Page 42 of The Keeper

“So, you’re a pro-athlete,” Maxim changed the subject.

“Yes.” Xavier responded.

“And you play soccer?”

“Football.” We corrected him at the same time. Xavier glanced at me and lifted an eyebrow. I laughed.

“Oh-kay. I can see how the answering-at-the-same-time thing can be annoying,” Maxim teased. “What do you plan on doing when you retire? Not that I’m suggesting you should.”

“He’s loaded, Max,” Killian said. “The man doesn’t have to do anything.”

I perched on the stool next to the man of the hour, waiting for his response. He luxuriated in the attention.

“Loaded is one way to put it. I prefer financially savvy.” He made it a point to graze the back of my neck when reaching for more cheese. “I have no plans on retiring yet but I’ve launched my own brand management company. We’re having a big press conference tomorrow in London to make it official.”

Killian perked right up at the mention of brand management. “Now you’re talking my language. What types of brands?”

“Well, me,” Xavier grinned. “It’s so I can manage all my endorsement deals and any other ventures I decide to pursue.”

“That’s impressive,” I said, nudging him with my elbow. “The product is more than just a pretty face.”

“Oh God, did she give you the product line, too?” Killian groaned, rolling his eyes. “She’s been hiding behind that bullshit expression for years.”

“Hey,” I warned. “It’s a valid way to keep myself sane.”

“Yah,” Killian chided. “Didn’t keep you away from that wide receiver though.”

“We flirted. Nothing more.”

“Baby girl, you know I love you. But you’re a terrible liar.”

A warm, muscular body pressed into me. I looked up at Xavier through my lashes. The jealousy was palpable. He didn’t say anything, he only looked back at me with obvious intent filled with dirty promises and even filthier fantasies.

“You two are going to be that couple, aren’t you?” Maxim asked.

“You boys already hold the title,” I asserted.

We all sat at the table when the food was ready. Drinks flowed. Pleasant conversation beguiled all of us. We laughed, joked, teased, and enjoyed each other’s company. Having Xavier with us completed a circle I didn’t even realize wasn’t whole. His interaction with my friends was so natural, so unforced.

“You all live in New York together?” he asked, pouring himself a whisky.

“Not together-together, but yeah, we’re all in Manhattan,” Killian answered.

“And you two,” he gestured at me and Killian, “have known each other how long?”

“Fourth grade. Sister Mary Margaret’s class.” Killian smiled. “These two little redheads—“ He stopped, looking at me with a concerned expression.

“It’s okay,” I assured him. “I told Xavier about Charlotte after you guys left the house.” I gave him a look conveying he knows I have a twin, but not why she’s no longer with us.

“Ah, okay. Well, if you can imagine two of her,” Killian smirked in my direction, “in looks only. Charlotte didn’t have the mouth this one does.”

“Refer to me as this one again and I’ll send you back to Manhattan courtesy of my foot.”

Maxim turned to Xavier and shrugged. “Welcome to my world.”

“This is nothing,” Xavier said, running a finger over his eyelid. “You should see what it’s like when Cade, Bennet and I all get together.”

“Are those your hot friends we saw at the pub the other night?” Killian leaned in. “Max and I didn’t know where to look. Them or the two of you basically dry humping at the bar.”

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