Xavier Cold (Hard Knocks #2)(33)

Devastated, I turn and race to the Honda, not daring to look back.

I close myself inside. “Drive.”

She doesn’t question me, just shoves the transmission into gear and slams on the gas.

“Holy shit. What happened back there?” she asks.

I rest my head in my hand. “I’m not even sure.”

“Who was the woman?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I would like more details about that myself. “Her name is Angie, and apparently, she’s a woman from his past.”

“His past? Are you saying that’s an old girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend is a pretty specific title, one Xavier never uses when it comes to women he’s been with.”

“You mean, she was an old f*ck buddy of his? What the hell was he doing with her?”

“He wouldn’t tell me. He said it was basically none of my business.” Repeating it out loud causes my lower lip to quiver. “Do you think he—oh God.”

The tears can’t be stopped now. The very thought of Xavier being with another woman causes a sharp pain to rip through my chest, and I gasp for breath. My hand covers my mouth as I attempt to stop from crying, but it’s no use. This hurts so damn bad.

“Oh, Anna.” Quinn reaches over and takes my hand. “I’m sure he wouldn’t do that. Xavier might be a big brute of a man, but he’s not stupid. He wouldn’t risk losing you over some random piece of ass.”

“He’s done it before with Deena.” I take a deep breath.

Quinn’s brows furrow. “I know this sounds like I’m siding with him, but that situation with Deena was technically before the two of you were together. Do you really think he’d pull that shit now that you are official?”

“I didn’t think he would, but what other reason would he have to be with her and not explain the situation? I saw her kiss him, and he did nothing to deter my doubting mind from thinking the worst when I confronted him about it.”

“What exactly did he say?”

I sniff as I try to steady my breathing. “That there were some things I didn’t need to know about.”

Quinn twists her lips in an obvious show of questioning thought. “Do you trust him?”

“Yes, but sometimes, it’s hard because of all the secrets he keeps from me. He rarely opens up about himself, and I’m always left with millions of questions that he refuses to answer. Seeing what I did just now . . . it shakes my faith in our relationship. What in the hell will he be doing behind my back when I’m on the road? Now, I know I’ll worry the entire time.”

“Then, you need to tell him that. Honesty in a relationship is always the best policy. Trust me on that one. It took me and Brock a while to get on the same page, but now that we’re there, things are so much better.”

“That’s easier said than done, Quinn. Xavier doesn’t like talking about his past. He gets angry whenever the subject comes up. He . . .” I hesitate for a moment, but I decide that a little insight into Xavier’s past won’t hurt. “Xavier really had it rough as a kid. The things he’s told me—they break my heart. If he keeps that to himself, what else will he keep from me?”

She’s quiet for a moment and then says, “You need to talk to him, tell him how you feel.”

Tears streak down my face. “What if he refuses to open up and come clean about why he was with that girl?”

She frowns. “If he can’t give you complete honesty, as much as it hurts, it might be time to face the possibility that Xavier isn’t the right man for you.”

My heart squeezes as the reality of her words hit me full force. As much as I don’t want that to happen, I know Quinn has a point. I can’t live my life going through pain like this because Xavier refuses to let me into what’s going on with both his past and present issues.

One thing is clear. Xavier and I need to deal with this issue before it completely tears us apart.





Chapter 15


Anna


Sitting at the bar at Larry’s, Bar and Grill is actually a pleasant experience now that Alice is gone. Most of the booths are full, which is great because Quinn can use every spare penny she can come up with to help her finance the wedding.

Since I was here last, Tyler has moved up from fry cook to bartender. Brock misses him in the kitchen, but Tyler has been smiling all evening, and the customers really seem to enjoy him waiting on them.

“You want another drink, Anna?” Tyler asks as he wipes down the counter next to me.

I stare down at the nearly empty glass in front of me, seeing I only have a few good drinks left. “Yes, please. It’s delicious.”

Tyler grins. “I might have to cut you off soon.”

“Why?” I ask, completely confused. “I love this fruity Sex on the Bay.”

“You mean, Sex on the Beach?” My mistake earns a little chuckle from him. “You’re getting lit. You’ve definitely reached your cutoff point. Andy will have my ass if I allow you to get too drunk, sitting out here.”

“Andy won’t care. I’m a paying customer now.” I wave him off and accidentally knock over my glass. I grimace when I see the mess I just made. “Oops. Sorry.”

I attempt to reach for the glass, but Tyler is much quicker to grab it.