Page 29 of Lassoed Love

“Wow,” I murmur, my voice barely audible above the gentle rustle of the wind, “This is incredible.” The view is like something out of a dream.

Xavier smirks, seemingly pleased with my reaction. “Yeah. I come here sometimes, when I need to clear my head.”

As I absorb the breathtaking scene, I can’t help but agree. It’s a welcome escape from the chaos of the night. “Where are we?” I ask, unable to resist the curiosity.

“Just off Wattle Creek’s National Park,” he points straight ahead, towards a larger expanse of bush and trees, across the valley. “They call this ‘Royal Cove Lookout’.”

Royal Cove Lookout, I repeat in my mind, making a mental note. A hidden gem tucked away in familiar territory. As we sit there, the stars overhead seem to multiply, casting a spell of tranquillity over the night.

The music now softly hums in the background, and I hadn't even noticed when Xavier turned the volume down. I’d been so engulfed by the view before me. “I never knew this place existed,” I confess, my thoughts swirling.

Xavier chuckles softly. “Yeah, not many do.”His laugh. Oh my god.

I fixate on this, as Ihaven't heard him laugh much at all. His chuckle islight, and I revel in the sound of it. It’s just so–so manly, so him.

“It’s one of my favourite spots,” he adds.

I frown, trying to dissect his words, searching for any hidden meaning. Does he bring all the girls he meets here? Why does that irritate me?Ugh, get a grip, Isla.

My mind races with thoughts as I glance at Xavier. The air changes between us, and I sense something…I don’t know what I’m sensing. But this is the second time now Xavier has been in close proximity to me, and I just can’t quite grasp my thoughts.

Even in this large ute, Xavier seems to tower over me, making me feel small, vulnerable. The wind softly blows inside the car, carrying his scent. It’s a fusion of citrus and a hint of oud that perfectly complements his presence. It’s a scent that evokes confidence, which Xavier Mitchell exudes without having to damn try. I feel a strange, magnetic pull, and I realise it’s coming fromhim. Just him.

I cross my thighs, adjusting into my seat, undeniably more relaxed now than I was before. The movement inadvertently hitches my dress upwards. I catch his eyes trailing down my thighs, and the sudden proximity is electrifying. He leans closer, his upper arm brushing against mine, the sensation sending shivers down my spine. He’s so close now, if I were to turn my head, our faces would practically be inches apart.

Mere inches away from him, feeling bold, I decideto break the silence. “This place is so serene. Peaceful.” My voice barely above a whisper.

His smirk deepens, and I feel a warmth spreading through my entire body. I can practically feel how wet my panties are, and the realisation makes me bite my lower lip.

His deep voice interrupts my wandering thoughts. “Mhm.” But he’s not even looking out at the cliff’s edge, his eyes are locked onme. My breath hitches, getting caught in my throat.

I don’t really understand what’s happening here and how we can go from yelling at each other in one moment to sharing this charged, intimate moment the next.

Without much thought, I blurt out, “You probably bring all the girls you meet here.” I scoff and laugh, to mask my nervousness.Idiot.

“No, actually. Just you.”Just me?Yeah right, wishful thinking. He looks back and forth between my eyes, and I’m captivated by the intensity of his blue eyes. My heart skips a beat, and I can feel my cheeks flushing with heat. The magnetic pull between us is undeniable. My mind races with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. A bold impulse overtakes me as I inch closer to him, closing the gap between us. The anticipation builds, and just before I feel the grazing of our lips together, he pulls back.

My heart sinks, disappointment washing over me.Why am I even disappointed?Just moments ago, I was internally freaking out, unsure if I wanted this. Now, the sudden withdrawal leaves me oddly wanting. What am I doing? Is this really happening? My mind is awhirlwind of conflicting emotions, and I’m struggling to make sense of it all.

“Isla,” he sighs. “You’ve had a bit to drink.” Sensing my reaction, he adds, “I don’t want you doing anything you’ll regret, and trust me, when I kiss you, I want you fully aware and sober.”When…not…if…?

A mix of frustration and embarrassment bubbles within me. I shift back into my seat, creating a little distance. The night air suddenly feels cooler. Was it the alcohol making me bold, or was there something real in that moment?

Xavier starts the engine, breaking the charged atmosphere. “I should get you home. I’ll need an address, though,” he says.

I sigh, rattling off my address while staring out the window. Goosebumps prickle my skin, and it’s not just from the cool breeze.Ugh.I can’t quite figure him out. And honestly, I can’t even figure myself out right now, with all these thoughts running through my head.

The ride back is accompanied by a mix of silence and the soft hum of the engine. Xavier glances over at me every now and then, but I just keep looking ahead of me. The soft glow of streetlights passes in a blur, matching the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind.

The events of tonight have taken unexpected turns, leaving me questioning the boundaries we’ve just somewhat explored. What does this mean for us now? But… there is no‘us’.My heart races. I wonder if he feels the same, too. Obviously not, idiot. He didn’t try to kiss you back.

As we pull up outside my apartment, Xavier parks out front and turns off the engine. He turns to me, removing the key from the ignition. Before he can say anything, I open the car door.

“Th-thank you, for the ride, Xavier,” I stutter like an idiot, and step out onto the pavement. The cool night air hits me, and I start walking toward the entrance of the apartment. I hear him open his door and mutter something under his breath, slamming the door. He catches up to me in a few strides.

“You don’t have to walk me up. You can go,” I say, now slightly irritated, my boot heels clicking against the pavement.

He falls into step beside me, his presence towering. “I’m gonna do it, anyway, just to make sure you get there okay,” he replies. My annoyance deepens, but I don’t argue. We walk in silence, into the building and up the first flight of stairs to level one, the tension from earlier resurfacing. What’s with this man and his persistent protectiveness? Is he genuinely concerned, or is it out of pity for blowing me off earlier?

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