Page 77 of Recon Rendezvous

We all gasp, feigning offense, and wave him off.

“Enough about him,” Sasha says with a smile.

Gem grins, her smile infectious as she looks between me and Xander. Of course, he notices my eyes on him, and winks before he returns to his conversation.

Her hand rests on my arm as she says, “I’ve never seen him like this. You guys are so hot together. Plus, you match each other’s fly.”

“Yaasss, you’re both too beautiful for words and your styles complement each other so much. That’s super important,” Sasha says earnestly.

I snort. “Is it?”

They all nod before Mia says, “Would you want a guy who just wears tees and sweats? I’ve dated that guy. I met him on a random late-night run to the store and I thought he was just dressed like that due to the errand. No, it was all day every day. I couldn’t take his ass anywhere.”

Her huff has me throwing my head back with laughter. I hadn’t really thought about it that way. I’d seen Xander in casual clothes when we hung out around the house, but he was typically outfitted in a perfectly tailored three-piece suit. I especially loved him in just his vest with his shirt sleeves rolled up, showing off his thick, veiny forearms. Besides, with him always looking so put together, it made every little thing we did feel like a moment.

Conceding, I nod. “I get what you’re saying. Please believe I’m here for the suit porn.”

“So, you’re finally seeing all the green flags we told you about?” Gem asks softly.

Groaning, I mime banging my head on the table before throwing my hands up to wave my imaginary flag. “I admit it, I was wrong. He’s my favorite shade of green. I’ll never doubt any of you again.”

“Happy to hear it, but I have to ask. Are you guys fucking for fun or are you fucking for feelings?” Mia asks.

Meeting Xander’s hungry gaze, that zing flows through me and I can’t fight the smile that splits my face.

“That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?” I murmur as Xander makes his way to me as the crowd roars to life below.

Wrapped in Xan’s embrace, with his nose in my hair and his lips trailing along my jaw, I dance and sing the night away, knowing I don’t want to be anywhere else. Even as Mia’s question plays on repeat in my head.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

XANDER

My babycakes is up for anything, which is why I knew she couldn’t resist the little note I sent with her flowers.

Have you ever fucked under the stars?

I’m pretty sure this was some of my best work, I chuckle to myself as I cruise into the underground parking garage at Ty and Sasha’s place. Pulling up in front of the elevators, I wait a little impatiently for London. The need to see her face, touch her again, is so impossibly strong, my fingers twitch with each passing second. But I’d texted her I was a few minutes away, so she should be right down.

The ding of the elevator pulls my attention away from my phone, and there she is, dressed in all black again. I’m starting to think she knows just how much I love the color on her. I’ve noticed she’s typically in bright, happy colors, but I like to think she prefers being dark and dirty with me. Tossing my phone to the side, I hop out to greet her and of course she eyes me and my big ass pickup truck warily.

“You always look like the sexiest cat woman alive, but this coat…” I trail a hand over her black furry thigh length coat before pulling her into my arms for a kiss. I told her to dress in layerssince it’ll be cooler once the sun goes down. “Did you murder her instead? I mean, I like it and all, I’ll be your alibi, but I’m curious.”

Slapping my hand away, her eyes go to my black-on-black extended cab pickup truck, the apple of my eye.

“What is this monster? Are we riding off into the sunset or are you getting rid of my body?”

“Don’t worry, babycakes,” I say as I help her into the truck. “Getting rid of you is the last thing I’d ever do. We’re just getting started.”

Her eyes widen as she looks down at me, before she gives a sly smile. “You’re right. Thesebenefitsare too good to waste.” Her eyes search mine and I don’t know what she needs, but I’ll give her anything.

My hand rests on her thigh as I hold her gaze, the blaze growing between us too quickly, but I don’t hesitate to bring my hand to her cheek. “You’ve got that right. You’re too precious for me to even consider saying goodbye to.” My thumb strokes her smooth skin, lost in this little bubble, before the sound of a car door slamming nearby pops it and I pull away. Offering her a small smile, I give her one more perusal.

“Nice boots.” She laughs, probably remembering the last time I gave her that compliment. I give her leg another squeeze before I close her door and hustle around the front of the truck.

“How’s house hunting going?” I ask, throwing the truck in gear. “You’re going to need one hell of a closet with all those shoes. I don’t think I’ve seen you wear the same pair twice.”

She snorts. “Things a stalker might say. You cataloging what I wear now?”

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