Page 88 of Recon Rendezvous

The DJ’s set up in the corner playing 90s R&B that already has my hips swaying, and steps away is an empty stage set up with microphones and instruments.

Turning to the girls, I say, “This looks amazing. A DJ and a band, my feet already hurt at the amount of dancing I'm going to do tonight.” We laugh, but the girls are distracted, looking around, rising on their tiptoes as they scan the crowd.

“Who are you looking for? Are your men meeting us here?” They don't respond so I look around too.

“What is this party again? You never really said.”

“Oh.” Sasha turns to me. “It's an anniversary party.”

“An anniversary party for a business?”

Mia smiles. “No. For a couple. This is their wedding anniversary party.”

“What? So, they have a huge party every year for their wedding anniversary and just invite random people?”

“Well…” Gem's lips screw up. “I wouldn't call us random people. We know their son. He's a really good friend of ours and he invited us to the party. He insisted you come.”

“That's nice of him. I’ll be sure to thank him when we meet. So, I guess he needed some people his own age.”

Scanning the crowd, there’s a wide array of people of all ages. I imagine his parents are in their fifties or sixties, but there are several people who appear to be much younger.

“Is the son a childhood friend?” The girls don’t respond, but then the bartender catches my eye, and I order another flute of champagne for each of us.

Taking our drinks, we move to the end of the bar, the girls still searching the crowd and checking their phones.

“Are Ty and Eli coming?” I ask.

Gem smiles. “Yeah, they should be here already.”

I nod, fighting to hide my disappointment. I was looking forward to a night with just the girls. Don’t get me wrong, I lovemy cousin and Eli, but after last night, some time alone to bitch to the girls would have been nice. Now, I don't think I can put up with all the lovey doveyness that these four can't help but engage in.

The squeal of the girls pulls me from my thoughts. Turning as Eli and Ty make their way through the crowd and not far behind them is Drew. Holding my breath, I wait for Xander to appear and after a few agonizing seconds I realize he's not coming. Exhaling, I don’t know if I’m relieved or disappointed that he’s not here. I could shout from the rooftops all day that I never want to see him again, but it would be a lie. I’d give anything right now to see his face, to have him see me all dressed up. Besides, I think he would love a night like this with all the decadence and glamour.

As soon as the thought floats through my head, Xander approaches from the opposite direction, and I almost swallow my tongue. His eyes are locked on me, with that sexy as fuck grin on his lips, and my heart flops around like a fish out of water. Not the feeling I thought I'd have when I saw him again. I thought there'd be anger, some residual hurt, but my body can’t lie to me. I’m excited to see him. But I have to play it cool.

Our eyes remained locked, sparks flaming between us as he stalks toward me as everyone else fades away. Stopping in front of me, his familiar scent surrounds me, grounding me to the here and now. The heat that emanates from him almost consumes me and I want to reach for him, even knowing I’ll be burned. Those eyes I’ve come to seek out in any room, sweep over my face, a broad smile lifting his lips.

“I don’t want to wake up without your beautiful face beside me again.” Those words so softly spoken send a shiver through me.

Before his lips even meet my cheek, my eyes close, relishing the feel of him again, even as I struggle to process his words. Mybody stiffens in a way I’d be concerned about if I weren’t here with him.

Another kiss brushes my cheek, and as I open my eyes, his arms come around my waist, pulling me into his body. I can’t resist, but instead melt into him, my body seeking his strength and power and warmth. No matter how much I fight it, I can’t deny how he makes me feel.

My mind is still reeling as he gestures to an older man and woman patiently waiting before us that I hadn’t noticed on his approach.

Looking down at me, I can't help but smile as his warm eyes tell me all the things I want to hear. But before I can say anything, he glances up again.

“Mom. Dad. This is London. The future Mrs. Grant.”

Holy shit.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

XANDER

London's body tenses in my arms as she looks up at me, eyes wide. Ignoring her cute ass shocked face, I turn to my parents, beaming with pride.

“London. Oh, you’re so gorgeous,” Mom says, pulling London into her arms. “It's so nice to finally meet you. Alexander has told us so much about you and we have been begging him to introduce us since we arrived. I hate that it's happening at this party when we have so many obligations and guests to greet, but we'll have to get together for lunch soon, dear.”

---