Page 96 of What About Us

“I thought we were just shopping for dresses.”

Britney pats my arm. “Oh, you sweet summer child. Bless your heart. We need shoes, underwear, bags. We also need to bulk up your wardrobe, since all of yours is gone. Yes, Xander filled me in on the highlights, and he’s also given me instructions to fill the closet here in Denver for you so you don’t have to haul luggage back and forth from Montana.”

My mouth drops and then closes again.

“But, that’s ridiculous.”

“No, it’s convenient. So we’ll be shopping all the livelong day, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off because you’ll be in a lot of dressing rooms. Well, until we get your size nailed down, anyway, then I’m really good at eyeballing.”

“You’re way too excited about this.”

“If shopping were an Olympic sport, I’d be the world record holder. Besides, Xander said you like to shop.”

“Sure. I do.” I nod and sip my drink. “But this is a lot.”

“It’ll be fun. And we can grab dinner when we’re finished.”

Actually, that does sound fun. And there will be so much more to choose from in Denver than I had in Montana.

“Okay, I’m excited.”

Brit grins and then looks at the board. “Better get back to Coop’s family’s box. But I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“It’s a date,” I confirm, and she leaves.

I’m facing the rink, and I’m not oblivious to the looks I’m getting. The phones and cameras pointed my way.

And with Xander gone, I’m way less comfortable.

So, I stand and move to the back of the room and snack on some chips and salsa.

When Xander walks back in, he strides straight to me, pulls me in his arms, and buries his nose in my hair.

“You smell so much better than that horrible locker room,” he growls.

He’s trying to be funny, but I can feel the tension in every line of his body.

“Are you okay?”

“I am now.” He takes one more deep breath and then stands tall and tips my chin up. “How are you doing?”

“Are you kidding?” I put up one finger. “I’m at a hockey game, which is one of my favorite things to do.” Another finger goes up. “I’m wearing my man’s jersey, and he’s with me.” Third finger. “Said man just fucked me in the private bathroom of his box in the arena. I’m really good here, Xander.”

He’s laughing as he leans in to kiss me. “Good. That’s what I want to hear. Let’s go watch the last of the game.”

I push inside the penthouse, take two steps, and then, with a relieved sigh, let the bags fall to the floor. And this is only what I carried with me. A ton was sent back here this afternoon.

Xander’s brows climb as he strides over from the kitchen, his eyes skimming over my loot, and then he simply kisses the hell out of me.

“So tired,” I murmur against his lips.

“I think you shopped until you literally dropped.”

I nod in agreement and feel like I can’t walk any further. His arms are the only things keeping me upright.

“So many stores,” I say, my voice bordering on a whine. “So much stuff.”

“Did you find a dress?” he asks.