Page 22 of A Geek Girl's Guide to Kissing a Video Gamer
He held her gaze for a moment, and everything around him fell away. The same desire from the night before returned with a vengeance. He wasn’t just wanting to kiss her; he needed to kiss her.
They were pretending to be engaged, and her ex had just said he suspected them of faking it. What better way to prove him wrong? In Xavier’s mind, that was solid reasoning. It was now or never.
He took her face in his hands and gently touched his lips to hers. Pulling back a fraction, he said, “I’m positive.”
“Okay.” The word came out breathy as she circled her arms around his neck. Definitely a good sign, and no way was he not going for it again.
Just before his lips touched to hers again, Kim’s voice rang out, and they jumped, causing him to stab Sadie in the eye with his nose, and he was pretty sure he had a mold of her teeth on his chin. That kiss was so smooth, he might as well have tripped while trying to moonwalk.
“Ow.” Sadie covered her face with her hands. “Proof I’ll be the mom dropping birthday cake on my kid’s head.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle and nod in agreement. “Or the dad standing a little too close to the toddler T-ball stand.” He held his nose as he looked at her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m seeing double, and my pride is decimated.” She peeked at him with one eye. “And if I’m going to get braces, now would be the time.” She took his chin in her fingers and rubbed her thumb across it. “Are you okay?”
Kim cleared her throat. “I see you’re still just as suave as ever, Xavier.”
Sadie stepped in front of him. “Because everyone about to kiss is expecting the ex to show up. Is there something you need?”
“No, just checking out your illustrations. Garret went full-on fan geek and is talking to this illustrator about comic books.” She gave a one-shoulder shrug. “I had no idea what they were talking about, so I excused myself to take a bathroom break.”
“And you just happened to stumble across me and Xavier?” She rubbed her eye, and more tears ran down her cheek.
Xavier put his arm around her waist, palming her stomach. For a second, she seemed to stiffen but then relaxed as her back pressed against his chest. “Actually, I’m glad you did. You can check out Sadie’s artwork. I’m so proud of her.”
Kim ran her fingers along the tablecloth as she walked the length of the table. “I guess it’s great. I’m more into classical art. All of this stuff kinda blends together for me.”
Classical art. Right. “Well, hers is some of the best.”
“And I tend to agree.” A man in a tailored suit stopped at the table. If Xavier were guessing, he’d put the guy in his mid-thirties and about an inch taller. “This is fantastic work.”
Kim turned and smiled. “Oh, hi.” She shook his hand. “I’m Kim Combs.”
All Xavier could do was think back to Sadie’s comment about combing, and he lowered his gaze to hide his smile. “I’m—”
The man seemed to nearly pull his hand free from Kim’s grip and then shook Xavier’s. “Xavier Parker, creator ofDragon’s Fury. Nice to meet you.”
Xavier had no idea who this man was at all. “Do I know you?”
“No, I’m Jamison Banks. I recently acquired Templar Games. You’re a legend according to my sources.” He looked at Sadie. “Sadie Baylor. First All-Girl Team National Game Champion.” He shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Uh…”
“I did my research before buying the company. To have a great game, you need the best team, and you’re brilliant. I knew the moment I saw your work that no one else would do.” He tilted his head. “I was very disappointed when I learned you’d left Empire Designs.”
“Oh, yeah, I was sad to leave,” Sadie replied.
“Would the two of you mind having dinner with me tonight to discuss a few things? If this goes like I’m hoping it does, this will lead to a long working relationship.” He slipped his hands into his slacks pockets. “I’d prefer to talk about it where there aren’t so many distractions.”
Nodding, Sadie beamed. “I’d love to.” She twisted to face Xavier. “Right?”
Without even thinking about it, he gave her a quick peck on the lips. “Yeah, absolutely.”
Jamison grinned. “Great. There’s a place not far from here. The Gator Shack. It’s a complete hole-in-the-wall, but I have a friend who made me promise to try it. Says the food is amazing.”
Kim wrinkled her nose. “Sounds…delicious.”
The man cut her a glance. “Yes, well, anyway, I’ll see you. Say eight?”
