Page 29 of My One & Goalie
Xander’s jaw ticks. “I’m going to kick his ass.”
“Please don’t. That will only make things worse.”
“Yeah, for him. Because that bastard’s not going to be able to crack his knuckles after I’m done with him.”
“Xander!” I swat at his bare chest.
“I’m serious, Rachel. A man should never put his hands on a woman. Ever.”
“Please don’t do anything to make things worse for yourself. You have a lot to lose and I’m not worth it.”
Xander drops his lips to mine, kissing me long and soft and slow. “Shh. Of course you are. But I won’t beat him up. This time. If he puts one more scratch or bruise on this amazing body again, though, he’s cooked.”
I laugh, my chest lightening. “Fine. Deal.”
Running his thumb along my jawline, he tips my head up to meet his gaze. “I’m being serious, Rachel. I’m watching out for you now. You and Jett. All you have to do is say the word, and he’s toast.”
I press my mouth to his. “Thanks, Xander. I appreciate it.”
He nibbles on my bottom lip, sending a hot pulse straight to my core. “I’ve got you. Always.”
CHAPTER 12
XANDER
Ican’t remember the last time I spent the night—an entire night, not just a few hours—with a woman.
But when weak morning sunlight streams into the bedroom, Rachel’s still here beside me. Tucked up beneath my arm, curling into my body like an adorable little kitten.
I watch her sleep for a few minutes, the soft whisper of her breath tickling my bare chest. She’s beautiful, so relaxed and peaceful. Her lips are full and pink, and I’m torn between waking her up with a kiss or slipping out and letting her rest.
Her eyes flutter open, solving the problem for me.
“Hi.” She gazes up at me through thick lashes and warmth spreads through my torso.
“Good morning, sunshine. How’d you sleep?” I brush a lock of hair from her eyes and her face cracks into a wide smile.
“Wonderful. Best sleep I’ve had in a long time. How about you?”
“Fantastic. You hungry?”
She nods, her dark hair feathering over my chest. “Starved.”
“Okay. I’ll make us breakfast.”
Standing, I pull on my boxers and grab two T-shirts from my drawer, tossing one to her.
“Just in case. You’re welcome to dine in the buff, but thought you might be more comfortable in that.”
She blushes, sitting up and covering herself with the duvet.
“Thanks. You need help?”
“No. Relax and enjoy some downtime.”
She sinks back into the pillows and I head out to the kitchen.
Pulling eggs and cheese from the fridge, I set the ingredients on the counter before making coffee. I grab two mugs from the cabinet and power on the fancy espresso machine. Depressing the button, I wait as the machine whirs to life. The cup trembles and dark liquid drips into the white glass. As soon as the machine stops, I switch out the cups and hit the button for the second coffee.