AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I have to tell you – this makes me want a place of our own. I like this. I like the thought of us each finding jobs that we enjoy and chilling out together at the end of the day like this.”
“I like that idea, sprite. I like it a lot.” He met her gaze. “And I don’t care if it’s here or wherever it is. As long as we’re together, we can figure out a great life for ourselves.”
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, Xander turned into the driveway at Russ’s place and brought the truck to a stop.
Tori turned to him with a puzzled smile. “What are you doing? Are you planning for us to get out and walk the rest of the way or are you about to offer me the chance to change my mind?” She turned and looked over her shoulder. “That’s not a bad idea, you know. We could turn around and leave and come up with some excuse later about why we couldn’t make it.”
“That’s a terrible idea, and you know it,” he said with a smile. “You’re going to be fine. That’s why I stopped – to tell you that, to remind you that your mom loves you. She’s going to be so happy to see you.”
She gave him a sheepish smile. “I know. Thanks. I don’t mean to be such a wuss.”
“You’re not being – you haven’t said a word. It’s just that I know you and I know what you’re thinking.” He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’ve been quiet the whole drive over here. I just want you to relax. This is meant to be a nice visit with your mom – not something to stress about.”
She blew out a big sigh. “I know. You’re right. I’m sorry.”
He chuckled. “I’m not trying to give you a hard time.”
“Sorry.”
“There’s no need. If you like, I’ll do what you said – turn this thing around and we can leave.”
“No. I appreciate the offer, but we can’t do that. And besides, you’re right – it is meant to be a nice visit and it can be if I just relax a bit.”
He smiled through pursed lips, and she slapped his arm.
“I know, I know! That’s what you just said.”
“What do you think, then? Do you want to do this?”
“Yeah, I do. It’ll be fun – if I let it be.”
Xander nodded. “It will. Ready then?”
“Yep.”
He put the truck back in drive and carried on toward the house. As soon as he cut the engine, the front door opened, and Alexandria appeared with a man at her side. Xander hadn’t met Russ before, but he’d heard a lot about him. He was looking forward to getting to know the guy. A former Marine who owned a gym sounded like someone who Xander would get along with.
Alexandria waved, and Tori waved back.
“She looks so different. She looks happy and…”
Xander chuckled. “Relaxed is I think the word that you’re looking for – you should try it.”
Tori shot him a quick smile before turning to get out of the truck. “Thanks. I think that might turn out to be easier than I expected.”
Xander followed her out of the truck and hung back as she scampered up the steps to greet her mom. He held his breath when she reached the top and stopped short. He knew enough about their family to understand they weren’t big on expressing physical affection. That was another reason Tori felt like an outsider – lucky for him, she was the touchy-feely kind.
As he watched, both Tori and Alexandria seemed to freeze for a moment, unsure how to proceed. All his breath came out in a rush when Alexandria smiled and stepped forward with her arms extended. Tori flung herself at her and seemed to melt against her. Xander was happy for them both – he loved to hold Tori in his arms; he could only imagine how good that would feel to Alexandria.
Russ gave him a knowing smile and came down the steps toward him.
“Xander, it’s good to meet you. I’m Russ.”
Xander grinned as he shook hands with the older man. “It’s good to meet you as well –” he lowered his voice as he added “– and it’s great to see that.” He jerked his chin to where Tori and Alexandria were still hugging.
Russ grinned at him. “I’m glad to hear you say that.”
