To Fall (The To Fall Trilogy Book 1) (19 page)

26

Abby

Knuckles rapped on the front door and I opened it to a man that was too gorgeous to be real. Xander wore white cargo shorts and a blue T-shirt, snug around his bulky biceps and chest. The shirt brought out the green flecks in his eyes and the bronze in his skin. His dark brown hair was tousled and his chin freshly shaved with a bright smile for me. “Good morning, beautiful.”

I flushed at his compliment.

Even though I had spent hours with him on Saturday, I was nervous to see him this morning. I must have tried on ten outfits, deciding on a sleeveless floral dress.

“I like your hair up.” His knuckles brushed over my jaw. “I can see more of you.”

How did he make my heart pound like that? “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself, handsome.”

He smiled and went to grab for my bag.

“Oh no.” I held the bag away from him. “Are you one of those? I can carry my own bag.”

He feigned hurt, standing straight. “Okay. Can I walk you to the car or would you like to go alone?”

I flashed a smile. “No, you can come.”

He held out his hand for me and the butterflies fluttered. His thumb drew patterns over my knuckles as we headed down the drive at a pace that turtles could beat. He helped me into the seat and I noticed there was a towel folded on the leather. He explained, “I wanted to do whatever was necessary to encourage your short dresses.”

I nodded. “My legs and butt thank you.”

A wry grin slid over his lips. “They are most welcome,” he rumbled before closing the door.

Sliding behind the wheel, he pushed a button and the air conditioner roared to life. Reaching over, his fingers laced with mine and they stayed locked. Xander drove right at the speed limit and I hoped he did that to stretch out our insanely short drive to school. He never answered my dancing question the other night, but this moment was too good to ruin with talk; instead, we snuck glances at each other with shy smiles.

After parking, Xander helped me down from the cab and took my hand again. This would be the first time for us, a public statement for everyone at school. Xander and I were…well, I don’t know what yet. More than friends, I guess, and way more than acquaintances.

Arriving later than usual, Xander opened the chemistry door for me. Already seated, Danielle squinted when she saw us step in together. When her eyes focused on our hands, she was in a full scowl. Xander squeezed my hand before letting go, stretching his fingers, grabbing the tips of mine as he did.

Like a pro, Beth waited for Xander to pass before giving me a thumbs-up.

I mouthed,
I know!

Stealing a glance over my shoulder, Danielle gave Xander the silent treatment, which was fine by me. Xander met my gaze and smiled.

At lunch, Beth, Mel, Tyler, and Jake were at our table. I texted Mel yesterday to make sure she was okay after the party. She said she had a “wicked bad headache and the lights were way too bright, but she would live.” I reminded her in Arizona, we didn’t use phrases like “wicked bad.” She called me a few un-ladylike names. After telling her about my night with Xander, she was happy for me and agreed no one said “fancy” anymore, but she was getting back at me for the “wicked bad” comment. Beth was there when I texted Mel. I sent her a text inquiring about Greg. She said he was nice, but she thought he was into someone else, and then reminded me that she was off men indefinitely.

I wiggled my fingers to Mel and Beth and pointed to the Wrights’ table. Grinning, they waved me on. By the way Jake pounced toward the Rattlers’ table, he was over me. I recognized a couple of the cheerleaders he was flirting with from biology class.

Walking up to the table, I blurted out, “Hi.” And that was the best I could come up with around the Wrights. Xander pulled my hand to sit next to him and four bright smiles rewarded me.

“Abby, are you excited for Saturday night?” Hannah asked, practically jumping in her seat.

Obviously, Xander told them about our date.

Calista pulled out three sandwiches from her bag. Were those all for her? “Yeah, five more days, lovebirds!”

They acted like I was the first girl Xander dated, which couldn’t be true. I peered over to Xander and saw his wide grin, trying to focus on his first sandwich.

“Yes, I’m excited for Saturday.” I needed to change the subject. “How do you guys like the school? Where did you move from anyway? I never asked.”

Each of them shifted in their seats and looked to Xander. I thought any of them could have answered. Xander’s voice was tight. “We moved from Washington. We move around a lot. We’re pretty used to new schools.”

The tension was palpable, no smiles, averted gazes. My stomach twisted; somehow, overstepping an arbitrary line. Their personal life was a closed door and I wanted nothing more than to shove it open, but I felt in doing so, I would push Xander away. I let it go for now, hoping he would answer my questions Saturday.

Staying on a neutral topic, I asked, “I saw you all at the party. Did you stay long?”

Caleb already polished off two of his five sandwiches. “We drove a few people home who were too drunk and made sure others didn’t do something they would regret.”

“That must have taken all night then,” I observed and they laughed.

Ironically, they asked me a lot of questions and it was four against Abby. We talked about my sisters, my parents, and Margaret seemed to intrigue them the most.

Lunch was over and Xander grabbed my hand before I picked up my backpack. “Hey, I’ll meet you at your locker and I’ll take you to cooking class?”

I reigned in the goofy grin I wanted to give him. “Yeah.” The tension in his shoulders relaxed at my response.

The rest of the day went fast. As promised, Xander waited for me at my locker. I emptied my bag and we walked with interlaced fingers.

Today, we were sautéing fish. I groaned. Fish, oil, the stove, and me? Not a good combo. Xander’s kitchen was next to mine, stealing glances over at me. My oil and butter burned, which I guess was hard to do, so I dumped it and started over. Most of the class was already cooking their fish. My poor, abused cod suffered more as it flopped to the floor. Picking it up, I rinsed it and was poised to put it in the pan.

“Pat it dry!” Xander warned.

I blinked up to him. “Huh?”

Xander stepped into my kitchen, grabbed a few paper towels, and dried my fish. “Pat it dry first or the water will hit the oil and scald you.” Wow, he was really watching me.

I lowered my fish into the pan, and while it cooked, I cut my broccoli. With the first inept strike of my blade, the cutting board flew off the counter and hit my toe. I let out a quiet yelp. Xander’s eyes locked on me with a serious expression and I shrugged. Lining my knife over the stalk again, warm hands appeared on mine, and Xander’s strong frame pressed against my back. Oh, his touch was distracting, but being a danger in the kitchen had its perks.

His lips brushed my ear. “I need you in one piece for our date on Saturday.”

Wrapped up in his arms, I tilted my head back to him. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, I’m not.” Xander went back to his kitchen and I collected myself from my close encounter.

Once again, Xander’s dish was the best in class, earning another tick on the board, but Greg and Mark tied for second. Sophie’s was a close third. Jake’s fish didn’t cook through and mine was a burned mess that no one bothered to taste. With a glance to the points, I was leading for last place.

Jake was at my locker when Xander and I walked up. “Hi, Jake.” I didn’t know what mood he would be in since I did blow him off at his own party.

“Hey, guys.” He smiled brightly. Maybe the alcohol deadened the hit to his ego or maybe I made more out of the one-way make out grope fest than he did. Jake was confusing.

I noticed his workout bag. “You have football today?”

“No, heat advisory. We’re gonna hit the school gym.”

Greg greeted Jake by ruffling his hair and the long brown strands stood up at all angles. “Hey, Abby.”

“Nice fish in kitchen stadium today,” I said. “You’re turning out to be a good cook, Greg.”

Greg puffed out his already huge chest. “Yes, I am. I’m secure enough in my manhood to admit it.”

Jake scoffed. “Manhood, yeah right.”

Greg turned on him. “You wanna go, Turner?”

“Are you going to the gym, too, Greg?” Xander asked.

Primping his hair like a girl, Greg batted his dark eyes. “You don’t look this good without working at it.”

Jake admired him. “Greg, you do look quite fetching today.”

“Aw, thanks, Jake. You do know how to compliment a guy.” Greg slugged Jake on the arm and Jake flew back two feet. We all laughed.

There was talk of who could bench press the most and we left them to their bromance. Still smiling from my Jake and Greg encounter, Xander said, “I do like your smile, Abigail Miller.”

A goofy grin plastered onto my face. “Thanks, yours is pretty nice, too.”

27

Abby

The week crawled by, probably because I could think of nothing but Saturday night. Every day, Xander picked me up in the morning, took me home after school, and stayed longer than necessary before leaving. Margaret kept her comments to herself, but her glares spoke volumes.

Xander and I touched at all possible moments as if we had our own gravitational pull. We ate lunch with his family every day and Xander scowled at Hannah when she tried to sit between us. I wasn’t complaining. I cherished every second, smile, and look into his amazing eyes.

I didn’t know any more on the Wright subject than I had on day one, but it wasn’t from lack of trying. Anytime I asked them about their life, it became awkward. Just inquiring about their majors gave me panicked expressions. After a few days, I refrained from asking anything. I wanted his siblings to like me.

Mel and Tyler had a couple of tiffs this week, but they managed their way back into each other’s mouth. I suspected Beth was lonely by how quiet she was. Both of her best friends had boyfriends; I was all too familiar with that. Beth and Mel assured me that they were happy for me.

Though I complained, Mel and Beth gave me a silver bangle bracelet with flower cutouts, but it wasn’t a birthday gift. They called it an “awesome friend gift.” Cheaters. Xander noticed it and I had to cover with a lie, which I hated doing. My family wasn’t much better. Friday night, there was dinner at Gino’s, chocolate cake, and presents, but they spared me the candles and singing.

That night, I dreamed of Xander. We were sitting at dinner and I demanded answers for each of my questions: how he healed my ankle, the dancing, the dreams, and why he and his siblings refused to answer my questions. He didn’t have any answers for me and I walked out on him.

When I woke, I promised myself I wouldn’t do that tonight. I had questions, yes. Xander Wright was a mystery and I knew he had secrets, but so did I. I hadn’t been honest with him, either. My gut told me to trust him and I did. I hoped the fact he was my dream guy and I was hopelessly in love with him wasn’t blinding me. I had to give him a chance to open up to me, to learn to trust me. For now, it was enough to be with him.

Margaret knocked on my door during my mini-panic attack over what to wear tonight. My room, which was normally spotless, was now strewn with clothes. Gripping my hair, I was lost.

“Did a department store explode in here?” She scanned for a place to sit, and when she located my desk chair, she shoved ten pounds of clothes off it.

“I don’t know what happened. I remember grabbing a few hangers, but when I looked up, my closet was empty.” I plunked down on the bed.

She looked around the room as if it had changed in the last five seconds. “Let’s start with the basics. Do you want to wear a dress or a skirt?”

That was easy. “A dress.”

She asked, “What color?”

LBD’s were good for a first date, right? “Um…black?”

Rising out of the chair, she began sifting through the mess.

“I thought you didn’t like Xander. Why are you helping me?”

She had five black garments draped over her arm already. “I see how you look at each other. The boy has it bad for you, baby girl. I think he’s pretty serious. If you like him, I owe it to you to give him the benefit of the doubt. Now, we have to hurry because you look a damn mess.”

We decided on a cute black dress with a slight scoop neck, high enough to cover my scar. It had a mesh overlay with a dot pattern and the skirt flared above my knees with three-quarter sleeves. I put earrings on and slipped into black suede platform heels.

Margaret helped with my hair; she curled it and put it up in a simple twist with a few curls to accent my face. After lining my eyes, I dusted them with dark brown, applied pink blush and pink gloss, topping the look off with mascara.

Margaret’s eyes shined. “He’s gonna fall over himself when he sees you.”

“I hope so.” I truly did. I wanted tonight to be amazing and I wanted to be amazing for him.

My dad, mom, and sisters were waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Emma and Olivia both squealed and said I looked pretty. Mom cursed under her breath because she forgot the camera and Dad announced he needed to get his gun ready.

I rolled my eyes. “Dad, we don’t have a gun.”

“Well, we should. I’m gonna have to scare Alexander somehow.”

“Daddy!”

He feigned an innocent shrug.

Mom came back downstairs and snapped a few pictures. She wiped her eyes and complained her contacts were bothering her, but I knew better. Xander rang the doorbell and Mom told me to go back upstairs.

“Why?”

Her arms flew up and the camera would be in the wall if not attached by a string. “Because that’s what they do in the movies. The boy comes, he sees you walk down the stairs, his jaw drops to the floor, and that is what’s going to happen now. Get up those stairs!”

I surrendered to her. “Okay, okay.”

Standing at the banister, I realized how lame this was. How lame I was. I was doing what most girls got to do at age sixteen. Four years was a huge gap on the dating curve. I wondered how many fathers Xander asked for permission. Did he kiss on the first date? Would I kiss him wrong? Too much tongue or too little lip? Would he compare me to all the others? He had to have a few sexual partners at least. There were girls out there that knew what he looked like naked.

I pushed the thoughts out of my head and drowned them in acid. I didn’t want to ruin tonight with jealousy. Even with the dreams, I had no claim to him. This was my first date with Alexander Wright and I wanted to enjoy every second.

“Kate playing movie scene again?” Margaret giggled when she saw my face and sidled up next to me, both of us straining to hear what was going on downstairs.

Dad opened the door, greeted Xander, and Mom was thanking him for something. Everything was too muffled to hear. Why couldn’t they talk louder?

“Abby!” Cue taken, Mom.

Margaret gave me a hug, wished me luck, and I flashed a nervous smile back at her. I went downstairs, gripping the wooden railing, praying I wouldn’t fall in my heels. My heart was beating fast already—the only thing worse than falling was having a heart attack tonight. Making my way down, I fought to control my breaths. My eyes found Mom first, holding a bouquet of yellow roses away from my sisters. Gazing up at me, Dad smiled.

On the opposite side of the room, I saw him. Everything and everyone but Xander melted away. He looked impossibly sexy wearing black boots, belted dark blue jeans, and a long sleeve black dress shirt hugged all the muscles in his torso and arms with a skinny black tie. His dark hair was brushed to the side but still tousled the way I liked it. In his hand, another much larger bouquet of long-stem pink roses in full bloom. How did he know those were my favorite?

Xander’s lips were slightly open and I had never seen his hazel eyes this wide before. Watching me step down, his face flushed. Stopping in front of him, the sweet, floral scent of the roses drifted up between us like a rosy cloud.

Dad whispered to Mom, “See. We need a gun.”

I ignored him and greeted Xander.

Xander looked down at my dress and back up to meet my eyes. “Abby, you look incredible.”

Mom gasped and I ignored her.

“So do you,” I breathed out.

Mom sighed and I ignored her again.

“Are those for me?” I looked to the roses.

He broke his stare and nodded. “Yes, these are for you.”

“Thank you, they’re beautiful.” If he were standing any closer to me, he would be able to hear the loud thumping of my heart.

“They don’t compare to you, Abby.”

Another sigh erupted from my mom loud enough the neighbors could hear her. She was too much sometimes. Xander chuckled at her.

I said, “We should go, Xander, before she breaks out into a show tune.”

Mom took my flowers and said she would put both bouquets in water. Xander knew how to score major points with my parents; little did he know, the one needing convincing was upstairs. Xander put his hand on the small of my back as he led me out the door.

Dad yelled after us, “Have fun. But not too much fun. Hospital bills.”

I groaned.

It was still bright out with the sunset hours away. Stepping down the drive, birds and cicadas sang as if they were our cheer squad. Xander held my hand and helped me into the cab of the 4Runner. This time, I caught him staring at my legs. He turned crimson and I smiled. I didn’t mind. I smelled something sweet in the cab mixed with the hot air and leather seats.

I watched him cross in front of the windshield and knew I had to be dreaming. There was no way this was really happening. This beautiful man wanted to take
me
out on my first date?

He slipped behind the wheel and started the engine. A large hand wrapped around mine, pulling my attention to him. Xander’s eyes were earnest, his voice soft. “In case I forget to tell you, this was the best night of my existence.”