Page 146 of Five Summers

Theo opens his mouth to speak, but Xander interrupts him. “No!”

What are they keeping from me? I wonder.

“Come on, let’s just eat,” Ace suggests, trying to change the conversation.

Xander and Theo share tense glances, their eyes locked in what feels like a never-ending staring contest. Suddenly, Theo smirks and breaks his gaze, opting to take a seat beside Nate at the table. Meanwhile, Xander navigates his way over to me and settles down right beside me.

We enjoy our meal in silence, relishing the delicious tacos that Nate has expertly prepared. His culinary skills are so impressive that I can’t help but envision him as a professional chef, even though he’s already an amazing drummer. As I savor each bite, Xander’s unwavering gaze remains fixed on me, just like that time he took me out for a burger when I was hungover at school.

The guys discuss the need for a band meeting, ensuring that Reg isn’t present. I can’t help but feel curious and wonder what the heck is going on. I haven’t been involved with the band for nearly four days now - three days of avoiding Xander and a day of being sick on the bus. But it seems like a lot has transpired during my absence.

Chapter fifty-six

Xander

Two hours before sound check, I’m pacing in my hotel room. The problem is, Poppy’s staying in the room next door. I feel the urgent need to talk to her and address all the issues that led me to leave her. I’ve been meaning to do this for a few days, but she’s been avoiding me and she’s been sick, so I never had the chance. This morning, when I saw her wearing my fucking sweater, something possessive welled up inside me. I almost lost control and it’s been driving me crazy ever since.

Twice now, I have stood at my door, ready to step outside, only to hesitate and turn back out of the fear that perhaps Poppy doesn’t want anything to do with me. I’m familiar with everyinch of her body, every sound she makes. Yet Poppy Reeves terrifies me like nothing else in this world. I'm scared to get too close, in case she says those awful words, telling me she hates me and will never trust my pathetic ass again. But despite all of this, I cannot deny the undeniable attraction I feel towards her.

Whenever she is around, I’m unable to look away from her. Every feminine aspect of her body and every intricate detail of her beautiful face captivates me. The very first time I laid eyes on her in the street, I remember thinking she was flawless. Her voice, her vulnerability, and her face all had a hold on me. I can’t believe that I went for years without noticing her. Those feelings that I felt for her back then have not changed. However, there is a difference now compared to the arrogant prick I used to be. It’s not just her physical beauty that arouses me anymore. It’s everything about her. The person she is on the inside is just as captivating and stunning as the outside. I wish I could tell her that I have loved her all these years, but it’s difficult because I’ve never allowed myself to be so vulnerable with anyone. The fear of being ridiculed if she were to laugh in my face is what holds me back.

Fuck it. Just go for it, asshole. If you don't open up, you'll never know how she feels. You lost her before because you couldn't step up.

I stride towards the door, forcefully pulling it open, my heart racing. As I make my way down the hallway to her room, my nerves send waves of anticipation through my body. Upon reaching her door, I pause for a few agonizing seconds.Come on, get your shit together.Tell her how you feel.I lift my hand and give the door a knock. Damn, that was louder than I expected.

The wait feels like forever until she finally opens the door. My eyes trace over her figure, admiring every graceful curve. A pleasant warmth stirs deep within my stomach. My dick thickens when I notice she’s still wearing her sleep shorts andtank top, revealing a hint of skin near her hip. Although she's smoking hot, I can't help but feel a bit bummed that she's not wearing my sweater anymore.

“Can we talk?” I ask, pushing past her, so she can’t refuse and slam the door in my face.

With a sarcastic tone, she replies, “Sure, why not come in and make yourself at home.” She closes the door behind me.

I only realize she isn’t following me when I sit on the couch and glance up. As my eyes scan the room, they land on her, standing off to the side, slipping her arms into a cardigan.

Disappointment floods through me when I realize she’s trying to cover herself up. She doesn’t want me to see her like that.

Clutching the cardigan tightly against her body, she settles into the chair across from me.

Leaning forward, I run my hands through my hair, feeling the weight of the situation. Damn, this is going to be more challenging than I thought.

“Xander,” she says, eyeing me.

“Yeah.”

“What’s going on?”

I sigh, releasing the breath I’ve been holding.Just do it, man. Just tell her how you feel.

When I finally find my courage, I open my mouth to speak but before I can Poppy interrupts and all the thoughts scatter from my mind.

“I know there’s something going on with the band. Please tell me what it is.”

I eye her for a moment. “There was this incident in the green room involving something Reg did, and there’s a possibility that it might be leaked to the press. He’s working on fixing it, but there’s a chance it could get out, and it’s bad. Like really bad.”

Getting up from the couch, I nervously run my hands through my hair while pacing back and forth. I'm clueless about how to open up and express my love and tell her I want to be with her. Sensing her gaze on me, I continue to move around.

“I have something important to tell you,” I say, worried that she might laugh in my face. “Please, let me finish before you say anything.”

"Okay," she says, sounding unsure, like she doesn't know where this conversation is going.

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