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“Graham and Haywood made plea deals. You were lucky there.” He crossed one leg over the other.
“Not really. Connie had the goods on them both. For everything he did, he was still the best damn lawyer I’ve ever met. He had the proof that had them both dead to rights. It’s why Connie will get off with such a light sentence, it’s part of his plea deal.”
“Whatever,” Xavier grunted. “Was there something else you wanted?”
Allegra took a deep breath. Her stomach was knotted so tight that bile was burning its way up her throat. “I thought…I hoped maybe we could get a drink.”
Xavier stared at her for a solid minute. He raked her body with his eyes and then met her gaze again. “I don’t think so. I’m about to go home and cook steak for my friends.”
“Ah, I see.” The disappointment was so intense, it rocked her physically. Her mouth went dry.
“If there’s nothing else then, I’ll see you around.” He turned and started to get into his vehicle.
“See you,” she mumbled.
* * *
It tookevery inch of his resolve for Xavier to get into his truck. She looked so damned fine he wanted to wrap her in his arms and never, ever let her go. In the weeks since he’d last seen her, she’d only gotten better looking. Her eyes would haunt him forever. But, she’d made it clear to him. He was in her rear-view mirror. That was the deal she’d made. There was no point in opening that door again. He needed to get over her and seeing her wasn’t going to help that.
“Xavier.” She called his name as she tapped on the glass by his head.
He wanted to curse but he ground his teeth and lowered the window. Didn’t she know, she was killing him? “Yeah?”
“I just…I wanted to…” she stared at him for a minute. “Oh, for fuck’s sake. I’m in love with you. I can’t seem to forget you. I can’t stop thinking about you and I miss you something wicked. I thought I could put the whole shitshow…and you behind me. I tried, honestly I did but I can’t get rid of you. You are always there haunting me, and I can’t stand it any longer. I need you in my life. I want you in my life.”
He stared straight ahead, heart drumming double-time. He struggled to breathe. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? Was he actually hearing the words he wanted from her?
“Xavier, did you hear me? I said I love you.” She rested her hand on the door frame.
He sucked in oxygen and swallowed hard. He grasped the handle and opened the door. Hoping his knees would support him, he climbed from the truck and bought himself time as he closed the door again. He leaned against the back quarter panel for support.
“Say it again,” he growled.
She blinked. “I… I love you, Xavier. I’m sorry I was such an ass. Letting you go was the biggest mistake I ever made.”
He grabbed her by her coat and pulled her to him. He leaned down so his face was inches from her. “Say it again.” He needed to see her eyes when she said it. Her beloved green eyes couldn’t hide things the way her words could.
“I love you.” She was telling the truth. Her eyes were bright emerald green and full of love.
For him.
He kissed her then. Hard. Pulling her closer and wrapping his arms around her. He was never going to let her go.
Finally, she broke off the kiss. “Does this mean you love me too?” she asked with hope in her voice.
“This means we’ll give it a shot,” he said with a grin. She hit him on the arm. “Seriously, that’s all I get?”
“No. How do you like your steak?” he asked and then kissed her again.
