Carlos ran a hand down his face. “Don’t tell me you’re still with her? The blonde?”
“I’m not only with her, but she’s in the other room hearing everything you shout about her right now. It’s time for you to go. Get the fuck out. I warned you this morning. You didn’t listen.” Xavier was done. Enough. No more chances. He took two strides to his father’s side, grabbed the man by the arm, and dragged his ass through the study and across to the front door.
At the last second, he noticed his father’s keys hanging half in and half out of the pocket of his jeans. He jerked them out and tossed them on the table by the entrance, yanked open the door, and pushed the man outside. “Hope you have a phone. Call a cab.” He slammed the door shut and spun around to find everyone standing behind him, including Ava.
He glanced at her, but he didn’t want her to see him like this, so he looked away and then fled the room in the opposite direction, angling for the back of the house so he could step out onto the back porch. He needed to escape and calm down. It wouldn’t be easy.
Luckily, either Ava was smart enough to take the hint, or his mother and Doug had talked her into it, but she didn’t seek him out for half an hour.
By the time she showed up behind him, he was finally sitting on an Adirondack chair on the deck, staring at the pool. He’d been mesmerized by the lights under the water for several minutes, watching as they changed colors every ten seconds, shifting through every shade of the rainbow in an annoying pattern that was totally out of order.
Her hand landed on his shoulder, immediately slowing his pulse. He set his own palm on top of hers and leaned his cheek to nuzzle her fingers.
She lifted one leg behind him and slid her body against his back until she was pressed into him, her arms slipping around his middle to hold him tight. She held him like that for a long time.
He eventually slid his hands over hers at his waist and held her tight, absorbing some of her strength, grateful for her presence. Any sooner and he might have lashed out. But her timing was perfect.
After a long while, she lifted one leg over his and eased her body around until she straddled his lap. She cupped his face and forced him to look at her. “Doug made sure your father had a ride.”
“Like I give a fuck,” he growled.
She inhaled slowly. “He is your father. No matter what shit he yelled at you or how wrong he is in this case.”
“Not anymore. I’m done.” He stiffened. “That fucker had the nerve to waltz into my mother’s home, shout vile things about you, and then accuse me of causing the death of a woman I’ve never met.” He grabbed her ass and held her tighter against him, suddenly needing her closer to ease the sting of his father’s words.
“True. I’m not condoning his actions, Xavier. He’s got problems. But he’s still your dad.”
“You going to give me a lecture about blood being thick? Because if that’s your aim, stop right now. You’ll sound just like him.”
She sighed. “No. Stop being argumentative. I’m not the enemy. I’m trying to help.”
He still gripped her, but his body was stiff again. “What do you want me to do? Why do I get the impression you three have been in there ganging up on me? You want me to go to Puerto Rico for the funeral now?” He glanced at the ceiling. “I’ve never met the woman.”
She pursed her lips.
He stared at her. Realization dawned. His eyes widened. “Seriously?” He grabbed her hips and lifted her off his lap, setting her on the Adirondack as gently as he could under the present circumstances. He took two steps back, nearly falling into the pool before he stopped himself. He ran his hands through his hair. “You have to be kidding. Why the hell would I do that?”
She didn’t move. After several seconds, she finally spoke softly. “There’s an innocent baby involved. He’s your nephew.”
“I can’t believe this,” he screamed. “You too? I don’t know these people. My brother is a fucking drug addict. He’s been in and out of jail since he was a teenager. He knocked up some random woman, and you think it’s my responsibility to go to the funeral of his girlfriend and bring back their baby? Is that what you’re suggesting?” He spun around and considered jumping into the water to stop the madness.
“I’m not saying anything,” Ava stated. “I’m suggesting you weigh the options when you’ve calmed down.”
He twirled back to face her. “No. This conversation is over. I’m not leaving the country when my season is about to start in order to deal with my brother’s mess. Not going to happen.” He stomped away from the best thing that had ever happened to him. Left her sitting in his mother’s backyard and raced back into the house. He spoke to no one as he passed, heading straight for the front door, determined to escape the madness as fast as possible.
Surely, he was dreaming. He had to be asleep, and all of this was a nightmare. In a moment, he would wake up and gasp for breath, finding Ava sleeping next to him on her stomach, her sweet face toward his, her blond hair fanned out in a halo, her pale skin against his pillow.
But the insanity never stopped. He reached his car, yanked the door open, slid into the seat, and started the engine. Two seconds later, he peeled away from the house, leaving Ava behind.
* * *
Ava had followed Xavier back into the house at a slower pace, not wanting to get too close. When she reached the front door, she stood in the entryway and watched him drive off. Her heart ached.
She wasn’t mad. She understood he was hurting. It made perfect sense. And it wasn’t unreasonable. But their relationship was too fresh for this constant turmoil.
A hand landed on her shoulder. Soft. Lucita’s. “He’ll be back. Let’s give him time.” She eased Ava from the entry and shut the door. “How about another glass of wine?” She nodded toward the kitchen.
Ava followed her. She was shaking. Her heart pounded. Her man had driven away.
She took a seat at the island, sliding onto the barstool, shocked to find the kitchen almost completely devoid of any evidence of dinner. How long had she been outside?
Doug had a dishtowel over his shoulder, and he smiled warmly as he slid a glass of Chardonnay toward her. “Drink this. I’d give you something stronger, but I’m betting you’re a wine gal.”
She picked up the glass, still shell-shocked, and nodded. After a large gulp, she set it back down and spun it in a circle on the counter, staring at it as though it might have all the answers.
What the hell had just happened? She couldn’t wrap her mind around it.
Lucita slid onto the barstool next to her and sighed. “He’ll come around. He’s hurting.”
“Yeah.” But what would the damage be?
Lucita set her elbows on the counter and her chin on one palm and turned her gaze toward Doug. “I guess I need to go to Puerto Rico.”
Doug nodded. “I’ll book the flight first thing tomorrow. You want me to go with you?”
“No. I’ll be fine. You’re in the middle of a big case.”
Ava’s mind was racing. The three of them had discussed this for half an hour before she went outside to speak to Xavier. It was clear in her head. Someone just needed to get Xavier to see reason. She wasn’t thinking that someone should be her. She’d tried. Lucita was going to have to step up for the next round.
It wasn’t that she expected Xavier to drop everything and raise the baby. His mother would go pick up her grandson and bring him back. Lucita fully intended to take him into her home. But long-term? Over the course of the child’s life, he needed the influence of his uncle. Lucita and Doug weren’t young. They were clearly flustered at the prospect of raising a child.
It might take time, but Xavier needed to swallow his pride and take a serious interest in his nephew’s upbringing. Sooner rather than later. It wasn’t fair to the child for his uncle to direct his anger at him. The baby didn’t ask for any of this.
Ava rubbed her temples. Even if Xavier did come around and see reason, where did that le
ave things? She tried to imagine him taking time off to go to Puerto Rico to attend the funeral of someone he’d never met and pick up a baby to bring it back to the States. That wasn’t going to happen.
Ava had never been more invested in a man in her life. But they’d been together for just two weeks. It wasn’t like Ava was prepared to make a permanent commitment to Xavier, and definitely not to a baby. Way too soon to take on that kind of responsibility. There was also no way Xavier could take care of a baby. He was on the road half the year.
She understood his frustration. But he needed to calm down and see reason here too. He needed to have some compassion and get involved. His mother and stepfather couldn’t do it alone. Would Xavier come around eventually? God, she hoped so. Because if he couldn’t, he wasn’t the sort of man she wanted to be with.
No one even suggested that Carlos raise the child. The man was obviously unstable and out of his mind.
Ava spun the glass of wine around in circles, staring at it as though it held the secrets of the universe. A pain gripped her chest. She wasn’t about to say anything out loud, but the truth was she had once been that baby. Her own parents had died when she was six years old. If Lily had been a different kind of person, Ava would’ve ended up in foster care.
She shuddered inside. No child should be unwanted. It brought tears to her eyes. She fought back the urge to cry.
“I suppose I should go back to Xavier’s.” She lifted her gaze. “I’ll call a cab.”
“Don’t be silly,” Doug stated. “I’ll drive you. We don’t even know for sure he’ll be there. If not, at least you won’t be stranded. You can stay here tonight.”
Ava slid off the stool. “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”
Lucita stood also, taking her hands. She waited for Ava to meet her gaze. “I know you haven’t known my son long, but I can also see you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to him. He’s enamored. In all his twenty-nine years, I’ve never seen him as interested in a woman. In fact, he’s never brought anyone to the house.” Her voice drifted. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. “Don’t give up on him. Please.”
Ava hugged Lucita. “I won’t. I’m as invested in your son as he is in me. And I know we only met a few weeks ago, but sometimes you just know, I guess.” She leaned back, shrugging. Did she really say that to Xavier’s mother?
Lucita smiled through her tears and set a hand on Ava’s cheek. “You’re a dear girl. Thank you.”
Doug’s keys jangled in his fingers behind her, and Ava let go of Lucita to grab her purse.
Thirty minutes later, they pulled up to a darkened condo. Ava looked out the window and sighed, worried there was no way Xavier was home. And even if he was, would he be in bed? Would he answer the door?
Doug reached for Ava’s hand and pressed something cold into her palm. A glance down showed her it was a key. “At least you can get in. If he’s not there, and you don’t feel safe or comfortable, I can take you back to our place.”
She nodded. “Thank you. For everything. I’ll be fine. I should stay here. In case he comes back. He’ll need me.” God, she hoped he needed her.
Doug nodded. “Call us.”
Ava opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air. She padded to the front of the condo and unlocked the door, stepping inside before Doug pulled away.
Taking a deep breath, she left her purse by the front door and headed up the stairs. What were the chances Xavier was home? And where else would he be?
She sucked in a sharp breath when she rounded the corner to the master bedroom. The entire house was dark and lonely, but Xavier stood with his back to her, staring out the window. His hands were in his pockets. There was no way he didn’t know she was behind him.
He said nothing. Made no move to accept her.
She kicked off her sandals and made her way to his side. For a moment, she simply followed his gaze to stare at the night sky. When she slid her hand into his, he threaded his fingers with hers in acceptance.
When she leaned her cheek against his arm, he reached across with his other hand and wove his fingers into her hair, nestling her closer to his side.
Silence reigned.
It seemed like forever before he turned toward her and silently hauled her front against his. He pressed her face into his chest and didn’t let go.
He was hurting. She knew that. She also knew she needed to let him have some time and space to grieve and figure things out. He was a smart guy. He would come around. Wouldn’t he?
She was torn. Half of her brain was screaming at Xavier to see reason. This baby was his nephew. Even though he was totally pissed with his brother and his father, the baby wasn’t to blame. The little guy needed a champion. Several of them. Not this ire.
The other half of Ava’s mind was shouting at her to back the hell off. She was in love with this man. She was twenty-two. Way too young to deal with these heavy issues.
And obviously Xavier couldn’t be expected to rush out and take this baby into his home by himself. He wasn’t even going to be in town for the next eight months. Half those days he would be on the road.
She vowed not to mention the subject again that night. He needed her wrapped around him, not hounding him like everyone else in his life. He needed her support, not her judgment.
She slid her arms around his waist and dipped her hands into the back of his jeans.
Xavier lowered his face into her hair and inhaled. He did that a lot. She made a mental note never to change shampoo. He eased his hands up her back and threaded one into the nape of her neck while the other rested at the small of her back.
They stood there like that for a long time. She felt him sucking energy from her as if he drained her. It was irrational, but she gave him what he needed.
Eventually, he lowered his hands, tucked them under her tank top, and slid it over her head. He reached for the back clasp to her bra next and popped it, easing it down her arms until he dropped it on the floor. When he reached for the button on her shorts, she brushed his hands away and removed them herself.
As soon as she was naked, she divested him of his clothing too. Mostly, he stood there like a statue and let her undress him. But when his erection finally bobbed free between them, he came to life, grabbing her by the hips and falling onto the bed with her under him. He wrapped both her hands in his and hauled them over her head.
She gasped, not sure now was a good time to let him dominate her. But her body betrayed her, her sex coming to life with a vengeance, arousal leaking out to moisten her thighs.
Xavier grasped both her wrists in one hand and lowered his other to stroke the side of her breast. He didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he set his forehead on the pillow next to her. His breath wafted toward her ear, sending a chill down her spine.
She spread her legs wider to accommodate him between them and then lifted her torso up to rub her sex against the hard length of his erection.
He groaned, his hand wandering down to her hip to press her into the mattress. “Imp,” he whispered. It was the only word spoken between them. It was just one syllable, but it gave her courage to continue. The tone he used spoke volumes. Playful. Almost laughing.
She relaxed into the mattress and let him take over.
His hand roamed up and down her side over and over until she had to bite her lip to keep from pleading with him to touch her somewhere more specific. Anywhere.
But he had his own timetable, and she realized he would always operate on his schedule, doling out pleasure when he was ready. The idea was both frustrating and invigorating. The element of the unknown made her hotter than ever.
He finally tipped his body to one side and slid his hand between their torsos to stroke two fingers through her slit. She sucked in a sharp breath, the sound filling the silence.
Xavier groaned. But he also pushed those two fingers into her and crooked them toward the top of her channel to drag them over that elusive spot she’d come to realize
was the center of her pleasure.
Maybe it should bother her that he knew her so well. That he had enough experience to know any woman’s body so well. But it didn’t. Instead, she was simply glad he knew exactly what to do to drive her crazy. She didn’t really care what it had taken to get him to this moment. As long as he was hers now.
Her breath hitched as he hastened his pace, thrusting into her faster, his hip holding her down.
A tug on her hands told her he had no intention of releasing her wrists. What was it with him and his need to restrain her?
Did it matter? It was effective. And he knew it.
He didn’t cuff her this time, perhaps because that would require breaking their intense scene to do so. But she resigned herself to his care, and concentrated on how close she was to orgasm.
Suddenly, his fingers were gone. He sat up for a second, reached for a condom in the bedside table, and then he was poised at her entrance. He lifted his head to meet her gaze for the first time since she’d entered his condo. His eyes darted back and forth between hers. Serious. Questioning.
“Fuck me, Xavier.”
He closed his eyes slowly and thrust into her.
She gasped, feeling every inch of his length as it filled her.
“Move, Xavier. God, please. Fuck me.” She needed more. She wanted to feel alive. She wanted him to drive her to the edge and over.
He said nothing, but he picked up the pace and gave her what she wanted.
It surprised her. She sensed that everything happening in this joining was unique to any other time they would be together in the future. He was allowing her to dictate her desires, and that was unlike him.
Precariously close to coming, she closed her eyes and concentrated on every stroke of his length inside her. Each time the base of his shaft hit her clit, she sank deeper under the spell that was all Xavier. When she couldn’t hold off any longer, she gripped him with the walls of her channel and let the orgasm wash through her.
Xavier groaned fiercely as if he’d been waiting for her to come and wouldn’t let himself go before her. Seconds later, he thrust deep one final time and dropped his forehead to the pillow beside her ear. With every pulse of his orgasm, breath whooshed from him.
Catching Ava (Spring Training Book 3) Page 15
