Page 26 of Rear View

Xavier cut us across the campus athletic fields, then aimed for College Street. Hanging a right, he rode the ditch alongside it. The snow deepened and he shifted his weight to counter the drops and rolls of the path he broke. I followed, legs burning as I helped as best I could.

The cold seeped through my coat, and my arms ached from my hold on him, but I didn’t care. Xavier was there, and that was all that mattered.

I didn’t know how much time had passed, but before long, he pulled us up to my apartment. I sat there for several long seconds, trying to steady myself before I climbed free.

Removing my helmet, I inhaled, slow and steady, when I reached for his hand and tugged. “Come in.”

He flipped his visor up. “You sure?”

So damn sure. “I am.”

His helmet dipped in a single nod before he pulled it off. I passed him mine, and he shut down the machine, then followed.

I entered my security code, and we crossed into the entryway, the rustle of us stripping our jackets and gear off filling the void as we climbed to the second level. I let us into my apartment, and exhaled as I hung our things off the hooks along the wall.

Xavier’s hair was a sexy, tousled mess. His dark gray hoodie fit him well where it framed his shoulders. He peered around, taking in the kitchen and living room before he set a hip against the counter.

I combed my fingers through my own rat’s nest. “Thank you for coming.”

“Wasn’t about to leave you stranded,” he said, his tone rough. Heated. “If I say I’m coming, I’m coming.” He dropped his stare to my mouth, then tracked it back up.

He really was everything. I’d never felt for anyone the way I felt for him— with him. Butterflies flitted around my chest, their delicate wings teasing my heart. My tongue traced a slow line along the inside of my bottom lip. “Your race looked great this weekend.”

“Saw that, did ya?”

I gave a soft nod.

“The pacing’s a shit ton faster than we’re used to, and we made a few mistakes, but we’ll get it next time.”

“You were one second off the leader, Xavier. You did amazing!” I was still learning the sport, but the announcers were pretty hyped about his and Alec’s debut, so I took that as a great sign. My face heated. “Can I get you something to drink?”

He shook his head. “Storm’s expected to get worse. I shouldn’t stay long.”

My stomach dropped at the idea of him going back out there alone. After everything that’d happened, I was unequivocally not ready to say goodbye. I advanced toward him a step. “Don’t go. Not yet. Please.”

His mouth pulled to one side before he ticked his chin my way. “Answer me something, yeah?”

I swallowed around the dryness in my throat. “Yeah.”

Hand held loose, he gestured between us. “What is this, darlin’?”

My skin grew sensitive, my breaths quickening as I asked, “What do you want it to be?”

His mouth arced higher. “You first, dream girl.”

Dream girl. God, he was too good to be real. A fiery blush seared my skin while my heart pulsed in my ears. I trailed a finger along my collarbone as I drew on every ounce of courage I had. “What would you say if I told you I wanted more?” I pulled my lip through my teeth. “Wanted you?”

He glanced down and a full smile stole across his expression, one that reached his eyes and transformed his face.

He kicked off the counter, his stride easy and measured as he closed in.

Those warm, capable hands gripped my hips before he tugged me to him, lining the soft curves of my body to the hard planes of his. “I’d say it’s about time.”

A silken laugh slipped from me as my fingers burrowed into his hoodie. He slid his hold to my waist and I angled my gaze to his while a wanton heat pooled between my thighs. His hungry eyes bore into mine before he canted closer, sealing the distance between us.

His mouth found mine and my lips parted against him.

An eager sound escaped me as his tongue dived inside, tasting my own.

And, oh, that tongue. He groaned, a starved man slaking his thirst when he advanced, driving me back until I was pressed against the wall.

His hands raked up my spine before they knotted in my hair.

I fell into him, wanting those hands anywhere.

Everywhere. I never wanted them to stop.

He pulled back, his chest heaving while his fingers flexed against me. “I get to keep you, darlin’?”

I nuzzled my face into the corner of his jaw. “If you want me.”

A warm laugh rasped from the depths of his throat. “You have no idea.”

My mouth grazed his flesh as I tugged his shirt. “I don’t know what I’m ready for yet, Xavier. I just know I want you.”

His chest inflated as his calloused knuckle tipped my chin up and he set his forehead to mine. “We move at your pace. Only when you’re ready.”

A door popped open down the hall, and I jolted.

“Ry?” Zoya called, voice groggy, as if she’d just woken up. She stuck her head out. “Is that you—” She froze, eyes flying wide. “Holy shitballs!”

I’d forgotten she’d be home. How had I forgotten she’d be home? I stifled my laugh as the burn of a blush seared my cheeks. “Hey, Z.”

“I’ll, ugh.” She grinned. “I’ll leave you to it.” She ducked back inside, her door closing with a snap.

I snickered and found Xavier. “She’ll demand a full report in the morning.”

He laughed. “Hope it’s a good one, then.”

My smile was wide. “It will be.” Threading my fin gers through his, my heart took an easy beat. Had I ever felt that way? Just…content?

His thumb tracked a slow line along my brow, then down my temple, to my jaw. He swallowed hard. “You’re so goddamn beautiful.”

Liquid heat pooled at the apex of my thighs. I shimmied onto my toes and he bracketed my waist with his arm, then drew me flush to his chest. My breasts pressed against him as I angled my face to his. He shifted, his lips grazing mine once and twice.

My mouth found his, the kiss gentle. His tongue trailed a languid line over my own. I pressed tighter, fingers curling my hands around his collar. I tugged him closer, wanting more. Wanting everythi—

He drew back. “ Easy , Ry,” he said, his tone light.

I winced. “Sorry.”

“Nah. No apologies. I’m just tryin’ to keep myself in check.”

Wasn’t sure that’s what I wanted, but it was probably best. Diving in too fast was never a good idea, especially for me.

His eyes moved between mine. “I’ve gotta head to Emerald Cove tomorrow for another race weekend.”

I frowned. “Oh.”

“Not gonna lie, darlin’.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “I’m livin’ for that pout in your voice right now.”

I laughed, the sound high and feminine and entirely proud. “How long are you gone?”

“Till Sunday night.” He brushed several strands of hair back from my face, his calloused touch grazing my shoulder.

“Okay,” I uttered, my throat going scratchy when I tucked my head into the hollow of his neck. The thought of him leaving gouged a cavern into the depths of my chest. But for the moment, he was there, with me. And I’d take every second I could get.