“Me.”
Xavier had reappeared. I was immediately comforted by this hand on the small of my back.
“Xavier Grant, what a pleasure. This is one nice setup you’ve got here,” Walter Miller commented.
Xavier inclined his head. “Walter, it’s been a while. How do you two know each other?”
Walter raised an eyebrow, and the pit in my stomach grew. “Chanel and I were almost family.” He seemed a little too happy to spring that information on Xavier, who I now felt looking down at me. “She was supposed to marry my son.”
“Ethan?”
“Yes. Unfortunately, she’s the one that got away, or so I hear.”
I wondered what that was supposed to mean.
“When’s the last time you spoke with Ethan, anyway? You know, he wasn’t doing so well after you left him.”
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, growing more uncomfortable by the second. “Uh, well, it’s been years since I’ve spoken with Ethan,” I lied. I looked back up at Xavier and gave him a half-hearted smile. There was no need to go into any detail about Ethan’s and my past. Walter’s relationship with his son was of his making, and if he wanted more details on his son, he’d have to ask him. “We haven’t been in contact since we broke up.”
Walter nodded, seemingly convinced. “Well, you know how that boy of mine is.”
I did know. I also knew the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree, but again, that was no longer my business.
“Well, Mr. Miller, it was nice catching up with you.” I could barely get that lie out, but it was clear that I was dismissing him.
“Same here. Xavier, I’d love to catch up with you about some business when you have time.”
Xavier’s lips tightened in a contemplative manner. “You know my assistant’s number. Give him a call, and maybe we can set something up. If you’ll excuse us, I need to do some more rounds before I take my lady home.” Without waiting for a response from Walter, Xavier pulled me in close to him and guided me to the other side of the room.
“I’m sorry about that,” I began once we were alone. “I haven’t seen him in years and didn’t know he’d be here.”
Xavier looked back over his shoulder at Walter, who was now engaged in a conversation with someone else. “I should be apologizing to you. I’ve known Walter for years. I know how he can get. I never made the connection that he was your ex’s father, though. He wasn’t at the engagement party those years ago. Areyouokay?”
I nodded. “He couldn’t make it back then. I’m okay. I just didn’t want it to be awkward, in case you do business with him in the future.”
“I usually don’t work with him. He was invited by one of the other owners.”
“Okay, I just didn’t want there to be a misconception. That’s all.” I ran my hand up his stomach, feeling the ripples of his muscles underneath my palm.
“I’m not sweating Walter Miller, your ex, or anyone else in here tonight exceptyou.As long as you’re upfront with me, I’m good.” He leaned down, brushing his lips over mine and I shuddered. Staring up into his face the color of chestnut, any thoughts of my ex-fiancé and his father ceased to exist. The way Xavier’s smile grew led me to believe he saw the look of need growing in my own eyes.
“Give me about thirty more minutes, then we’re out of here. Cool?”
I nodded. “I’m going to go find Genie and let her know we’re leaving soon.”
“Don’t keep me waiting,” he teased.
“Never, baby,” I purred.
****
“I’m about to wear that ass out.”
That whispered promise in my ear sent an electric current straight to my pussy. Before I could turn my head to face him, he was sliding out the car door, waving the driver off, and holding out a hand to help me out. Pulling me into his embrace, he pressed his lips to the mine before giving a few parting words to the driver. As we strolled through the hotel lobby to the elevator doors, I could feel Xavier’s eyes on my backside. The thrill of knowing he watched me so intently sent goosebumps rising all over my skin.
As soon as we stepped inside the room, my back was pushed against the closed door. His lips covered mine in a hungry kiss. I moaned into his mouth, savoring the flavor of the scotch he’d drank that night and the taste that was all him. I reached up to grasp his shoulders and pull him in even closer. His mouth trailed down my jawline as he peppered kisses down my neck, letting his teeth scrape the sensitive skin beneath my ear. I felt his hand at my back, lowering the zipper of my dress. Seconds later, it was a pool at my feet, as Xavier pulled my arm for me to step out of it.
He led me through the suite into the bedroom that was, to my surprise, lit with candles. Stunned, I looked up at Xavier, who wore an ardent expression. His greedy eyes continued to survey my body as I was dressed in only a pair of lace panties and matching demi-bra.
