I can feel Xander’s gaze on me, so I turn my head to look at him.
He looks amused, like he’s enjoying the show.
“Richard, could we talk about this another time, please?” I ask, hoping he will drop it for now.
“Of course,” he says. “I’ll probably see you around anyway. Enjoy your night.”
He walks away and I feel bad.
“I’m a horrible person,” I mutter, covering my face with my hands.
Xander chuckles. “No, you’re not. You weren’t rude to him even though he deserved it.”
Our drinks arrive and I’m grateful for the distraction.
“Is he an ex of yours or something?” he asks after a sip of his soft drink.
I shake my head. “No, I don’t even know him, really. He comes into my work all the time and seems nice enough, but I’m not interested in him like that. I don’t want to hurt his feelings or lead him on, so I’m obviously going to have to have a talk with him.”
Xander reaches out his hand and places it on mine, his thumb rubbing gently. Leaning forward over the table, he says, “Maybe he will see this and get the picture.”
“See what?” I ask quietly, staring down at his hand.
“This,” he murmurs, before his lips come down on mine, catching me unaware. It’s just a quick kiss with no tongue, just a press of his lips on mine, but I’m still left feeling breathless.
And speechless.
Chapter Seven
Trillian
“Trill?”
“Hmmm?” I reply, studying my orange juice.
“Are you going to give me the silent treatment now?” he asks.
I glance up and sigh. “You just kissed me.”
“I know,” he says, amusement playing on his features. “I was there. And I have to say I’ve been thinking of doing it ever since I laid eyes on you.”
I don’t know what to say to that.
If that’s true, why the hell did he spend the night with someone else?
Like I need that reminder.
The waitress brings our food to the table. Xander ordered a huge steak, ribs, mashed potatoes, and salad while I went with the creamy chicken dish. I keep my eyes on my food, but I can feel his on me.
“How is it?” he finally asks.
I swallow my bite then raise my eyes to his. “Really good. How’s yours?”
He licks his bottom lip. “It’s amazing. Do you want a bite? You have to try this.”
“No, thanks,” I reply, forking a piece of chicken.
“Aww, come on,” he says, grinning playfully. He cuts a small piece of steak and smothers some mashed potato on top, and then lifts his fork to me, a challenging look in his eyes. I open my mouth as he slowly feeds me, flavours bursting on my tongue as I close my mouth and chew.
“It’s good,” I tell him after I swallow. “Really good.”
He gazes at my mouth. “It’s delicious, isn’t it? Like nothing I’ve tasted before. And trust me, I’ve had my fair share.”
I don’t think we’re still talking about the steak.
Nervously, I lick my lips, and I don’t miss the hitch in his breath. The tension between us suddenly reaches new heights.
What does he want from me?
Whatever it is, he could get it from any woman.
I look back down at my plate and Xander clears his throat.
“Any movies in mind?” I ask.
He leans back against the booth and flashes a boyish, lopsided smile. “Lady’s choice.”
“You might live to regret that,” I tease. “Are you sure you trust my judgement?”
“Positive,” he says confidently. “I have a feeling that you, Trillian, are full of surprises.”
“I think you’re making me out to be a lot more interesting than I actually am,” I tell him, giving him a pointed look before taking a sip of my drink.
His full lips quirk at the corners. Why do I always amuse him?
“Do you want to order dessert?” he asks, glancing at my almost empty plate. “Or can we go back to your house and eat the rest of those cupcakes?”
That makes me smile.
“You really want to do that?” I ask. “We could always watch movies at my house.”
Xander sits up straighter. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“Why would I?” I ask, tilting my head to the side.
He shrugs. “I don’t know. Never mind. I’m not going to question it. I’m ready to leave when you are.”
“Xander?”
“Yes, Trillian?”
I love the way he says my name.
“Can we take an even longer way home?” I ask, unable to mask the hope in my voice.
His eyes soften. “Yeah, of course, we can.”
He pays for dinner.
I argue.
I lose.
Then we go back to my house for cupcakes and movies.
Tonight is turning out like nothing I expected.
“Are you close with your mum?” I ask him, bringing my knees up to my chest. We’re both sitting on either side of my grey couch, facing each other, movie long forgotten while playing in the background. After an hour-long ride on the back of his bike, we came home and had dessert, then retreated to the lounge room for movies and hot chocolate. Xander is a good listener, and for some reason, I’m starting to feel comfortable around him, which isn’t always an easy feat.
“I guess,” he replies. “I’ve always been closer with my dad, though.”