Chapter Seven

Brooke

I’m seething as I leave Xavier’s apartment, but I continue to chat with Lisa as we return to Zoey. How dare he insinuate I’m after his money, and worse, sex? Does he take me for one of his floozies?

Well, you did sleep with him within half an hour of meeting him. I want to kick the snarky voice in the mouth.

“Mommy, Mommy, can Brooke make my hair like hers?” Lisa squirms to get down as soon as the elevator doors open to the lower floor, and runs to her mom.

“Of course she can, sweet pea.” Zoey chucks her daughter on her plump chin. “Now, do you want to run and get Daddy so we won’t be late?”

Lisa giggles and skips off, shouting, “Daddy! Mommy says you must hurry…”

Zoey smiles at her, then turns to me, and I see the uncanny resemblance. My God, she’s the female version of Xavier. Why didn’t I see it before ?

Because I’ve been trying my hardest to block out Xavier from my subconscious, that’s why.

I’d arrived at the Saunders’ Upper West Side penthouse just before eight a.m. and was welcomed into the spacious foyer by Zoey’s husband, Dan. While waiting for Zoey, I took in the massive open-plan living room and was immediately awed by the floor-to-ceiling windows, showing off a breathtaking view of the Hudson River.

People do actually live like this , I’d thought as Zoey’s musical voice floated into their living room.

“Hey, Brooke, thanks for coming in early, you’re a lifesaver.” Zoey in person was petite and very pretty, dressed casually in a soft gray wool sweater, her shapely legs encased in black leggings. I was struck again by her unusual green eyes.

“We’re super late for the airport.” She’d moved into the kitchen area toward the coffee maker. “Would you like some coffee, Brooke?” she’d asked with a smile.

“Oh no, I’m good, I just had one before coming in.” I’d looked around, wondering where Lisa was.

Zoey noticed. “Lisa ran upstairs when she heard her dad say her babysitter is here. She has a room there as well, so she’s likely hiding there. Or maybe by the piano.” Zoey got milk from the fridge. “I think she’s a bit nervous about meeting you because she’s been told she has to be on her best behavior,” she’d said. “I’ll get Dan to fetch her—”

“I can go get her if that’s alright? It would help break the ice, I think,” I’d said.

“Good idea,” she agreed. “It’s just through that elevator.” She pointed to the foyer, and I noticed a smaller elevator just to the side of the one I’d come in from .

“The X button takes you up and Z is to come down.” I was already moving toward the foyer when she called, “He’s still sleeping. Lisa knows not to wake him so she won’t be noisy because he can be a bit of a grump in the morning.”

I wasn’t quite sure I followed. “Who are we not waking up?”

“My twin brother, Lisa’s uncle,” she said. “He lives upstairs, and that private elevator connects our floor to his. It’s quite the handy thing to have really, although now that Lisa knows the buttons it can be a bit of a pain to find her these days.”

Zoey has a twin brother? Ivy hadn’t mentioned that. Although at the interview Zoey had said Lisa’s uncle lived nearby. Anyway, nearby, upstairs—semantics. I needed to go get Lisa.

The smaller elevator opened into a luxurious apartment that was the same as the one below except that instead of the light tones of Zoey’s, the upper floor penthouse was decorated in shades of brown and black and there was a massive curving staircase leading to a mezzanine floor. I spotted a beautiful, black grand piano on the far side of the living room. The thick, pleated curtains had been drawn over the floor-to-ceiling windows, all except one, which showed off an amazing view of the George Washington Bridge.

I was immediately drawn to the view, and without thinking, moved to the window. Wow. This would be spectacular at night .

I felt the hairs on my nape rise a second before I heard the sleep-roughened voice.

“Brooke?”

I’d been startled by the unexpected voice behind me, but when I turned and saw Xavier, I realized I should have known. Twin brother. Zoey’s eyes, the same hair, the same smile. His gaze was heated as it swept me up and down, pausing on my chest. Unbidden memories I’d forcefully repressed came rushing back. His hands, his mouth. I blushed furiously, struggling to keep my reaction under control.

He’s the biggest manwhore in all of New York City.

That helped cool my ardor. Then he started to speak, and I fought the urge to smack his smug face. He still looked like he wanted nothing more than to devour me, but his words were angry and accusing.

I don’t do repeat fucks. My hands curl into fists as I remember.

“Brooke?” Zoey calls, looking at me in a puzzled way.

“Yeah, sorry.” I apologize, shaking my head to dispel the unpleasant memory.

“I was saying Lisa can have cereal—it’s in the pantry, or have a sandwich—toppings and dressing in the fridge.”

“Okay.” I nod.

“She does have a bit of a sweet tooth, and so does her uncle for that matter, but she gets the most horrendous sugar high, so be mindful of when she has her cakes and lollies, otherwise, she could be up till midnight.”

I smile. “Wow, noted then.”

“Mrs. Locke comes in on Wednesdays and Saturdays to clean and I expect Titus to drop in this evening, possibly tomorrow as well to bring in some groceries. If you need anything else just tell him and he’ll have it delivered the next day.”

I nod again.

“I think that’s everything…let’s see, we’re not expecting any deliveries or guests—Careful babe!” she says to Dan, who is carrying two suitcases toward the elevator.

“I’m fine, sweetheart, don’t worry,” he calls back.

“It’s his shoulder,” Zoey explains to me. Lisa enters the living room with an armful of about fifteen miniature dolls.

“Darling, have breakfast first—”

“Mommy, it’s the princesses, they want to play with Brooke now.”

“Great.” Zoey sighs. “Well, I’ll leave you to it then. I’ve left a sheet on the counter for you. All the numbers you might need are listed.”

“Lisa, give Mommy a kiss,” Zoey says. Lisa does that and then goes back to the princesses.

“Right.” Zoey checks the time again and turns to leave.

Just then, the smaller elevator opens and Xavier fills the doorway. He’s changed into gym shorts and a tank top. His shoulders and biceps are on display, and I avert my face to keep from ogling.

“You’re running late, Zoey.” Xavier pulls Zoey in for a bear hug.

“Xavi! I thought you’d sleep till noon considering you were out so late.”

Out late clubbing and having wild sex, no doubt . My mind is about to wander to the night we had but I violently yank the traitor off that path.

Xavier shakes his head. “Not a chance, not with all the racket you lot are making.”

“Sorry, Xavi. Well, this is Brooke, she’s great. Brooke, Xavier, Lisa’s uncle.”

There’s an awkward pause. I’m not sure if I should admit that we’ve met or hold out my hand.

Before I can decide, Xavier pulls me in for a hug. I shut my eyes against the onslaught of sensations being enveloped in his arms evoke and hold myself rigidly. It’s over in a heartbeat although it felt like an eternity .

Zoey does not bat an eyelash. She’s used to this? Him embracing strange women? Something tightens in my stomach, and I tell myself it’s disgust.

Dan returns with the doorman, who takes out their bags, and Xavier leaves without a backward glance at me.

Lisa is hugging her dad when Zoey pulls me away. “Listen, I think Lisa has taken to you. You’ll be fine. And Xavier is great with her. Any issues, you can speak to him or call us.”

I have no worries about Lisa , I think. It’s her uncle I’m not so sure about .

One way or another, I’ll find a way to get through this weekend.

Lisa finally settles down for a nap after hours of playing dress-up with her princess dolls and the apartment looks like a tornado has torn through it. Toys, books, and clothes litter the floor and the furniture.

There’s a trail of stuffed toys and brightly colored clothes leading to the small elevator.

Lisa had changed clothes so many times, each time running upstairs wanting to show her uncle Xavi.

I clear up the leftovers of lunch and start restoring order to the living room. I follow the trail of strewn toys and clothes into the elevator, which opens into Xavier’s penthouse. It’s silent. Just as I suspected, the carnage is substantial here too. I collect the toys and stuff them into the pillowcase I had taken for that purpose, wondering how someone so little could create this amount of mess in such a short time.

I spot the stuffed giraffe discarded on the top of the floating stairs and pad gently to get it. I suspect Xavier is asleep as well. It wouldn’t surprise me; Lisa could wear out an elephant.

The stairs lead directly into an open-plan bedroom decorated in gold and black tones. The large four-poster bed dominates the space. There’s a wide door on the opposite wall that I suspect leads into a closet or office. My gaze is drawn back to the bed. It’s empty but recently slept in. I know this is Xavier’s bedroom and it feels like I’m intruding into his private space.

I quickly pick up the princess doll on the bed and another stuffed animal near the bedside lamp and I’m about to leave when the wide door suddenly swings open and Xavier walks out.

He’s dripping wet, has a towel wrapped around his narrow hips, and is drying his hair with another one. He spots me immediately, pausing. I’m sure I look like a deer caught in headlights.

Don’t look at him!

“I was getting her bunny,” I say, trying, and failing, to avert my eyes, waving the stuffed bunny in my hand. Or is it the cow? I can’t tell because I’m not looking at it.

Xavier approaches slowly, his eyes taking on a predatory gleam. He stops inches from me while I concentrate on keeping my breathing even. God, he smells so good. My eyes inadvertently follow droplets of water that run over the golden skin of his pectorals, down tight abdominal muscles which taper into a defined V. I snap my eyes back up to somewhere above his shoulder.

“So, what’s the plan?” His voice has dropped an octave.

“What are you talking about?” I’m surprised at how calm I sound .

“How long is this nanny act going to last? You can tell me. I won’t be mad.”

“Not everything is about you,” I say, feeling myself getting angry. “Some of us have real problems and have to work. I don’t care about you. If I had known Zoey was your sister, I wouldn’t have agreed to work for her.”

“Really?” He sounds incredulous. He fingers the loose tendril that has escaped my high bun, moving it behind my ear, then his index finger traces the shell of my ear. “So this is just about work?”

I back away a few steps. I don’t appreciate how my body is betraying me right now. I shouldn’t enjoy his hands on my skin this much. I back up until I feel the wall on my back. Xavier moves with me, keeping the same distance despite my retreat. He places his palm flat on the wall behind me.

“Why are you running away from me?”

“I’m not.” I lie.

He puts his other arm around my waist and pulls me against him, and I gasp when I feel his hardness. He moves more tendrils away from my face, then holds my chin, brushing his thumb back and forth over my bottom lip. Desire explodes in my groin. I turn my head away. Instead, his thumb moves to the dark spot above my lip and he rubs that instead.

“Look at me.” I avoid his gaze.

“Playing hard to get, huh?” he says. “It looks good on you.”

He takes my chin again, and I lose the battle, raising my eyes to his. He’s so close I can see the golden specks in his green irises. His gaze lowers to my lips and I can feel them start to tingle. He licks his own lips. There’s an answering clench in my core and I feel myself getting wet. Xavier lowers his head until I can feel his breath on me. My eyes fall closed and I pant softly. We stay like that, exchanging breaths until I moan and strain toward him.

He whispers into my mouth, “There’s another toy on the other side of the bed.” And abruptly releases me.

“Wha—?” I open my dazed eyes as he steps backward.

“Oh, you thought I was going to kiss you?” He smirks. “No offense, Brooke, but you’re not my type.”

Shocked beyond belief and humiliated, I say, “Oh really? I’m not your type now?”

“You never were,” he says. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re sexy. Very sexy.” I’m disgusted when his eyes rake me up and down, lingering on my chest. “You’re just not the kind of girl I would want to be seen with.”

I don’t know where it comes from but the next moment my palm flies across his face. He absorbs the blow, still smirking. I’m more ashamed that I hit him.

I feel sick, tears prickling the back of my eyes. I need to get out of here before I embarrass myself completely by dissolving into tears. I pick up the pillowcase of stuffed animals that had somehow fallen to the ground and walk out of his room with as much dignity as I can.

“Hey.” I can still hear the stupid smirk on his face. “There’s more bunnies on the other side of the bed if you want to get them.”

I don’t break my stride or look back.

When I get home, Stella takes one look at me and cancels her plans to go out.

“Brooke, what happened? The girl can’t be that bad.”

“Oh no, Lisa’s great. A normal, albeit very energetic, little girl. It’s Xavier.”

“Xavier? Xavier Bennett?” I nod. “He contacted you?” Stella asks.

“Stella, he’s the girl’s uncle.”

“Shut the front door! How is that even possible? Ivy’s sister works for Xavier Bennett’s sister, and she hasn’t broadcast the news to everyone and their dog.”

I shrug.

“So, what happened with Xavier? Was it awkward?”

I cover my face in mortification. “He was awful, Stella. He was mean and smirking and said I was trying to get his money and into his pants.”

“Eww, douchebag much.”

“I know, I slapped him,” I say.

“Good on you. So why are you all torn up? He deserved it.”

“He’s also playing these seduction games, and I hate that I’m so attracted to him. He knows it, too, so he’s toying with me. I don’t know what to do, Stella. He turns me on, then does something mean, and then he’s nice again. I’m like a puppy on a string, and it’s so exhausting.” I take a breath.

“And he said I’m not his type.”

“There’s two reasons a man could behave in that way. Either he likes you or he doesn’t like you.”

“Wow, Stella, that’s deep.”

“Hear me out. You know in middle school when you have boys pick on you constantly, and it turns out they always liked you but just didn’t know how to behave around a girl they like. Or it could be that he’s just a mean and dumb kid.”

“Xavier Bennett doesn’t not know how to act around women.” I remember his smooth seduction. In less than ten sentences, I was against the door, on the floor, on the couch begging and screaming— No, it wouldn’t do to linger.

“So you think he’s just a dickhead?”

“I don’t know!” I throw my hands up.

“Well, in that case, avoid him. He’s a playboy, he likes to play. Right now, it’s with your feelings it seems. Step out of the ring until he makes it clear what he wants. Unless you also know how to play the game, which I know you don’t, stay away from him before your heart gets bloodied in the tussle.”

I take a deep breath. “You know, Stella, that was actually deep.”

“I try to revive a few brain cells every now and then for my best girl.” We laugh.

Okay. Simply avoid him. I can do that.