His Heart Knew Before He Did novel Chapter 15

After spending the past few days with Xavier, Lydia had come to realize that beneath his teasing exterior, he wasn't a bad guy.

But him tailing her all day was getting ridiculous.

Lydia met his gaze head-on. "Coach Vance, you don't strike me as someone who likes to meddle in other people's business."

"What makes you say that?"

"The repeated 'coincidental' rides. Showing up out of nowhere to bail me out." Lydia's expression was completely flat. "Do you do this for everyone, Coach Vance?"

Xavier took a sip of his beer. "You already figured it out. I'm not the type to meddle in other people's business."

Lydia saw right through him. "So, you're actually serious?"

Xavier's eyes darkened and lightened in the shadows. After a moment, he leaned closer. "Is that a problem?"

His gaze was intense, pulling her in like an unstoppable, howling hurricane.

Lydia broke eye contact, deciding to lay all her cards on the table.

"You've seen it yourself. My family is a complete disaster. I'm cold, boring, and I only went on that blind date because my relatives forced me to. If you're actually interested in me, you should give up while you're ahead."

Xavier took a slow, deliberate sip of his beer. His tone was unhurried, making it impossible to tell if he was joking or serious.

"I've always been drawn to the bizarre. Perfect, pristine things don't hold my attention. It's the flawed, slightly sharp things that I find incredibly fascinating."

Lydia felt entirely out of her depth with him. Deciding she was done talking, she quietly went back to drinking her beer.

A long time passed before his low, smooth voice drifted into her ear.

"Does your face still hurt?"

Lydia's stoic expression didn't waver. "It's nothing."

But Xavier couldn't pull his eyes away from the side of her face.

The rain started coming down harder. Xavier raised a hand to shield her head. "Alright, then come home with me."

Lydia suddenly bolted upright, crossing her arms defensively over her chest. "You... you sleazy... jerk... get away from me..."

"Fine!" Xavier stood up and scooped her effortlessly into his arms. "Then you can settle the score with this sleazy jerk when you sober up tomorrow."

When he carried her through the front door, his grandmother stared at him in utter shock.

"Xavier, who is this?"

Abigail leaned in for a closer look, the wrinkles on her face instantly scrunching together into a massive, delighted smile. "I was wondering if pigs had finally flown, but it's the Wyatt girl!"

Xavier didn't bother explaining. "Grandma, she's soaked. Can you help her change into something dry?"

Abigail waved her hand dismissively and let out a dramatic yawn. "You brought the girl home, you change her clothes. I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed."