12 Days of Forever(11)

“I was hired by Liam to care for JD. I quickly became the band’s personal trainer and opened my own gym a few months ago. I’m single, never married and I have no children or any loose ends.”

The last bit of information makes me pause. Why is he telling me this?

“I’m single, never married and I don’t have children unless you count my nephew and two nieces.”

He nods. “Well, yes, I think we can both count them. I do spend my fair share of time with them.”

“I love them. I miss Quinn and really need to get to know Peyton and Elle better. Getting pictures on my phone doesn’t do them justice. It doesn’t even compare to seeing them.”

“You know, your pictures don’t do you justice.”

The wine must be talking. He wouldn’t be saying this to me if he were sober.

“Katelyn’s description of you didn’t do you justice either.” Yes, definitely the wine talking. I bring my glass to my lips and notice that it’s full again. I can’t help but take a drink without removing my eyes from him. I close my eyes and shake my head only to open them again to find him looking at me. He doesn’t let go while he holds my gaze.

He studies me for what seems like an eternity. I’m not sure if I like that I’m under this microscope or not, but one thing I like for sure is that he’s interested. I catch myself looking from his eyes to his lips and before I know it I’m leaning in, and he’s leaning in and we’re inches apart.

I pull away and down the rest of my wine. “I need to clean.” I rush to the sink and start filling it with hot water and probably too much soap. I watch as the soapsuds build into a high tower before I shut off the water. Before I can move, Xander is right behind me, his arms on either side of me and goosebumps rise on the back of my neck from his close proximity. I should feel like he’s invading my personal space, but I don’t. I welcome the wispy warmth of his breath blowing softly on my neck, and I’m fighting the urge to lean back onto his broad chest. He picks up a plate and drops it into the water. Suds fly everywhere and a few land on my face, hitting my nose and lips. I blow them away, but to no avail. I start to laugh and turn around to look at him.

His face is one of happiness. His eyes are sparkling and it makes me wonder what someone has to do to gain that sort of euphoria in life where the simplest little things make you happy. Harrison has it in his life. I want it in mine.

Xander cups my face. My hands immediately find his wrist, and I hang on for what I suspect will be the most amazing kiss ever. His head turns slightly and his nose brushes against mine, not once, not twice, but three times. I lick my lips in anticipation.

“I think I got it,” he says, pulling away.

“What?” I squeak out.

“The soap suds on your nose. I got them.”

I’m dumbfounded as he backs out of the kitchen without taking his eyes off of me.

“See ya later, Yvie,” he says before I’m able to comprehend what the hell just happened. The front door shuts, bringing me back to reality. He totally just played me for a fool, making me believe that the feeling was mutual and that we were on the verge of the kiss to end all kisses. That jerk got me worked up and ditched out.

Revenge will be mine.





Membership has increased at the gym, mostly women from neighboring towns. For the most part, it’s obvious as to why they joined this gym and not one near their homes. It used to bother me until Liam told me to capitalize on it, saying he said he didn’t care and that it was good for business. Harrison is impartial, and JD likes the attention. In fact, I think he, out of the three of them, gets a total kick out of flirting with the women here. I’ve told him to be kind, that they’re likely to get hurt when he winks at them, but he doesn’t listen. You’d never know he’s happily married with a year-old baby at home. He’s all talk and no action.

Hell, action is what I wanted last night, and I have a feeling Yvie would’ve been a willing player. But I’m not like that, and I shouldn’t be with her. Even if she weren’t Harrison’s sister, she’s only here for a week or so and the last thing I want is to start a relationship with someone who lives in a different state. Long distance love affairs and a business like mine just don’t mix. If I allowed myself to, I can see myself being very attached to Yvie. She has some of the qualities that I look for in a woman: she takes care of her body, she’s funny, sexy and can hold my attention fully. She’s a dangerous combination for me right now, and it’s probably best that I keep my distance, keep our budding relationship strictly professional.