Page 26 of The Rookie's Sister

I let him lead me onto the polished floor, hyperaware of each point of contact between us. He sweeps me effortlessly into the rhythm of the melody, our bodies swaying in sync. When he pulls me close, my veins flood with heat. Being wrapped in his arms feels far too natural, our bodies molded together like missing puzzle pieces. I cling to his shoulder, struggling not to get lost in the sensation. Xavier’s thumb traces absent patterns on my hipbone as we turn. Even through the fabric of my dress, his touch scorches my skin.

The song ends, blending fluidly into the next. We drift to the edge of the dancefloor but remain loosely embraced, his fingers tangled with mine. Xavier leans close, breath fanning my cheek.

“You look completely smitten, Thompson. We’re killing this.” Amusement lurks beneath his low tone.

I playfully swat his chest, acutely aware of our proximity. “It’s called acting, Johnson. Don’t get cocky.”

His eyes dance. “Maybe you’re just that into me.”

Before I can retort, a familiar nasal voice cuts through the music. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite fake couple.”

We turn to see Xavier’s ex, Rachel, watching us with a sly smile. Her slinky red dress hugs the curves both Xavier and I lack. She looks like sex poured into silk. Very on-brand for her.

Xavier’s hand tightens reflexively on my hip. “Rachel. Charming as always.”

“Oh, I do try.” She steps closer, studying us with too-bright eyes. “You two are just adorable together. I love this little game you’re playing.”

Irritation flickers in Xavier’s expression. “What my girlfriend and I do is none of your concern.”

“Mmm, keep telling yourself that, Xav.” Rachel’s stare bores into me. “Must be so fun playing house with the star receiver, Emma.”

Heat creeps up my neck. I open my mouth to retort, but Rachel steamrolls on.

“Oh, Mark baby! There you are.” She waves over Xavier’s athletic rival, draping herself on his arm like an expensive fur coat.

The muscle in Xavier’s jaw feathers. I read the silent frustration in the tense lines of his body, the irritation swirling beneath that polite facade. Impulsively, I reach up and turn his face toward me. His cheek is smooth under my palm and I’m struck with the question of what it might feel like against the insides of my thighs.

“Hey. Don’t let her get to you.” My voice drops to a murmur meant only for him. Xavier’s eyes latch onto mine, raw emotion swirling in their depths.

Before I can overthink it, I close the distance between us and press my lips to his. Xavier makes a small surprised sound but recovers quickly, hands coming up to grip my waist. We melt together, the rest of the ballroom fading away.

This kiss differs from our reckless encounter at the gala. That was fueled by play-acting, by the thrill of competition. This simmers with deeper emotion, a chord striking between two kindred spirits. For a breathless moment, it’s real. Dangerously, terrifyingly real.

We break apart slowly, filtered ballroom light dancing across Xavier’s face. He searches my expression, brow furrowed, like he’s seeing me for the first time. I offer a small, trembling smile.

“Come on, let’s get some air.”

Xavier lets me lead him through the oblivious crowd to the balcony doors. The night air hits my flushed skin like a balm, clearing some of the haze from my mind. What am I doing, letting myself get so caught up? This man has the power to destroy everything I’ve worked for. But looking up at Xavier’s conflicted face in the moonlight, all my doubts and fears seem unimportant. I just want to lose myself in those dark eyes again.

His phone vibrates loudly, shattering the moment. Xavier pulls it out, brow creasing when he reads the screen.

“I need to take this. It’s the club owner.” He squeezes my hand, regret flickering across his face. “I’ll come find you in a minute, okay?”

“Okay.” I watch his retreating figure, wrapping my arms around myself against the sudden chill.

When Xavier returns, his expression is carefully neutral, but I notice the tension in his shoulders, the slight furrow of his brow. He looks like a man who’s just received bad news but is trying hard not to show it.

“What was that?” I ask, concerned.

He hesitates, just for a moment, before putting on a reassuring smile. “It’s fine. Just some team logistics I need to sort out. You know how it is.”

I study him, sensing there’s more he’s not saying. But then I remember my father’s words from earlier: Focus on what you can control, and let the rest fall into place. I don’t press Xavier for more information; we all have our burdens to bear, and tonight, for a few hours at least, I want to set mine aside. Besides, regardless of this spark between us, his life isn’t mine to share.

But we still have the rest of the night.

Taking a step closer, I pull him toward me. “In that case, would you like to invite me back to your place for a nightcap? I could use some distraction, as you know.”

His eyes widen slightly, clearly not expecting my forwardness. The surprise quickly morphs into a warm smile. “Why not?” he breathes.

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