Page 91 of Chasing Xander
His father crossed his arms and let out a disappointed sigh. “So, how many classes have you missed?”
“My Wednesday afternoon class, and then all my classes on Thursday and Friday.”
“Mm-hmm.” He tapped his finger against his chin. “Now you’ll have to drive all the way back to Florida, too, which means you’ll miss even more classes. At least another full day.”
Shoulders slumped, he hung his head. “Yeah, I guess.”
“And this girl is worth flunking even more classes?”
He clenched his jaw. “I’m not going to flunk. I told you I’d pass, and I will. I contacted all my professors and got the assignments—I’ll catch up. Kylie needed my help, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
His father’s posture softened, and he shook his head. “I don’t know if I should be disappointed or proud.” Grabbing Xander, he gave him a hug, patting his back. “I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, but don’t let me down. I meant what I said about consequences for your actions. And don’t ever let me find out you hit one of your elders again. We raised you better than that.”
“Yes, sir.”
He nodded. “So, this girl…”
“As I said, her grandmother passed away, and she left Kylie with a large inheritance. She needs someone to help her manage it, and I thought of you. Can you talk to her?”
“Of course. Send her up to my office, and I’ll do what I can to help.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Xander returned to the dining room. His mom had plates of finger food and other snacks spread out on the table. He went over to where Kylie sat and whispered in her ear, “Come with me.”
She stood. “Where are we going?”
“Up to my dad’s office. He’s going to go over your inheritance with you.”
“What? Now?” Her eyes widened. “It’s late. Doesn’t he want to wait until tomorrow?”
“I’m sure he will if you want, but tomorrow is Mom’s party.”
“That’s right. Okay.” She nodded.
Stopping in front of his dad’s office, Xander caressed her cheek. “I know all of this is overwhelming, but everything’s going to be fine.” He kissed her tenderly, then opened the door and left her with his father.
He headed back downstairs to find Ryder and Tanner had gone out to the car to gather their bags. “I’d best get another room made up for Kylie.” Mom hurried from the dining room, leaving him alone with Jules. He sat and popped a slice of pepperoni into his mouth.
“So…” She drummed her nails on the table. “Tanner said you needed my help with something?”
He nodded and chewed on another pepperoni.
“I assume whatever you need has to do with Kylie.”
He wiped his fingers on his jeans. “Yes, and I need your word that you won’t laugh or give me any shit for what I’m about to ask.” His voice shook, and he cleared his throat. He couldn’t believe he was ready to talk about this with Juliana, but he was desperate.
“Of course.”
“Okay.” He took a deep breath and glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was headed back their way. “Kylie and I aren’t together, exactly, but it’s not because we don’t want to be. She’s a virgin.” He rubbed the weariness from his face. “I don’t know what to do.”
“I think I’m missing something,” Jules said, her tone confused. “Why is her virginity even an issue?”
“I had a bad experience with a virgin during my freshman year. My reputation took a massive hit, and she ended up dropping out of college. It was bad.” He lifted his head and looked at Jules. “I’m terrified of making the same mistakes with Kylie. I don’t care that she’s a virgin. I’m more worried I’ll do something to hurt her, or that she’ll regret being with me, and then I’ll lose her, which is why I’ve insisted we take things slow. But we can’t stay where we are forever.”
“I get that.” Jules broke into a knowing smile. “I’m sure Tanner told you I wanted to take things slow at first, and it was because my ex had done a number on me emotionally. And Tanner was so patient. He never once pressured me, and when the time finally came, I knew I could trust him. And that’s what this all comes down to—trust.”
“I trust her.”
