Off Limits

Chapter II.

He approaches the subject slowly, and even though I'm going to miss him, I don’t appreciate that he's found me a babysitter.  I can’t understand why now of all times he doesn’t want me to be alone. He didn’t do this when I was twelve and he had to go across the country, or when I was fifteen and he went to Europe for eight months, or just last year when he was in Asia for eleven months.  It's completely futile now that I'm eighteen and can legally make my own decisions.  

My father clears his throat.  “Are you upset with me?” he asks, genuinely concerned for my answer.  

For once the answer was no.  “No,” I snap. It makes sense to be upset but there really isn’t a point.  My dad would be gone by the end of the day, for who knows how long, and I don’t want to spend the last time I have with him pouting like a baby.  

“Good! I don’t know what I would do if I left on bad terms.  Speaking of leaving, before I go we’re going to dinner with your new housemate.  In fact, I need to leave for the airpor--,” he exclaims as the doorbell rings.  

“I’ll get it!” I say bouncing out of my chair, my leggings adjusting with the movement of my toned legs.  “I asked Delilah to come over so we could prepare some things for our Homecoming committee meeting on Monday,” I shout as I make my way over to the front door.  

Quickly unlocking the chain I throw the door open, “Girl, I should just get you a key with how much you come ov-- Oh, um, hi,” I stammer, realizing that the tall, muscular figure at my door is definitely not my 5’4” best friend.  

His dark, satin eyes immediately adjust to my height, or lack thereof, and keep wandering.  He's clearly checking me out, or maybe just observing my ratty appearance-- a messy, nowhere close to a cute, bun, an old oversized United States Marine Corps pullover, and my favorite pair of lululemon black leggings-- but I don’t mind his eyes' journey as I do with other guys.  Under his gaze, I don't feel uncomfortable, but instead, empowered. I rake my stare over his broad shoulders, warm honey-toned skin, t-shirt straining against his chest and biceps, as well as his intimidatingly chiseled features.  The man standing before me is s*x on a stick, physically appealing in every kind of way. I would love for him to have his way with m--.  

And as quickly as the thought enters my mind it leaves as my brain comprehends my father's words from the other room.  “Who’s at the door? Is it Delilah?” he asks as he makes his way to my side.  

“Xander!  You’re here already?!  I thought your plane wasn’t supposed to land for another hour,” my dad exclaims with the highest level of enthusiasm I’ve ever seen him exhibit.  

“Hey, Michael!  Yeah, I actually booked an earlier flight, figured I’d surprise you.  Surprise, man!” the man in my doorway, Xander, says as his face makes way for the most charming and genuine smile I've ever seen.  His eyes light up as he and my father exchange a firm, fond embrace.  I swear his teeth are blinding me with how white they are, and stupid me can't look away.  

“Of course I’m surprised, this is amazing,” my dad glances at me as if he forgot I was standing beside him this entire time.  “Oh, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Grace! Gracie, this is Alexander Hayes he’s going to be staying with you while I'm gone.”