CHAPTER 8
Justine followed Xavier to his apartment, curious about what it looked like. In her opinion, you could tell a lot about a man by the way he lived. Was he neat or messy? Into color or black and white? Organized? Chaotic? Did he have matching furniture or an eclectic mix of pieces? Function over fashion or both?
Not surprisingly, his apartment fit what she knew of his personality. The furniture looked comfortable yet attractive and well-cared for. The unit had a light, airy feel, nothing heavy or too large for the space. Xavier knew how to decorate, or he had someone who’d helped him. She felt immediately at ease and liked the fact he had a bevy of green plants around, adding to the natural colors all around.
The few pictures on the walls were of cities and landscapes. She noticed a group of photographs on one wall, some of him and his sister, a few of his family when he was younger, and a bunch of men in fatigues. He walked into the kitchen, so she followed him after toeing off her shoes and setting her bag on a hook by the door.
“I’m starving. I’m going to make a stir fry. Have you eaten?”
“Oh, no. I just got back from work.”
“Perfect. Are you allergic to anything?”
She sat at counter, where two stools hid under the overhang. “Not that I know of. And thank you. Stir fry sounds amazing.”
“Good. How about something to drink? I have wine, beer, and a few sodas.”
“Water would be good.” The kitchen was a spacious area shaped like a U, which gave him counters for food prep and enough room to cook with a friend and not be all over him. Or her.
A surge of curiosity struck that she hastily ignored. It wasn’t her business how manyfriendsXavier had. For all she knew, he was already dating someone else despite his recent breakup. A guy with his looks and easygoing personality had to have a line of potential lovers waiting around the block.
“Here you go.” He set a glass with ice along with a pitcher of water in front of her. “Hope filtered water is okay. Auggie gets all over me when I drink straight from the tap.” He sighed. “Girl’s a health nut.”
She smiled as she poured a glass and drank to sate her thirst. “Oh man. That hit the spot.”
“Good.” He smiled at her, and she felt herself drowning in the richness of his warm brown eyes.
An awkward pause settled, and she flushed, hoping she didn’t look like she’d been mooning over the man. She hurriedly dropped her gaze and focused on her water glass. “Sorry if I’m spacey. It’s been a long day.”
“Oh?”
Thankfully, he turned to the stove and moved pots and pans around as he started cooking.
“Well, my boss is a huge jerk. But that’s just one more thing I’m working through.”
“Right. We were supposed to talk about your Sunday night dinner.” He cracked some eggs and boiled water for rice. Then he took out some veggies and started chopping.
“Do you need any help? I feel guilty for sitting and watching while you work.”
He laughed and glanced at her. “I was just doing the same to Top in the courtyard. So I guess it’s only fair I be the one working while someone watches me.” He winked at her, and her face felt hot. “Just relax. Talk to me about your family night.”
“Oh man. I don’t know if I want to ruin your appetite.”
“Trust me. Unless your dinner involves vomit, I’ll be okay.” He paused. “It doesn’t involve throw-up, does it?” He looked a little green.
“What? Oh, no. Not at all. My dinner was a meal in frustration, actually. But the food was incredible.”
He turned back to the stove with a relieved sigh. “Good. I mean, not good. Talk to me.”
So Justine gave him her recollection of events, including her perceptions of intent, including Angela’s bitchiness. “I mean, I had thought that maybe I was overthinking things. It’s my parents’ house, not mine. They can invite any guests they want. The guys, Cal and Nick, were actually pretty nice. No one hit on me or anything.” She still felt foolish. “It’s pretty presumptive to think my parents invited my dad’s colleagues over just to set me up on a date.”
“Which they did, though, right?” He was working magic on the stove, and she hoped he didn’t hear her stomach grumbling.
“Well, it felt like it to me. I’d made it all through dinner before stupid Angela brought up that both guys are single and rich.” She grimaced. “Who cares what they make? I don’t want a guy for his money. I want to be independent. I mean, I lived with Mitch, my ex, and look what happened. We broke up and Ihad to move out. Well, technically it was his apartment. But you know what I mean.”
“Ouch, that hurts.” Xavier shot her a sympathetic glance.
Justine warmed to the topic, not feeling at all self-conscious about pouring her heart out. “Man, you’re good. I just keep talking.”
