Xander's Chance

"When you're ready to talk, let me know."

She cursed him silently. It was some sort of trick to get her to slip up. She wasn't falling for it, though. He was serious about her remaining in his sight. She glanced over her shoulder to see his eyes traveling over her body. Rattled and thrilled, she moved to the other side of the bed to reach the pillows there instead of stretching.

"What do you do?" she asked. "You're built like a wrestler or football player or something."

"You don't watch TV."

"No. I've got two jobs."

"Read the tabloids next time you go to the store. You'll figure it out," he said. "Single mom. Two kids."

She glared at him.

"Just admit I'm right, and I'll move on," he said with a chuckle.

"Fine. Yes. Was I right about you being the product of a single mom?"

There was a pause. "Yes. My father kicked us out soon after I was born. She died when I was ten." The quietness with which he spoke made Jessi feel bad for asking. "My upbringing after that can be called interesting."

Jessi paused, not expecting a response. The private man who hadn't even named his cat didn't seem like someone comfortable with sharing. He didn't seem affected by the words, as if whatever wound the events caused was completely gone. She felt the need to say something though, knowing how much pain her cousins went through when they lost their parents.

He was studying her, his air relaxed for once. She gazed back, uncertain why the moment touched her on a level she didn't think was possible with a stranger. She cleared her throat, then said,

"My, uh, kids lost their parents in a car accident a few years ago. I'm their legal guardian. No one else in the family would take them in."

As soon as the words were out, she was furious with herself for revealing something personal. She'd meant to give him some sort of bland sympathy like people gave her kids. You turned out okay or something to acknowledge the issue without personalizing it. She hated that kind of insincerity, but if ever she wanted to deliver it, it was now.

"You're wasting the best years of your life for them."

"What an awful thing to say!" she exclaimed. "They're my family."

"When was the last time you got laid?"

"Who asks a question like that of a complete stranger?"

"I can't read your mind, and you're the only woman who has been in my bedroom who I haven't fucked. It makes sense to me," he explained, a small smile on his face.