Page 125 of The Keeper

She stood inches away from Cade, laughing and smiling in her demure, light brown polka dot dress. The top hugged her curves with precision while the bottom flowed out to just above her knees in a delicate, soft way that made me want to yank it up over her hips. Her hair was pulled back in a loose bun. She looked prim and professional, except for those fuck me heels and the deep red shine on her lips.

Images of her bent over the kitchen counter surged right to my dick, reigniting how wild it made me seeing her so turned on from the spanking and her version of submission, which was actually just plain old submission.

I smiled.

She must have felt my presence because she looked right at me.

Her candy coated lips curved into a grin as her eyes darkened and studied every inch of me. Especially the noticeable bulge outlined in my pants. Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip and so help me I wanted to bite it, too. And much harder.

“Xavier,” Bennet’s impatient voice snapped me back to reality. He leveled one of his I’m-tired-of-waiting stares at me. “I’d like to introduce you to someone. You too, Cade.”

“Guess the lord of the manor decided to make an appearance today,” Cade snickered.

“Don’t be catty,” Victoria scolded, playfully swatting his arm.

“Yes, my queen.”

Cade shot me a smug look, linked arms with Victoria and walked toward Bennet. Victoria, for her part, winked at me and smiled. I liked how well she got on with my friends. I liked how well she handled herself with Bennet. I liked how good-natured she is around Cade. I liked everything about her.

I clasped my gloved hands together and followed, watching Victoria’s hips sway until she stopped walking. The way she stood, positioning one leg slightly in front of the other so her hip leaned out to the side, exuded effortless grace. She’s so bloody hypnotizing. I stood next to her closer than was socially acceptable for a professional setting. I don’t fucking care.

Control, Maddox. Control.

“Cade. Xavier. I’d like you to meet Ethan Caldwell, owner of the New York Legends.” Bennet motioned toward us as he addressed Mr. Caldwell. “Cade Gallagher is our striker. Xavier Maddox is our goalkeeper.”

We all exchanged pleasantries.

“Good training session?” Bennet asked, eyeing how close I still was to Victoria.

“Always.”

“Xavier Maddox?” Mr. Caldwell stroked his chin. “You’re not related to James Maddox are you? I’ve been looking at commercial properties in the London area and his name has come up several times.”

“I am, sir. He’s my father.”

“Does he still do architectural work or is he mainly in the development business now?”

“A bit of both.”

“What are the odds you’re also related to Rebecca?” he grinned, clearly knowing the answer already.

Keeping this conversation light and amicable became more difficult. I thought this was football training, not twenty questions about my family. Victoria’s arm brushed mine when she shifted on her feet. I glanced down into her wide, emerald eyes. They held even more questions.

“Rebecca is my step-mother. So, I’d say the odds are pretty good.”

I looked from Caldwell to Bennet to Hannah to Cade. All of them had smiles plastered to their faces for different reasons. Only Victoria remained stoic. I wondered what that was all about.

“And Mr. Gallagher,” Caldwell continued. “I understand you come from a family of solicitors.”

“I do, sir,” Cade responded. “Came in handy when I negotiated my contract with Royal City.”

Canned laughter that’s usually reserved for cocktail parties or business gatherings erupted around me. It reminded me of the parties my parents hosted for their clients.

“Full disclosure,” Hannah interjected. “My grandfather is a stickler for details about his players. They’ve all been through the family tree interrogation with him.” She smiled at me and Cade. “It’s all part of the experience.”

Um, yay? I hoped I wouldn’t have to answer any more questions about my upbringing.

“I made reservations for all of us this evening,” Bennet announced. “We’re having a team dinner. Mr. Caldwell and Hannah have graciously accepted my invitation.” He turned to Victoria. “I know you have a previous engagement but my offer stands. I’d love it if you joined us for coffee and dessert later.”

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