Page 72 of Recon Rendezvous

London

Standing under the warm spray of the shower, slowly washing away the scent of sugar and sex, my mind drifts to the sexy man whose cinnamon kisses still have my body flushed from head to toe and everywhere in between.

How did I get here?

AlexanderfuckingGrant.

I snicker to myself. I know his middle name is Franklin but fucking fits better.

But it’s the words Ty whispered in my ear earlier tonight that sobered me.Don’t hurt my friend.I didn’t know what he meant at the time but now I wonder if everyone else has been able to see what I haven’t… the perfect man for me is right at my fingertips and I’ve been pushing him away.

Quickly completing my nighttime skincare routine, my hair goes up in a messy bun, and I throw on my favorite silky pajamas. With the slight chill tonight, the matching pants and long sleeve shirt are perfect, even if I can barely concentrate enough to get the buttons in each hole of my shirt. Sliding my feet into my fuzzy slippers, I follow the sound of pounding bass to the basement. Maybe we’ll have another all-night ping pong tournament.

Raucous voices greet me as I open the door and descend the stairs. Holy crap, the boys are here. My eyes race around the room, searching, hopeful.

Eli and Gem are at the bar with Sasha and Ty, while Zuri, Mia, and Drew are hanging out by the old school video games. But Xander’s all I see, manspread all over the couch, looking too sexy for words in his black joggers and tank. His muscled armscasually draped along the back of the couch, tense and flex, his eyes dark as he watches me watch him pretty much eye fucking him as if I didn't just see him forty minutes ago and we hadn’t already fucked on that bus.

Clearing my throat, I finally find my voice, raising it to be heard over the music. “What's going on down here?”

Xander’s smile is slow and sexy as he looks me up and down. “We’re having a slumber party, babycakes, since we weren’t invited to the last one. Aren’t you cute in your little PJs. Come join the fun.”

He gives a little thrust of his hips, and I can’t help but laugh and roll my eyes. God, I can’t get enough of this cute, playful side of him. Simply hanging out with him, in a basement, sounds like the most fun.

Someone dials down the music as Ty looks up, noticing me. “You didn't really think I was spending the night without my wife again, did you?” he says before lifting her, bringing her up to him for a kiss.

My heart pulls at the gesture. “Duh. What was I thinking?” I exclaim, slapping a hand to my forehead.

“Oh, yeah. Everyone's staying here. The girls told us about this amazing house you have so now it's a real party,” Eli adds.

“If we're really having a slumber party, what games are we playing?” Drew eyes Zuri. “Spin the bottle could be fun. Let’s do it for nostalgia’s sake.”

Sasha calls out, “If we play spin the bottle the only people you can kiss are Mia, Zuri, and London.”

My eyes fly to her as Xander’s voice booms through the room. “London Cameron is mine. I’ll be the only one kissing those delicious lips.”

Trying to hide how his words affect me, I shake my head as everyone laughs and whistles scream through the air. Why is his possession so fucking hot?

“You all do whatever you want,” Xander calls out. “I'm just here to hang out with my baby.”

Reaching over, Xander snatches up a blanket and holds it up.

“Come here, babycakes. Let me warm you up.”

Laughing, I realize I’d frozen in my tracks at the bottom of the stairs at the sight of him. Something flips over in my stomach because I want nothing more than to simply cuddle up with him on the couch. So, I do as I'm told, kicking off my slippers, and climb onto the big deep sofa. Xander maneuvers himself next to me, using another blanket to block out everyone else. Cocooned in his warmth and our little blanket fort, I feel so safe as he leans up on an elbow watching me with a look on his face I can’t interpret.

“Is this still considered our first date?” he asks softly.

“I don't know. What do you think?” My smile spreads across my face.

“Tonight and our first date were perfect, but I’m ready for more with you.”

The chatter, the music, and everything outside of us fades away as we lock eyes. This man continues to surprise me in the most unexpected ways. Somewhere between our pranks, the banter, flirting, and teasing, he has become someone I trust and look to for reassurance and comfort. More sounds exactly like what I want to give him.

“Since I already know you kiss on the first date, what else can I get into tonight…” he murmurs, dropping soft kisses along my jaw.

I laugh quietly to myself. My man, and his sensual mouth, can’t help but say whatever pops into his head.My man… yes, that’s exactly what I consider him. Maybe even since the first time I saw him at the wedding. I wanted him and knew he was mine, at least for the night. But now, I’m in uncharted waters.

I hum, leaning into his kisses. “So greedy.” Giggling as he nips the lobe of my ear, I pull back so I can meet his eyes. “You being here, dropping everything to come to me and ensuring I was okay and coming home means more to me than you’ll ever know. Can I say thank you before you distract me any further?”

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