Page 128 of Passed Ball

"Yeah, well, I hope you don't plan on sleeping tonight." My cheeks ache from how many times he's made me smile tonight, but the look he shoots me over his shoulder as he pushes through the door of the nursery shuts me right up.

The nanny looks up from where she's feeding Jarret, surprised to see us.

Xavier tips the nanny and gathers Holland's things while I walk to the portable crib and lift her out of it. Our sleepovers these last few weeks have given me extra time with Holland, so even if I haven't gotten as much time with her dad as I would like, the two of us have spent plenty of nights together in the rocker as of late.

"Shhh," I hum, swaying side to side with Holland in my arms as Xavier calls the elevator. The doors slide open with a soft chime, and we step inside, the space feeling impossibly small. Each ding of the floors as we climb toward our two-bedroom suite has my heartbeat kicking hard against my ribs.

Xavier leans against the opposite wall, ankles crossed and his gaze fixed on me with a heat that makes the air between us electric. His gaze burns me up, a mix of admiration and untamed want that sends a shiver down my spine.

"I don't care what we do when we get to that hotel room. Whether I'm inside you once or all night, I just want to be together," he says, his voice rough, like he's barely holding himself back.

I swallow hard, trying to focus on the glowing numbers above the doors, or the baby in my arms, instead of the magnetic pull to him.

The elevator dings one last time, and Xavier straightens, adjusting the strap of the diaper bag. "I didn't think it was possible, but you look even more beautiful tonight than you did at the gala," he says.

My cheeks burn, and I glance at him, trying to gauge how far he's going to push this tonight. His eyes don't waver, they settle over me with sincerity that hits me square in the chest.

"Xavier," I say, my lips curving into a warning smile.

"I'm done holding back," he replies, stepping closer as the elevator slows. "We've lost too much time already. If I have to leave you again to go back on the road next week, you're going to know where we stand and everything you're missing when we're apart."

The doors slide open, giving me an escape from the intensity of the moment. I want this man and I'm ready to tell him how much, but sweet baby Jesus, I need a moment.

"Vivienne," he whispers, my name hanging between us like a thread, his voice steady with his request. "I hope you're ready."

I nod, the simple gesture enough to make him join me in the hallway. His broad shoulders fill the narrow space, the sharp lines of his suit showing off his impressive figure as he walks ahead. The man is just as strong physically as he is emotionally, and that's something I'll never take for granted, again.

I follow in silence, the soft sound of our footsteps on the carpeted floor the only noise, the tension between us thick enough to drown out everything else.

Xavier steps into the room first, the diaper bag slipping from his shoulder onto the nearby chair--his suit jacket follows. With practiced ease, he takes Holland from me, laying her down in the portable crib, his movements careful. I linger in the doorway, watching as he removes the small blanket from earlier today and brushes his hand over her head. I've seen him in countless tender moments, but this one hits me harder than any other.

Once she's settled, he stands, taking a moment to look down at her sleeping face before turning to me. His gaze meets mine, and for a moment, neither of us speaks.

Wordlessly, he takes my hand, leading me to the other bedroom.

"I've missed you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, though I'm not sure why I'm trying to keep it down--the door to the other room is shut.

He steps closer, his gaze steady, unreadable. "You don't have to keep missing me. Throw the rules out the window. Be with me for real."

My legs bump the soft edge of the bed and I sit, looking up at the only man who's ever come close to owning every piece of me. "I already have. The rules were gone the moment I came home from California."

"Which one went first?" His knees land on either side of my hips, straddling me and forcing me back. He's everywhere, his elbows on either side of my head, not letting me run yet.

"It was never about sex. The first time I let you inside me, it was already more."

His hand covers my heart, easing me backwards. "And the other rules."

"Well, there haven't been any other men." I laugh nervously, rambling in front of this man once again.

"And . . ."

"This is at least our third date, so that one is long gone, too."

"There's only one left. It's time to make you fall in love with me."

I blink up at him, not sure what to say because tonight that feels like a real possibility. I'm so close, it wouldn't take much at all.

I sit up, giving him a soft kiss.

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