Page 48 of Crossing the Line
“I’ve noticed,” she said dryly.
“I’ve got a guard on the grounds now twenty-four seven. He’ll monitor the systems on-site and be able to respond to any visitors or deliveries. Ganim won’t get near you here,” Xavier promised. “I’ll talk to your parents tomorrow about all this so they know what’s going on. Unless you want them to know tonight.”
She shook her head, a headache threatening. “Tomorrow’s soon enough for everyone to find out. Actually, do you mind if I talk to the publicist before you talk to my parents? I need to know if news like this can damage the premiere or if it’ll somehow boost it.”
“That’s pretty sick,” Xavier sighed.
“Welcome to my world.”
“Is there a reason you want me to wait on telling your parents?”
Yes.“I just want to make sure I’ve got all my bases covered,” she answered.
“Okay,” he ran a hand over the back of his head. “Do we need to talk about that kiss?”
“You mean us breaking our pact less than twenty-four hours after we made it? Nothing’s changed has it? You’re still code-bound, and I’m still… not looking for any complications.”
Xavier nodded his head. “We’ll consider the subject closed.”
They stared at the blank TV screen for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts.
“I met your pals at the end of the driveway,” Xavier said finally.
“The photographers?”
“Arnie seems pretty nice. I think he’s in the wrong line of work. But that Douchebag Joe? He was made for this.”
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Kate returned with a bag full of necessities the night before, and they’d crashed on the couch and streamed half a season ofArrested Development. Xavier had set up shop at the kitchen table reviewing security footage, coordinating with on- and off-site Invictus staff, and occasionally smirking at the entertainment on the screen.
When Kate had crawled off to the guest room close to midnight, Xavier closed the lid on the laptop.
“Long day?” Waverly asked from her perch on the couch.
“I’ve had longer.” He interlaced his fingers behind his head. “You should get to bed.”
Waverly wet her lips. “Are you leaving?” She didn’t want him to go. Even with a guard outside, she still felt safer with him here.
Xavier was silent for a long moment. “I’d prefer to stay here—on the couch. Just for tonight, until we have a better handle on things tomorrow. But I’ll go if you want me to.”
“Stay.”
He looked relieved, and she wondered if he was as reluctant to leave as she was to let him. Xavier nodded. “I’ll grab my bag which, by the way, now contains an entire micro wardrobe thanks to my swim here with you.”
“So you don’t need to borrow any pajamas?” she grinned, not the least bit apologetic.
“Got it covered.”
“You’re such a Boy Scout,” Waverly teased.
She lingered in the living room until he returned with a duffle bag. “I feel bad about relegating you to the couch. Why don’t you take my room, and I can—”
Xavier shook his head and pointed at the front door. “Anyone comes through that door, I want them to have to get through me to get to you.”
Since when did she find over-the-top protectiveness hot? Waverly wondered.
“I’ll get you some bedding.” She padded barefoot into her room and returned with a pillow and two neatly folded cashmere blankets. “There’s towels in the bathroom and leftovers in the fridge. Help yourself to anything.”
