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I arched an eyebrow in my mother’s direction before I reached for my own glass of wine. The table fell silent. Awkward.

I glanced at the clock on the wall and it was only showing 6:30. Great, I still had ages. I cut my steak and stabbed a small piece before bringing it to my mouth. If I wanted to, I could really add sex appeal here. I could slowly drag the piece of meat from the fork. But I didn’t want to play any games with him, so I just bit it off quickly and swallowed.

My phone buzzed in my purse. Reaching for it, muttering, “I’m so sorry,” I faked a large smile as I pulled it out. Glancing at the caller ID, I frowned. Why would he be calling me? “Sorry I have to take this.” I slid my finger across the phone and answered it while getting up from my seat.

“Hey, Chloe.” Dan’s voice was fluent on the other end with happiness.

“Hey. What are you calling for?” I smiled slightly as I walked into the foyer. I knew they could still hear me though.

“I was just wondering, my family are planning this trip away in a couple weeks. They said you could come too, if you wanted. So, you interested?”

I frowned slightly. “Is that a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” I heard Dan’s surprise.

“Because you aren’t my mate.”

I covered my mouth as soon as I said it. I hoped Emily hadn’t heard that. Though she would think I used it as a friendly term. Not meaning a forever soul mate.

Dan let out a sharp sigh. “I don’t have a mate.”

“Just because you haven’t met her doesn’t mean you don’t have one.”

“Will you come with me?” Dan dropped the subject, skipping right back to his invitation.

“I will have to ask my parents.”

“Well, ask them,” Dan encouraged, and I smiled slightly.

“I’m at dinner with them and guests. After it’s over I will ask them,” I said with a smile. Getting away from here meant getting away from Xavier. Space meant separation. This could be a good thing.

“Actually, erase that. I will come,” I added quickly.

“Really?” Dan’s voice got higher, as his excitement bubbled over.

“Really.” I smiled back. “I’ll talk to you when I see you. I’ve got to get back to the supper.”

“This is going to be awesome, Chloe. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dan’s voice burst with pure excitement. I hung up the phone and walked back into the dining room, still with a grin on my face.

“Important phone call?” Chad asked as I took my seat. Nodding my head, I knew they had heard every word I had said. So I knew I had questions to answer from my parents, but that would be later.

“Well, let’s get started on desert then.” Emily beamed while getting up from her seat, but I stopped her.

“I can get it.” I smiled. I really didn’t want to keep having this argument of expressions with her.

“Oh thanks, Chloe. Just bring the tray in with the plates and the apple pie is on the bench.”

I nodded my head as I walked in the direction of where I thought the kitchen was. Sure enough, I walked into a fancy kitchen. Spotting the tray, I walked towards it.

I snapped my head around as I felt Xavier walk into the room. His eyes were narrowed and held no expression. He moved towards me so fast that I couldn’t dart away. Before I knew it, I was crushed against the fridge. His breathing was heavy as he held me against it.

I gulped, trying to ignore the pleasure I was getting from his touch. “What are you doing?”

His head drove forward and claimed my lips. My body felt on fire as his hand clenched my hip, pushing his body against mine, pinning me to the fridge.

My back arched, pushing my chest into his body. I cupped his face with both hands, passion ripping through my body, taking control. I ran my upper lip across his bottom lip. A low growl left his mouth.

His other hand ran down my arched back and stopped under the hem of my dress. With one hand, he lifted my body to his, pulling me from the fridge. He walked across the room, carrying my weight against him, placing me on the edge of the bench. I was now eye level with him.