Time and Time Again(15)
“Looks like a lot has changed since last night,” he says then starts laughing, obviously unable to stop it this time. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, Clara. Your body is smoking hot.”
I cover my face with my hands. “The one time I try and do something out of my comfort zone and this has to happen. Only me, I swear!”
Xander chuckles. “I’m not complaining.”
I move my hands away and give him a look that lets him know I’m far from impressed. “Where’s Tag anyway?”
“Having a shower. He smelt like sex.”
“Fuck. Just keep embarrassing me. Kill me now, Xander,” I say, sitting down next to him on the kitchen barstool.
He holds his stomach, obviously aching from laughter. “It’s not that bad. I like the fact that the carpet matches the drapes.”
“Shut up or you won’t leave this house alive,” I grit out, fuming.
“Oh come on, I’m just playing around. You’re stunning, Clara. If most women had that body, they’d be parading around the house butt naked too.”
That so wasn’t the point.
“Whatever. Yesterday was the first time we’ve met, and we’ve already kissed and you’ve seen me naked. You already know me better than most do.”
His face softens. “We’re friends. I won’t tease you anymore, okay? Well, I’ll try.”
“I’d appreciate that,” I reply in a dry tone. “What happened to your lip?”
He touches the cut with his index finger. “Tag decked me for kissing you, what do you think?”
“He hit you?” I ask, my eyebrows hitting my hairline. The man confuses me so much it isn’t even funny.
“Looks like it was worth it though,” Xander says. “He realised what was right in front of him by the looks of things.”
Not exactly, but I didn’t want to tell him details about our relationship. Or lack thereof, depending how you looked at things.
“What brings you by?”
He shrugs. “Can’t a friend drop by unannounced?”
I blink slowly. “You wanted to see what happened between us, didn’t you?”
He nods, a smirk playing on his lips. “Yeah. I was curious. Sue me. Tag’s been my friend for a long time.”
“Yet you haven’t dropped by until now because you wanted some gossip,” I tease, arching an eyebrow at him.
“Guilty.”
“So guilty,” I say, shaking my head at him in amusement. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Coffee would be good.”
“Sure thing. How do you like it?” I ask, standing up.
“White with two sugars please.”
“No problem,” I reply, grabbing everything I needed to make it for him. I make one for Tag too—black with one sugar.
“Even know how he likes his coffee already, good sign,” Xander teases.
I roll my eyes. “I’ve been spending all my time with him for the last two weeks. You’d be surprised how much you learn about someone when you’re living with them. And working with them.”
Tag walks into the kitchen, freshly showered and dressed in a white t-shirt and snug, faded jeans.
“Mornin’” he says, his eyes on me.
“Morning,” I reply, handing him his coffee then Xander his. I didn’t know how to act. Was I allowed to kiss him? Wrap my arms around him? Or did I act like I did before and keep my hands off him except for night time?
“This isn’t awkward at all,” Xander says cheerfully, taking a sip of his hot coffee. “Fuck, Clara! You make good coffee.”
“Thank you,” I say, happy with his praise and decidedly ignoring his awkward comment. Like I needed someone to tell me how awkward it was.
“Might have to drop by more often.”
Tag looks to Xander, his eyes narrowed. “We going riding or what?”
Xander nods then looks to me. “We’re taking the bikes out for a ride. You want to come?”
Xander invited me, not Tag.
“No thanks,” I say. “I have some things I need to do anyway.”
“Like what?” Tag asks, looking interested.
“Just things,” I reply evasively. I had to call my mother because it was her birthday, and I wanted to be alone to do it. “You guys have fun.”
I’m about to turn and walk away when Tag gently grabs me by my upper arm. “Xander, give me a sec.”
Xander stands. “I’ll wait for you out front.”
Xander leaves, and Tag spins me around and corners me against the table. “Is everything okay?”
I nod. “Everything is fine.”
“You sure? I wasn’t too rough last night, was I?” he asks, looking concerned.