I freeze. “The certificate is genuine, though.”
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
The beat of my heart must be heard back in New York.
“The feelings are genuine, too. I love you, Cora.”
I turn and kiss him.
He holds me in his arms, just looking at me like he wants to freeze the moment to never forget it. I know I want to emboss it in my memory.
“I love you, too.”
“I love you, Coraline Winslow-Stone,” he repeats.
“You do, don’t you?” I tease, because I want his self-assured smirk back. It hasn’t returned with his declaration, which kind of taints the moment.
I fell in love with the carefree, playful Xander. This serious one is new, and I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not.
He kisses me again.
“I kind of want to take off the dress and stay here.”
Something passes across his face. “Cora—”
“Lex,” Lottie calls from behind the door, knocking urgently.
“Not now,” he growls.
The door swings open. “Are you two decent?” She doesn’t step in.
We pull apart, but Xander holds my hand in his.
“What the fuck do you want?” he snaps.
I jerk my head to him, because his reaction is exaggerated, but also so unlike him. What did Lottie interrupt?
“Sorry, guys, but Nana Sybil wants to talk to you right now, and you know how she is.” Lottie steps in, shrugging.
Xander looks at me, his face full of anguish, then at Lottie. He lets go of my hand, sighing.
“Fuck.” He bows his head for a moment, before he looks at me with urgency. “We’ll talk later.”
He storms out.
“What’s up his ass?” Lottie makes a face.
“I wish I knew.”
“I’ll see you downstairs. The cars are ready.” She rushes out again.
Xander loves me. He loves me. He wants to have children with me, and he loves me.
I just wish the joy wasn’t tainted by his weird behavior just now. Is it just a case of not being used to such declarations?
