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Tori tried to hide her smile as she clung to his hand. She hadn’t missed the way he slowed his stride for her. He was always doing things like that, and she loved it – it felt like not only did he pay attention to her – but he cared!
She knew that her family cared about her – they all loved her and looked out for her the best they could. But they tended to look out for her by telling her what they thought she should do. As much as she appreciated the intention, they didn’t think the same way that she did and so their suggestions didn’t really help.
Xander was different. He certainly didn’t think the same way that she did. He couldn’t be more different from her in the way he approached life. Perhaps it was because they were so different that he didn’t try to impose his solutions on her. Instead, he tried to make sure that she got what she needed – even when it meant putting himself out.
She forced herself to come back to the moment. There was no point getting lost in her head thinking about how amazing he was when he was right here with her in reality. The afternoon sun seeped into her skin, making her feel relaxed and … happy.
She looked up at him when he squeezed her hand. “You’re quiet. You okay?”
She nodded happily. “I am. As a matter of fact …” Was she really going to tell him? She was. He’d scared her earlier when she’d thought that he was about to announce that he was leaving. She might be scared about telling him, but she knew that she’d always regret it if he left town without knowing how she felt about him.
“As a matter of fact, I’m better than okay.” She tugged his hand and led him off the path toward a bench down by the bank, overlooking the water. “I was quiet because I was thinking how lucky I am. How lucky and how happy.”
When they reached the bench, she sat down. Xander didn’t sit beside her like she’d hoped. Instead, he put his foot up on the seat and rested his arms on his knee as he leant down toward her.
“Happy, huh?”
Her tummy flipped over as she looked up into his eyes. He was so incredibly sexy! He was wearing one of what she liked to think of as his spray-on T-shirts. That was how it looked. It clung to every contour of his shoulders, chest, and arms – and given how muscular he was, there were a lot of contours to cling to! She’d seen him wear them often enough – she’d been lucky enough to see him naked from the waist up on numerous occasions, too – that even though she couldn’t see his back right now, she knew all the well-defined muscles there as well.
His gray eyes seemed to sparkle as he looked down at her, waiting for her to explain. She’d felt so sure of herself a moment ago, but taking in just how gorgeous he was made her hesitate. She knew she wasn’t bad looking – but he was way out of her league. She swallowed, tempted to make something up – to tell him that she was happy about something else.
His smile faded. “It’s okay, you know, sprite. You can tell me anything.”
She gave him a puzzled look. What did he think she was about to say that would make him look so sad?
He lifted a shoulder. “Did you meet someone? Is that what’s making you so happy? Is that why you don’t want to tell me?”
She sat back in surprise. That was the last thing she’d expected him to say.
He blew out a sigh and sat down on the bench beside her. “You can tell me.” He nudged her with his elbow. “I can’t say you won’t break my heart, but I’ll still be happy for you, if you’re happy.”
She just stared at him, trying to puzzle out what he was saying. She’d break his heart if she’d met someone else? That couldn’t be right. He … She looked into his eyes, and it hit her. That was exactly what he was saying! Callie had tried to tell her dozens of times that he was into her. Willow had told her that she should just go for it. Xander himself had hinted at it often enough, but she’d always refused to believe it. Her heart started to pound. This was it – it was make or break time …
She sucked in a deep breath and blew it out slowly as she tried to find the right words.
He rested his hand on her thigh, and slick heat trickled through her veins. She closed her eyes. This was really happening! And she was not going to play dumb any more. She was well aware that it might not go anywhere, that she might be nothing more than a passing interest for him. But even if that were the case, she wanted to explore whatever little she could have.
When she opened her eyes again, she met his gaze and held it. “I have met someone. He’s the reason I’m happy.”
That little pulse started to tick in his temple again, and she was awed that she could do that to him. His hand tightened on her thigh before he pulled back and nodded.
“How’d you meet him?”
“I’ve known him for years.”
“In Nashville?”
She gave him a half smile. “No. I met him right here.”
His brows drew together. “Do I know him?”
“Better than anyone.”
His scowl grew deeper as he obviously tried to puzzle it out. “One of the pilots?”
His expression was a cross between misery and anger. She hadn’t meant to upset him. She’d wanted to try to tell him lightly, but nothing about this felt light or fun.
“It’s you! Don’t look so mad, or sad or whatever that expression on your face means. And please don’t be embarrassed or feel bad if you don’t feel the same way. But Xander, I’m happy because I’m here with you.”
