by Sienna Parks
“What’s going on? Did you guys have fun last night?”
“Yes, we did. Don’t read into it. It was just that… fun. When he gets up, he’ll leave and that’ll be the end of it. Carter being friends with Xander doesn’t change that.” I don’t get a chance to respond before the boys appear, joking around, shoving each other.
It’s cute seeing Xander acting like a boy. He’s looking pretty sexy and a bit naughty wearing last night’s clothes. Coming up behind me he wraps his arms around my waist and nuzzles my neck. Carter does the same to Addi and I’m surprised to see her flinch before melting into his touch. It’s obvious to me that he has it bad for my friend. He seems like a good guy and he’s Xander’s best friend so I’m hoping she doesn’t break his heart. I’m worried about her. She doesn’t seem like herself this morning. I’ll need to have a proper talk with her when we’re alone.
The four of us sit and enjoy a massive breakfast together, the boys having second and third helpings of everything. I have one of my favorite muffins and a giant cup of coffee. She also made pancakes, eggs and freshly squeezed orange juice. Wow. She’s in a bad way.
After gorging himself, Xander he has to leave. I walk him the ten feet to the door and he gives me the sweetest, chaste kiss before entering the elevator. With a sly grin on his face as the doors close he says, “I hope you’re ready for me later, sweets. I’ll be here to pick you up at 7 p.m.” And then he’s gone; I can’t wait to see him in five and a half hours.
As I head back over to the kitchen, there’s a deafening silence between Addi and Carter. She’s completely shut down.
“Do you have any plans today, Addi?” Carter asks tentatively.
“Yes. I’m busy all day with Lily.” Her tone is so curt it makes me cringe.
“I better get going then. Walk me out?” She stands from the table, her eyes glassy.
“It was really nice to see you again, Lily.” I give him a small smile.
“You too, Carter. And thanks for everything at the club last night.” I feel bad for him.
“Anytime.” With his hands tucked into his pockets and his head lowered, he makes his way to the door. Addi is already holding it open for him – she may as well have ‘fuck off’ written on her forehead. He stops in front of her, seeming a little unsure of himself. Totally different from the guy we were hanging out with last night.
“So, I’ll call you?” He leans in to kiss her and I try to give them some privacy, but I want to see what she’ll do. She grabs his face in her hands and deepens the kiss - like her life depends on it. When she pulls back Carter has a goofy satisfied look on his face. Without another word, he turns and heads for the elevator. She doesn’t wait for it to close before shutting our front door.
“What the hell was that, Addi?” I’m confused.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” She’s agitated and I think she’s about to burst into tears. I know her well enough to know I can’t push her just now.
“Okay, but you know I’m here if you need to talk.”
“There’s nothing to say. We had a tumble, it’s done, end of.”
“Bullshit. What was that kiss at the door then? You looked like you wanted to eat the poor guy.” Okay, knowing I can’t push her when she’s sad, and doing it when she’s being downright obnoxious, are two different things entirely.
“It was goodbye.” Without another word, she strides toward her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. What the fuck? I have no clue what just happened here.
Addi stays in her room the rest of the day and I take advantage of having the remote to myself, watching trash TV for a few hours before getting ready for my date with Xander. While I’m in the shower, I hear my phone beep.
Mr. P: I want you in a dress tonight, Miss Tate. Bring an overnight bag. X
Me: Overnight bag? Presumptuous much? L x
Mr. P: Yes. Finals are over, baby. You’re all mine now. X
A rush of excitement blossoms in my stomach, unleashing the swarm of butterflies. I take his wardrobe advice and find a dress to wear. May is a beautiful time of year in New York and lends itself to any fashion statement a girl wants to make. Another reason to love this city!
I go with a figure-hugging cap sleeve navy dress, falling just below my knees, with a side split up to my thigh. Teamed with simple navy lace peep-toe heels and matching clutch, I’m feeling good. I’ve packed an overnight bag with some sexy lingerie, PJs and a change of clothes for tomorrow, as requested. As if on cue, the buzzer sounds.
When I open the front door, Xander is leaning against the door jamb, arms over his chest with his legs crossed at the ankle. He looks incredible; like he’s walked off a Paris runway and into my life. He’s wearing a navy pinstripe three-piece suit, crisp white shirt and a powder blue tie. My mouth is watering… literally.
“Well, well, well, Miss Tate. We match again. You look devastatingly beautiful tonight. I might have to cancel our plans and take you to my offices. You’re putting me in the mood to live out a very naughty secretary fantasy.” I like the sound of that.
“Anything you say, Mr. Rhodes.” He slowly eases past me, picks up my overnight bag and takes my hand in his.
“Let’s go.” I shout goodbye to Addi as I close the door behind me.
David is waiting at the entrance to my building. Xander hands him my overnight bag and starts walking away from the car, tucking me into his side.
“Where are we going?” I’m so excited to be out with him again.
“That would be telling… we’ll be there soon. It’s a surprise.”
It’s a great night for a stroll in the city; the sun is shining, it’s lovely and warm but with just a light breeze - the city is alive with possibilities. Xander occasionally lifts our interlaced fingers to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss to my skin. It’s a small gesture, but I love how cherished it makes me feel.
We make our way into Central Park, one of my favorite places in the world. The tranquility that can be found in here is such a juxtaposition to the hustle and bustle of the city streets. It’s like being transported to paradise. I’m beginning to wonder where he’s taking me when I stop in my tracks. There are no words for the inexplicable swell of emotions slamming into my chest. It’s breathtaking - magical. It's everything I could hope for in a fantasy and more.
“Do you like it?” He seems almost nervous waiting for my reaction.
“Oh my God.” I’m choking up. It feels like I’ve got a golf ball stuck in my throat. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life. It’s perfect.”
Xander has brought me to Shakespeare Garden for dinner. It’s filled with only flowers mentioned in the works of Shakespeare – this was one of my favorite places to come when I was planning out my thesis. It’s gorgeous on a normal day, but tonight it is exquisite in its beauty.
There are white twinkling lights everywhere; covering every bench, every tree, and woven throughout the flowerbeds. It’s like walking into a dream. There’s an intricately carved gazebo covered with lights and climbing roses set up close to the bronze statue of my favorite playwright. Inside there’s a table set for two. Wow. I thought the beach was romantic, but this is something else entirely.
I’m so taken aback by everything around me I don’t even realize I’m crying until Xander cups my face in his hands, wiping my tears.
“Please, tell me these are happy tears?” His eyes are twinkling under the stunning lights.
“Yes. They’re happy tears. I’m overwhelmed that you would go to so much trouble just for me. This is… God, I can’t even find the words to describe how amazing this is. Thank you.”
“Of course I would do this for you. You deserve so much more. I wanted to find a place that could look half as beautiful as you. You’re enchanting, Lily, I can’t get enough of you. I’m completely enthralled by you.” He leans down and ever so gently licks my lips with his tongue, entreating me to open to him. I part my lips and let his tongue consume me; mine reflecting his every
movement. It's as if I was made to kiss this man.
I don’t know how long we stay like this; however long it is, it will never be enough. If I wasn’t sure before this moment, I know now without a doubt - I am in love with Xander Rhodes.
He pulls back, and a light, satisfied hum emanates from his throat, his eyes half shut, the picture of contentment.
“Come with me.” He leads me over to the table where a waiter is pouring two glasses of chilled Cristal. He ushers me to my seat before taking his; lifting his glass, he makes a toast.
“To you, Lily Tate. Congratulations on finishing your degree. Here’s to the next chapter - may it bring you everything your heart desires and more. Cheers.” The champagne is delicious. Everything about this night so far is perfect.
The waiter lifts the silver domes from our dishes to reveal a simple and completely scrumptious Caesar salad appetizer, followed by the best steak I’ve ever tasted – medium rare, on a bed of spinach, topped with goat’s cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The conversation flows easily between us - as if we’ve known each other for years. He tells me a little about his family – an only child, with a mom and dad that are very much still in love, and who are very proud and supportive of his achievements. He’s a poster child for a happy upbringing. He knows better than to talk about my family tonight. The last time we talked about them, I cried for hours. Instead, he seamlessly steers me onto my plans for the future.
“So, Miss Tate. What lies in store for you now? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do?” God, I love his smile.
“It’s silly, but I always dreamed of becoming an author. I love everything about literature, reading it, writing it, and studying it. To make a career for myself doing what I love would be incredible. Obviously I’ll need to find a job that pays the bills just now, but if I can work on a novel in my spare time then who knows what the future could bring.” His eyes light up.
“That's amazing. You will be a fantastic writer.” He leans under the table, bringing a rectangular box back up with him. “I hope this will help you make your dream come true.” He hands it to me.
“Xander, you don’t have to buy me stuff. I just want to spend time with you.”
“I know that. I saw this and it made me think of the day I met you; looking gorgeous with all those loose papers fluttering down around you like feathers from heaven. Please, open it.” I lift the lid on the box to find a stunning burgundy leather notebook with an engraved white-gold plaque on the front. It reads:
My sweet Lily:
Hear my soul speak.
Of the very instant that I saw you,
Did my heart fly to your service.
Xander x
He can quote Shakespeare? Not just any Shakespeare – The Tempest. It’s one of my favorite plays. I wipe the tears that are forming at the corners of my eyes.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you so much. I love it.” His face is brimming with joy at my reaction.
“I’m glad you like it. Maybe you could use it to write down ideas for your novel.”
“That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
“In some small way I’ll have contributed to helping you make your dreams a reality.” There’s a vulnerability in his eyes.
I forget to engage the filter. “I’m pretty sure you could be a huge contributor to all of my dreams coming true.” My cheeks flush at my confession. Xander takes my hand in his, grazing his thumb back and forth over my knuckles, holding me with his intense gaze. My heart is racing; my eyes fixed on his; a charged silence crackling between us.
Dessert is a delicious crème brulee, but the best part is watching as he licks it from his spoon. Who knew dessert could be so sexy?
He stands from the table, holding out his hand. “Dance with me?” Music begins to play in the background, ethereal and haunting. I don’t even want to think about how he pulled all of this off; I just want to dance with him. The band is playing an acoustic version of Adele’s Make You Feel My Love.
He pulls me close, holding my hand to his chest; wrapping his other arm around my waist. We sway in unison, moving effortlessly, my head resting on his chest, listening to the lyrics. I want to remember every moment of this evening; the sound of Xander’s heartbeat against my ear; the smell of his; the feel of his body moving against mine as a peaceful hum escapes my chest. He holds me tighter, his voice a sultry whisper in my ear.
“I would consider it a privilege if you’d stay with me tonight, Lily; and do me the honor of letting me make love to you.”
His heart thunders against my hand, my own quickening to keep time. I look up into his eyes; pure reverence shining back at me. I'm nervous, but I know that I don't want this to happen with anyone but him.
"Yes."
It’s all I can manage past the lump in my throat. Moving my hands up into his hair, I guide his lips to mine, and with a tender kiss, confirm my answer.
"Yes."
David is waiting for us at the entrance to the park with a town car. Xander opens the door for me.
“I thought you might not want to do anymore walking with those heels on… which I love by the way.” His eyebrows wiggling suggestively at me.
When we’re settled in the backseat together, David pulls into traffic toward the Upper East Side. I don’t care where we’re going - I just want to be with him. We don’t speak, the weight of our decision hanging in the air between us. He gently strokes my hand, his touch eliciting a wave of excitement at what’s to come.
We turn onto 5th Avenue, and David pulls up in front of Xander’s building. Carved into the granite above the lobby doors, is the name Suffolk Tower. It screams money. I mean, I live on the Upper West Side, but I could never afford something like this. I’ve been living on my inheritance from the sale of the ranch while I’ve been studying. That won’t last forever, another year at best. Then I’ll be looking for a slightly less expensive apartment.
Xander ushers me through the impressive glass doors into the lobby, where a distinguished looking man greets us.
“Good evening, Mr. Rhodes. Miss.” Xander smiles and says hello as we pass to the elevators. Once inside he pulls a key card from his pocket, inserting it into the panel before punching some numbers into the keypad. We’re going to the penthouse. Even the elevator is stunning - refined and elegant with soft lighting, and decadent decor.
Clutching my hand in his, we arrive at the lobby of his apartment. There’s a chunky marble table in the center with at least ten dozen roses arranged in a giant crystal vase. Absolutely gorgeous. He unlocks intricately carved oak doors and ushers me in. Wow. Apartment is not the word for this place… Kingdom, maybe.
My eyes are immediately drawn to the wall of windows framing Central Park in all it’s majesty. It’s beyond breathtaking, and I can see how he must feel like a king standing here looking out over Manhattan. Xander snakes his arms around my waist from behind.
“It’s an amazing view.” He isn’t staring out the window, he’s looking directly at me, as if he’s looking into the depths of my very being.
“It’s spectacular.”
As I turn in his arms he slowly caresses my waist, his hands travelling up, skimming the sides of my breasts as he makes his way to my face. My nipples harden; my breath quickening as I look up into endless pools of ice-blue heaven staring back at me. His hands cupping my face as if I was made of glass.
“Lily, the only thing in here that is spectacular is you. You take my breath away. I lo… I…” His gaze hungry, he groans as his mouth takes mine. Our lips and tongues moving in perfect harmony. I can’t stop myself from moaning into his mouth, the sensation of his tongue stroking mine sending waves of pleasure throughout my body.
I start to shake; my nerves getting the better of me. Xander moves his arms around me, pulling me close to his chest.
“What’s wrong?” he whispers, trailing kisses up and down my neck.
“I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to disappo
int you.” My gaze drifts to the floor.
“Look at me, Lily. Please.” When my eyes find his, there is only tenderness shining back at me. “There is nothing you could do that would disappoint me. We don’t have to do this tonight. There’s no rush, sweets. I can wait.”
“It’s not that. I want to. I want to… with you. But I have no experience and I want you to enjoy it. You have so much more experience than me. How can I compare?”
He lets out a small chuckle. “How many women do you think I’ve slept with? I’m not a player. What’s with the – so much experience?” I’m embarrassed now.
“Look at you. Women must throw themselves at you all the time. You could have any woman you want.”
“Wow. I didn’t think this was where our conversation was heading, but I guess we’re talking about this now. Take a seat and I’ll grab a bottle of wine from the fridge.” I could kick myself. I completely ruined the moment. This is not what I wanted it to be like after the wonderful date he arranged for me tonight. I wanted it to be perfect.
Xander returns with a bottle of Prosecco and two glasses. He pours a glass for each of us and hands me one before sitting across from me. Shit. He doesn’t even want to sit next to me now. I’ve made a total mess of this, and yet I continue my verbal vomit without thinking.
“I’m so sorry I ruined this. I didn’t mean to put you off.”
He cuts me off. “Calm down, Lily. You haven’t ruined anything. You certainly haven’t put me off. I just want to take it slow and put your mind at ease. I don’t want you to be worrying. I want you to relax and enjoy yourself.” A small smile touches the corners of my lips.
“I’m not some player from a romance novel. I haven’t slept with hundreds of women. I’ve never done the one-night stand thing. It’s just not who I am. I’m not a bad boy. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m not it. I’ve slept with a grand total of five women, and I was in what I would consider a long-term monogamous relationship with each of them. I’m not a manwhore. Was I in love with them? Looking back now - No. I cared about them, and I thought one of them was true love.”