The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

Orelia's POV.

Friday night, I drive over to Xavier's house, following the directions he sent me.

He offered to pick me up, but it seemed silly for him to come all the way to mine just to drive back to his. Besides, I enjoy driving.

I arrive earlier than we agreed, out of eagerness. I'm excited to see him and we have the whole night together. I've shaved and moisturized and done everything possible to make myself tempting to him.

Xavier answers the door with a wide smile.

'Hey, you look great! Come in,' he says warmly.

I step past him, into the house, and he kisses my cheek. The smell of rosemary and roast chicken reaches my nose.

'Oh, my gosh, it smells incredible!'

Xavier grins and I suddenly spot the oven gloves on his hands.

I love a man who can cook.

'Should be good, hopefully. It'll be ready in about fifteen minutes. Do you want to leave your bag down here and I'll show you around after dinner'

'Yeah, sure.'

'Let's get you a drink. Alcoholic or non'

'I'd love some wine if you are having some, please,' I respond and follow him down the corridor, through to the kitchen.

Pans are simmering on the hob, and I can see the small roast chicken in the oven. My stomach rumbles with excitement, but the noise is drowned out by the extractor fan.

We sit with a glass of wine each and chat whilst the food finishes cooking. We talk about the normal things, each other's day, Lettie and her baby, our families.

It's easy and relaxed and perfect in the simplest way. When the food is ready, we eat at the table in the kitchen.

If I didn't know it already, I definitely know it now. Xavier is made for me. The man can cook for me every day for the rest of my life if he likes, because wow.

'I can't remember the last time I had a roast that good,' I tell him when we're clearing the dishes. 'But don't tell my mum that I said that!'

He chuckles. 'I promise not to bring it up tomorrow.'

Tomorrow, Xavier and I are going round to meet my parents and sister. I know they're going to love him.

We get comfortable on the sofa, cuddling in front of the TV. The TV show we're watching doesn't interest me. Not because it's not a good show, simply because who I have next to me is far more interesting.

With Xavier's eyes on the TV, I lean closer to him and softly press a kiss to the top of his collarbone. He shudders and tightens his arm around my waist.

He's wearing a t—shirt and the crew neckline gives me plenty of access to his neck. I peck kisses up and down his throat. Only when I scrape my teeth over the skin does Xavier finally let out a low growl and react properly.

He turns to face me and kisses me, taking me by surprise. I slowly start to kiss him, letting my lips lazily follow his lead. He coaxes me to respond more firmly.

He parts my lips with his tongue and it's like he sparks a fire inside me. I'm filled with a burning need to feel more of him. I straddle his lap on the sofa and thread my fingers into his hair.

I tug on the strands and Xavier grunts against my lips. Our tongues rub and play together whilst his hands steadily move higher from my waist. They slide under my top and make me shiver when he skims them over my ribs.