Page 88 of Hometown Heartbreakers: Sunkissed

I only hope I can keep myself in check for the entire day. Or it may be a day filled with cold showers and short session of jerking off under my desk.

DALE

Damn that man is sexy as fuck. His muscular arms and those big hands would make any women kneel at his feet. Just not me. I can admire him from afar, but no man will ever hold a place in my life again that is as high as my Dad.

Watching my dad growing up, I saw the attention he paid to my mom. When she was busy working, his eyes never left her. I want that. The feeling of adoration from the person who will hold a piece of my heart.

Walking into the kitchen and placing the serving tray on the island. I begin to load the tray with a plate of mini donuts, a bowl of fruit with a side of vanilla yogurt dip, a mug of coffee and a small glass of juice. Then I grab the files he left on the table last night and make my way to his office. I know it’s not part of my job to cater to his needs, but I like to go above and beyond to make sure the house not only runs smoothly, but everyone is happy, healthy, and productive, including the man himself.

“Jackson, she has been driving my need since she walked her happy ass in her. This time away in Greece is literally going to have me coming home horny and fucking angry.” Xavier says, his voice carrying through the door.

I knock once, and wait for him to tell me I can come in. When he issues the order, I use my hip and push the door that was slightly ajar open and walk toward his desk. “So who is the lucky girl that will get the angry fuck in a month.” Placing the tray down, I turn and look at Xavier. Jackson is walking out the door, shaking his head. He stops and looks over his shoulder at me, gives me a smirk, and closes the door.

“The only woman that will ever get close to me again is standing in this room. I told you Dale, you are who I want. You are who I fantasize about. That’s not going to change. I just need you to give me a chance to prove to you I am in it for the long haul. You say you want a man to cherish you the way your dad cherishes your mom. Let me be that man. Let me prove to you that I will make you the first priority in my life.” He steps closer to me, placing his hands on my shoulders, and slowly glides them down my arms until each reaches my hands. He lifts my hands to his chest and steps forward, placing his arms around my back, bringing me closer to his body.

“Xavier, this is all moving too fast. I literally just met you. I work for you. And you don’t know the demons that live rent free in my head. There are days that it’s so dark in my mind I don’t think I’ll be able to get out. There is so much to my story, and I’m not sure if I am ready to tell anyone,” I state, but I move nothing but my head to look up into his eyes.

“That’s the thing Dale. I’m not asking you to marry me tomorrow and start mass producing kids. I am asking you to give me a chance to get to know you. To prove not all men think video games are the most important thing in their lives. I want to prove to you the kind of man I am. I just need you to let me,” he states, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I…I’m not sure. I swore to myself I would never let another man hold anything over me. His love would be given to me without me having to beg for even a once of it. This man needs to be my equal, but he also needs to treat me like his queen. I never want to feel like I don’t belong beside him,” I state, finally dropping my hands from his chest. My arms force his to tighten before they let go, and he steps back.

“Let me prove to you my intentions. Let me show you how I can be as a man, as your man. We can move as slow or as fast as you want. I just want to get to know you, and you get to know me. I want to smile at every guy knowing you are mine, and make all the other ladies jealous because I am yours. Can you let me chase your demons?” He picks up a piece of fruit and places it on his tongue.

“Do you promise to go as slow as I need?” He nods. “Do you promise if I say stop, you will stop?” His eyes narrow as his mouth opens and closes his mouth before he nods once and then throws another piece of fruit in his mouth.

XAVIER

If I ever find out who the man was that made her lose her baby, I’ll gut them and feed their parts to the pigs. No woman should have to ask the questions she did. They should always be treated with respect.

“Dale, my angel. I will always make sure you are safe, protected, and loved. But I am a man, and I will do dumb shit. I promise to make sure anything I that angers you will be replaced with love.” Picking up the mug of coffee and taking a ship.

“I don’t share well with others,” she blurts, then slaps her hand over her mouth and closes her eyes. This gives me the chance to slip closer to her.

“The only thing I plan on sharing is anything with you. I don’t plan on sharingyouwith anyone, though.” Her eyes fly open, startled at how close I am to her. I run my thumb across her hand, the one covering her mouth. “I wanted to rip Jackson’s limbs off when he suggested you get shared by two men.”

She mumbles something, then removes her hand and says, “You enjoy being close.”

“To you? Yes. You are the most amazingly strong woman I have ever met.” I smile at her, reaching for her hand and taking it in mine.

“Usually it’s. You are so beautiful,” she states, her hand gripping mine.

“Oh, angel. You are stunning, but the part that piques my interest the most is your strength. You overcame something so many people can’t. You are determined to live your life to its full extent to honor your son.” She smiles, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“Did I tell you my son’s name?” she whispers. I tilt my head to the side before shaking it.

“Angel. My son is my angel, so his name was Angel.” The tears fall down her cheeks and drip onto our joined hands.

“And you are my angel. In time, I will tell you why, but for now I just need to hear the words. Are you ready to start something as slow or as fast as you’d like?” I need her to say yes. I want her to jump into my arms and kiss me. But I will be happy with her saying yes.

“Yes, Xavier. I promise to try with you, but you have to promise to be patient with me. I was set on never loving again.”

I bring her closer to me, my hand on her chin, the other in hers. “I promise to prove it to you every second of every day.” Tilting my head to the side, and placing my lips on hers. My first taste of this amazingly strong woman, and I can say she is mine. I will prove she is mine.

Join me after the Anthology has been taken down for the conclusion ofRelocated.

JA Lafrance is a Canadian-born author and poet who hopes to bring a body positive approach through her style of writing.

She started writing when she was suffering with insomnia. Her first book was published on a dare. She has fallen in love with bringing new characters and worlds to her readers.

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