Page 21 of Chasing Xander
With a nod, he followed Finn toward the campus fitness center. After changing into his gym shorts and a T-shirt, Xander stretched his legs and cracked his neck before rolling his shoulders to loosen them up. Then he stepped onto the treadmill next to Finn. He set the incline to two and jacked the speed up to eight. Then he ran his ass off. The monotony of running in place and the sounds of others working out nearby soothed him, helped to dissipate the anger that still had a clutch on his muscles.
Beside him, Finn increased his speed to ten. Xander eyed him and then increased his speed to eleven. Before he knew it, they were racing against each other, seeing who could go the fastest, get the most miles, burn the most calories. Sweat beaded on Xander’s brow and trickled down his back. He lifted his shirt, using it to wipe his forehead, and that’s when he saw her.
Kylie.
His heart raced even faster. She was walking with Celeste toward the front of the fitness center. Kylie wore a tank top and a pair of yoga pants. She very clearly wasn’t wearing any panties, and her ass was so round, so firm. His shorts tightened. Memories flooded his mind, of how she’d looked last night with her wild hair and sparkling eyes as she shook her body, and he faltered, his steps slowing despite the consistent speed of the treadmill.
“Oh shit!” He grabbed at the sides to stop himself from face-planting and then slammed his palm against the red stop button. Thankfully, the treadmill came to a complete, abrupt halt. Kylie’s smile widened, and then she laughed. The sound wrapped around him, making him forget his embarrassment.
“Smooth.” Finn decreased his speed. “You all right?”
Xander gasped for breath and wiped his forehead again. “Yeah.” He wished he’d thought to grab a bottle of water before starting his workout. Getting off the treadmill, he rubbed his sweaty palms on his shorts and approached Kylie. “Hey.”
A faint smile still curved her luscious lips. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip.I should’ve kissed her last night.“Nice save. I thought for sure the treadmill was going to win.”
He shook his head but couldn’t stop his smile. “What can I say?” He shrugged. “I have no shame when it comes to trying to impress a gorgeous woman.”
A sexy blush crept up her neck and over her cheeks. He’d never seen anything more beautiful. He flexed his fingers, the urge to touch her nearly consuming him.
“Yeah, you proved that last night with those dance moves.”
“Wow.” He laughed. “And here I thought I’d impressed you.” He cleared his throat. “So, my frat is having a party Thursday night. You and Celeste should come.”
“Um, yeah, okay. Sounds fun.”
He grinned. “Great! I’ll see you Thursday night, then.” Of course, if he had his way, he’d see her a lot before the party, too.
“Definitely.” She looked down, then back up at him. “Can’t wait.”
He winked and then turned on his heel to go find Finn. There was just an hour before his next lecture, and he really needed to shower beforehand. Knowing he had to kiss Brad’s ass in order to be involved in house activities, he couldn’t afford to miss a single class—especially now that he knew Kylie would be at the party.
…
Xander yawned as he walked up the steps to RAT house. The first day of classes was always exhausting, but today had been excruciatingly long. Between lectures and making a stop at the bookstore and his meeting with Brad and trying to figure out what study groups he could fit into his schedule, his brain was fried. His legs ached, and his eyes burned with the need for sleep.
All he wanted was to complete his assignments and crash. He opened the door and stepped inside. “Dad?” He blinked, convinced he was seeing things. “What’re you doing here?”
“I was in town on business and figured I’d take my son to dinner before I head home,” he said. He stood from the couch where he’d been chatting with Finn. “You’re free, right?” Even though it was phrased as a question, Xander knew it wasn’t.
“Uh, yeah, sure.” In the three years he’d been in college, his father had only visited one other time. A knot formed in his stomach. This wasn’t going to be pleasant. “Let me take care of my stuff, and then we can go.” He headed upstairs to drop his bag in his room and change into a clean shirt.
He pulled out his cell phone and sent a group text to his brothers.Dad’s in FL. He visit you guys?
Tanner:Nope.
Ryder:Nope.
“Fuck.” He flopped down on his bed and replied.Well, he’s here. Guess I’m in trouble. Again. Send help.
Tanner:Stop being a diva. You’ll be fine.
Ryder:Don’t worry. We’ll say something nice at your funeral.There was a laughing face with tears emoji.
Tanner:lol.
Xander laughed.Assholes.He added the middle finger emoji, then hit send. He slipped his phone into his back pocket and headed downstairs. “Okay, I’m ready,” he said.
His father gave a quick nod, then opened the door. “Where would you like to go?”
