Page 64 of Lassoed Love

The passing hours slip away unnoticed, lost in the laughter and playful banter. Bradley’s keen eyes notice the shifting sky. He redirects our attention to the impending grey clouds. Harrison dismisses the potential rain confidently, claiming, “Nah, it’s probably just a passing cloud. I doubt it’ll actually rain.”

However, the rapid formation of angry clouds defies his assurance, and just as he utters his scepticism, thunder crackles, accompanied by a light drizzle.

“Thanks, dickwad. You jinxed us,” Michael snorts, delivering aplayful smack to his brother's head.

Xavier, slipping into protective mode, declares, “Alright, guys, fun’s over. Let’s go inside.”

Olivia protests with a grumble, “You’re such a party pooper.”

Xavier retorts sternly, “Hey, you know better than to swim during a thunderstorm. Out. Now!” he commands. Always so gruff.

Olivia playfully salutes. “Yes, Dad!” She rolls her eyes as she exits the pool, and I follow suit. Amidst this exchange, thoughts bloom in my mind about Xavier as a father. The notion elicits a wave of warmth coursing through my core. He would make a sexy daddy—my thoughts flirting with a provocative idea.

Chastising myself to hush the wandering thoughts—my body and mind seem to operate on different wavelengths,clearly.

We retreat inside, the laughter and merriment echoing in the air now confined by walls. The distant rumble of thunder crescendos, and the rain intensifies, a staccato rhythm against the windows.

Just as the tempest outside gains strength, Xavier’s mother bursts through the front door, her arms laden with bags of groceries. Without missing a beat, Xavier steps up to liberate her from the grocery load.

“Thanks, love,” she breathes, glancing around the room. Her eyes widen with surprise as she spots our gathered group on the lounge.

“Oh my, hello, everyone.” We say hi back in unison. “This bloody damn rain. What a shit-show. Some ol’ townies reckon it’ll be our worst one yet.”

My heart drops at the realisation. How will we get home? Imogen, sensing my unspoken concerns, addresses me directly. “We should get going then, Isla.”

Before we can make a move, Xavier’s mother dismisses the idea with a firm declaration.

“Oh, nonsense. No way! There is no way you girls are going to drive out in that storm. They’ve closed off most roads. Started floodin’ already.” The situation is clear—we’re stuck here.

An undercurrent of panic begins to seep in as the realisation hits—we can’t stay here, imposing on Xavier’s family. Questions about where everyone will sleep echo in my mind.

Xavier echoes his mother’s declaration. “She’s right, no one is driving anywhere.”

Michael groans and Harrison nudges him. “Ouch, you fuck,” he exclaims.

“Manners, idiot. Don’t act like you don’t want to cuddle me tonight.” He wiggles his eyebrows and Imogen, Olivia, and I just chuckle.

“Piss off, wanker,” Michael retorts.

“Don’t be so worried, dears. You can all crash here.”

Bradley reassures, but scepticism lingers as he questions the available space. “Here? Do we even have the room?”

“Yes, Bradley, in fact, we do. We have the pullout lounge here anddownstairs,” Xavier’s Mum responds, shooting him a look.

“Sure thing, Ma,” he says, busying himself with his phone.

Imogen turns to me then, concern etched on her face. “We can’t stay here, Isla. I feel bad.”

I whisper back, “I know, so do I,” shooting her a sympathetic look. At that moment, I raise my eyes to Xavier, who’s undoubtedly watching me. He nods slowly, silently acknowledging my inner turmoil and questioning.

Trying to soothe Imogen’s nerves, I whisper, “It’s okay. It’s just one night. We’ll leave in the morning.” I’m trying to calm her, but in truth, I’m also trying to reassure myself. The thought of spending the night at Xavier’s is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It’s a step into the unknown, and while a part of me is excited about the possibility, another part is anxious about what it might mean for us.

She nods, and adds a playful remark, “You know, this is perfect timing for you. What are the bloody chances.” She nudges me with her shoulder. “Maybe you’ll finally get to shack up and ride the cowboy?” Oh, if only she knew.

I plan to tell her—I just... want to savour this fleeting moment I've found with Xavier a little longer. I'm not sure what it means yet. “Shhhh,” I admonish, and she giggles.

Xavier observes our exchange from the kitchen, raising an eyebrow in silent inquiry. I respond with a subtle shake of my head, feeling my cheeks warm with a blush.