Page 2 of Tempt Me

“Bel-la.” Xavier draws out my name to show his irritation. He’s always been the nicest of my brother’s friends. But there’s never been a spark, which is good, considering he’s more than a bit of a player.

“Fine. School’s not going well.” I shrug and swipe my palms on the back pockets of my shorts. “I mean, it’s going okay. Classes are fine,” I sigh as everything pulls on my shoulders. “My parents expect so much from me, but I’m not sure accounting is where I want to be.” Numbers bore me to tears. “Forget I said anything.”

If he utters a word, it’ll reach my parents before I get inside the house.

“I won’t say anything.”

“Really, it’s nothing.” I glance around the yard, ensuring no one is listening to us. Several of the players joined Dominic inside while others remain in the yard chatting.

“Hey, Bella, I understand.” Xavier squeezes my shoulder and drops his arm to his side. “Adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” He chuckles. “All those times my parents said that I thought they were full of shit.” His eyes twinkle with humor. “But boy, was I wrong.”

“Yeah, it’s not what I expected. I think Ruby was right about waiting for a while to decide what you want in life before getting into debt.”

“How’s Ruby?” Xavier’s jaw is tight as he avoids my gaze. “Still dating that douchebag, Mason?”

“No.”

His bright blue eyes glitter with interest as they meet mine. “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Good. She could do so much better than him.”

“You should ask her out if you’re interested.”

“Maybe.” He shrugs as if it’s not something he’s considered before. “I’ve got a lot going on right now.”

I glance back at my car. “Would you mind grabbing the laundry baskets?”

“Sure. It’s the least I can do. The leastwe allcan do since you’re doing our laundry.” Their washer went out at the beginning of the week, and the new set doesn’t come in until Monday.

“Thanks.” I follow him to the car as Dominic bounds back outside with a backward baseball cap shoved onto his head. He somehow manages to look even hotter.

“Need help?” Dominic tips his head toward the car as Xavier grabs the first of three baskets, perching one on the other.

“Sure. That would be great. Mom made a casserole that’s in the front passenger seat. I’ll get the pan if you want to grab the last basket. It’s still warm.”

Dominic groans, “Don’t tell me it’s her famous cheesy crack chicken casserole.”

The deep rumble of his voice sends vibrations straight to my sex. I bite back a whimper and straighten my shoulders.He’s not interested in you, and don’t forget it.

Actually, offering to carry something into the house is one of the nicest things he’s done for me in weeks.

Xavier’s muscles bulge as he balances two baskets of clothes. “You’re mom’s a great cook. That’s why I stayed friends with your brothers all these years, so I could get a second supper every night.”

“Is that really what you were doing?” Dominic glares at Xavier, whose eyes dance as he shrugs.

“One has to wonder what I was doing, don’t they?”

“Xavier, you need to move on.” Dominic’s jaw flexes as he tips his head toward the house. “You already have your load. Go inside, and I’ll grab the other basket.” He brushes past me, and it takes everything I have not to stare at his ass.

His movements are smooth yet strong. He’s like a large cat stalking toward its prey. I sigh as visions of being caught by him flood my brain.

“Bella?”

Shit.I blink and jerk my head around to meet Xavier’s gaze. “Yes?”

“I’ll be inside.” He winks and chuckles as Dominic mutters while opening the back door.

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