Epilogue

Epilogue

Five years later

M y stomach flutters with nerves as I wait in line for my name to be called. I look out at the packed auditorium, and my eyes zone in on the one person who matters.

Xavier.

I honestly don’t know if I would have been able to achieve all of this without him. He’s been my rock, my biggest cheerleader. Whenever I wanted to throw in the towel and quit, he was the one who would talk me off the edge. He spent countless nights staying up late with me, helping me study before exams. I don’t even know how he managed to function at work the following mornings. He never once complained.

“Shardonnay Christianson, graduating with honours and a Master’s of Science, specializing in Chemistry.”

Taking a huge breath in, I walk across the stage, shake the dean’s hand, and turn to look out at the crowd. All of my family is here. It took me a little bit to get used to referring to the Christiansons as my own and not simply my best friend’s family. Sometimes I still pinch myself. It’s hard to believe that this is my life now. That Xavier Christianson, the man who was voted Melbourne’s most eligible bachelor for years, is my husband.

Lucy and Xavier are hollering like loons in the front row, and my face heats with embarrassment. My eyes, however, well with love and appreciation. And my smile is huge as I walk off the stage. I’m swept up in a pair of very familiar arms and pulled through the black curtain that hangs on each side of the platform.

“Wha…” My question doesn’t make it past my lips before Xavier’s are plastered on mine. My arms wrap around his neck with my diploma tightly grasped in one hand.

Pulling away from the kiss, Xavier stares into my eyes. “I am so fucking proud of you, babe. I love you,” he says.

“Thank you. I love you too. So damn much.”

“Think anyone would notice if I steal you away for an hour or so? I’ve always wanted to fuck a nerdy scientist chick.” Xavier’s hands grip my ass, and my body melts into his.

“I feel like your parents would notice. Lucy, not so much, but definitely your mum.”

“You know, you could make my family hate you a little. That way, I wouldn’t get cocked-blocked by them so fucking much,” he huffs, tugging me closer to him, the hardness of his erection digging into me. “Come on, Mrs Christianson, let’s go and celebrate your brilliance. You deserve a party.” Xavier closes a hand around mine.

“Xavier, I couldn’t have done this without you. Honestly, you are by far the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“Shardonnay, you did this. Not me, you . All I did was support you like any good husband would.”

“You’re not just a good husband, Xavier. You’re the best one I’ve ever had.” I smile up at him.

“Well, I’m glad you feel that way, because I’ll be the only fucking husband you ever have,” he growls before recapturing my lips with his.

Continue The Tempter Series with Nathan’s story in Following His Orders .