Page 95 of Chasing Xander
“Want some company?”
“What about your parents? Won’t they be mad you’re in my room?”
He shrugged. “They’re sound asleep upstairs.” Xander held out his hand. “C’mon.” He led her to bed.
They lay facing each other. Kylie tucked her hands under the pillow while Xander propped himself up on his elbow. Being close to him always made her heart race, but tonight was different, like she was subconsciously preparing herself for a change, a shift in the relationship.
“I really like your family,” she said. “Although, I don’t think Ryder likes me.”
“Why’s that?”
She shrugged awkwardly. “He barely said two words to me.”
“That’s just Ryder. He’s always been the quiet one. Don’t take it personally.” He pushed a strand of hair off her forehead and trailed his finger down the side of her face, across her jaw.
She suppressed a shudder. “I really like Jules. She’s cool.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, she is. I’m glad my brother has her. She’s good for him.”
“They’re really in love. I can see it in how they look at each other, and they’re always touching and kissing.” She sighed and wiggled closer to him. “My parents used to be like that, too.”
“Yeah?” His hand moved from her jaw, down her neck, and over her collarbone.
“When I went to see my father in jail, I asked him why he is the way he is, why he decided to stop being my dad.” Tears burned her throat, but she refused to shed another tear for that man.
“What did he say?” His hand was now slowly tracing her side until it rested on her hip.
“Nothing. He wouldn’t even look at me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He loved my mother. I know he did. She was his world, and when she died…it broke him beyond repair. I don’t think he’s ever gotten over it.” She shook her head and adjusted so she was on her back.
Xander pulled her closer, his lips brushing her forehead, the gesture made more intimate by the darkness surrounding them.
“Do you think it’s possible to love someone so much that losing them can destroy you?”
“Yes.” His breath was warm against her cheek.
“That’s scary, don’t you think? Knowing one person has that much power over you.”
“The thought of losing someone you love is fucking terrifying. To actually lose them…I couldn’t begin to imagine. But personally, I’d rather go all in and take the risk than play it safe and never experience something as great as what Tanner and Jules have together.”
Smiling, she playfully elbowed his stomach. “When did you become such a romantic?”
“I’ve always been a romantic. I just hide it well.” He cupped her jaw and gently turned her face toward his. “And now I have a serious question for you.”
“Okay.”
“Are you ready for tomorrow?”
She furrowed her brow in confusion. “You mean for your mom’s birthday party? Yeah, I guess. Why?”
“You realize you’re going to meet my entire family, right? Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins…”
“Oh, that?” She waved her hand dismissively. “That’s nothing. Easy peasy.”
He laughed. “And you calledmea bullshitter?”
