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“Now that my house sitting is done with, I’ll have to go back home again,” I finish.
“But no boyfriend, fiancé? Partner?” he asks, making me wonder if he is having his own private joke about my weight after all.
“No,” I answer hotly. “I suppose you have girls of all sizes tripping over themselves just to be near you, huh?” I start to shout, wondering where the hell all this is coming from. “I suppose you follow co-ed girls and do all kinds of things to lure them back to your—”
In a single movement, Xander’s moved closer to me, and covered my hand gently with one of his, pressing one of his huge fingers to my lips.
It’s such a sudden movement, but so tender, and so much of what I need again, to be touched by him that I fall back helpless.
I want to murmur an apology, but keeping his huge hand over mine, he pats it gently and reminds me I’ve had quite enough adventure for one night.
“If there’s no one we should call, then I suggest. I insist you be my guest tonight. In the morning we can go over to the college medical center and have your ankle looked at.”
I try to open my mouth, to apologize. To say something, anything.
Except how I really feel. That seems impossible right now.
But before I know it, his kindness overwhelms me again.
There’s a lamp by the couch he flicks on, a comforter spread over me, and after bringing me a glass of water, he mentions where the bathroom is in case I need it.
“But I—” I try to protest again.
But like a magic spell his huge hand stroking my hair back with the gentle sound of him hushing me, is enough to send me to sleep in seconds.
Chapter Four
Xander
Fuck.
She’s perfect.
I’ve seen plenty of heavenly constellations in my time, the formation of whole galaxies. Stuff the top brass at NASA would wet their pants over.
But she is the finest creation, in every universe. In every cosmos, I know it. I can see it with my own eyes.
I can set her at ease with a touch, but calming her troubled mind isn’t so easy.
Do I really come across as some lecherous old guy trying to lure college girls back to my lair?
No. I know I don’t. I’m barely noticed on campus, and with the hours I keep it’s no wonder she’s never seen me.
Plus, it’s pretty clear in both the college and the agency’s contract that there’s to be no fraternization of any kind other than work-related. Students especially, but staff as well.
But she’s finished college. Done. And in less than a few weeks I’ll be free of all my ‘contractual’ obligations…
Already, and even before she’s hinted at any romantic interest in me, I’m planning how I could make it work.
How easy it could be for us to be together.
I could tear up my contract renewal with the college.
Something I was half-contemplating, I only need them so I can use their facility to make some more of my own equipment.
But she seemed upset more than accusing me of what she’s imagined about me so far.
Maybe there’s gossip on campus? People will talk, and they mostly talk a lot of BS.
I turn it over in my mind so many times as I move about the house, making sure it’s secure for her sake more than mine.
It’s never happened. But I often wonder what would happen if someone broke in and came face to face with me and my body at three a.m.?
Once I know the place is secured for the night, I look in on her sleeping form. Knowing full well I won’t sleep a wink.
How could I, with her so close? I don’t even know that I could sleep again even if she did leave.
And there it is. I’ve caught myself out.
Already deciding this is a forever thing, and I don’t even know if she’s remotely attracted to me or if she even wants a relationship with someone twice her age.
2.2105 times her age.
Shut up.
I settle myself in the easy chair opposite the couch, fully aware that although I’m twice her age, she’s made me feel half that every time I look at or even think about her.
I’ve never known such arousal, but unlike in the forest, seeing her sleeping so peacefully, at home where she should be. It doesn’t feel so urgent.
But twice her age?
It’s not what contracts or rules say, maybe not even so much what society says.
What will her father say? She told me herself he was the only real connection she has in this life.
If she was my daughter I wouldn’t let her leave the house let alone go alone to college for four years.
No.
There’ll be trouble ahead, but it’ll be worth it.
If.
And in my mind, it’s a big if right now.
