A Summer To Remember: Novella (Lost Love Book 1) by C.L. Richards Page B

Naked no less and expect me to believe nothing happened." No doubt there’s a blissful expression pictured across my face, but I can't help it. "Huh, huh. Something happened, didn't it. Spill girl." Nikki says in a-don’t-mess-with-me tone.
    I attempt to play down what happened, wanting to keep it between Xavier and myself. I tell her a small portion of what happened, hoping it will be enough to appease her. "He wanted to know whether I was alright." She's frowns. "I call bullshit." Holding my hands out in surrender "Okay, he wants me to give him a chance. He may or may not have, climbed into the shower with me." I say in a quiet voice in hopes she didn't hear me. Nikki's eyes widen with amazement. She chewing on her bottom lip as though she's waiting for me to continue. "On and he might've kissed me." Nikki scramble's off the bed and runs towards me. She makes an undignified squeak while bouncing on the spot. Clapping her hands with excitement. "I'm so happy for you. You're going to give him a chance, right?"
    "I am," I smirk at her. "Shall we get you ready for your hot date then?"
    Turning on the hot iron, I place it to the side. Nikki grabs my make-up bag and tips the contents on the bed. "You have the pregnancy glow," Nikki states while scrutinizing me. She gives me the rundown on how she's going to do my make-up. "So I’m going to apply eyeliner, mascara and a little lip gloss."
    "Okay."
    Fifteen minutes later, my hair flows in delicate waves. It looks gorgeous. I slip into my dark midi dress, and I'm ready.  "You alright?" Nikki asks before we leave the safety of my room. Anxious is putting it mildly. Live with your life to the full. Find your prince and hang on tight. Never let him go. The words from Josh's letter springs to mind,  which helps to ease the guilt. Maybe, it’s okay to move on.
    “Come on or you'll be late." I follow Nikki downstairs and into the lounge. Expecting to see Xavier but he's nowhere to be seen. I'm baffled when I see Nikki pick up her car keys. "Where's Xavier?" I sputter.
    Confusion as anxiety attempting to push through my barriers. I gradually breathe in pushing the undesirable feeling away. The car journey is uncomfortable. I don't like surprises. I don't like the unknown. My body is facing the window, In an attempt to get my bearings together. I don't realize the car has come to a stop until Nikki nudges me, letting me know we’ve arrived. “Why are we at your apartment?” I ask but don't receive an answer, instead she flashes me a wink. Nikki opens her door and climbs out. Only to emerge at my door moments later, sweeping her hand in a greeting motion. "There you go my lady." she giggles. She’s enjoying my state of confusion. I venture out of the car, my eyes land on a dark shadow stood at the bottom of the steps. Impulse defeats me, moving toward the unknown.
       I know I should stay rooted to the spot. It could be anybody stood there. Without thinking of the possible consequences. I start moving in the direction of the dark shadow.  The closer I get, the closer I can see the form of Xavier's striking face. He's gorgeous.  Xavier offers his hand for me to take it. He pulls me into the warmth of his body, my face hammers into his chest. Inhaling his manly scent, leaves me wanton with need. "You look beautiful," he mumbled against my neck. Heat extends over my body, leaving tints of red in its place. "Why are you flushed? Don't go shy on me."
    Xavier steps back he leads me into Nikki's apartment. Bewildered, I take in the scene before me.  Stunned, somebody would go to these lengths for me. However, Xavier done the unforeseen. That has to mean something, right?!
    The room is lit by candles, casting a soft glow. Delicate music plays giving off a romantic vibe. The fragrance wafting from the kitchen leaves me salivating.  A table set for two is sitting amidst the room with flower petals scattered across it. Xavier leads me over to the table, resting his hand against my lower