Page 27 of What About Us

“Why the fuck not?”

I pull away and make it to the door this time, and when we’re settled in his Range Rover, he persists.

“I want it.”

“Xander, it’s mediocre at best.”

“Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, and I like it. I have a spot for it in my house. How much?”

I blow out a raspberry. “If you don’t overdo it today and listen to me and follow directions, you can have it.”

Xander scowls as he pulls away from the house. “You’re selling yourself short.”

“No, I’m not. Did you bring a water bottle?”

I hold mine up and give it a shake.

“Yes, boss. I brought water. You’re so fucking bossy when it comes to my hydration schedule.”

“I need to be. You need water.”

He turns onto the highway that leads to the next town over.

“You can choose the music.”

I grin. “You sure?”

“Go for it.”

I turn to a ’90s pop station, and I don’t miss the way Xander gives me the side-eye.

“You told me to choose.” I shrug a shoulder and start singing along with Celine Dion. I’m very off key.

I don’t care.

“Are you trying to murder me?”

“Death by Celine?” I ask.

“No, death by bloody eardrums.” He sticks his finger in his ear and gives it a shake. “You’re pure magic with a paintbrush, but please don’t pursue a career in music.”

Pure magic.

Why does he have to make the butterflies in my stomach act like they’re at a rave every freaking day?

I let the music fill the silence for the rest of the drive, and after he pulls into the parking lot, he turns off the SUV and frowns.

“Are they open? No one’s here.”

“I rented it out for the afternoon,” I reply, and push out of the car.

“Why?” he asks.

“Because I don’t need some wobbly kid running into you and reinjuring your knee. I wanted freshly groomed ice with no distractions or obstacles.”

“You don’t have much faith in my skills.”

“Your skills are not my issue. I can’t have you falling today. So you have to promise to take it easy.”