Time Will Tell (Maybe #3)(14)

We come to a stop in front of a popular steak house.

“We didn’t decide where to go,” he says sheepishly, helping me off the bike. “I remember seeing this place when I was riding in, but if you want to go somewhere else, we can.”

“This place is fine,” I say. “I’ve eaten here a couple of times and the food is always good.”

I take the helmet off and give it back to him.

“I took the longer way here so you could enjoy the ride.”

“I noticed. Thanks, I appreciate it,” I tell him. “Maybe I should get my own bike?”

“You liked it that much then?” he asks, shaking his head in amusement.

“I think I did,” I admit, even though I know I could never ride one myself. Maybe I’ll let Zach ride me around from now on after all, even though the thought of riding with anyone apart from Xander isn’t as appealing.

“I’m glad it was me that took your motorcycle virginity,” he says casually. I’m glad it’s dark because my face is suddenly flushed. “You showed me something and I showed you something.”

“What did I show you?” I ask.

He leans down closer to me. “You showed me how to decorate cupcakes.”

“You’re actually admitting that?” I ask, my mouth twitching again. “I don’t know many men that would.”

Xander takes my comment in stride, flashing me a smile. “I have nothing to prove, babe. I’m all man. And I don’t give a f*ck what other people think.”

Damn if that isn’t attractive as hell.

He holds the door open for me as we walk into the restaurant and gestures for me to take a seat before him in one of the booths. I thank him.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he says as he picks up a menu.

I am.

The waitress comes over and we place our orders.

“What did you want to do after this?” I ask him. “There’s a few places we could check out if you want to go to a bar or something. Or if you want to see some sights around town, we could do that, too.”

He glances up at me through his lashes. “Maybe we could watch a movie or something? I don’t really want to go out to a bar or club.”

I suppose it would be boring to go out to a club with just the two of us. He’d want to find someone to hook up with and I would be left alone. It doesn’t seem like a good time.

“Sounds good to me,” I say. “I don’t really mind, either—”

“Trillian, hey,” comes a voice, interrupting my sentence. I look to the right and see Richard standing there as he stares at Xander. “I thought you said you were single.”

My eyes narrow slightly. “I am single, not that I should be explaining myself.”

He doesn’t take his eyes from Xander. “I’m Richard, a friend of Trillian’s.”

“Xander.”

I lean back against the red leather bench and wish Richard would just leave. “I just thought I’d say hi since our conversation was interrupted today.”

I can feel Xander’s gaze on me, so I turn my head to look at him.

He looks amused, like he’s enjoying the show.

“Richard, could we talk about this another time, please?” I ask, hoping he will drop it for now.

“Of course,” he says. “I’ll probably see you around anyway. Enjoy your night.”

He walks away and I feel bad.

“I’m a horrible person,” I mutter, covering my face with my hands.

Xander chuckles. “No, you’re not. You weren’t rude to him even though he deserved it.”

Our drinks arrive and I’m grateful for the distraction.

“Is he an ex of yours or something?” he asks after a sip of his soft drink.

I shake my head. “No, I don’t even know him, really. He comes into my work all the time and seems nice enough, but I’m not interested in him like that. I don’t want to hurt his feelings or lead him on, so I’m obviously going to have to have a talk with him.”

Xander reaches out his hand and places it on mine, his thumb rubbing gently. Leaning forward over the table, he says, “Maybe he will see this and get the picture.”

“See what?” I ask quietly, staring down at his hand.

“This,” he murmurs, before his lips come down on mine, catching me unaware. It’s just a quick kiss with no tongue, just a press of his lips on mine, but I’m still left feeling breathless.

And speechless.





Chapter Seven


Trillian


“Trill?”

“Hmmm?” I reply, studying my orange juice.

“Are you going to give me the silent treatment now?” he asks.

I glance up and sigh. “You just kissed me.”

“I know,” he says, amusement playing on his features. “I was there. And I have to say I’ve been thinking of doing it ever since I laid eyes on you.”

I don’t know what to say to that.

If that’s true, why the hell did he spend the night with someone else?

Like I need that reminder.

The waitress brings our food to the table. Xander ordered a huge steak, ribs, mashed potatoes, and salad while I went with the creamy chicken dish. I keep my eyes on my food, but I can feel his on me.