Page 15 of Not Dating Material

None of them have any answers. But they’re listening. Supporting. Even if Seven’s way of support might not be something I’m used to, it’s nice that they’re here for me when they don’t know me that well.

“I think I’m going to go to bed, but thank you.” I meet Seven’s kind eyes and offer a small smile. “Really.”

Back in my room, I change out of my date clothes and into some pajama bottoms before climbing into bed. I showered before my date and don’t have the energy to do it again.

Instead, I turn the memory of countless men over in my mind, over and over until Gerald and Ford erase the others and then … Seven.

Seven and his tattoos and muscles and blunt words.

Seven and his kind eyes.

Seven and his … piercings.

My cock gives a twitch at the memory, and I lift my blanket to stifle my laugh into it. I’m so immature.

Maybe that’s what Gerald meant?

It’s that thought that sobers me.

A soft creak and a flash of light lets me know someone’s opened my door, but it closes quickly again. I squint into the darkness as light footsteps cross the room.

“What—”

My blanket lifts on one side, and then a warm body snuggles in beside me. Xander’s floral scent washes over my bed.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“You’re … in my bed?”

“I wanted to check on you.”

“You, uh … know we’re not going to have sex. Right?” Because even though I don’t actually think Xander was serious earlier, I want to make sure.

He wriggles closer. “I know. I know all about the rules. But also …” His voice quiets. “I know what it’s like. To feel like you’ll never be good enough. Seven didn’t mean what he said, and I wanted to make sure he didn’t hurt you.”

“He didn’t,” I say because I get the feeling Xander would go back out there and rip Seven’s balls off. “But I think he might be onto something.”

“You do?”

“Maybe.” I suck in a long breath and roll onto my side to face him. “It can’t be a coincidence that I keep striking out so much.”

“Well, whatever you need, we’re all here. You’re only new, but you’re our family now too. We look out for each other.”

“Thanks. That means a lot.”

His fingers find my hair in the dark. “You didn’t even let us burrito blanket you. I miss Christian.”

I smile at his pouty voice. “What’s a blanket burrito?”

“Where we wrap you in a blanket really tight and smother you in hugs and nice words and then break out the rum.”

“Christian used to need that a lot, did he?”

“Yeah …” Xander’s fingers keep stroking. “So much that I wondered if I’d develop a drinking problem.”

My laugh bursts from me, quick and short. “Well, burrito blankets and rum might not be my thing, but I’m always okay with hugs.”

“Right now?”

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