Love's Fun

by Karen Deen

  “You like the look of Kane’s beast?” he says to me while grabbing my bag from the back seat.

  “It looks like it would go really fast. Not my cup of tea. I bet he loves it, though. I’m just too scared to get on anything like that. I’m not good with riding things.” I hear a deep groan from behind me.

  “Bet I can change that,” I hear him mumble and then he takes my hand, pulling me towards the elevators that are to the right of the cars.

  The trip up to his apartment is a silent one. I’m not sure what it is about elevators, but we always seem to have something happen before we enter them that makes the air so sexually charged inside, neither of us are game to move or speak for fear of what might happen. Xavier, because he wouldn’t want to push me somewhere I’m not ready for, and me, because I’m not sure I would know when to stop. Being out of control is definitely a problem for me. I don’t know how to cope with that one yet. I’m mastering the power of speech but the nervousness of being out of the comfort zone is still an issue. Like now, when we are about to reach Xavier’s floor and enter his apartment. I just need to keep breathing and remember what he told me.

  No pressure.

  All at my pace.

  But what if I want the pace to change? I just don’t know how to do that.

  Standing outside the door, I can hear loud music pumping from the apartment.

  “Shit, I forgot to tell Kane. Sorry, Ally.”

  “Tell him what?” I’m totally confused.

  “He has a key so he can use my gym. The music tells me that he is training in there.”

  “That’s okay. Let him finish. We can wait to do dinner.” I walk through the door he’s holding open for me with the noise of the music thumping. I’m sure the neighbors must love these guys. It’s not music I would play, but I can understand why they train to it. The heavy bass and beat keep you working hard. A big contrast to the music I choose to listen to while I’m reading, which is my go-to for relaxation. A bit of a contrast to the boys’ form of relaxation. Although at times I can still get hot and sweaty reading.

  Dropping my bag near the door, he leads me into the apartment. It’s just like I imagined it to be. All wood, steel, and that industrial look a man would love. Such the opposite to my apartment which is all things feminine. We walk through the lounge-dining area that is open-plan with a huge kitchen full of stainless-steel appliances. A kitchen that is certainly suited to someone who loves to cook. Heading down a hallway, we pass a few doors that look like they are bedrooms, the music getting louder as we get closer to the next door. I hang back a little as Xavier opens the door and walks straight in. Not sure why but I’m hesitant to enter. Kane won’t be expecting me. No words are spoken until the music goes quiet.

  “What the fuck, dickwad? Get changed and get your ass in here. Now put the music back on.” Kane yells at him at a volume that would have been loud enough to get over the music except it’s already off.

  “Hello to you too, grumble ass. Not training today. Ally is here and I’m cooking dinner.” I figure now is the appropriate time to enter the room.

  “Hi, Kane.” I look at him sitting on a weight bench all sweaty in running shorts and no shirt. Immediately I look down. He is one fine-looking specimen. Not as hot as Xavier but still, he makes me blush being half-undressed.

  “Shit, sorry.” He jumps up and grabs his towel and thumps Xavier in the arm. “You could’ve given me the heads up. How are you, Alesha?” I need to look up to his face and by-pass his chest. Thankfully as I raise my head, he is holding his towel up over his chest as he wipes the sweat off his face.

  “I’m good, thanks. How about you? Did you have a good day at work?” The look on his face changes to one of turmoil.

  “Some days are better than others in my job. Today was hard but not as bad as it could have been. So, this is a bit cute. Dinner with the big boy here, you must be important.” I can tell he’s changing the subject. I need to ask Xavier later a bit more about what sort of cases he deals with. One thing I just learned was not to ask about work.

  “Very important, so be nice, man.” Xavier reaches for me and pulls me into his side. I think part of it is to relax me and the other is to make his claim in front of Kane. Even though they are best mates, he is making sure Kane knows his place with me. I kind of like this caveman side of Xavier that he has going on.

  “You poor woman. Do you realize what you’re in for? This guy is hard work. Although he can cook a mean meal and thinks he looks sexy, I’m not sure what else he has going for him. I mean, he’s not as strong or as big as me, but I suppose he’ll do.” He is now grinning at the frustration he is seeing rise in Xavier. I have this need inside to defend my man which comes as a shock, but I try anyway.

  “Maybe he has the bigger size where it matters,” I say, trying my hardest to keep a straight face as well as not blushing. The look of shock on Xavier’s face which pretty quickly turns into a cocky smile pleases me. I think I did okay.

  “Wow, I think you and I are going to get on just fine, Alesha. I won’t disillusion you about that size thing, though. I don’t want to embarrass the little boy in the room.” By now I’m laughing at Kane. He is easier to talk to than I imagined. Maybe because he has seen me at my most vulnerable so I can’t get any worse than that.

  “You know I’m taking your key off you and never letting you near Ally again, don’t you? You are such a pain in my ass.” You can tell Xavier is half-joking and half-serious. Leading me back out to the living room, I can hear Kane still in there chuckling away as he is cleaning up and packing up the gym.

  “Not anymore, mate. You have a girlfriend who can be more annoying than me, I’m sure. That’s their job,” he yells out to us from the gym.

  “Hey, that’s not true,” I shout back. “But we can be annoying to the mates of our boyfriends, really easily.”

  Xavier picks me up and twirls me around in the air.

  “You, beautiful, surprise me every time we are together. I didn’t think you could get any hotter than you already are. Standing up for me even in fun is pretty damn sexy.” He plants a kiss on my lips and then places me back down. I feel all floaty from the spinning and his words.

  Kane joins us in the living room. “I was going to hit you up for dinner, but from what I can see, three will definitely be a crowd in this apartment tonight. No matter how good the food will be, I think takeaway pizza is a better option for me. Nice to see you, Alesha. I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more of you with this ugly mug. One thing before I go… I hear you have a sister who is hot and lively. I think it would be a really good idea for us all to go out together. Reckon you can organize that for me? Your little boy here isn’t keen for me to embarrass him in front of his friends.” Kane leans forward and rubs Xavier’s hair on the top of his head to make it messy.

  “Fuck off, Kane. You couldn’t handle Lilly. She would have you begging on your knees for her attention and I, for one, would be cheering her on.” Xavier rolls his eyes at his cocky friend as he replies.

  “That sounds like a challenge if ever I’ve heard one. What do you say, Alesha? Can you do me a favor and make it happen?”

  “Lilly will eat you alive but sure, I’ll see what I can do.” I can’t help but laugh as I answer him.

  “Sweet, let me know when and I’ll be there. Now, I’ll leave you two love birds to it. Be good, play safe and if you can’t do any of that, enjoy it anyway.” Feeling my cheeks heating up, Kane starts moving towards the door with a deep chuckle to himself.

  “You’re an ass, now piss off. See you tomorrow.” Xavier slaps his shoulder as Kane heads out the door still laughing to himself.

  With the door closed, Xavier slowly turns and walks back towards me, wrapping me in a cuddle that is full of softness.

  “I’m sorry if he embarrassed you. He really is the best guy you will ever meet, he just has a wicked sense of humor, well, so he thinks anyway. It is a coping mechanism for him to deal with his job, I’ve worked out.
I couldn’t do what he does on a daily basis. Anyway, enough about that guy. Let’s get some dinner underway. I don’t know about you but I’m starving.”

  “I am a little peckish. What’s on the menu, master chef, and what can I do to help?”

  “Dinner is chicken breast stuffed with spinach, feta and sundried tomatoes accompanied by steamed vegetables. Dessert is a surprise so you will have to wait for that one. I hope that sounds okay?”

  “More than okay. My mouth is salivating. What do you want me to do?”

  “Nothing, gorgeous. What you are going to do is take a soak in the bath I’m going to run you with a nice glass of champagne. By the time you have had a relaxing lay in the bubbles, I should nearly have dinner ready to be served. Come this way and let me show you the cool deep bath that I have. I know it sounds girlie, but I love to soak in bath salts after a long day full of hard training sessions. It really helps to relax the muscles. For you, though, it will be just about relaxing. How does that sound?” By this stage we are standing in his large bathroom, with a huge bathtub sitting to one side and the shower at the other end of the room. He wasn’t kidding when he said it was deep. I can’t remember the last time I soaked in a bath.

  “I can’t let you do all the work for dinner. Maybe I can do this another time.”

  “Not a chance.” Xavier is quite forceful in his voice. “Let me take care of you. I want to treat you to a bit of pampering. Now, get yourself organized and I will get the bath running and grab the drink.” I can tell by the way he is speaking that there’s no point arguing. It sounds wonderful, so part of me is screaming just shut up and do as he says. I go and grab my bag while Xavier starts the water. We haven’t sorted out sleeping arrangements yet, so I’ll just keep it here with me for the time being.

  I hear him come in behind me and place the glass of champagne on the bath’s edge. I’m not sure where they came from but there is a mountain of bubbles that smell like lavender in the bath, frothing up nicely. Placing his hands on my face, he leans in very gently and kisses me with such softness on my lips, then again on my forehead.

  “Give me a shout if there is anything you need. There are clean towels under the sink. Relax and enjoy. I will call you when dinner is almost ready if you haven’t already come out. Don’t rush, just take it easy.” With that, he’s gone, and the door softly closes behind him. I’m left standing staring at myself in the mirror wondering what is happening in my life and what have I done to deserve this wonderful guy in my world.

  It feels strange to be undressing with a man just outside the bathroom in a room close by. I didn’t lock the door because I trust him fully. Lowering myself into the warm water and bubbles, my muscles slowly let go and my body molds into the shape of the bath. Is it bad that I actually wish he would come back into the room? Maybe just for a minute. I want to see that look on his face again like last night in my bedroom. The carnal one where he is just hanging on by a thread and it’s all my doing. Maybe I might need some help before I’m done and need to call him like he offered.

  Yeah, right. As if I’m going to have enough guts to do that.

  22

  Xavier

  I CAN DO THIS.

  I can stay in the kitchen and not walk back into the bathroom.

  I can cook dinner and not think about her naked in a bath full of bubbles sipping on her champagne.

  I can do it without a rock-solid cock.

  Who the fuck am I kidding? I’m hard as nails and now my brain is constantly running pictures through my head of what a vision I would see if I could just be in that room. Why do I choose to torture myself? I know the answer to that, because I want to care for her, but it’s not helping my dick right at this moment.

  Trying to distract myself, I get into preparing dinner so it’s ready when she gets out. My phone starts buzzing on the counter. I had put it on silent deliberately. Luckily, because I look at it to see Dana’s name flashing on the screen. I just let it go to voicemail. I’m not letting her ruin my night. After the buzzing stops, I see she has actually called three times prior. This time, though, she has left a message. My curiosity gets the better of me and I pick it up to listen.

  ‘Hi Xavier, I got your email and just want to let you know I’m very disappointed. We have a great relationship, and training with you is what I look forward to every time. I think you need to reconsider, and keep me and get rid of someone else. Maybe that Alesha and her sister that only just started with you. If they have taken my spot, I’ll be pretty upset with them. Anyway, I’m sure you will be able to sort something out and find a spot for me again. Give me a call and we can make a time to get together to discuss it. Maybe over a drink. By hun.’

  Fuck. This woman is delusional. I’m not telling Ally any of this. Shooting a quick message off to Nat to let her know what the message says and that I’m turning my phone off for the rest of the night. She has Ally’s number so if she needs anything, she can call her. My sister’s not stupid and will only call in an extreme emergency. Kane already knows I’m not answering any calls or messages from him tonight either. I find it hard to get it out of my head that she brought Ally into her reasoning for getting dumped as a client. I’ll let Kane know in the morning and send him the message to listen to. Trying to snap out of it, I realize I’m chopping vegetables like a madman. Probably lucky I didn’t chop off a finger.

  I’ve put some music on in the background, set the table and lit some candles on the mantlepiece. I’m not good at this romantic part but Nat gave me some candles that clients brought us, just in case one day I might need them. Looks like today is the day. They actually smell nice. No idea what they are but they smell okay, thank God. Taking the last swallow of my beer, I’m starting to feel a little more relaxed. The smell of the food is starting to waft through the apartment, blending with the candles, so that should be enough to let Ally know it is almost ready to serve. I had a shower at the gym before I left, so I change into a pair of jeans that hang low on my hips and black shirt that I may or may not have picked out because it shows off my torso a little. Girls aren’t the only ones who want to get a little confidence when they are trying to feel attractive in front of their partner.

  As I’m checking on the chicken in the oven, there is a small noise behind me. I stand and turn, finding Ally leaning against the island counter just watching me. I’m sure she was checking out my ass while I was bent over. What a vision she is, her hair pulled up on her head in a messy bun with small wisps framing her face. Her cheeks are flushed from the warm water, but her face looks relaxed and happy. My eyes follow down her body, wishing they had X-ray vision to see what’s hiding under the little white shirt and soft pink skirt she has on. The skirt is only just covering her backside. Maybe I need her to check the chicken next. Already I’m picturing her bending over, and then sitting on my kitchen counter. Shit, I need to stop picturing this. I’m punishing my poor dick that is just trying to stay down. Mind you, he isn’t being very successful at it. Let’s just say, I appreciate the effort Ally has gone to dressing that little bit sexier tonight than she normally does.

  “You look beautiful.” I lean forward and kiss her. “Did you enjoy the bath?”

  “It was amazing. I would buy this apartment just for that bath. You’re lucky.” Her voice is soft and floaty which makes me happy.

  “You won’t need to buy it, because now it’s there for you to use whenever you want to.” Hopefully while I’m in it with you. “Go and sit down and I’ll bring everything over.” I turn away to start serving the dinner while I hear her bare feet padding to the table.

  “Are you sure I can’t help with anything? I feel terrible letting you do everything.”

  “Don’t be silly. I want to spoil you, so just accept that you are doing nothing while you are here.”

  “Okay, if you insist. No one has ever done this for me before. It makes me feel special.” Her voice sounds like an angel as she talks.

  “I plan on doing a lot more of it so get
used to it.” Walking our plates of food to the table, her eyes light up at the sight of dinner.

  “That looks and smells amazing, Xav, I can only imagine what it tastes like. I’m going to be embarrassed to cook for you.”

  My heart is swelling at her compliments. I lift the wine to pour her a glass while she looks up at me with a glint in her eyes.

  “That’s okay, we only need one cook and I’m happy for it to be me. You can concentrate on being the beautiful one in the couple.” With that, she just giggles at me.

  I take my seat next her at the table. Picking up my glass, I lift it to cheers with her, then lean over to kiss her cheek.

  “Dig in and tell me what you think, I’m a little nervous for the judge’s verdict. I’ve heard she’s a pretty tough food critic.” The look on her face with her first bite tells me it’s a hit.

  “Oh my god, Xavier, this is amazing. What the hell are you doing training? You could be a chef. It tastes so good. I’m never cooking for you. There is no way I can compete with this.”

  “I would never be a chef. It would be too high-pressure. I cook for the love of it and it relaxes me. I love to try new recipes and watch people’s reactions when they take that first bite. If it’s good, it’s like they are in heaven. It makes me feel good that they enjoy it.”

  I realize I’ve never really talked to anyone about my cooking. Nat knows I love to cook but it’s not something we talk about. She loves it too, so we usually just take it in turns when we get together, or it becomes a joint effort.

  “Well, I’m glad I’m one of the lucky ones that gets to taste your cooking. I can’t wait to see what dessert is.”

  I laugh out loud. I can’t help it. I have something already planned to make, yet I know what I would prefer, which is a little X-rated, but I need to keep that one to myself.