Can’t Fight Love

Chapter 9

x: Do you have a swimsuit?

I stared at the message. Of course I didn't have one on me, and I sat there contemplating how to tell him that even if I did, I would NEVER go into a lake. Lakes are disgusting. I have surfed my whole life, put me in an ocean and I will never leave. Lake weed was NOT my thing.

Before I had a chance to respond, my phone buzzed again. 

x:the jacuzzi works if you're naked as well

I smiled devilishly as I wiped the bar down. There were only two old timers left, and they were finishing up. 

I feel excitement grow as I think, the moonlight, the jacuzzi, adult beverages....

"Good night Victoria," One of the guys yells, snapping me back to reality.

Finally. 

"Be safe guys," I call back, I am crawling out of my skin to get out of there!

I can't help it. I am so f*****g excited. I close up everything. Tonight was going to be amazing. I didn't have work in the morning, so I knew I was drinking tonight. The feeling I get when I am there, with him. It's warm, and I feel safe. It's as if all my chaos melts away with his smile. 

I turn into his stupid driveway, but I was relieved that it was still light out. I am in awe again of the beautiful flowers that are tucked away in every corner of the yard. Every color lily, giant petals, tall and proud, bowing in the gentle breeze as if to greet me, and this place is definitely magical. 

Bogey is barking, followed by Xavier's deep voice, "Cut it out Boges," a chuckle, "come in, the door's open."

I don't even realize how big the smile on my face is. I find Xavier in the kitchen pouring drinks. The kitchen is handsome, simple but just right. The cabinets are a deep brown and tan granite tops. The appliances are stainless steel and a beautiful gas range stove and oven was up against a wall with some kind of pressed metal on the wall as some sort of back splash. There was not one hint of femininity, but it was just right. Soft music is playing in the background, and I recognize it. An old Ray Charles tune. 

"You know," He begins and I watch him now walking around the island, "did I tell you," and now his hands are around my waist, his breath is warm on my face and his twinkling green eyes are pouring into my soul, "how beautiful you look today?" 

"Wow," I replied with a smile, "You really do have a silver tongue!" I joke and he laughs a good belly laugh.

"You loved this silver tongue last night," and he brings his mouth to my neck. Xavier begins to kiss as his hands slide under my dress and up my thighs.

"I never said your silver tongue was a bad thing," I try to steady my voice and breath. He is all over me, his massive hands find the small of my back, then slide under my thong and he grabs my ass cheeks and lifts me up. I wrap my legs around him and he pulls his face from my neck, then kisses me.

Oh, does he kiss me. The passion, the heat, the desire and hunger, it's impossible to ignore. Our tongues press and he is peace. Xavier places me on the island, and I pull away. I look at him, his face and I pause.

This is crazy.

A knock at the door brought me right back to reality and my stomach dropped. No one is supposed to know I am here. Xavier could feel my body tense.

"Relax," He chucked and left me sitting on the counter, "I wasn't sure if you had eaten, so I ordered pizza and salad."

That, alone, could make any woman fall in love.

Fuck. 

"Do you like buffalo chicken?"

Fuckkkkkk. 

"As long as you got ranch," I am trying not to drool. "I f*****g hate bleu cheese," I had a basket of fries today before lunch and that was it. I didn't realize how hungry I was until he said pizza. 

"I got both," Xavier smiles so f*****g proud of himself. 

We sat and ate at the kitchen island. He asked about the rest of my day and I told him how uneventful it was.

"What are your plans tomorrow?" Xavier asked between bites.

"Lunch with my best friend and then working the cigar lounge tomorrow night." it was so easy. Yeah, the questions were basic, but answering, I didn't feel guarded. You learn real quick not to give too much information out. I met a guy recently who showed up at the cigar bar and and started calling me names. 

But talking to Xavier, it was like talking to Anna. That kinda freaked me out.

"Which cigar bar?" 

"It's about 30 minutes north in the city," I reply hastily, watching him, but Xavier continues to eat, and it looks like he is thinking. 

"But you live 30 minutes south of here.." he says inquisitively. This is the second time he has mentioned where I live. 

"Yes.." I continue, "and?"

"I'm in the middle." he smiles and finally looks up at me. He finishes his drink, and looks at me. I am not 100% sure where he's going with this conversation, and I am not sure if I am comfortable with it. 

I look at our plates, both empty, perfect for an escape. I grab all the dishes, since I am a server, my skills are impressive, and bring them to the sink. I turn the water on and begin to wash dishes. Xavier comes up from behind me, running his hands over my waist and around my stomach, wrapping me in his warmth. He buries his face into my neck and breathes, "If you're ever too tired to drive home, and want to stop here," he's speaking in between kisses and I feel my knees get weak as a gentle sway washes over. The song playing is in french, and its smooth, and the drink is washing over me. 

"You know," I clear my throat, and turn my body. Xavier places a hand on each side of me. He is so magnificent. His light green eyes, tanned skin, dark black hair with the white peppered in on the sides and some on the top, he was stunning. the muscles pushed against the white shirt he was wearing. It took everything in me to hold myself back, "That might not be a bad idea." I smirk casually. "get some good D, get some rest and get to work."

Xavier instantly moved one hand behind my head and the other to my hip and pulled me in for a deep kiss. It was short, but it took my breath away.

He pulled away and had a big smile suddenly. "I got you something," he chuckled and turned away. Xavier walked into the back of the house and came out with a Target shopping bag and handed it to me.

I pulled out a long, white, terry-cloth bathrobe. I tilt my head a bit slightly confused. 

"It's for walking back and forth to the jacuzzi." Xavier's smile was so big. He really does get so proud of himself, like a little kid looking to please someone. 

This little gesture made me so happy. "Thank you," I smile at him, "that was really thoughtful."

And for a moment, I think he feels the same way I do. It's not common to sense genuine gratitude, or at least, we haven't gotten that. My marriage didn't work for a number or reasons, one being the lack of empathy from my ex. He just didn't care. About anything. There was not one thought that went in to my well being. I worked hard and took care of him, our daughters and the house, but nothing was ever done right. or fast enough. 

Xavier was eight years older than me, and I wondered what kind of heartbreak he had experience. Immediately, I want to make him forget all his pain. 

"Everything is set up outside," he smiles and I am brought back, "I bought a pre-rolled blunt from the dispensary after I left the course today," he continued. I really think he was trying hard to make me fall in love.

"What is your deal?" I ask suspiciously. I walk and place the robe on the island. I begin to undress, starting with my sneakers.

Xavier is watching me, distracted by my actions, "I, uh," he stammers for a second, then he regains control, "nothing. I like to have a good time. That's it."

I peel my socks off, "well, I want to make it clear," I begin, and I make eye contact with him as I stuff my socks into the sneakers, "I am not looking for anything serious," I grab the hem of my dress, Xavier's eyes light up with excitement,  "after being married for eight years," and I lift the dress over my head and setting it to the side. I look at Xavier and his eyes are wide with hunger. I'm standing in his kitchen in a black and peach lace thong and matching bralette and I realize this was probably not the best time to try and have a serious conversation, "are you listening?"

Xavier over exaggerated a head nod, "Yes" he replied, "but you really don't have to worry about me," he smiled wide, "you don't get to be my age and have my life style by falling in love," he walked close to me. I was under his spell. His words we warm, his lips, inviting me with every words. "Now," he held my gaze as his hands met my skin and gave me chills, his fingers found their way under my bralette, "let's get the rest of this off," he slides it up over my head with one motion, "I have a nice setup outside."

"A nice setup?" I was intrigued, I slid my panties to my ankles.

Xavier grabbed the robe from the island and wrapped it around me, "mmmhmm" her replied and his deep hum washed over me.

Xavier turned and went to the back of the house, only to return with a similar robe. He took my hand and lead me through the sliding doors into the night.