by Ella Frank
25
Sean
I WOULD’VE PAID good money to have a camera on us right now, because the expression on Xander’s face was fucking priceless. He looked caught somewhere between sheer horror and masked politeness, and I knew it was because he didn’t want to hurt my feelings.
I wasn’t bothered. I’d known exactly what I was doing bringing him here, and once he wrapped his head around the fact he was about to spend several nights in a place that had no electricity and was approximately the size of his en suite back at his palatial mansion, he’d adapt…maybe.
“What do you think?” I asked, wondering if I was going to get an honest answer or a polite one.
Xander shifted his eyes to look past me again, at what he was now realizing was his home away from home for however long I deemed necessary.
“It’s…” He paused for a second as if trying to choose his words wisely. “Rustic?”
Yeah, that seemed an apt description of the place, and he hadn’t even seen the inside yet. “It’s my hut.”
“Your…hut?”
I knew that word would throw him. Poor Xander. I almost felt bad for giving him such a hard time until I remembered his sheer joy over my fish-out-of-water routine back at his place. Fair’s fair, right?
“Yeah, well, Bailey calls it my cabin. But since it’s only one small room, I think that’s overselling it.”
Xander’s eyes had widened with each word out of my mouth until finally they were so big that they almost took up his entire face. “You’re being serious right now.”
“About the one room? Yeah, just enough space for a bed. Oh, and there’s a fireplace for light and in case we get cold.”
As I let all of that sink in, I turned to pick up his suitcase and the groceries and started toward my little slice of paradise.
I was at the front door fishing my key out of my pocket when I heard, “What do you mean for light? There’s no electricity out here?”
“That’s right,” I said. “This is a place to truly unwind. Something you need, desperately.”
“Something I… Sean, I know I need to chill out and talk through what happened to me over the last month, but what if Marcus needs me? What if I need to make a call?”
I shoved open the door and dropped the bags just inside. “First off, Marcus won’t need you.”
Xander opened his mouth to speak, but I quickly pressed my finger to his lips.
“I know you’re super important and all, and so does Marcus—that’s exactly why he’s agreed to give you the time off to heal. Second, who do you need to call? Because if it’s anyone other than me for the next however long we’re here, they can fuck off.”
For the first time in his life, Xander looked completely and utterly gobsmacked.
“You need to get away from everything you’re familiar with—your life, your job, your routine—so you can deal with what happened to you. Then maybe I’ll let you go home.”
Xander swallowed, his eyes locked with mine in a last-ditch effort to assert himself in some way. But it wasn’t going to work. I’d seen the fear in his eyes the night we’d gone back to his house, the exhaustion on his face when I’d come to pick him up from work yesterday, and I wasn’t about to let that motherfucker Kyle Gates torment him any longer.
“I’m familiar with you,” Xander finally said. “Doesn’t that negate your entire theory?”
With his hands still full, he was at a distinct disadvantage when I wrapped an arm around his waist and drew him into me. “You’re not familiar with me out here. This is my domain, anchorman.” A shiver raced through him as I kissed my way along his jaw to his lips. “I’m gonna look after you, your mind, your body, your entire being, and when I’m done, you’re gonna feel better than you’ve ever felt before.”
I sealed my promise with a fierce kiss, and when his moan of pleasure met my ears, I closed my eyes.
“Xander,” I said, my mind consumed with him. “Let me look after you. Let me take care of you the way you took care of me.”
Xander slid his tongue across his lower lip and then nodded, his cheeks now a rosy red—from the heat or the kiss, I couldn’t be sure.
I took a step back before I did something crazy, like drag him inside and toss him on the bed, and instead gestured to the groceries he had a death grip on. “Here, let me take those.”
Xander handed them over, and as I stood aside for him to walk by, he stopped on the threshold and said the last thing I expected him to.
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
A slow smile curved my lips. “Well, don’t thank me yet, anchorman. You haven’t seen inside.”
“True. But thank you anyway.”
I nodded and then gestured for him to enter, and three steps forward, he hit the edge of the queen-sized bed.
I shut the door and watched him slide my duffel off his arm and onto the floor. Then he looked around in silence, taking in the bare essentials in front of him.
The bed, of course, took up ninety percent of the room. It had a wooden frame and headboard and was probably sturdier than the poles holding up the awning outside. It had a thick mattress with two full pillows, white sheets, and duvet, and thrown over the top was a colorful patchwork quilt in a diamond formation.
There was a small loveseat facing the stone fireplace, and in the far corner was a set of drawers. On the other side of the bed was a window that overlooked the woods out back, and under that was a small bench and a cupboard for the food and icebox.
It was minimal, that was true. But that was what was so special about it. There were no frills, no expectations. You either saw beneath the rough exterior or you just missed it altogether.
“I love it.” The words were soft, barely audible, but when Xander turned to face me and repeated himself, I smiled.
“Yeah?”
“Yes. It’s…charming, in its own way.”
“Wait until you see it at night.”
Xander’s eyes softened, as he walked forward and placed a hand on my chest. “I can’t wait.”
I took his hand in mine, happy that he wasn’t demanding to be taken home—yet. “So, let’s unpack and I’ll show you where we wash up around here.”
“You mean it’s not through that door over there?”
“Well, it is, it’s just…detached, and kind of open air.”
Xander’s eyebrows nearly hit his hairline. “Is this your version of shock therapy? Because I’m not sure how much more I can take.”
I took Xander’s hand and led him to the door. “Don’t worry, there’s just one more thing and then you’re all caught up.”
“And what’s that?”
“Dinner. We have to go and catch it.”
26
Xander
CATCH IT? NO…
There was no way that Sean had just said we had to go and catch our dinner. But as I waited for him to say he was joking, all that met me was silence.
“I’m sorry, but what did you just say?”
Sean’s smile was downright diabolical. He might’ve been playing the good Samaritan role to a tee, but the playful troublemaker was always just below the surface.
“We brought basics for breakfast, lunch, and sides. But when I’m out here, I like to go and hunt down my food too.”
“Okay, a second ago you said catch.”
“I thought you didn’t hear what I said.”
I arched an eyebrow at him, making him bust up laughing.
“Come on, Xander. Where’s that journalistic adventurous streak?”
“I left it back at the station, remember?” I said as Sean led me outside. “That was your idea.”
“And what a good idea it was.”
“Sean.” I dug my heels into the dirt—and yes, underneath my sandals right now was dirt—and waited for him to stop. “I’m good with the hut, only slightly terrified by the outdoor amenities, but I don’t…catch things.”
Sean’s lips twitched, and if I wasn’t so head o
ver heels for him, I probably would’ve demanded he take me home. But I was in about as deep as I’d ever been with someone. I wanted to be wherever he was, and if that was a shack out in the middle of nowhere, then I’d suck it up and deal with it.
“Not ever? Your dad never used to take you out to go and—” Sean stopped, thought over his words, and then laughed. “Yeah, okay, I already know the answer to that.”
Of course he did. Sean had known me practically my entire life, which meant he also knew my parents, and unlike his camping, sporting family, mine preferred indoor activities. Dinner parties, poker nights, and wine tastings at the local vineyards were more their speed, activities that had been passed down to their one and only son.
“Okay, so this will be something new for you.” Sean started walking again, tugging me along behind him. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you out.”
Help me out? He still hadn’t told me what we were doing. But when a small shed came into view, I started to panic. Please, God, don’t ask me to shoot something.
Just like the gate to the property, there was a chain and padlock keeping the shed secure. Sean undid it then stepped inside, disappearing from view. I could hear things being moved around inside, and Sean reappeared with two fishing poles.
“I knew I had two of them.”
“Fishing. We’re going fishing?”
Sean nodded. “We are. It’s just a short walk down to the river, but there’s a really great spot where I always manage to catch something. Here, can you hold these for a sec?”
I took the poles from him, looked over the one in my right hand, and wondered how in the world to even use one of these things. When Sean reappeared with a toolbox and small shovel, I frowned. “What’s the shovel for?”
Sean looked down at it, then back to me, and winked. “The worms.”
“The worms?”
“Yeah, for bait. No need to worry—if I was going to dig a ditch for anything nefarious, I would’ve brought a bigger shovel.”
I opened my mouth, about to address that, but then backtracked to the more pressing concern in my mind. “We have to dig up worms?”
“Yep. Live bait works best.” I screwed my nose up, and Sean laughed. “Oh, Xander, that’s not even the worst of it. Out here, the rules are as follows: you catch the fish you have to gut and clean it too.”
“Uh, I’m sorry, but…no.”
“Yep, those are the rules.” Sean shielded his eyes and looked up to the sky. “Looks like we’ve got a couple more hours before it gets too hot. Let’s get going.”
He took one of the poles back from me then headed toward the trees behind the shed. I followed quickly after him and tried not to think about the fact that he wanted me to dig up worms and stab a hook through them. Maybe I could trade something and get Sean to do it for me.
Around ten minutes later, the path opened up to a grassy stretch of the riverbank, and Sean stopped and put his fishing box and pole down on the ground. He looked over his shoulder to where I was now exiting the tree line, and when I got my first look at the rushing river, I finally understood—this place was magic.
“So? What do you think?”
I could tell by his grin that Sean knew I was impressed. The sheer beauty far outweighed any misgivings I may have had as to why I was there, although I still wasn’t all that thrilled by the worm thing.
“I think it’s gorgeous.”
“Right?” Sean put his hands on his hips and turned to look out over the river again. The sun’s rays were glimmering off the rippling currents as they rushed by, and birds could be heard overhead.
It was peaceful here, untouched, and with no cars, trains, or boats, you truly felt you were the only ones in the world.
I set the fishing pole down against one of trees, then walked up behind Sean and wrapped my arms around his waist. He leaned back into me, and I rested my chin on his shoulder. “I love it, Sean. I totally understand why it brings you such comfort.”
“I’m hoping it’ll do the same for you.” He looked back at me, and when his lips were within reach I gently brushed my mouth over the top of his.
“You’re here, so I know it will.”
He turned, and when I looped my arms around his neck, he gathered me in close. “I thought you’d hate it.”
I chuckled. “So you decided to bring me anyway?”
“I figured after a couple days it would grow on you. Hell, you like me now, don’t you?”
I stroked my fingers up and down the back of his neck. “Hmm, I’m pretty sure I more than like you to agree to stay in a place without electricity.”
“True…” Sean’s eyes dropped to my mouth. “I promise, I’ll make it worth your while.”
“How about you just ease up a little on your rules?”
Sean placed a quick kiss on my lips. “Fair enough. How about I…bait your hook for you?”
I glanced over my shoulder to the pole and then back to him. “And gut the fish?”
“Okay, that too. All I ask is that you come and stand with me for a while. Let me enjoy looking at you here in my favorite place on the planet.”
I had no idea how, but somewhere between offering to heal my soul and bait my fishing hook for me, I’d fallen madly in love with Sean Bailey.
27
Sean
“THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY delicious.” Xander licked his fingers clean as he stared across the fire pit at me. When he stretched his arms above his head and sighed, I’d never felt more content in my life, knowing that he was well and truly satisfied.
“Yeah, the flathead up here are some of the best I’ve eaten. You did a great job reeling that big guy in. Maybe you’re good luck.”
“Ha, I don’t know about that.” Xander reached for the sunglasses perched on his head. “More like dumb luck.”
“Ain’t nothing dumb about you, anchorman.” I winked at him, and he grinned and slid his glasses on.
With a paper plate on his lap and a plastic wine cup in his hand, Xander looked comfortable, as though he’d known exactly where I’d been taking him all along. It wasn’t until you looked a little closer that you noticed the shorts and shirt were designer label, and the sunglasses perched on his nose were worth more than most people would spend on a month’s rent.
Classy, elegant, and sophisticated—he was everything I wasn’t, and yet somehow he was still here…with me. I stood and walked over to him, my body casting a shadow as he continued to laze around in the afternoon sun. It was climbing to its highest peak now, and would stay that way for a couple of hours before it disappeared for good and the temperatures dipped later tonight.
Crouching down beside him, I reached out and ran my hand across the hair on his forehead. Fuck he was beautiful. In the morning, here in the afternoon, and in the darkness of night. Alexander Thorne was a beautiful man, and by some miracle of fate, he wanted to be mine.
“You up for another adventure?”
Xander drew his glasses down his nose. “Maybe?”
I grinned and traced his lips with my thumb, which he nipped at.
“What kind of adventure are we talking here? Because if you want me to shoot anything fluffy, I’m going to have to pass.”
“No shooting involved, I promise. Plus, it’ll also help you avoid something I know you’ve been worried about.”
“Okay, now you have me curious.”
I leaned in and kissed him. “Good. Then my plan is working. Give me a second to get a couple of things and rinse this old pot out.”
“I can rinse it. You cooked and cleaned dinner.”
“Fish and rice is not that hard. Relax, that’s all I want you to do. I’ll be right back.”
Xander gave me a not-so-subtle once-over, and it took everything I had to back away from him. I’d been telling the truth just now: I wanted him to unwind and relax, and if we got naked here, that wasn’t going to happen.
I headed around the back of my place, rinsed off the pot with the hose, put it on the wooden choppin
g bench to dry, then headed inside to grab the things we’d need for the afternoon.
After tossing them into an old backpack I kept at the place, I came outside to see Xander on his feet, the two fold-up chairs now propped up along the side of the hut.
“I told you to relax.”
“And I decided to come and snoop. I like watching you out here. You’re very self-sufficient, all Mr. Survival. It’s…sexy.”
“Because I caught you some fish. With a fishing pole?” I laughed. “I hate to break it to you, but pretty much anyone can do that. Now, if I’d caught it with my bare hands…”
“I’d already be naked and throwing myself at your feet.”
My mouth fell open, Xander let out a booming laugh, and I couldn’t help but join in.
Then he looked at the backpack slung over my shoulder. “What’s in there?”
“I’m not telling.”
“Ah, so that’s how it’s going to be, huh?”
“Pretty much.” I held out my hand. “You just have to trust me.”
Xander slipped his palm into mine. “You know I do. Lead the way.”
I took us in the opposite direction we’d gone this morning. About five minutes in, the trees cleared and tall grasses with bursts of flowers blanketed a stretch of land for as far as the eye could see.
Xander let go of my hand and walked forward until the flowers surrounded his legs. “This little hideaway of yours keeps getting better and better.”
He wasn’t wrong, and I had a feeling he was going to love where I was taking him next. I walked by him and crooked my finger. “Come on. We’ve got to keep going.”
“You mean this isn’t it?”
“Nope, just an added bonus.”
“A pretty amazing one.” Xander started walking through the field, trailing his fingers over the grass brushing around his thighs. “I’m feeling the sudden desire to do a news piece about hidden gems in the area to visit.”
“Hey, I’m all for that. But you keep those cameras away from our place when you head this way. It’s a secret.”