Chapter 2 - Xavier

Xavier

I can’t stand surprises. They don’t enhance anything and to be blunt, the inconvenience is considerable. Plus, the lack of control I’d have over the situation is beyond undesirable. For example, stopping on the side of the road to help what I’d thought was someone with car trouble. That turned out to be, well, I’m still not sure what that was.

I pushed the memory out of my head and mentally prepared myself for tonight’s boys night out. I’d only agreed to go since it was with my two closest mates. They promised it would be low-key and far away from London. Forty-five minutes away was the negotiated compromise. My reputation aside, this was one thing I did not want turned into the social event of the decade. Not that it would make one bit of difference to the outside world.

The night was crisp. Not cold exactly, but that weird chill when winter tries its damnedest to turn into spring. I slowed my stride to admire some of Briarcliff Village’s quaint architecture. I always appreciated the inner workings of a structure .

The bare bones and stark lines begging to be fleshed out into something unique, spectacular, and memorable. I supposed being an architect’s son had its benefits. Appreciating the beauty in something from its bleak beginnings. That’s a trait I happily attributed to my father.

Well, happily is a strong word choice. Let’s go with it’s one of the better ones I’d inherited. Actually, one of the only few good ones.

“Hey, Maddox. Get your arse over here.”

Cade Gallagher stood in front of the pub surrounded by at least half a dozen people. The star striker smiled with ease as he took pictures and signed autographs. My good friend enjoyed adoration and public praise almost as much as I did.

“Keeping a low profile as usual, I see.” I shook his hand, clapping him on the shoulder.

“Welcome to the show.” He grinned. “Gotta give the fans what they want.”

The crowd grew around us, with more people clamoring for Cade’s, and by default, my attention.

“We heading inside now?” I tilted my head toward the door. I turned to walk away when a blur of gray and blue crashed past me.

I jumped back, but not before getting whacked in the ribcage.

“Hey, Gallagher, you whiny, no-talent arsehole.” The guy who just blew by me was in Cade’s face, shaking a fist. I grabbed the back of his gray jacket and yanked him away, getting a good, strong whiff of alcohol as I did.

“Lemme go,” he slurred, struggling against my grasp.

“Not a chance. Walk away. Now.”

“Make me.”

“Do you really want to start something with a guy who has at least six inches on you, plus about thirty pounds of pure muscle?”

“Fuck off. Go give up some more penalty shots so we can lose another championship, you washed up knob.”

I clenched my jaw, swallowing back the urge to deck this guy right here on the sidewalk. I couldn’t care less who he was or what stupid, drunken argument he thought he needed to have with two professional athletes.

“Hold on, Xavier,” Cade focused a self-righteous gaze on the inebriated intruder. “The whiny, no-talent asshole wants to hear what he has to say.”

The guy lurched forward even though I still had him in a pretty tight grip. More than a few people had their mobile phones out, no doubt taking pictures or recording what was happening. This had the potential to turn into a viral mess if it escalated. I dug my fingers into the material, pulling the guy back.

“I’m only going to tell you this one more time,” I growled into his ear so only he could hear me. “Walk away or you’ll be carried away on a stretcher.”

He shrugged out of my grasp with a defeated grunt. By this point some of his friends made their way over from the pub where they’d no doubt been knocking back more than enough beers to last the rest of the weekend. They mumbled their apologies and led him down the street. I exhaled, muttering something about how nothing ever changes when I felt a presence behind me.

I didn’t turn. At least not at first.

“Maybe we should find another place. This looks a little too chaotic,” a male voice suggested.

“No way,” a female voice responded. “This is the final destination. Besides, you’ve been dying to meet Dawn and Ray for ages. You’ll love them.”

Americans.

I knew this voice. It was soft and compelling in its soothing melody.

Already thrown by the sound of her, I steadied myself and turned, and felt completely knocked down by the sight of the mystery woman from the side of the road.

Long, dark lashes framed green eyes that widened in a mix of disbelief and shock the moment she looked directly at me.

Her full, gloss covered lips parted slightly, then curved in a smile. Red gloss, like a blushing rose. The things I would do to that mouth. Unlike earlier when she had it tied back, her red hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders. Her sexy body had curves for miles, begging to be explored.

As much as I enjoyed her sporty casual look earlier, this sweater dress enhanced her supple figure in so many enticing ways. I took my time exploring every curve, every piece of her that I could bite, kiss, and lick to make her squirm and scream my name. She didn’t shy away from my obvious staring. In fact, her cheeks flushed a subtle shade of pink.

Fuck. So many filthy, glorious things I could do to this gorgeous creature if she’d let me.

The two men standing with her didn’t notice our brief interaction. They whisked her into the pub with a flourish.

“Nothing like mixing it up with some pissed wanker,” Cade proclaimed, clapping me on the back. “Let’s head in. Bennet’s already at the bar.”

Black Rose Tavern buzzed with the low hum of conversation. For a Thursday night, it was crowded but not filled to the point where I’d have to question whether I was too old to keep coming out to places like this on purpose.

“Gentlemen,” Bennet Logan greeted us with a broad smile. He was older than Cade and I by a couple of years and often played the role of big brother to our endless, but affable, bickering. Not to mention his father owned the club we played for. Another year or two and Bennet would be running the show at Royal City Athletic.

“Sorry we’re late,” Cade said, reaching for a beer. “Had to handle a small problem at the door.”

Bennet shot us both a concerned look. “Oh?”

“Just some drunk who thought he was smarter than us.” I grinned, reaching for the other beer. “You’d think they’d have better things to do than hassle a couple of washed up footballers.”

“Speak for yourself, Maddox.” Cade knocked his glass against mine.

I shrugged, scanning the bar area. The restlessness that had been gnawing at me all night kicked into high gear. My body thrummed, operating on a frequency higher than I was used to. I managed to swallow it back and was on the verge of recollecting myself when she came into view.

Leaning against the bar with a carefree smile, she engaged in a spirited conversation with Dawn Halston, the co-owner. I’d been coming here long enough to recognize not only the regular faces, but also the husband and wife team who’ve been running the Black Rose Tavern for decades.

Seeing this mystery woman in a more relaxed state, rather than pacing around like her life depended on it, mesmerized me. She was, quite honestly, stunning.

When she found me again with those fierce green eyes I nearly lost it. I almost looked away because my chest did the weird thing again. The thing it did when I was standing with her on the side of the road.

Cade let out a low whistle. “Who’s that?”

“Nobody that concerns you.” I finished the rest of my drink, placed the glass on the bar and walked over to her.

“Xavier,” Dawn exclaimed. “Here with the boys tonight?”

The fact that she still called us boys always made me chuckle.

“Yes, ma’am. Behaving like the proper gents you’ve come to expect.”

“Oh, you flirt,” she gushed, showing off a dazzling smile. “I’ll let Ray know you’re all here.” She turned to the redhead perched on the stool next to me. “Tell your two friends their food will be ready soon. And—“ she leaned closer to her “—watch out for this one. He’s a charmer.”

“You flatter me, Dawn,” I called after her as she walked away .

She wasn’t wrong though. Charm was my weapon of choice. Well, that and other, more pleasurable weapons. Now, back to the matter of this redhead.

I pinned my stare on her, watching those intoxicating green eyes dilate. Several thoughts flashed through my mind. All of them tempting. None of them fit for public consumption. Unless, of course, she was into that sort of thing. Flames licked at the base of my spine just thinking about it.

“So, Xavier is it?” she asked.

The way my name rolled off her tongue and lingered on her lips drove me to the edge. So help me, it took all of my strength not to pin her against the side of this building and fuck her until neither one of us could move.

“Depends on who’s asking.”

A knowing grin curled her lips as she leaned forward. “My guess would be the brunette about to pounce from your left.”

Before I had a chance to see who she was talking about, a soft body pressed into me.

“If it isn’t the elusive Xavier Maddox.”

I tensed, looking down into the heavily made-up eyes of Claire Miller. Once upon a time we’d had a one night stand. Two, actually.

“Hey Claire. How’s it going.” I offered a brisk smile but it only encouraged her to move closer and push her breasts into my side.

“Much better now that I’ve bumped into you.” She looked up at me through her lashes, making me wonder if this was a rehearsed move. Admittedly, I did find it kind of sexy, and if she were someone else, say the American knock-out sitting right next to me, I’d be interested.

My focus strayed back to the woman I’d rather be talking to. She sipped a martini and smiled. The way her gaze lingered a bit too long emboldened me. I moved my eyes up and down her body, savoring every inch of her. As soon as I locked back onto her verdant stare, I licked my lower lip .

There it was. There was the reaction I wanted. Her mouth parted slightly as a faint shade of pink stained her cheeks. She touched her own lip as though she were imagining how it would feel if I kissed her. A self-satisfied grin spread across my face, giving her the classic Maddox dimple.

“You still owe me a drink,” Claire purred, sliding a hand beneath my shirt and stroking my back. “You promised.”

I winced. This was not the way I pictured my night unfolding. Wracking my brain for a way to shut her down without offending her too much, I half-wished Cade or Bennet would show up as re-enforcements.

No such luck.

“Xavier, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” my redheaded savior asked in a soft, low, almost chastising voice. If I were a betting man, I’d say she thoroughly enjoyed my discomfort.

When I didn’t respond, she widened her eyes in expectation. When I continued to just stare at her, she sighed, turning to Claire.

“I’m Victoria. I heard him say your name was Claire. Nice to meet you. Sorry for his rudeness. He must be wound up so tight from all this attention.”

Claire detached herself from me, placing her hands on her hips. “I didn’t realize he was here with someone.”

“Well, I am sitting with him and we were mid-conversation when you came over, so, yeah. He’s with me.”

Claire looked from me to Victoria and rolled her eyes. “Good luck trying to keep his attention,” she muttered, walking away.

“That was fun,” Victoria said with a smile. “When’s the next one due?”

“You’re enjoying this way too much,” I grumbled.

“I am. You’re welcome by the way. You know,” she paused, finishing her martini and signaling for another, “I thought this trip out here was going to be annoying. If the rest of it is anything like this, I might never leave.”

“And where would you go back to, if you did end up leaving?”

“Manhattan.”

“Ah, a city princess.” I grinned. “Looking to see how the other half lives out here in the country?”

“You don’t look like a country prince.”

“No? What do I look like?”

She drummed her nails on the bar and gave me a once over. “The leather jacket and jeans, and rings and tattoos don’t fool me. I’ve seen enough of your type in high school and college.” She twisted a strand of hair. “You went to boarding school. Probably went to Cambridge or Oxford. You definitely have a trendy apartment in London. You’re a certified heartbreaker with that hair and that mouth. And…” her voice trailed “…you play some type of sport. How did I do?”

“That obvious, huh?” I ran a hand through my hair.

A full smile curved her lips. “It’s the way you speak and carry yourself. I saw it the minute you told me you didn’t feel comfortable leaving me stranded on the side of the road. You have this refined, elegant thing with manners going for you. Yes, the bad boy vibe works but I have a feeling you’d be just as hot in a suit and tie.” She sipped her freshly delivered martini. “It’s sexy. All those manners and tattoos.”

She was still smiling at me. I wanted to kiss her smile until she pressed into me and begged for more. I moved closer to her, angling my body so there wasn’t too much space between us.

“So, Victoria is it?” Oh shit. I used that voice. The deeper, more clipped sounding one. The one I didn’t use anymore. The one that led to me saying things like kneel or undress .

A flirtatious spark lit up her eyes. “Depends on who’s asking.”

Careful, careful, careful . I cleared my throat. “The mildly hot mid-life crisis.”

“Aw, did I strike a nerve?”

“Not really. I mean, I wouldn’t exactly call thirty-six mid-life. My ego did take a hit though.”

“Would you rather I be gentle with your fragile ego?” she purred, tilting her head and exposing the smooth skin of her neck.

For. Fuck’s. Sake.

Nothing about me wanted to be gentle about anything with her. I inhaled slow, barely maintaining a grip on the thin line masquerading as my self-control. The visual of her wedged between my body and a wall with her dress hiked up and her legs wrapped around me made the growing ache and tightness in my pants tough to ignore.

“Not too many things about me are fragile.” Again with the tone. What is going on here?

Victoria picked up on my timbre this time. Her lips quirked into a little smile. Then she proceeded to size me up. Her eyes studied me. Devoured me. Penetrated well past the parts I kept hidden.

“Of course not,” she teased, her emerald eyes resting on my neck. When she leaned closer, I could smell faint traces of perfume. Not sweet or floral, but musky and warm. Her fingers traced the neckline of my t-shirt, pulling it down to expose part of my collarbone.

“Can I help you with something?” I inquired, fully intending to pull her into my arms at any second.

“Uh-uh, no.” Her eyes darkened when she pulled the shirt down a little more and found what she’d been looking for. “Nice tattoo.”

“I have more.”

She was close enough for me to kiss her. And from the look on her face, she was thinking the same thing. She glanced at my mouth before settling back on the stool.

“I bet you do. And no, I don’t want to see them right now. Maybe another time.”

Yep. I liked this one. Flirting with a woman hasn’t been this much fun in years.

A wry grin pulled at my lips.

Let’s see how far we can go .

“Funny how you should mention another time,” I said matter-of-factly. “We’re going back to my place after you finish your drink.”

“That’s presumptuous. Why?”

I moved closer. The tops of my thighs brushed against her crossed legs, putting her knees dangerously close to the growing bulge straining at the zipper of my pants.

“Because as much as I want to, fucking you in public isn’t something I’m prepared to do yet,” I replied in a calm, even tone.

Her pupils dilated. Her breathing stuttered enough for me to know she’s, at the very least, curious.

“What makes you think I’m that kind of girl?”

“What kind? The kind of girl who wants to be fucked in public or the kind of girl who wants a one night stand?”

She grabbed the skewer of olives from her martini, trapped one in her teeth and pulled it into her mouth. The coy way she looked down and then back at me told me all I needed to know.

I didn’t come here tonight looking for a random hook up. Don’t get me wrong. Running into her again pleased me in a way I didn’t anticipate. And flirting with her was a major turn on. There was just something different about her. Something I couldn’t quite figure out yet. Something keeping me on the edge of restraint and reckless taking.

“You don’t even know me,” she said in a low voice. “How can you assume I’d want any of that?”

I shrugged. “You’re right. I can’t assume.” I let my hand fall between the bar counter and her thigh. Neither one of us broke eye contact. The way she looked at me with such intensity cemented my belief she also felt whatever this was building between us.

Toying with the hem of her dress, I slid my hand under the material. Nobody could see what I was doing, but she could certainly feel the metal rings I wore. Her breath hitched and her legs squeezed together slightly. It sent a surge of lust through me. She wet her lips just as her eyelids fluttered shut .

So fucking beautiful.

I didn’t move any closer. I only watched her while I continued feeling my way along her thigh. A faint, dreamlike smile crossed her lips.

Don’t think I needed to assume anymore.

“How long are you here for?” I asked, removing my hand from her leg.

The sudden loss of contact seemed to rouse her from wherever she’d disappeared to. She pressed her hand to her flushed cheek, taking a deep breath. “Oh, um, not long. Just a few days.”

“Are all those days spoken for? Or do you have any free time?”

Her eyes lit up with the same flirtatious spark I saw earlier. “They’re spoken for. So if you were going to ask me on a date, I’m afraid this is it.”

I laughed. “Wow. Who’s being presumptuous now?”

She laughed with me. It was light and melodic and I never wanted to stop hearing it.

“You’re a fun one, Xavier Maddox.” She paused, biting down on her lip. “I should probably get back to my friends though.”

“That’s a shame, Victoria…” I let the last syllable trail up in a question.

“Chase.”

“Chase,” I repeated with a smirk. “Is that what I’m supposed to do now? Chase you?”

She did this adorable head tilt. “And you were doing so well with the flirting.”

“Was I?” I lowered my eyes to her legs. “I’d like to think so.”

When I looked up she had another dreamlike smile. She was also staring at my mouth. Really staring at it. I parted my lips, just to see what she’d do. Her eyelids hooded.

Okay, I could at least try for a friendly kiss. Or not so friendly.

I leaned closer. Her chest lifted on an inhale when she parted her lips. I really wanted to mess up this rose-colored gloss with my mouth.

But I shouldn’t be doing this. I’d sworn off one night stands and reckless taking. It’s just…there was something about her. Something …

Her palms flattened against my chest. “We can’t.”

“It’s just one kiss,” I whispered, doubting my own intentions.

“No. It won’t be.”

I snapped back to reality.

The barrier she’d created with her hands wasn’t at all convincing but it kept me at bay. As much I wanted to know how she felt pressed against me, what she tasted like, what she sounded like, I wasn’t about to force her to do anything she wasn’t ready for.

Besides, she was right. It wouldn’t stop at one kiss. I wouldn’t stop. There’s a reason I have the reputation I do and as selfish as I’ve been with her tonight already, I wouldn’t let myself go further.

“It was nice meeting you,” she said with a melancholy smile. “Too bad timing wasn’t on our side.” She stood up.

“Wait.” My abrupt tone shocked even me. I don’t give orders like this anymore.

Careful .

She paused, watching me curiously.

“I hope I didn’t come on too strong,” I said, my voice gentler. “Don’t want to ruin the new appreciation you have for the area.”

She smiled and my heart raced. “My appreciation remains firmly intact. Have a good night, Xavier.”

Victoria walked back to her friends, giving me a small wave. The first thing I noticed was how tangible her absence was, how different the air felt. How empty. How much I liked being near her. How good it made me feel.

I wanted to be near her again.

Surprise .