Page 32 of Xactly What She Needs

After getting some takeout, since he has next to nothing in his fridge or pantry, we decided to sit and watch an action movie. Though, I’m still a little bummed that he vetoed my serial killer documentary idea so quickly. He just shook his head no while muttering about crazy women and serial killers. But whatever, here we are, watching someone trying to take over the white house or something. Serial killers would’ve been a lot better.

Somehow during the movie, we’ve moved closer to each other. We started out on opposite ends of his large couch. Okay, fine. I purposely waited for him to sit and sat as far away as I could, much to his amusement. I just didn’t trust myself, especially after having a full belly and being relaxed. It would’ve been a bad idea to be too close to him. Even across the way, I could still smell his damn spicy scent.

Which is probably why I subconsciously moved closer during the movie. The man smells freaking amazing and it’s annoying as hell. Though, I don’t know when he moved closer to me, possibly when passing the bowl of popcorn back and forth. Sharing one bowl probably wasn’t the smartest idea when trying to keep some distance between us. I truly can’t think properly where Xander is concerned.

“Seriously, how is there no other way out of the white house?” I scoff as they all seem to be stuck inside by the gunmen. “I mean come on, there has to be a ton of tunnels in place for something just like this.”

He’s sprawled out in a reclining position, with his legs up on the coffee table and head on the back of the couch. He rolls his head to the side and looks at me with a smirk. “Bri, it’s just a movie. Of course, they wouldn’t put in tunnels or some shit. The movie would’ve been over in ten minutes.”

I purse my lips while side eyeing the annoying man candy lounging next to me. “It justseems so unrealistic, unlike...”

“We are not watchin’ serial killer shit.” He cuts me off. “Why the hell do all the women in my life like that bullshit?" hegrumbles more to himself, but I’ll happily answer him.

“Maybe your charming personality trait of having to annoy everyone you come into contact with, makes us want to get some ideas.” I smile sweetly as I reach for some popcorn.

He swipes the bowl before I can reach it and puts it on his other side. “And that is exactly why we’re not watchin’ that shit.”

“Hey, give the popcorn back!” I growl as I try to reach over him for it, not going too far since I have my legs tucked up under me, making me even more frustrated.

“Nah, this popcorn is only for people who aren’t psycho obsessed.” He takes a piece and tosses it into his mouth. Hiseyes are brightwith humor, only serving to piss me off more.

I get up on my knees and very ungracefully crawl closer to him while trying to reach the bowl. “I’m the one who made it, you ungrateful jerk. Give it here.”

“Definitely, not," hechuckles while pushing the bowl even further away.

I lean over him even more, realizing way too late that I’m practically laying on top of him, “I mean it Xander, give me some popcorn," Igrowl out menacingly.

His snort is irritating. “Yeah, not gonna happen.”

I turn my head to give him my best glare only to realize that our noses are almost touching. Oh, that’s not good. Up close, I can see that his dark eyes have tiny flecks of yellow in them. I’m not sure how I’ve never noticed that before, but I’m entranced now.

“Baby, if you keep lookin’ at me like that while lickin’ your lips, somethin’ is gonna happen that you might not be ready for.” His voice is husky, what I imagine it to sound like when he first wakes up in the morning.

I lick my lips again without meaning to and watch his eyes flare. The pure lust reflected back at me stops mybreath. My heart feels like I’m running a marathon, while other parts of me that haven’t been interested in a man since my ex, suddenly start aching, wanting to be filled with what he seems to be promising. I’m like a deer in headlights. I should be thinking about how bad of an idea this is and how I should stay away from men for the rest of eternity. But my only thoughts revolve around if his lips are soft and if he’ll taste like the popcorn we’ve been eating.

I’m not sure who closes the miniscule distance between, but the next thing I know, his lips are on mine. They’re even softer than I had ever imagined, and my mouth opens on a gasp as he licks the seam of my mouth. He tastes like popcorn and the pineapple juice he was drinking. I never would’ve thought it would be a good combination, but on him, it really is.

I moan into his mouth as his one arm slides around my back and his other fists my hair. Not tight enough to hurt me, but enough to keep me where he wants me. Apparently, attached to him while straddling his lap. I can feel him solid as steel under me and I unconsciously grind against him, making us both groan.

He pulls his lips away from mine, causing a weird mewling sound to leave my bereft lips. “Darlin’, my self-control is hangin’ on by a fuckin’ thread.” His growled words vibrating through my chest. “If you have even a sliver of doubt about doin’ this, you need to get your fine ass up and into that guest room before my control snaps.”

His words dash away the fog in my head like a bucket of cold water. Oh God, what the hell am I doing?

I scramble off of him, knocking my calf into the edge of the coffee table making me wince. “Ow, you dirty fucker," Igrowl at the offending coffee table.

I look over at Xander and see him watching me like a predator watchesits prey. “Umm.” I can feel my face getting hot.

“Guest room now, Bri,” he growls out, making me jump.

Not needing to be told twice, I turn on my heel and practically sprint to my room. I hurry inside and close the door, leaning against it heavily, trying to control my rapid breathing. I can’t believe that just happened. And judging from the look in his eyes and the way he rigidly held himself, I’m guessing a lot more would’ve happened if I hadn’t sprinted out of there.

I just wish my mind and body were on the same page. My brain knows it was best to get out of there, but my body is mourning the loss of his heated muscles.

****

I’m awoken from my unpleasant dream, gasping for air, tears streaming down my face. I guess it isn’t so much of a dream as it is a memory. One that I would love to forget. No matter how well I do at not thinking about things during the day, my brain always relivesthemat night. These memories don’t invade my dreams too often, but often enough that I’ve developed some trepidation where sleeping is concerned. It’s always a gamble as to whether or not the memories will surface, which is the hardest part, not knowing.

I untangle myself from the blanket that I obviously battled in my sleep. I’m so tangled up, that it takes me a few moments to get free. I stand and walk into the bathroom to use the facilities. After washing my hands, I splash some water on my face to clean away the dried tears and look into the mirror. The womanstaringback at me is familiar and different at the same time.

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