Page 18 of A Geek Girl's Guide to Kissing a Video Gamer
Chapter 11
Ohhh, that Kim Combs woman made Sadie’s blood boil. What a classless jerk. A sweet guy like Xavier had fallen for her, and she’d used him. She looked over her shoulder to where Xavier still stood and waved for him to join her at the table.
For a second, he just stared at her, and then he approached, laying her rolled-up banner on the table and wrapping his arms around her. “Thank you. No one has ever said anything like that about me before. I know we’re just pretending, but it meant a lot to me.”
She leaned back and studied his face, those blue eyes of his boring into her. How could anyone hurt him? “I wasn’t pretending,” she said, palming his cheek. “You’re a great guy, and you sure deserve better than her. She should count herself lucky that I didn’t ask what she wascombing.”
He laughed. “Thanks.”
“Okay, you two can do that on your own dime,” Buck barked, and they jumped apart.
Sadie wanted to complain, but for once, Buck was actually useful. Another second, and she was sure she’d have kissed Xavier. It would’ve been a horrible move. Kim had hurt him with her little side-eye dig, and he was just happy someone cared enough to put Kim in her place. That didn’t mean he wanted Sadie to kiss him.
Turning, she held her shoulders back as Cinnamon and Buck approached her and Xavier. “Let’s get one thing straight. You are not my boss. I will do what I want, when I want, and how I want. You need me, remember?”
Buck opened his mouth to speak, but Xavier cut him off. “My attorney said she faxed you a contract. I hope you’ve had a chance to look over it. That way it’s ready for your signature when Sadie lands Templar.”
A vein in Buck’s neck throbbed. “I got it, and I’ve given it to my attorney to look over. There might need to be a few changes.”
Xavier wrapped his arm around Sadie’s waist. “Not if you want to keep your Maserati.”
Cinnamon patted Buck’s chest. “He’s just stressed. That’s all, right, babe? Once Templar chooses Empire, everything will be fine.”
Buck’s eyes narrowed a fraction. “Yeah. I’m sure it will be.” He flicked his gaze from Xavier to Sadie. “I guess we’ll go and let you get set up.”
“See you later, Sadie,” Cinnamon replied with a smile as Buck led her away. How could she date a guy like Buck when she seemed so…nice and genuine? Unless it was just an act to help Buck, which was possible.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Xavier shook his head. “That guy is a grade-A jerk.”
Sadie laughed as she unzipped her portfolio. “We should introduce him to Kim. They’d be perfect for each other.”
“I feel bad for Garret. If she treats him the way she treated me, he’ll be a wreck by the time she moves on.” Xavier began unfolding the easels so Sadie could display her work. “I was hung up on her longer than I should’ve been. Pathetic, right?”
Sadie laid her hand on his arm. “Have you met my ex?” she asked with a sigh. “He took my savings, strung me along, and stole my company.”
She hugged herself. How long had she been beating herself up for foolishly trusting Buck? He hadn’t just taken her company; he’d taken her self-worth. She wasn’t attractive enough, talented enough…nothing was enough.
Lifting her gaze to Xavier’s, she dropped her arms to her sides. “You’re no more pathetic than I am, and believe me, I’ve felt pretty wretched.”
He pulled his gaze from hers, scratching the back of his neck. “I don’t have a game in the works. I’ve wanted to, but I’ve felt so lost. You’re probably going to be furious since I said I want you illustrating my new non-existent game.”
Chuckling, she shook her head. “No, that just means we’re going to have to brainstorm so you can.”
“I don’t know if I can.” He cast his gaze to the floor. “I feel so worthless.”
She took his face in her hands. “No. You aren’t. I think you’re a catch and a half.”
A smile tugged the corners of his lips up. “If I’m a catch, then you’re beautiful.”
How could a woman look into those blue eyes and not want to swim in them? He was the easiest-to-like person she’d ever met. She took her hands from his face and stuck one out. “Deal. You’re a catch, and I’m not half-bad-looking.”
Before taking her hand, he shook his head. “Say the word with me. B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.”
Rolling her eyes, she said, “Beautiful.”
They shook on it. “Maybe things can start looking up for both of us.”
Nodding, she pulled her hand free and returned to setting up the booth. Things had already started looking up for her. It started the minute Xavier offered to help her at the convention. She could even look back with fondness on the beaver suit.
