Xander by Octavia Jensen

Author:Octavia Jensen [Jensen, Octavia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Flower Bone Publishing
Published: 2024-01-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven: The Spanked Mint

Leland

Unloading the last of my things feels scarier than I thought it would. I’m comfortable enough in Xander’s house that I know I’ll be fine, but he’s been weird lately. Ever since he slammed my phone down the day we exchanged pictures, he’s been quiet and almost disengaged. Nothing like the Xander I’ve grown accustomed to.

He’s not being mean or anything like that, just... not the same, and I’m terrified it’s because he doesn’t actually want me to move in. As if dating wasn’t hard enough for him already, having me in his guest room won’t make things any easier.

Is that what this is?

Do I ask about it?

Looking at him now with his tense shoulders and broody, dark expression, I don’t think I can be that direct. Instead, I approach him carefully and touch his forearm. “Are you hungry? I can get something started unless you’d rather order pizza.”

“Pizza sounds good, actually. We can toss on a movie or something if you don’t have other plans tonight.”

How long has it been since he’s even looked me in the eyes? “I haven’t had plans in weeks,” I remind him gently. “That isn’t changing tonight.”

“No?” He turns toward me a little more. “Thought maybe we just weren’t talking about it. You haven’t met someone new on Tinder?”

The surprise on my face is genuine. That’s what this is about? Seriously? “I — how did you know that?”

He shrugs, turning away like he didn’t mean to say that. “I don’t know anything. I’m just assuming you did, and thought maybe you didn’t want to talk about it since the last one didn’t go so well. This one going better?”

No, there’s definitely something else going on. I haven’t been on my phone around him unless he’s been spying on me with his nanny cams, which is possible. I haven’t met Jay in person yet, either. I keep putting it off because I have a stupid crush on fucking Xander. “Honestly? I’m not sure that’s your business,” I say a little too defensively.

Aside from the world’s smallest flinch, he doesn’t give me a reaction at all. “Yeah, you’re right. I was just thinking of getting the app, so I was curious if you had any more luck. Forget I asked.”

Shit. Fucking shit. Of course that’s why he asked, and I — oh, god. I suck. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I think I’m just a little on edge about it. I haven’t met the guy or anything yet, but he seems nice. I think guys have better luck on there, anyway. I’m sure you’ll find someone quickly.”

Even the thought makes my chest ache. If he finds someone, where does that leave me? I didn’t even realize he was looking.

“Do you guys talk on the app, or does he have your phone number?”

“He asked for my number,” I admit. “I gave it to him, but he honestly hasn’t been talking to me much.”

Xander nods to himself a couple times before looking at me again and changing the subject.

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