Page 56 of The Keeper

“Sexy goalkeepers who renovate houses are hard to come by these days. I have one in front of me. I’d be stupid to pass up the opportunity.”

I must have looked baffled because she laughed and looked at the menu. A pleasant, melodic laugh that stoked low flames in my stomach every time I heard it.

My thought process fractured into twin realities. One, where she’s serious and I could actually work on the house and potentially see her again. Then the other, where she’s just being flirty and teasing like the night at the pub, and will disappear from my life in less than thirty-six hours.

I didn’t like the second thought at fucking all.

“I do like to keep myself busy. You know what they say, idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” I’d meant for that to come out lighthearted and fun.

It did not. It came out lower, more intense.

Her emerald eyes flicked back in my direction. She caught her breath when she saw my face. A slight grin pulled at the corner of her mouth.

“Is that a promise?” she asked.

I held her stare. “One I intend to fulfill.”

Once dinner was finished and the bill sorted, Bennet invited all of us back to his estate for a nightcap. Cade and Emma agreed but Hannah politely declined, saying she had an early flight back to the States.

“It was very nice meeting all of you,” she said, giving Bennet, Cade, and I warm hugs. “If this all works out, maybe we’ll be back here in October.” She turned to Victoria. “Safe travels home on Wednesday. See you in the office.”

After she was tucked safely in a taxi, Bennet asked, “Will you two be joining us?”

Victoria shrugged. “I don’t mind. All I have to do tomorrow is pack, so I’m up for anything.”

“See, mate. She’s up for anything.” Cade sounded smug.

“You’re a troublemaker,” Victoria laughed.

“Guilty,” Cade grinned. “Join us. We can all get to know the lovely lady who tamed Xavier.”

“I doubt he’s able to be tamed,” she said, squeezing my hand.

“That settles it then,” Bennet interjected. “My place for a nightcap. See you there.”

I exhaled, watching them walk away.

Xavier

Bennet’s invitation ping-ponged in my head as I stared at Victoria. She stood there on the sidewalk in that dress with those eyes, that hair, those legs, smiling at me in her way. Tempting me without uttering a sound.

“You sure you want to go there?” I asked.

The soft material of her dress swayed in rhythm with her hips when she walked closer. Reaching for my shirt collar, she pulled it aside.

She nodded, touching the inked section near my collarbone. “It’ll be fun. I can get to know your friends.” The touch of her hand on my skin was heaven. Her eyes met mine, her voice getting lost in the night air when she said, “I want to kiss you here.”

“Go ahead.”

The heels gave her some added height, making it easier for her to reach her intended target. I speared my fingers into her gorgeous cinnamon locks as she pressed a gentle kiss to my clavicle. Her lips lingered for a few seconds before she parted them, leaving several soft, open-mouthed kisses.

“Careful, or we’ll draw a crowd,” I half-scolded. But the second she pulled away, I captured her lips in mine. Her soft moan sounded so sweet, so pure. I kissed her harder, deeper, claiming her.

Victoria jumped back with a start, her face flushed with desire. Those lush, pouty lips were already swollen. I wanted to bite them. Mark her.

“Do you want to go to Bennet’s?” Her inquisitive eyes searched me.

“I want to go wherever you are.”

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