Page 22 of Wicked Lies Grow Wildflowers

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

MAEREN

My phone rings and jars me from the trance I’ve been in for the past two hours.

Netflix has put a new season of my favorite period piece out so I rushed right home after work to binge it.

The caller ID flashes with Xander’s name and I smile, suddenly feeling like a giddy teenager dealing with her first reciprocated crush.

“Hey!” I chirp, my voice cracking a little in my excitement.

“Hello, Maeren.” I silently huff out a breath at the sound of Xander’s voice. It’s something I’ll never get used to hearing. “I’m out at White Rabbit right now, care to join me tonight?”

Oh my God oh my God Oh my God! I am internally screaming right now.

Shit , I have to work tomorrow and it’s already nine-thirty and nearly my bedtime.

Feeling a little defeated I let out a sigh, “I would love to but it’s already late and I have work tomorrow.

I’m sorry.” I am so lame but I really need to sleep. I do not function well when I’m tired.

After a brief pause, he answers, “No problem, I can come over instead.”

I gnaw on my lip considering that. It would be nice to see him again, but I don’t know if it’s a good night for it.

I’m tired and my warm bed is calling my name.

Then again, you only live once, and I’ve never had such an addicting situationship before.

After going back and forth with myself for a minute, I relent.

“You know what—I will meet you at the club, but I’m leaving by eleven-thirty. ”

Xander’s husky voice comes out pleased, “Perfect, I’ll see you soon. Let me know when you’re here.”

After we hang up, I run to my room and throw on jeans and a dressy sweater with a deep V neck, thanking the heavens that I hadn’t already washed my makeup off after work.

I lock up and rush out the door, driving a little over the speed limit the whole way over.

Once I arrive and text Xander, I wade through the crowd of people, spotting him at the bar.

Placing my hand between his broad shoulders, he doesn't so much as flinch, smoothly turning with a drink in hand.

Clasping the cold copper cup, I take a sip and taste the mule.

"Thank you," I say, a small smile gracing my lips before taking another sip.

God, this is good. How'd he know mules are my favorite?

"You didn't poison this, did you?" I jest, with only the slightest hint of true concern. What can I say? A brain powered by true crime documentaries can never fully relax, especially when there’s apparently a mass murderer on the loose.

“No, Maeren,” he replies with a smile. “I want you alive and well because while the things I want to do to you are far from noble, I’d never hurt you.”

I flush at that, my whole body running hot. I don’t really know how to participate in this kind of flirtatious banter. Looking up at him through my lashes, I take another sip to hide my smile. I really went out without Sage and I’m having a great time. Who am I?

“Are you sure ? There’s apparently a mass murderer on the loose. What if you’re him?” I raise an eyebrow.

Xander’s jaw flexes. “I can assure you, the only time I’m ever going to lay a hand on you is when I’m wringing pleasure out of your body. You should be careful when you’re out alone, though, because I’ll remove the hands of anyone who tries to touch you.”

My cheeks heat and I avert my eyes from his heavy stare. I should probably be alarmed by his possessiveness, but all I feel is safety.

The night flies by in a series of laughs and flirtatious conversation and before I know it, the alcohol is making it hard for me to control myself.

All I want to do is reach for him and I’m trying so hard to not come off as desperate.

A very difficult feat considering the booze is distorting all of my actions and thoughts.

Alcohol has a way of reverting me to a lizard brain, and the smell of Xander and the way he leans into my space and stares at me isn’t helping.

Neither is the feel of his knee resting against my thigh as we sit at the bar.

I turn my drinks to water and soon enough it’s time for me to head home—well, past it, really.

Ever the gentleman, Xander offers to walk me to my car.

My hand brushes his as we walk side by side, and he grabs it.

I feel so giddy about this simple touch even though we’ve done far more.

Somehow this feels more intimate, more serious.

When we get to my car and I turn to open the door, I’m spun around, Xander’s face hovering just a breath away from mine.

I tilt my chin up to meet his lips and delve into a hungry kiss, not wanting to go home because I don’t want to leave him.

I fist his shirt and cling to him, swept up in the heat of it all before finally pulling away.

Breathless, I steady myself and run a hand through my hair. “Goodnight, Xander.”

He assesses me and cocks an eyebrow. “You’re clearly in no position to drive yourself. I’ll take you home.” He swipes my keys from my hand and spins on his heel, presumably heading to his car.

“I’m fine ,” I try to argue, and I do feel fine, aside from being utterly exhausted.

“Yeah, I may have believed that a drink ago, but not now. Let’s go,” he orders me.

I hoist my purse higher up on my shoulder and quicken my pace to catch up with him. Strolling side by side across the parking lot, he grabs my hand again and I lean into his side, soaking in his warmth.

When Xander drops me off at my house, he hands my keys back and kisses me goodnight, promising to take me back to my car before work tomorrow, which was sweet and saves me a twenty-dollar Uber ride.

When I shuck off my clothes and crawl into bed, I fall asleep with a smile on my face, realizing that for once in my life I have someone who not only wants me safe, but makes me feel safe as well.