Enticing Enforcers: A Slapshot Novella

by Myers, Heather C.

  She thanked him for the flowers as she stepped back, letting him inside her apartment, and shut the door behind him. She made sure to lock it and glanced out one more time through the peephole, but there was no trace of Benjamin anywhere.

  Shaking her head, Isadora followed Xander into the kitchen, silently chiding herself for her theatrics. Benjamin was a lot of things, but the man wasn't stupid. There was no way he would risk coming to her place until he had the official seal of approval from court. She pushed all thoughts of Xander away, and instead, focused on finding a vase for the daisies. She managed to locate one sitting on top of the refrigerator, collecting dust, and stood on her toes to reach it.

  "I hope flowers were okay," Xander said. "You are going to be my pretend girlfriend after all, and I thought it was only right that I go out of my way to show you how much I care about you," he said.

  Isadora nodded her head, smiling. At least she wasn't the only one into theatrics. She filled the vase up with a reasonable amount of water before placing the daisies inside. She took the vase and set it on her kitchen table and stepped back, admiring them.

  "There," she said. "They're wonderful, thank you."

  "So," Xander said, taking a seat at the table and leaning back, getting into his usual sitting pose with his ankle resting on his knee and his posture relaxed and uncaring. "What gave you the idea to be my girlfriend?"

  Isadora turned, immediately busying herself with the dishes that were collecting in the sink. She knew Xander well enough to know he would ask that question. She couldn't blame him. But she had yet to figure out just what to say to it. Should she tell him the truth?

  No.

  She couldn't do that.

  Besides the fact that the last thing Isadora wanted was for him to worry, she didn't want him finding out about Benjamin. Part of her was ashamed of him, like she had made poor decisions and she deserved to have to deal with this, and that meant she had to deal with it alone. But another part of her didn't want him to find out because she was worried Xander would involve himself in the drama, and he already had enough on his plate, what with hockey and trying to find his own closure with his ex. Telling Xander was a bad idea.

  "I just thought it would be the best decision," she said with a shrug. She began to place each dish in the dish washer so she wouldn't have to look at him. Xander had this uncanny ability to read her. It was what made him such a good lover, but it also meant she couldn't lie to him for shit. "We already know each other. I want to help you figure this out because I don't understand how it happened to you in the first place. You're...you. You're thoughtful generous, and gorgeous. For someone like her to do that to you...it makes no sense. And we're friends. It would be easy for us to fall into the facade since we already know each other relatively well. And more than that, we're lovers, so it just, you know, made sense."

  "You're babbling."

  Isadora straightened. "I'm not babbling," she told him, turning on the ball of her foot so she could look at him.

  "Ah, right there." He pointed at her as he sat up, resting his feet on the ground and leaning on his knees with his elbows. "Right there. You're lying. Or, maybe not lying. But you're keeping a secret. What are you hiding, Isadora St. Claire?"

  Isadora huffed a sigh. She knew he would be able to figure that out, he just hadn't expected it to be so quick. Slowly, she slid down in her seat and placed her hands on the surface of the table.

  "I don't really feel comfortable talking about it," she told him honestly, her eyes tracing the mindless blue and white pattern in the plastic table cloth her mom insisted Isadora take with her when Isadora moved out on her own. "And I want you to just trust me. But yes, I do have my own reason for wanting to be with you. It's nothing bad." Lie. Small, little lie. "But it's something I'm working out on my own and not something I want to trouble you with."

  All humor left Xander's face. He sat up and reached across the table so he could take her hand in his.

  "You know I'm here for you too, right, Lil?" he asked. "It's not just about me and what I need and my closure; if there's another guy you need to move on from, I'm the man to do it. Whatever you need from me, let me know and I'll be there."

  Isadora blinked, her eyes filling with tears at the sincerity so easily deciphered in Xander's low voice. She looked away, trying to blink away the tears, but couldn't. Instead, she took in a deep breath, smiling. The scent of the daisies tickled her nose.

  "What's wrong?" Xander asked, rubbing the back of her hand with his palm. "I've never seen you get emotional, Isadora. What's going on?"

  Isadora shook her head. How could she not control herself? She had the entire day to be sad about Ben, to feel sorry for herself and mope and cry and scream and break things. Somehow, her emotions didn't want to come out when she was alone. But now, with Xander, she was a blubbering fool. She was surprised he hadn't bolted for the door.

  "No, it's nothing," she insisted, pulling her hand away from his and dropping it in her lap. "I'm just overly emotional because I started my period this morning, and I just really appreciate your kind words."

  Xander continued to look at her like he knew she was keeping something from him. He cleared his throat and kicked his seat back so it balanced on the chair's back legs.

  "Talking about your period isn't going to gross me out, you know," he said. "I would still fuck you." Isadora snorted, pulling her eyes up so she could lock them with Xander's. "And don't bullshit me. You don't start for another week. I keep track, you know. Just so I make sure to bring you some chocolate and cookies. I know how much you love Oreos."

  Isadora laughed now, wiping the stray tears away from her face and looking away. "Sorry," she said with a shrug. "Okay, I'll be honest with you." She sucked in a deep breath. She hadn't planned to tell Xander anything. She didn't want him to worry. But she also trusted him and he deserved honesty, no matter what. So she would give it to him. "I just found out that my ex is coming back to Orange County for an event. It's been a couple of years since we last saw each other, and I don't know if he's changed. On the off-chance that he comes over, even though I've made it clear I want nothing to do with him, I would like you here, or, at the very least, I want to be able to use you in name in hopes that it will help getting him off my case."

  "That's fair." A variety of emotions crossed Xander's face, but they disappeared too quickly for Isadora to try and decipher what each one was. "And I'm happy to be here when I'm not at the rink. Or traveling for a game. Would it just be easier if you stayed with me? How long is he going to be in town for?"

  "Oh," Isadora said, letting her voice carry in hopes that it would help her buy some time. "Honestly, I don't know. Probably a few days at the most. But since you're looking for a girlfriend, I thought this could be something that benefits both of us. I don't need to stay with you or anything dramatic. I just... Having you near me makes me feel safe because I know you'll be there for me. I just really appreciate the fact that I have you in my life."

  "Everything okay, Lil?" he asked, cocking his head to the side so his dusty, auburn hair fell into his face. "You know you can tell me anything and I won't think any less of you, right?"

  Isadora forced a smile. She wanted to tell Xander about what happened to her—

  Actually, no. That was a lie. She didn't want to tell Xander anything. Not because she didn't trust him, but because she didn't want him to worry. She had already said enough.

  "Absolutely," she said. She hoped her lie was as believable to him as it was for her to say it in the first place. "I'm just glad you agreed."

  "Yes," Xander said with a nod. "Speaking of which, there's a favor I need to ask of you. I know we said we'd pretend to be in a committed relationship, but I need you to attend a charity function this weekend. I'm a speaker there, and Juliette will be there—it was a charity she told me about when we were together and then I got involved and—well, long story short, she wanted me to back out of giving the speech."

  "Fuck that," Isad
ora said.

  "Right? That's what I told her." He let out a sigh through his nose and glanced away. "The thing is, I can admit that this was her project she introduced me to, but then I got Drew Stefano involved and he got his girlfriend—some veterinarian involved—and I helped bring people in because I care about the cause. If I wasn't traveling so much, I'd probably adopt three dogs."

  "You should," Isadora said, cutting him off. "I don't mean to be weird about it, but you travel and I'd watch your dogs. I love dogs. And to answer your question, I'd be honored to attend."

  A brilliant smiled spread out across Xander's face and Isadora felt her heart skip a beat at the sight of it.

  "You will?"

  "Of course I will. Did you not think I would?"

  "I didn't know what to expect, if I'm being honest," he admitted. "Saying you want to be a fake girlfriend is fun until you actually have to play the part. What you and I have..." He let his voice trail off. "What I appreciate about what you and I have is that we're both honest with our feelings. We're both on the same page. There's nothing to interpret because there it is, in black and white, for both of us to see. Doing this means you trust me. Especially now that I know you need me to help you out in a similar way that I need you. And I want you to know I'm there for you. No matter what. I would do anything for you."

  Isadora nodded her head. "I know that," she said. "I do."

  However, her stomach churned with guilt because she also knew that she wasn't being as honest with him as she could be. She should tell Xander about her previous relationship, about what happened between her and Benjamin and why she needed Xander.

  But she couldn't do it. She couldn't even open her mouth to try.

  The only thing she could do was force a smile and hope that Xander didn't find out about what Benjamin did to her. He might not want to pretend any longer because he might not want anything to do with her drama.

  Chapter 5

  The only issue Xander Vane had about pretending to be in a relationship with Isadora Worthington was the fact that she was Christopher's little sister. Christopher was single and happy and would beat the shit out of anyone who treated his sister badly—which was an understandable feeling to have against anyone who might want to hurt Isadora in some way. Hell, he thought the same thing.

  He didn't even know how they wound up together, falling between the sheets. He closed his eyes, resting his forehead against his knuckles as he continued to sit at the Seaside Cafe, waiting for his coffee. He could still smell the hint of jasmine that night, the way her hair was tangled together because of the rain. Her big, blue eyes looked so sad that night. It hadn't been strange to see her. After a game, she would tag along with Chris—to keep an eye on him and make sure he stayed out of trouble.

  Smart thing on her part. Chris was a notorious bad boy who would probably never settle down.

  But there was something different about her that night, something sad. Those eyes. The small frown. The slouched shoulders. Nothing like the boisterous woman he knew and enjoyed.

  "Hey, baby."

  Isa's voice cut off his thoughts and he looked up and grinned. She looked so natural, standing in front of his view of the beach, sandy blonde hair messy because of the wind.

  "Baby?" he asked.

  She shrugged one shoulder and took a seat without waiting to be asked. "I thought I'd try it and see how it is," she said. "You like?"

  "I could get used to it," he admitted. It was true. She could probably call him anything and he would be okay with it.

  "I like it better than honey." She scrunched her nose and shook her head. "Too sweet."

  Xander smiled, interlocking his fingers and leaning forward. At that moment, his coffee was delivered to him. Before he could even take a sip, Isa reached out and took one first. She nearly spit up.

  "Is this black coffee?"

  "Is that a problem?" Xander reached out and grabbed the cup from her, chuckling to himself before placing his lips on the opening of the cup and taking a long gulp.

  "You monster." She stuck out her tongue and shook her head. "Where is the sugar?"

  "That's what I have you for, right?" He winked and she flipped him off. "So, tell me. What do I owe the pleasure of your company? I know you know this is my spot, but you never come and see me here."

  Isa shrugged her shoulders and glanced at the ocean. Her fingers started playing with the holes in the metal table. Xander felt himself frown. Isa was never one to shy away from telling him what was on her mind. Hell, she had no problem telling anyone what she was thinking. He did not understand why she was being so quiet now when the word typically wasn't found in her vocabulary.

  "Isa," he urged, making sure to keep his voice gentle so she wouldn't feel any unnecessary pressure. That didn't mean he didn't want to know what was going on, however. It was more important for him to ensure that she was safe. That she was okay.

  "Look," she said. "I'm going to ask you something—a favor—but I want you to know, if you say no, it's okay. I'm not going to get bugged and I completely understand."

  "Trying to talk me out of a favor before even asking?" He raised a brow and took another sip of his coffee. "That sounds like something you would do."

  "I need you to temporarily move in with me," she said. Her voice came out in a rush, taking Xander by surprise. "I know it's not your style and I completely understand if you say no, but I think it would be helpful if we're trying to sell our relationship."

  Xander sat back, surprised. He hadn't expected...that. There were a lot of things he thought Isadora might ask, but moving in? He assumed she was too independent for something like that. However, he wasn't completely against the idea. She was right about making it more believable. His only issue with the idea was regarding Christopher. What would he think? Would he know?

  "Is this just an excuse so you can have sex with me whenever you want?" he teased.

  Isadora laughed but, for some reason, Xander thought it was forced. He couldn't explain why he thought that way, but it didn't sound like Isa to him. Granted, it wasn't as though he knew Isa—okay, that was a lie. He would say he knew Isa well, better than most. This was not a genuine Isadora laugh.

  "Isa." He was suddenly serious, reaching out to place his hand over hers. "Is everything all right? You know you can tell me anything, right?"

  She nodded her head. "I'm fine," she said. "Really. I'm just thinking more in terms of you and me and selling this fake relationship."

  "What about Christopher?"

  A couple came out of the Starbucks at that moment and took a seat a couple of chairs away from them. They each had a cup in their hand and sat next to each other so they had a good view of the beach. The woman immediately rested her head on the man's shoulder. Xander had never really noticed things like that before, but now that he and Isa were supposed to be in a relationship, he could not help but wonder if he needed to be more affectionate, if she expected little gestures like that from him in order to sell their fake relationship more.

  "I will tell Christopher," she said. "We don't have to worry about him. I promise you that. Christopher will..." She let her voice trail off and looked away. Her eyes were crisp, serious. They weren't as playful as they normally were. "I will talk to him."

  Xander nodded. "Do you want me to be with you when you do?" He was genuine with his question. He knew it would be intimidating; Christopher had always been protective, and he had a right to be. However, he highly doubted Isa would allow herself to get swept up in being scared of what her big brother thought. Isa wasn't afraid of anything—or anyone. It was one of the reasons Xander liked her so much.

  Isadora shook her head. "It would probably be best if I did it on my own," she admitted, "but I appreciate the offer." Another smile, this one smaller but seemingly more real. More Isa.

  "I like your idea," Xander said. He took a long sip of his coffee. "About moving in. How soon did you want me to do it?"

  "Whenever," she said quickly. "The soone
r the better."

  Xander didn't move in much. Isadora had a relatively small apartment and he lived by himself in a luxury condo next to Fashion Island. However, he moved a lot of personal toiletries, clothing, and everyday stuff. Everything else was set to stay at his place for the time being. Isadora didn't have much space in her apartment. It was located on Irvine Avenue, just across the street from a golf course and one block from the Irvine Ranch Market, a healthier alternative to the chain grocery stores that populated Newport Beach. As long as Xander had space for his equipment and could hang his jerseys, he would be fine.

  "I think that's the end of it," he said, his lips curling up. For some strange reason, he liked the look of his jerseys hanging in Isa's small closet. It almost felt as though they belonged there. "My stuff, I mean. Is your roommate going to be back anytime soon?"

  Isa quirked a brow, an amused smile on her face. "Why?"

  "I think it's time we break in our new bed."

  He leaned down and kissed her before she could respond. His hands gripped her shoulders possessively and his mouth claimed every inch of her skin when they were through with her lips. She was his. At least, in this moment.

  It wasn't long before he had her clothes on the floor of her bedroom. She was in nothing but a slip of underwear and a bra he had never seen before. Lilac, if he had to guess the color. It complemented her skin tone well.

  Isa was not one to stand naked and let him have all of the fun. Her hands practically tore off his shirt, dropped his pants, anything she could do to strip him down in the same way he had done to her. He loved the feeling that she gave him, like she couldn't control herself around him. It made him feel...desirable. Worthy. Special.

  Instead of leading her to the bed as he promised, he decided he wanted to try something different. Without saying anything to Isa, he released his hold on her and swiped off anything resting on her desk, including colorful notebooks and some different-colored rocks. They landed in a clump on the floor.