Page 43 of The Keeper

“We weren’t dry humping, you ass.” I took a long swallow of wine. “We were talking.”

I felt Xavier’s strong hand skim up and down my back. He bent his head so his mouth hovered at my ear.

“Is that what you think it was?” he asked. “Talking?” He nibbled at my earlobe before sitting back in the chair to casually sip his drink.

“Exhibit A,” Killian gloated.

“Who wants dessert?” Max stood up.

I offered to help with the plates and coffee. Separating myself from Xavier’s sphere helped clear my head. He’s so damn intoxicating. It’s no secret I had a type but he’s well beyond just an inked up hot athlete with an edge.

I caught glimpses of him talking with Killian. He appeared engaged in whatever Killian was saying. Probably more brand management talk. I made it a point to set the dessert plates down on the table so I could eavesdrop.

“…content and engagement,” Killian was saying. “Way too many people go about it the wrong way. They think posting random shit everyday is enough. But if it’s all boring, nobody will care.”

I caught Xavier’s eye and smiled. “Tea or coffee for you?”

“Tea, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“I don’t know.” I widened my eyes in mock worry. “Boiling water might be too strenuous a task.”

Xavier folded his hands on the table and stared at me with dark, intense eyes. “I can think of several things more strenuous.”

I swallowed. “Tea it is.”

Killian, thank God, was oblivious. He’d been searching for something on his phone. He leaned in to continue his conversation with Xavier when I turned to head back to the kitchen.

Killian was all about building his brand and helping others build theirs. He loved the whole social media scene and expanding his reach. I wouldn’t be surprised if he offered Xavier his expertise, although I highly doubted Xavier needed it. But he still listened politely and genuinely looked like he enjoyed the conversation.

Max and I returned to the table with coffee, tea, and dessert. Nothing too fancy, just some little cakes.

Once we’d finished, Max offered to clear the table while Killian excused himself to pack for their flight in the morning. I escorted our guest to the front door.

“Do you have plans tomorrow?” Xavier inquired, placing his hands on my hips.

“Work. I have a few things to finalize before the draft next week.”

“I see.” He slipped his hands under my shirt, circling them to the small of my back. “I think you should spend the day with me. Work can wait.”

“Don’t you have a press conference?”

“It won’t take all day.”

“What about practice? I know how you athletes are. Always lifting and training and pushing your bodies to perfection.”

“I’d rather push limits than push to perfection.” His dimple appeared. Feather-light strokes tickled my lower back. My inner resolve to resist his seduction tactics faltered.

But only for a second.

“I appreciate your tenacity but it’ll be nice to have some semblance of a routine after this weekend,” I said firmly.

“I’m pretty sure in this scenario nice and routine are code for boring. You’re not interested in boring,” he said with absolute conviction. He also pinned me against the front door, leaning his strong, muscular body on mine. “I have you right where I want you.”

The clatter of dishes and silverware sent a stark reminder that all Max had to do was peek around the corner into the foyer and he’d get an eyeful.

Something in my expression registered with Xavier. He slid his hands out from under my shirt and cupped my face before saying, “We should finish where we left off on the couch.”

“Right here?”

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