Perception (Club Destiny #6)(75)
Author: Nicole Edwards

“What time did you get up?”

“Four.”

“Hmm, I think there might be a nap in your future,” she said with a smile.

“I like that idea.”

For the first time since she walked in, Mercedes realized he was dressed. Completely. Like with a tie and everything.

“Going somewhere?”

“I’ve got a meeting this morning.”

“Oh.”

“I figured you had things to do today,” he began.

Mercedes tried to push off of his lap, immediately ashamed at her assumption. His arms tightened slightly, her escape attempt failing.

What was she thinking? That Xander would’ve just changed his entire day because she’d spent another night in his bed? Or possibly because she felt there was a connection between them that wasn’t just related to casual sex? Or that just because her calendar wasn’t crammed full that morning that his wasn’t? Granted, it was Friday, and she knew the man probably had plenty of things to do.

As did she.

“I do. I need to follow up on the Milton building. I’m hoping to hear something back today.” No, actually she wasn’t, but it sounded good. Xander leaned over and kissed her, but Mercedes turned quickly, offering him her cheek. “In fact, I need to go make a call.”

To her surprise, Xander leaned back, releasing his hold on her as she abruptly stood. He simply cocked an eyebrow, pinning her with a look that promised punishment later.

“I’ll talk to you later, then.”

Ok, so he probably knew she was upset. So what. If it meant she could put a little distance between them then it was worth it. Clearly she’d gone and lost her mind, thinking that a couple of nights in his bed had changed things.

Obviously not.

“Mercedes,” Xander said sternly when she turned to walk away.

Knowing she was going to earn some form of punishment and not really giving a shit, she waved him off without turning back. “I’ll catch you when you get back.”

As she made her way down the narrow hall, she heard him say, “You’re damn right you will, pet.”

At four-thirty in the afternoon, Mercedes made her way down the narrow hallway that led to Xander’s office. It was the first time she’d been back since her less than graceful retreat just that morning.

Somehow she’d managed to avoid Xander’s phone calls throughout the day and luckily he hadn’t pressed the issue. Then again, she had conveniently disappeared for the majority of the day, which meant he was likely going to be questioning her relentlessly.

She’d just spent the last two hours with a client, showing him two recently listed condo’s not far from her own building. Needless to say, she wasn’t in the best of moods because, not only had she shown him both condos twice, he’d insisted on nitpicking every last detail until finally he decided he wasn’t interested.

She would never get those two hours back.

But, on the positive side of things, she’d been able to get her mind back in working order. No longer was she reliving the time she’d recently spent in Xander’s arms. And more importantly, she wasn’t thinking any of those crazy thoughts about him.

Things were back to normal.

As normal as they could get anyway.

Only now she had to face Xander once again. Probably because she’d ignored his calls throughout the day, he had left a very lengthy voicemail not long ago, reminding her of the deal that they’d made among other things.

“Hey, it’s me. Call me perceptive, but I’ve figured out that you’re avoiding my calls. It hasn’t stopped me from calling you yet and it won’t stop me in the future, so if you don’t mind, just answer the damn phone. It would be a hell of a lot easier than me having to have a one sided conversation with your voicemail.” Pause. “I can only assume that you’re on your way home and yes, I’m here waiting for you. So, whether you show up in five minutes or five hours, I’ll still be here.

“We have a deal, Mercedes. And I’ve never gone back on my word and I know you haven’t either and now isn’t the time for either of us to start.” Another pause. “Damn it, woman. Either give me a call or I expect to see you within the hour. And if you’re lucky…” Exasperated breath. “No, wait. You’ve long surpassed luck. Like I said, I’ll be here waiting.”

Incorrigible.

Damn him.

Xander had the ability to make anyone feel guilty, and he’d successfully piled a shitload of guilt on her plate although he probably hadn’t meant to.

Or maybe he had.

Mercedes stopped short just outside of Xander’s office door.