Page 50 of The Keeper

“Last question, everyone,” Craig called out to the room. “Brian, go ahead.”

“Xavier, now that your suspension is almost over, do you have any regrets about getting red-carded and tossed from that match?”

Rapt silence spread throughout the room. I sensed from the way Bennet stiffened his posture and Xavier gripped the podium this wasn’t a question they expected or wanted.

I could see the muscles working in Xavier’s jaw while he paused to gather his thoughts.

“It’s a passionate sport, Brian,” he finally said. “Emotions were high. There was a lot going on by the goal. Lots of shoving and pushing. Lots of bodies fighting for good position. I don’t really know what happened. All I know is I lost control. Deke, Zach, and I talked after.” He shrugged. “We’re good. No hard feelings or anything.”

The room was silent for a few seconds.

“You’re known to be hot-headed on the pitch. Do you regret any of your,” the reported paused, “other infractions or lack of finesse in certain game situations? Would you have preferred to handle yourself in a better way?”

Xavier glared at the reporter, the tips of his fingers turning white as his grip on the podium intensified.

“Thanks for coming everyone,” Craig jumped in front of the microphone. “We’re really very excited about this new venture. Thanks again.”

Xavier remained rooted in place while the reporters made their way out. Craig spoke to him briefly before exiting the room. Bennet excused himself and walked over to his friend.

“Do you know what that’s all about?” Hannah asked me.

“No idea.”

I’d been so wrapped up screwing around with this guy I didn’t even stop to consider what type of athlete he could be. I’ve worked with many prima donnas in my career. Some with very short fuses. Hearing that Xavier could fall into this category concerned me.

Then again, he’s just a casual fling, right? I don’t have to worry myself about his on-field or off-field antics.

Which is why I don’t fuck the product. At least not more than one time. SHIT. What am I doing?

Whatever happened, it left Xavier in an unsettled mood. His placid expression gave me pause when Bennet called us over.

“Great job, mate.” Bennet remarked, placing a hand on Xavier’s shoulder. “We’ll meet for dinner later, yeah? There’s a new spot downtown Cade’s been rambling on and on about.”

“Is it Noble’s Paradise?” Hannah wondered. “I’ve heard tons about that place and was hoping to get there before I leave.”

“Might be,” Bennet replied. “Would you ladies be interested in joining us? Unless you have other plans, of course.”

I managed to catch Xavier’s eye while the two of them made dinner plans for all of us. He still seemed uneasy but softened his expression when he saw me.

“Right then. Dinner is sorted,” Bennet proclaimed. “Let’s get this meeting underway, shall we?”

The four of us started to walk toward the elevator when a hand gently held my arm.

“Hey,” Xavier said quietly. “Thank you for being here.”

“My pleasure.”

A smile lit up his handsome face, erasing the discomfort dominating it. The sight kicked up a rustling of butterflies in my stomach.

Butterflies? No, no, no.

We stopped at the elevator bank and waited.

The longer he kept his hand on my arm the harder it became for me to maintain an efficient, professional barrier. Those eyes kept making dirty promise after filthy promise after I’m-going-to-do-unspeakable-things-to-you promise. My tongue and lips itched to answer with yes, please…yes, please…Yes. Please.

The audible gasp I heard when he kissed me in front of everyone didn’t come from me. At least I don’t think it did. The only sound that came from me was a whimper when he broke his mouth away.

“Tonight and tomorrow, you’re mine,” he murmured. “And then we’ll figure out the rest.”

---