavier. Oh, his chin is going to hit the floor.”
I stood and allowed myself one more look in the mirror. The tight black leather skirt reached from my waist to my knees with a slit on the left up to my thigh, and the wrap-around top in a shimmery green material had a low V neckline. The black sling-back heels made my legs appear much longer than they were.
“Come now,” Fiona urged. “You look fabulous.”
My eyes slid over Fiona’s tight dress, but for once I didn’t try to compare us. With a nervous smile, I walked past her and toward the stairs. I wasn’t even halfway down when Xavier spotted me, and Fiona had been right: his lips parted and his eyes widened, and he looked at me as if I was the sexiest woman to have ever walked on earth. Xavier in his dark suit with the white shirt, no tie, looked perfectly handsome as well.
Xavier shook his head as he kissed me hard. “Evie, how can I let you go out like this?”
I tensed until he rasped his next words into my ear. “You look so fucking sexy, I won’t be able to keep my hands off you. Do you really want me to ruin my suit by coming in my pants?”
I laughed. “You’re a big boy with lots of restraint.”
“No, I’m not, and we both know it.”
I had already wished him a happy birthday this morning, twice, but right now I felt like another congratulation was due.
“Hey, keep it PG-13, will you?” Fiona muttered as she drifted into Connor’s arms, who regarded her with open adoration.
“We will if you do,” I countered.
“I can’t guarantee anything,” Connor said, wrapping an arm around my sister.
Xavier exchanged a grin with his best friend. “Me neither.”
We arrived at the party with the first guests since I had insisted Xavier be on time for his own birthday party, and because I wanted to give a few last-minute instructions to the service personnel. They worked for the hippest hotel in town so I knew they could handle a birthday party, but I wanted to be sure. After all, we expected about four hundred exclusive guests.
The hotel bar that I’d rented for the occasion offered a spectacular view over the opera and Sydney’s nightly city lights.
Xavier accepted the congratulations with his usual charm and cockiness, but his arm remained firmly wrapped around my waist, not allowing me to blend into the background as I’d done in the past.
I noticed people’s curious glances, especially from the women who’d been invited as potential conquests, but I tried to ignore them. We mostly hung around with Xavier’s teammates—even his coach had come—since Xavier didn’t seem to care much about pretty much anyone else. His family wasn’t invited since they stayed out of the public eye. We’d visit them for a late birthday celebration later that week.