Piper Keller

I stare at myself in the mirror...What are you thinking? His word or his promise, I don't stand a chance on surviving the night. I should cancel. Make up an excuse...that he'll see right though, no. I need to be in control tonight, not allow him any openings to assume I want more from him than just dinner. Listening to the shower running I debate whether to shave my legs or not. If I shave, it opens my mind to the possibility of them potentially being wrapped around Xavier. I scoff and my reflection and get in the shower. Washing my hair and body. I pick up the pink razor and start to shave my legs, there's noway Xavier will be deterred by some picky legs. I rather not be embarrassed if the time comes.

    After straightening my hair and putting on a small amount of makeup I leave the house and head for Xavier's. I go five under the speed limit trying to delay my arrival. Too soon I am knocking on his door, when he answers he has a huge smile on his face.

"You're late. You're never late." He states, his eyes suspicious. "I bet you almost canceled on me."

"I thought about it." I admit, walking past him.

"My promise is as useless as my word?" He questions amused, his hand setting on my lower back guiding me to the kitchen.

I glance up at him, and his smirk tells me they both are indeed, useless. I narrow my eyes are him, "You could gain a lot of my trust by keeping both."

His hand travels gently up my spine and his fingers brush the hair on the nap of my neck. He stops walking and he urges me to turn towards him. His hand caresses my neck lifting my face to him.

"We're going to have to find another way to do that. What you're asking for is impossible." He states, seriously. I back up before his lips touch mine.

"What are you cooking?" I ask.

"Lasagna, your favorite." He says, huskily stepping towards me to close the gap. I slip past him and he scowls. I shake my head, no and walk the rest of the way to the kitchen with him following me.

"It smells amazing." I comment, pulling out a stool. From behind I feel his arms wrap around me and his face lowers to my neck, kissing it softly, only once. His hard body against mine, is so tempting. His hands boldly grip my waist as he eases me onto the stool, I watch him walk to the stove and let out a ragged breath.

His eyes are hot on mine, he doesn't have to say a thing. I know what he's feeling and exactly what he's thinking. "Ian's been busy." I say, conversationally. When I walked in I wanted to comment on the house, but I was a tad preoccupied.

"Do you like it?" He questions, putting on an oven-mitt to take the Lasagna out.

"I do. Are you happy with it?"

He shrugs, "I couldn't care less." He answers, honestly.

I laugh, "You could've save a lot of money keeping as it was, if you didn't care."

"Like my Mom or Eva would've let that happen. I'm just glad you were there to choose for me." He replies.

"Its your house, you should've chose it." I point out, rolling my eyes.

"I'd only have to redo it later if you didn't like it."

"My opinion on your decor means that much to you?" I question, in disbelief.

He nods, "When you move in it will."

Stunned momentarily, I gape at him. "I have my own house." I remind him.

"You can sell it. I'm sure it was an investment and you'll walk away with a profit. You're smart like that." He responds, reaching for plates. I watch him slice the garlic bread and serve a square of Lasagna on both our plates.

"You chose the design I liked because you thought, eventually I'd move in with you."

"Thought? Eventually?" He questions, perplexed by the words. Carrying both plates to the table. He sets them down
and motions me to come over and sit. He pulls out my chair and I lower myself in it.

"Yes, thought. I'd. eventually. move in with you." I repeat.

He smirks. "Pip, lets not pretend it won't happen. It will and it will happen soon, not eventually."

"Oh, really?" I ask, starkly.

His eyebrows raises at my tone, but I can tell he's enjoying this battle. "Yes."

"How many times in the past did you ask me to live with you?"

"A lot." He admits.

"So, ask yourself who's gonna win this one?" I challenge.

He leans close to me. "I am. Because I plan on doing what you always made a requirement before moving in."

My eyes go wide. "Now you think I'm going to marry you?"

He shakes his head. "I know you will."

"That's a little bold, even for you." I tell him, taking a bite of pasta. I moan, its so good.

"I'd cook for you every day, make love to you every night... and every morning." He adds, running his eyes over me. "It'd be great." Not ready to discuss moving in or marriage, I concentrate on eating. "Are you thinking about it?" He asks, interested.

"No, I just don't know how to tell you you're insane, without it sounding too harsh." I explain.

"Have you thought about it? About us?" He asks.

"I used to. I haven't in a very long time." I answer, truthfully.

"Have you been with anyone else since me?"

"Really, Xavier?" I question, placing my napkin beside me. "I'm leaving."

"Why? You could ask me, I wouldn't mind."

"I don't want to know." I reply, feeling sick to my stomach even thinking about it.

He runs his long fingers through his hair. "It drives me crazy thinking about you with anyone. Lie to me. Tell me no one else has touched you." He demands.

"Why don't we just lie to ourselves okay?" I say, amicably.

He silent for a moment, his face set in a scowl. "How many? Do I know them?"

This time I stand up. "Goodbye, Xavier. Thanks for dinner, it was lovely."

"Just answer me." He orders.

I look at him, "Does it really matter?" I question. I can see by his face it does. I pretend to count on my fingers and watch
his expression. "Oops. Lost count." I say, starting over.

"Forget it." He barks.

"Okay, how about you?"

He shakes his head, no. "I had a thing for Eva once. As you can see that didn't work out. Thank the lord for that."

I smile. "Really, Eva. She's a lot of woman to take on." I remark, near to laughing.

He nods, "She like the annoying sister I never asked for but love anyway. Sometimes I don't even love her. She told you about the breakup and investigation didn't she? You were just trying to cover for her."

"No, honestly. It wasn't her." I tell him.

"Who then?"

I pause briefly, "I lied. I haven't been with anyone either." I say, trying to distract him.

He sits up in his chair, his eyes scanning my face for any indication of a lie. "Only me, then?"

I nod, "Only you." It worked he's only focused on us now.

He sits back in his chair studying me. "Stay the night." He demands.

"No." I reply, quickly. "I better go."

"You don't miss it?" He questions, his need obvious.

I smile. "Oh, I miss it but its not the right time."

"It takes everything in me not to take you where you stand." He groans, his voice deep.

"I've noticed."

"Can we make out?" He asks, smirking hopefully.

I laugh, "Yeah, that would be a great idea."

"Really?"

"No." I answer, grinning.

"Cruel woman."

"I'll kiss you if you walk me to my car like a gentleman." I compromise.

"You're killing me. You know that?"

"You'll live." I reply, starting towards the front of the house. "Thanks again for everything."

"Do you still love me?" I hear him ask from behind me.

I shrug. "I have no idea." I state, confused.

"I still love you. I never stopped." He states, strongly.

I feel the burn of his confession on my heart. Blinking back the tears forming in my eyes, I don't comment. I just walk out the door to my car. I know he's right behind me and its painful. Its too fast, I need time. My love for him is real as his is for me, but I can't jump into this relationship without taking the proper steps. Unlocking my car I turn towards him, his mouth is hot on mine the instant I face him. His hands lift me and his hips pin me against the car. I feel the breeze as his fingers work their way under my shirt. I pull away and stop his hands, looking at him, telling him without words, I want him to stop. He rests his forehead against mine as he steadies his breathing.

"I'll wait, but I cant promise how long. Next time, you wont want me to stop." He says, kissing my lips softly.

morrisgirl happy to hear you're doing better! This is to help with the boredom! 😉