Page 87 of Chasing Xander
“So, you gonna tell us what happened?” Tanner asked.
Xander nodded. “Yeah, I’ll tell you everything, but first—” When his gaze landed on her, she gripped the edge of the desk, not trusting her legs to hold her up. “Kylie,” he whispered. “You’re here.”
“Where else would I be?” She flung herself into his arms, and he caught her.
“Ah, fuck.” He winced.
She pulled back, eyes wide. “What’s wrong?”
“I think my ribs are bruised.”
“Oh. Sorry.” She frowned. “Really, I’m so sorry about everything. It’s all my—”
He took her face into his hands and silenced her with a kiss. She threaded her fingers into his hair as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tighter to his body. Kylie whimpered and leaned into him, becoming pliant in his embrace. His lips were soft, his breath warm, and his hold safe.
She broke the kiss and buried her face in his neck. “I was so worried about you.” She squeezed him, never wanting to let go. “Are you really okay?”
He nodded. “I’m fine. I was worried you were pissed at me, that when I got out, you wouldn’t be here.”
“No.” She shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes. “Nammy Joyce was the only person in the world to ever stand up for me against my father. Until today.” She swallowed hard as the first few tears slipped down her cheeks. She hastily wiped them away.
“Uh, Xander. Wanna introduce us to your friend?”
Kylie looked toward Tanner. Seeing him straight on, she noticed he had the same dark hair and eyes and chiseled features. The resemblance between them was eerie.
“I know. Weird, huh?” The girl standing beside Tanner laughed. “I had the same reaction when I first saw them together.”
Xander released his hold on Kylie and took her hand instead, lacing their fingers. “Kylie, this is my brother, Tanner, and his girlfriend, Julianna.”
“Oh.” Kylie smiled. She remembered Xander talking about them. “Uh, nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Juliana stuck out her hand, and Kylie shook it. “And call me Jules.” She smiled warmly.
“My brother never told me he had a girlfriend.” Tanner shook her hand, too, and she held her breath.
Was she Xander’s girlfriend? Neither of them had really discussed it.
“Kinda been busy dealing with other things,” Xander said.
“You guys mind moving this outside?” Sheriff Rick asked. “Unless you want to take advantage of our luxurious accommodations.”
“Let’s get the hell out of here.” Xander laughed.
Kylie pulled her hand from his and gave Rick a hug. “Thank you, for everything.” Releasing him, she headed outside with Xander. She reached into her purse and pulled out his car keys. “I brought your car back.”
He took the keys. “Thanks.”
“So, what’s the plan now?” Tanner asked. “We’re supposed to be in New York tonight, y’know.”
“I know.” Xander sighed heavily, dragging a hand through his hair. “It’s a nine-hour drive.”
“We can still make it,” Jules said. “We’ll drop off the rental car at the airport and ride with you, all right?” She looked to Xander for confirmation.
“We need to check out of the hotel and get our stuff,” Kylie said.
“Shit.” Xander nodded. “Yeah, okay. You two follow us, we’ll grab our stuff, and then we’ll drop off your car on the way. We have to drive right past the airport.”
“Perfect!” Jules smiled. “Tanner, you ride with Xander. Kylie and I will take the rental car.” She held out her hand, and Tanner dropped a set of keys in her palm. “Thanks.” She gave him a quick kiss and then looped her arm through Kylie’s.
