Page 133 of The Keeper

“He had a brother who was a goalkeeper…”

Another shocked expression.

“…and they didn’t seem to get along.” I shrugged. “So it looks like my sister dated your brother once upon a time ago.”

“Is there more?”

“Let’s just start there, okay?”

A small nod. His own internal battle raged behind his eyes. I reached up and played with his hair, combing my fingers through. He tilted his head, relishing my touch.

“After what happened in the changing room, I had a long talk with Adam,” he finally said. “He told me about your sister and how they used to see one another.”

He shook his head, almost as though those words sounded unreal coming out of his mouth.

“And he told me how she never came back. He didn’t know what happened to her. After a couple years passed he looked her up online and saw the death notice.” Intense blue eyes met mine. “He knew she was a twin but I guess the shock of seeing you,” he wet his lips, “he wasn’t thinking. He wants you to know how sorry he is.” This last bit came out forced, like he didn’t want to pass along the sentiment.

“What else did you two talk about?”

Xavier scrubbed his face with his hands and ran them through his hair. “That was all really. I don’t…he and I don’t have a good relationship so I never knew about her. I never met her.”

“Are you sure?” I tried to control the emotion in my voice.

“As sure as I can be. Adam and I didn’t really run in the same circles. He had his friends, I had mine. If we ever crossed paths I…I wouldn’t have paid much attention to what he was doing or who he was with.”

“So where were you the rest of the day?” I blurted.

“With Bennet for a little while.”

“Doing what?”

He pressed his fingers into my thighs, squeezing hard. “Trying to make sense of all this, Victoria. I wanted to talk to you.” He looked at me. “I wanted to come right here and be with you all day but I also had to finish my preparations. I couldn’t just leave. We had film analysis and then I had my individual player analysis and the team dinner.”

His shoulders slumped. He looked so tired, both physically and emotionally.

“All I thought about was you,” he said softly. “All I wanted to do was come to you. I hope you know that.”

The twin flame of anger and hurt went out. I can’t be mad at him for doing his job.

“I don’t want to be a distraction for you,” I murmured.

“You’re not. I’m sorry if I made you feel that way.”

I shook my head. “You didn’t. That didn’t come out right.” I swallowed. “I know how demanding it is to prepare for a game. I know the obligations you all have to meet. I just meant—”

His firm kiss stopped me from continuing. I wasn’t expecting it so I backed away slightly. He grabbed the back of my neck and kept me from moving, kissing me harder. Feeling how much he wants me made my head swirl.

“You,” he murmured on my lips.

“What about me?”

No answer. He only pulled me close and hugged me. I relaxed into his embrace, enveloped by his scent and the strength of his arms. After everything that happened today, I think we both needed this serene moment.

When Xavier finally let me go, he leaned back and stared down at his hands.

“How was dinner with your father?” he asked after a minute, meeting my gaze.

“Started off a little rocky but ended up better than I expected.”

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