Just One Chance, page 8
But Dash wasn’t wrong. Thanks to dear old Dad, they were all screwed up when it came to relationships. Their father had been a cheating son of a bitch, hence they’d ended up with a half sister they hadn’t known about until after Kenneth Kingston had died. But despite Dash’s view of relationships, Xander had always wanted to settle down with the woman he loved.
His gaze drifted to Sasha, who was laughing at something Aurora said while holding Leah up on her shoulder. At the sight of her with the baby in her arms, Xander swallowed hard. Fuck. He couldn’t look at her and think about things he wouldn’t have. Not with her.
“How do you pick just one woman?” Dash asked, his stare now on Beck and Chloe.
Xander blinked at Dash’s stupid statement. “You’re a dick,” he muttered. “And if you aren’t careful, you’re going to get yourself in trouble. Aren’t you tired of the groupies? Waking up hungover with a strange woman in your bed?”
“No.” Dash shrugged, then his shoulders fell. “Maybe. It’s complicated and hard to think about when everything else is falling apart.”
“Where are the guys?” Xander asked. Dash had gone home after they’d set up the backyard to see what was going on with his band.
“Went home. Dominic is done.” He cringed at the statement. “We all need to figure out what the fuck to do now that our drummer is out.” Dash ran a hand through his long hair and groaned.
“Cassidy’s brother’s a drummer,” Sasha said, sidling up alongside him. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
Dash was manning the grill now, so Xander stepped back and slipped an arm around her waist. She looked up at him with wide eyes and a shocked expression. He’d never said they had to hide things, only that whatever they were this time, it had an expiration date.
“Who’s Cassidy?” Dash asked, taking the last burger off the grill and shutting off the gas.
“My personal assistant and best friend. Her brother is Axel Forrester. He was with–”
“Caged Chaos. We met at Coachella a couple of years ago. I heard they broke up and he was going solo.” Dash cocked his head. “Can you get me his number? Maybe he wants to jam with us. See how we mesh?”
“Sure. I’ll talk to Cass later. No problem.”
Xander squeezed her side in thanks. She eased herself against him and his cock hardened even more in his shorts, which was saying something considering he’d been in a constant state of arousal since this morning. And again when he’d seen Sasha in that flirty outfit that rippled in the breeze and showed off all her tanned legs and gorgeous skin.
They ate dinner, everyone sitting at the long table he’d bought for just this reason. Chloe and Beck were by his brothers while Xander’s mom was near Beck’s parents. And Chloe, who, looked out for her brothers, had been friendly toward Sasha, but she was clearly wary, her gaze following Xander’s moves any time he touched or talked to her.
The saving grace of the day was Aurora. She’d been so excited to meet Sasha and kept her busy most of the day. Now, over dinner, the baby was sleeping in a Pack ’n Play inside, and Aurora had a monitor on the table. She sat across from Sasha, and Xander had finally settled into a chair beside her, coming in mid-conversation.
“So tell me more about the charity you run,” Aurora said. “I read about it in People Magazine. They do a monthly feature on people giving back.”
He glanced to his right to see Sasha blush. “Once I made it big, I set up a foundation that gives to communities in need. We furnish computers to schools and clothes for kids whose parents can’t afford it when their children outgrow what they have.”
Aurora nodded. “That’s what I read. So maybe you can help me … sometime in the future. I’ve been trying to decide what to do with … well, my life. I graduated high school but not college, and I don’t want to take the time away from Leah to go back to school. I feel like I have so much more life experience than anyone I’d meet there.”
Most of the family had grown silent as she spoke, everyone obviously interested in Aurora’s plans. Xander hadn’t known she’d been thinking about her future. Was she worried? They’d made sure she had a trust fund set up just like all the Kingston kids had from their grandparents.
“I can understand why you’d feel that way,” Sasha said, breaking into his thoughts. “I didn’t go to college, either. But I was working and trying to make it as an actress.”
Aurora used her fork to push salad around her plate. “I know how lucky I am to suddenly have money and options. But I also know what it’s like to age out of foster care and have nothing. Literally. I had no place to live, no way to make enough money to pay rent. I’d been working at a diner part-time, and I was lucky they had a back room and the owner let me sleep there. I was able to get work at Dare Nation after that and things turned around for me, but a lot of former foster kids aren’t able to recover from being homeless.”
And she considered that lucky. Xander shook his head, clenched his jaw, and wanted to punch something for all she’d been through. His father especially but he couldn’t change the past. All he could do was be there for his sister now.
“I want to help kids who age out,” Aurora said. “That’s what I want to do with my money.” She fidgeted in her seat and the silence around them was deafening. “I know I’m still young and Leah’s a baby, but that’s my goal.”
Sasha smiled, placing a hand over Aurora’s. “I can tell you how we set things up. But it’s according to California laws. You’d be doing things in New York, so you’ll need to talk to lawyers here to get started. But any questions you have, I’m here. Before you leave, take my cell phone number.”
Aurora’s eyes filled with tears of gratitude and Xander understood. Coming from nothing, she now had everything. And here was her idol, a famous actress, offering her phone number. Xander was grateful to Sasha for being so open and giving with his sister.
It was going to be so damned hard to keep her at a distance so his heart wouldn’t be smashed when she left again – for whatever movie or project awaited her next, in whatever country or part of the world it was set in.
Chapter Six
Everyone had finished eating and left to do the drive home. Even Dash had taken off early, his mood obviously impacted by his band problems. Chloe and Beck were outside with Xander, and Sasha made herself scarce to start washing dishes. Despite her nerves, she’d had a good time today. She loved how normal Xander’s family was despite how much money they possessed and how famous some of them were. Although they’d been told Sasha was staying here, they were obviously surprised, since more than once, she’d caught them watching her. And Xander had given them something to see. They were also obviously shocked by how open and touchy he’d been with her throughout the day.
Join the club, she mused, putting a dish in the dishwasher. She’d spent the afternoon and evening completely caught off guard by the changes in him. Apparently, sex only with an end date in sight worked for him. She just hoped she could make it work for her, too, because it was going to hurt when she went home. She knew that much already, before they’d even slept together again.
“Hi,” Chloe said, joining her by the sink with some serving plates in her hands. Of all the siblings, Chloe had been the coolest toward her. Not rude, just … wary.
“Hi. You can put those down. I’ll get to them next,” Sasha said.
“Oh. Sure.” She put them on the counter. “I can take over if you want a break,” Xander’s sister offered.
Sasha shook her head. “I’ve got it but thanks.” She paused then decided to make conversation. “Congratulations on your engagement.”
Chloe smiled, her face lighting up. “Thank you. It’s been a whirlwind but so amazing. Umm, are you ready for filming to start?”
“I am.”
An awkward silence followed as Sasha loaded the dishwasher and started to wash the plates Chloe had brought in.
Chloe sighed. “Okay, listen, I admit I’m protective of my brother, but watching him today, I see he’s happy. And that’s all I want. So if I was cold to you today, I’m sorry.”
Sasha blinked in surprise. “Thank you.” But she was pleased. She’d always liked Chloe Kingston. Sasha didn’t want Chloe to assume things about her relationship with Xander. “Your brother and I have an understanding about things this time around.”
Chloe narrowed her gaze. “What kind of understanding?” she asked. “I mean, not that it’s any of my business, but you mentioned it so…”
“It’s fine. You’re right. I brought it up.” Sasha shut the faucet. Wiping her hands on paper towels, she turned to Chloe. “It’s just that we don’t have unreal expectations this time. I live in California, Xander’s here, and our lives don’t mesh.” Every time she said or thought those words, her stomach churned uncomfortably.
“Sasha, I doubt you know about how I got together with Beck, but I tried to tell myself I could keep those boundaries. You know, be together while I was living with him and walk away when I moved out.” Chloe bit down on her bottom lip. “But that’s not what happened, and there was a lot of pain involved before things worked out. All I’m saying is, be careful. You and Xander both.”
Sasha’s eyes filled with tears, and she turned away despite the fact that it was too late. Chloe had probably noticed. And when she put her hand on Sasha’s shoulder, Sasha knew she was right.
“Hey, I was looking all over for you,” Beck said, joining them in the kitchen. “Hi, Sasha.”
She smiled. “Hi.”
“Is everything okay in here?” he asked, glancing from woman to woman.
“We’re all good,” Sasha said, meaning it. She appreciated Chloe’s attempt to help.
“Great. Because I thought I’d take my fiance home.” He strode over and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him. “Ready?”
“I am.” She glanced at Sasha. “Take care, okay? And good luck on the movie.”
Sasha smiled. “Thanks.”
The couple walked out, leaving Sasha to think. Chloe had made very good points. Sasha and Xander were walking a tightrope and were definitely headed for a fall without the possibility of things working out the way they had for Chloe and Beck. But even knowing that ahead of time, nothing would stop Sasha from making the most of the time she had with Xander now.
* * *
The day had gone well by Kingston family standards. Everyone seemed to have a good time, the pool got use, there were a couple of arguments that needed someone to referee, and they all ate well. Best of all, everyone seemed to welcome Sasha without giving her shit. All in all, Xander would take it.
He said goodbye to the last of his family – finally – and took Bella out for a walk, waving at Tate as he headed down the driveway. Upon his return, he did a final check of all the doors in the house, closing everything, locking up, and setting the alarm.
He hadn’t seen Sasha since she’d said goodbye to his mom and the rest of the family. He stopped by the spotless kitchen, courtesy of Sasha, but all the lights were off. Going in search of her, he headed in the direction of their bedrooms. Her door was partially open, and the sound of the shower came from the bathroom inside. Debating for only half a second, he walked in to join her.
He stripped in her bedroom then opened the bathroom door. Steam greeted him, but as he stepped inside, he saw her. Eyes closed, face tipped up toward the spray, her body even more luscious than he remembered. His cock stood at attention, and he gripped himself in one hand and groaned.
She turned, her eyes opening wide. “Xander.”
His dick twitched at the sound of his name on her lips. He pulled open the door and stepped into the large shower, the hot water streaming over them.
Her lips parted in surprise and he raised an eyebrow. If she had a problem with him here, he was out. He wouldn’t pressure her–
Before he could finish the thought, she threw herself against him, plastering her naked body against his. He caught her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her when she jumped so she could wrap her legs around his waist. Holding her again, he finally felt whole.
And fucking horny. It was so much easier to focus on the latter than the emotions rushing through him. Turning, he backed her against the wall, his hips holding her up, his cock hard against her pussy and abdomen. Once he had her pinned, he sealed their lips together, kissing her hard, tasting mint, and wanting more. His tongue swept through the deep recesses of her mouth, devouring her with all that he had to give.
She grasped his head in her hands, just as eager as he was to taste, nip, and consume, but too soon, she broke the kiss. “Let your hair grow so I can grab it and pull.”
He grinned, thinking he just might do that. “Lower your legs.”
She slid down, her feet touching the floor.
He immediately dropped to his knees. “Now lean against the wall and brace yourself.”
Like a good girl, she leaned back and flattened her hands against the tile. He raised her foot and kissed her delicate ankle, sliding his lips up her leg, licking his way over her skin. He paused behind her knee, knowing she liked when he lingered there, kissing that particular erogenous zone before moving up her thigh.
Her hands grabbed for his hair again and she groaned, instead holding on to his shoulders. Yeah, he was definitely letting the Marine cut grow out. Using his fingers, tongue, and lips, he teased her as he headed north – a very definite destination in mind.
He glanced up and caught her watching him, those striking eyes heavy-lidded and filled with desire. He understood. His cock was thick and heavy, all but begging him to hurry up. But that wasn’t his plan. He didn’t know how long he had with her, and he intended to slow things down and savor the time they did have.
But as his fingertips drifted upward, gliding over the spot where her thighs met her pussy, she let out a moan, arousal coating her sex, and he doubted his ability to make things last. Clenching his jaw, he slipped a hand over her wetness, and her hips bucked forward.
He knew he had her. Keeping his thumb pressed against her clit, he slid one finger inside, gliding it in and out, gritting his teeth against the tightness he felt there. He added a second finger, and she contracted around him, her hips moving in needy circles, her nails digging into his skin.
“Xander, more, please.”
That he could do. He pumped his fingers in and out, curling them inside and pressing against her inner wall. She immediately began to come, her legs shaking, calling out his name. Before he could even use his mouth. Considering the water was going cold, he figured it was for the best.
He kept up the pressure until she settled, her knees nearly collapsing, but he was there. Rising, he held her up. He reached out and turned the shower knob off, pushed open the door, and stepped out before lifting her into his arms. The bed sounded like a damned good idea right now.
* * *
Sasha had just had an amazing orgasm, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t aware enough to realize Xander was headed for her bed. “Wait! We’re soaking wet,” she said, her arms around his neck so she wouldn’t fall. All the while, they were both stark naked.
“That’s why we’re going to use your bed. Mine’ll be dry for later.”
She was about to argue … for the sake of arguing, because honestly, she really didn’t mind sleeping in his room. He tossed her onto the mattress, slid down, spread her legs, and all rational thought fled. Especially when he settled himself between her legs and parted her with his fingers.
“Now this is what I’ve been dying to do all day.” He slid his tongue over her sex, and a low moan escaped from her throat.
He licked, sucked, and swirled his tongue over and around her outer lips and her clit, teasing her and tormenting her in the best possible ways. Her hips bucked, but he kept one hand on her lower abdomen, pressing her into the mattress while his tongue worked miracles considering she’d already come in the shower.
As he continued his sensual assault, she writhed on the bed, pleasure building and building until she came apart for a second time.
Xander lifted himself up and wiped his mouth with his hand, a sexy grin on his face. “Ready for more?”
She wouldn’t have believed it possible, but her core pulsed with need. “I can’t promise I’ll be able to come again, but I definitely want to feel you inside me.”
His eyes darkened at her statement. “Oh, you’ll come.” He gripped his large cock in his hand and let out an unexpected groan. “No condoms.” He ran his hand over his face, clearly aggravated.
She propped herself up on her elbows and met his gaze. “I haven’t been with anyone since you. And I have an IUD.” She knew she was taking a risk exposing herself to him, but she did it anyway.
She’d been in love with Xander when things between them had ended and her career had exploded at the same time. Casual sex had not been on her busy radar, despite what the paparazzi and online sites liked to claim about her having relationships with her co-stars.
He was quiet. Too quiet. “Xander?” She looked at him towering over her, his big body still.
“Why?” he finally asked. “Four years is a long time.”
She swallowed hard. Her heart had taken a beating after he’d left, but she wasn’t going to admit to that right now. “I was too busy working, too jet-lagged, too … everything, to think about sex.”
A smile quirked his lips. “Not even self-provided orgasms?”
She blushed. “I didn’t say that.” Her handy travel Womanizer did the trick. “Anyway, I’m good to go.” But was he?
She didn’t want to hear about how many females he’d been with since her. “All I need to know is if you’re okay, too,” she said.
“I’m good. Yearly physical and all that.”
She nodded.
As if he knew the mood had been impacted, he leaned over and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her and immediately getting her going again. His hands drifted lower, shaping her hips, traveling upward, and cupping her breasts. His thumbs played with her nipples, which were suddenly sensitive. He pressed down, plucked and toyed with her until her hips were moving of their own accord.
