Rylee raised hers and tapped it gently against his.
The softclinkof glass made her laugh, and her humor was breathy and unguarded.
She was going to enjoy this night.
Because when Wednesday came, her heart would ache all over again, reminding her of everything she once lost.
“Firehouse tradition,” Xander said, bringing the shot to his lips. “Take it to the head, baby.”
The wine, the shots, the yacht, the moment. Rylee was on a natural high. Her eyes stayed fixed on the glittering skyline as she scooped a forkful of cake, closed her eyes, and let the rich taste of chocolate melt on her tongue.
The city shimmered even more at that hour, like a dream. For a brief second, she felt suspended between worlds.
“You aight?” Xander asked, reaching for her hand and drawing her attention back to him.
And once again, light poured in… at least that’s what it felt like when she redirected her focus his way.
God, he’s beautiful, she thought.
Tats peeking through his shirt collar. Locs pulled back and sparkling under the yacht’s lights. That smooth brown gaze locked on hers like she was the only thing in his world.
How could she not be good?
She was… for the most part.
Rylee was tempted to mention Wednesday, yet again. To break the spell. But instead, she said, “I was just thinking how lucky I am to know someone like you.”
He smiled. “Same, baby.”
Their eyes stayed locked… soft, warm, and unhurried.
Xander brushed his thumb back and forth along her skin, saying everything she needed without speaking. The warmth in her chest bloomed, weighing her lids, sending butterflies tumbling in her stomach.
“Mmm-hmm.” He licked his lips, that familiar look darkening in his eyes. “I know that lookverywell.”
Rylee bit her bottom lip, holding back a smile.
“The wine done hit,” he added, voice low and teasing.
A laugh burst out of her, shattering every shadowed thought that had tried to sneak in.
That feeling lingered as dinner ended, as she gathered her things and stepped outside with Xander to the yacht’s railing, braving the New York winter night.
Xander stood behind her, big arms wrapped around her waist, giving just the right amount of heat to keep her warm.
Rylee leaned her head back against his chest as the boat neared the dock, her gaze tracing the towering skyline.
Then he pressed a kiss to the top of her braids, and left his lips there.
“Can I say something, and you not trip?”
“Sure.” Rylee smiled faintly, eyes still trained on the skyline.
“I can’t help but feel you’ve been spacing out on me, tonight, Snoop,” Xander whispered.
“I’m not.” She shook her head softly. “Just enjoying the now, is all.”
“You sure?” he asked gently, his voice barely above a whisper.
