Page 29 of Broken Track
Her forehead drops against mine, both of us panting. The music still plays in the background, but it’s distant now, like the whole damn world has faded out. I stare into her eyes, my pulse pounding, my grip on her firm yet careful. She looks wrecked. Beautiful. And I realize I’m done for.
She handed me her heart. No hesitation. No fear. And I’ll be damned if I ever let anything happen to it.
Chapter Sixteen
Izzy
For two weeks, Xavier Sweeney has been all mine. Every moment together, every stolen kiss, every heated touch has been leading to this night. It’s been two weeks since I gave Xavier a chance. Since I let him in. In that time, he’s shown me exactly what he meant when he said he was all in. Every touch, every look, every whispered word between us has been leading to this moment.
My Eighteenth birthday. I didn’t want a party. I didn’t want to spend it with Mia or anyone else. I only want him.
Dinner was hours ago, but I don’t want this night to end. I’ve spent all night teasing him, shivering under his touch, and locking eyes with him as if I could devour him whole. I know he feels it, too. The way his grip tightens on my waist, the way his jaw clenches when I press close.
There’s no going back. Not tonight.
We’re curled up together in our usual booth at The Diner, my body tucked against his as Luke Bryan’sI Don’t Want This Night to Endplays softly through the speakers.
Fitting.
Xavier’s arm is draped around my shoulders, holding me close to his pounding heartbeat. My head rests against hisshoulder, my blonde hair in a messy bun that tickles his nose. I feel him inhale deeply before pressing a slow, lingering kiss to the top of my head.
A shudder runs through me. I tilt my head up, meeting his intense blue gaze, my lashes heavy as I lick my lips. “Hey, X,” I breathe, my voice soft but full of meaning.
His fingers twitch against my skin. His body reacts before he can even respond. “Hey, B.” His voice is husky, sending another delicious shiver down my spine.
I smile, letting my fingers trace over his thigh under the table. “I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you for taking me.”
His lips curve into that dimpled smile that always makes my stomach flip. “I did too. It’s nice to do something besides racing. Besides, it’s your birthday. I wanted to give you a night to remember.”
I bite my lip. “You already have.”
His arm drops behind me, and his fingers flex against my waist like he’s fighting himself. His jaw clenches, breath unsteady. I don’t want him to hold back. Not tonight.
I take a deep breath. “Xavier?”
His thumb rubs slow circles on my hip. “Yeah?”
I swallow, suddenly nervous. “Did you mean it? When you said you were all in?”
His expression softens, but his grip on me tightens. “Izzy, I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
I nod, but my heart is pounding. “I know. I just…” I hesitate, unsure how to put into words the way I feel. The way he’s changed everything.
He turns slightly, shifting so he can look at me fully. His fingers brush over my cheek, his touch featherlight but sure. “Tell me.”
I exhale. “I just… I don’t want this to be temporary.” My voice is quiet, but the weight of my words hangs between us.
His eyes darken, something fierce flashing in them. “B, I don’t think you realize that I don’t want anyone else. Not now, not ever.” His fingers tilt my chin up. “I don’t just want a night with you. I want every night. Every day. Every second you’ll give me.”
Emotion swells in my chest, thick and overwhelming. “You’re serious?”
His lips twitch. “You’re my girl. Is that serious enough for you?”
I let out a shaky breath. “Yeah. Yeah, it is.”
His gaze drops to my lips, and I feel the heat between us build again, slow and steady.
“You’re mine, Izzy,” he rumbles, voice rough. “And I’m yours.”
