Page 23 of A Geek Girl's Guide to Kissing a Video Gamer
“Perfect,” Xavier and Sadie spoke in unison.
Excitement danced in Sadie’s eyes as Jamison and Kim walked away, and she threw her arms around Xavier’s neck. “Thank you. Thank you for helping me.”
Breathing her in, he hugged her, thinking he’d frame that stupid beaver suit when he got back home. He was pretty sure he’d met the woman of his dreams. And over the cliff he went, tumbling merrily…and hopefully not to his doom.
Chapter 15
Sadie fidgeted with the clasp on her purse, a myriad of scenarios playing in her head. What if she messed up and Jamison didn’t want to use her illustrations? What would happen to Empire? The other side of the coin was what if things went great? How would it feel being back in charge? Would she be able to save it?
“Stop worrying.” Xavier parked in front of the restaurant and cut the engine to the car he’d rented. “You’ll do great.”
Twisting in the seat, she said, “I still can’t figure out why Buck isn’t here.” Her ex had returned to her booth near lunchtime, and she’d told him she had a meeting. She’d wanted the jerk there so he couldn’t say she didn’t try. “That scene this morning has bugged me all day.”
Nodding, Xavier replied, “Yeah, me too, but maybe he figures if you get Templar, you’ll have controlling interest and it won’t matter. Plus, he said he’d let Empire die. Now that he has no skin in the game, maybe he doesn’t care.”
“Maybe, but it was so odd. It makes me wonder what’s really going on.”
“Me too, but for now, let’s concentrate on the meeting tonight.” Xavier got out of the car, ran around the front, and opened Sadie’s door. “You look fantastic. Did I mention that?”
Heat crept up her neck to her cheeks. “You did. Thank you.”
As he turned, she grabbed his hand. All day she’d tried to figure out a way to broach the things Buck had said. “I’m not using you, Xavier. I know what Buck said this morning must have you questioning me, but you have my word that I’ll repay you for everything you’ve done so far.”
“I’m not worried about it.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and there was something in his voice that failed to convince her. “Everything’s fine. Buck is just a jerk.”
“Yeah, he is, but I wouldn’t blame you if you questioned my motives. Someone took advantage of you.” She lowered her gaze to the ground. “I kinda understand that.” More than he knew now that Buck had said he’d used her too.
Xavier used his finger to tip her chin up. “I don’t question you, Sadie.”
“I would. You have every reason to. One minute you’re in a beaver suit, and then you’re being dragged into a situation you had no reason to be in. Now, you’re in Florida, and your ex is hanging around. I’m so sorry.”
The next thing she knew, Xavier was taking her in his arms and setting his lips against her ear. “Really, I’m fine. I’m glad I’m here with you.”
Leaning back, she lifted her gaze to his. “I’m glad you’re here too. Last night was so much fun. Poppy plays sometimes, but it’s different because she doesn’t live near me.” More than anything, spending time with him was only making her fall that much harder for him.
“All that was missing was Twizzlers.” He grinned. “We’ll have to make a run tonight after dinner, if you’re up for it. As a celebration for landing Templar.”
Xavier was her idea of Prince Charming. Cute, sweet, and riding in on a white horse to save the damsel in distress. Okay, it was a beaver suit, but the sentiment was the same.
As she lifted on her toes, she pictured a slow-motion suspense movie sequence combined with an out-of-body experience. She could see what she was about to do and couldn’t stop herself. Her brain screamed,Mayday!while her body told it to take a hike. As soon as her lips touched his, the trip from falling to fallen ended.
Just that little touch made the world turn blurry, and the street noise faded to a hum. “I wouldn’t want to celebrate with anyone but you. I—”
Before she could finish her statement, Xavier cupped her cheek and pressed his lips to hers. Sweet, soft, and better than she could have ever imagined. For the life of her, she couldn’t remember why she’d thought a relationship with Xavier was a bad idea. Yeah, her life was messy, but it was quicker to clean with two people, right?
As the kiss deepened, both his hands came to rest on her cheeks, holding her face like she was a treasure he didn’t want to lose. For her, it was so much more than a kiss. Sure, he was good-looking, there was no denying that, but what made him so appealing were his humor and boyish charm. She could see herself growing old with him.
The kiss continued, and it was fortunate she was holding on to him because her knees grew wobblier the longer they kissed. By the time he broke the kiss, she couldn’t decide if she appreciated it because her lungs were screaming for air or if she hated it and breathing was overrated.
A clearing of a throat jerked her attention from Xavier to find Jamison looking like he was trying to hold in a grin.
Xavier dropped his hands from her face. “Um…”
“Uh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to…” Jamison winced.
Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she covered one with her hand. That kiss was so worth it. So, so very worth it. “It’s okay.”
Xavier tangled his fingers in hers and stepped back. “I guess it’s time to get dinner.”
