“Wha—? Oh. I’m leaving work.”
His head shot backward in surprise as he whistled low. “Leaving work now?” He peered down at his watch. “Long day for you, huh?”
I blew out a long breath. “You have no idea,” I laughed.
“I forgot, Jay said you worked atJohnson & Taylor.”
“Oh, he told you? I’m surprised he hasn’t been going around telling everyone I work at McDonald's,” I laughed.
“Yeah, he’s still pissed you decided to work for the enemy.” The deep sound of his chuckle sent a small chill through me. The dimple that appeared on his left cheek left me wanting so much more.
I knew it was time for me to go.
I waved a hand dismissively. “Jay’ll get over it. Listen, Xavier, it was good to see you. Take care.” I tried to make my escape when his words halted me for a second time.
“Did you park in the garage?”
“Yeah, it’s right across the street.”
“Cool, I’ll walk you out. It’s getting dark, and no woman should be out here walking alone. Especially not my boy’s little sister.”
I flinched at that comment, realizing after all these years he still just saw me as Jason’s kid sister. I don’t know why that realization hurt, but it did. “It’s okay. I can—”
“Nah, it’s not okay. Plus, I’m parked over there too. Let’s go.” He sounded as if he simply expected me to follow along.
I rolled my eyes, not exactly able to refuse since my carwasparked in the garage, and I needed it to get home. “Fine, I’llletyou escort me to my car, but only because you were so nice about it.” I’m pretty sure the sarcasm was evident in my tone. He simply chuckled that deep laugh, and there went those damn goosebumps.
“What level are you on?” he asked.
“Top level; it always has the fewest cars.”
He smirked at me as he guided me toward the elevator in the garage. As soon as the doors closed, the mixed scents of vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood, and a few others I couldn’t identify hit my nostrils. The man smelled good as hell. I bit the inside of my cheek and stared up at the numbers as they lit up to keep myself from moving closer just to sniff him. Thankfully, Xavier remained silent, but I could feel his eyes on me. I needed to get off that damn elevator. I damn near leaped off when the door chimed and opened at the top level of the garage. Without looking back, I sped up and walked as fast as I could in my heels toward my car. I began digging around in my bag for my key fob.
“This is me right here,” I said as we approached my car, in hopes that he wouldn’t wait for me to get in. Being so close to him was doing something silly to my senses. Or maybe I was just tired after a long day. Whatever it was, I needed some space from this man.
“Niiice.”
I heard the admiration in his voice and smiled inwardly as I peeked over my shoulder at my cherry red Tesla Model S P90. She was my pride and joy. “You like?” I questioned playfully.
“Definitely. Was almost my choice as well, but I opted for the Model X.” He tilted his head to the row of vehicles on the other side of the garage. I turned, looking behind us, and noticed the white Tesla Model X SUV.
“Show off.”
His grin sent butterflies fluttering low in my belly, and it was time for me to get out of there. “Thanks for walking me to my car. It was good seeing you.” I grazed my finger along the door handle for it to emerge. Opening my door, I turned and smiled back over my shoulder to not appear too rude at my hasty exit. There, that damn dimple was staring at me.
“Anytime. Drive safely,” Xavier’s deep baritone instructed. He stepped back and put his hands in his pockets.
I tossed my bag and suit jacket in the passenger seat when I got the distinct feeling someone was watching my ass. And since Xavier and I were the only two people in the garage, I knew I had to be imagining things. To make sure, though, I took another quick peek over my shoulder as I lowered myself into the driver’s seat. Sure enough, I saw Xavier’s darkened gaze lingering on my rear end, which was encased in a plum, knee-length skirt. My outfit, of course, was modest enough for the office, but my size-twelve curves were hard to miss. I rarely felt insecure about my body those days, but to see Xavier looking at me like I was a damn snack had me shaking my head in disbelief. I really must’ve been imagining things. I’d known this man since I was a pre-teen. He’d never given any sort of indication that he was interested in his best friend’s kid sister. Even when I’d made it pretty obvious I’d had a major crush on him in my teenage years.
Getting in my car, I shook those thoughts loose and prepared myself for the drive to my condo. I waved at Xavier, who’d remained, waiting for me to pull off. As I did, I watched him in the rearview mirror, peering at my car for a few moments before making his way to his car. Not until he was out of my line of sight did I release a sigh.That man could make a good girl go bad. I laughed to myself as I turned on Emeli Sande’s “I’d Rather Not” to remind myself what happens when I decided to fall in love. No thank you to that.
Chapter Two
Chanel
I retrieved my I.D. from the attendant at the gate that surrounded the community where my father and Marjorie lived. As I passed inside, I observed the luxury homes, each a different style than the previous one. My father and Marjorie had moved into this community right after they’d married. After passing over a few winding roads, I finally came to their street. After parking directly across the street, I sat for a few minutes, taking in the splendor that was my father’s home. It was smaller than what could be called an estate, no doubt a downgrade, since neither he nor Marjorie had any young children living with them. The two-story house was outlined in dark tan brick and stone siding, with a low-sitting, dark brown roof. The bright greenery of the grass and colorful flowerbed that outlined the walkway spoke of the weekly landscaping services they paid for. From the outside, it looked like the perfect place for an older couple with lots of room for grandkids.
As soon as I stepped out of my car, I noticed the front door open, and my beautiful sister-in-law appeared. My smile was instant as I observed her petite five-foot-three-inch frame, an inch shorter than me. Her caramel skin shone, highlighted by the dark blue sleeveless sun dress she wore. Her hair was pulled back in a bun.
