Chapter 5 The Name's Baby

• Xavier’s Pov
• I woke slowly, my eyes half closed as the sunlight spilled through the curtains. It was quiet, as usual.
• I rubbed my eyes slowly, awakening as memories of the previous night came rushing back.
• “Let’s have sex…”
• Wait… The girl.
• I made for the other side of the bed and found it empty.
• She’d left?
• That was a first.
• Her perfume lingered in the room, a sweet strawberry and honey smell as I remembered her hands on me, the heated kisses and the gentle rubbing on my scar.
• We hadn't been able to get enough of each other.
• I was usually up early but I’d been so tired that I hadn't heard her leave.
• I sat up, and stretched.
• The single act pulled at my side, my scar, reminding me of older memories.
• But I shoved it aside and grabbed a black shirt from the chair. Slipped it on and made for the adjoining suite.
• The one that was meant for me just me. No guests.
• My phone buzzed as I poured my coffee. It was Leo, my best friend. I tapped answer.
• “Not dead,” I said absentmindedly.
• “Of course not. Dead men do not answer their cell phones,” Leo teased. “You left quite early, with the blonde-haired beauty.”
• I sipped my coffee, letting the liquid settle in my chest.
• “What, you think I wouldn't find out? I was right across!”
• I didn't answer him because I didn't feel like speaking much.
• “Was the sex that horrible? It strikes me. You know she didn't look as hideous as the last one you had over.”
• “She left before sunrise, Leo.”
• “Like a vampire,” Leo teased. “Wait what? Are you kidding?”
• I gave a low. “No.”
• “That's what you usually want. Shouldn't you hop on a leg in jubilation?”
• I sighed. Leo was right, Departures always made me relieved. Like I had one less thing to worry about.
• And now? I didn't understand what had happened.
• “Not this time, no.”
• Leo paused.
• “I don't understand, Xavier.”
• “She didn't want my name. Didn't ask any question. Just took what she wanted and disappeared.”
• I felt discarded and I wondered if it was because of the scar? Was she irritated by it? Did it make her change her mind?
• Perhaps prompted her to run as far away from me as possible?
• “You mean she didn't accept payment for her services?”
• Services? No Leo had it all wrong. And that was the problem. She looked well enough. From an average family.
• “Damn it, Leo, she is not a call girl, I’d know if she was.”
• Leo exhaled loudly.
• “Well, sounds like she didn't want attachments. You should appreciate that.”
• “I should.”
• I hesitated. Then why did my chest heave so much at the thought that she’d just up and left.
• “But?”
• I didn't get the chance to answer. A soft knock at the door, brought me back to the present.
• I opened it to find Amanda. The one woman who always seemed to find me, because she wouldn't take “No” for an answer.
• Looking very polished in her designer suit and red pouted lips. Could the day get any worse?
• “Amanda, I…” I began, but she drew the door more open, stopping me mid convo and walked in like she owned the suite.
• “At least, let me in.”
• I rolled my eyes as I followed behind her.
• This wasn't exactly how I’d expected my morning to go. I had a meeting and Amanda was a distraction I’d long since let loose.
• “Well, good morning to you too,” she said, trailing her fingers on a book on the desk. “You haven't been returning my calls.”
• “Didn't feel the need to,” I said firmly, hoping she got the hint.
• She turned to face me.
• “You never do.” She tried to touch my chest, but I caught her hand, stopping her. “That's why I like you.”
• “We’re not a thing Amanda. I’ve told you this several times.”
• I sighed…tired of repeating myself. Over and over.
• She folded her arms and smiled.
• “Not after fucking me that hard, no?”
• I frowned. Why did she feel the need to always make things difficult?
• “That happened just once. And we agreed to move past it. Didn't we?”
• “Not to my understanding. Perhaps…”
• I needed her gone, and fast. I couldn't deal with her, not today.
• “I’ve got work to do, Amanda.”
• Her eyes narrowed. “Don't tell me it's because of that girl from last night?” she asked.
• I exhaled. For fuck’s sake. Did everyone know?
• “What? You’re stalking me now?”
• Amanda laughed, but it didn't reach her eyes.
• “I liked you better inside me,” she said, her eyes dilated.
• Damn it. She needed to move on and let me be.
• “I liked you better when you claimed you wanted to be friends, how the hell did I fall for that?”
• Amanda’s smile vanished and she turned to leave. “I’ll see myself out.”
• I simply nodded and turned as she walked out. Glad to be rid of her.
• “Does she ever catch a break?”
• Leo’s voice came through the phone again. Apparently, he’d been quiet the whole time. I ran a hand through my hair.
• “She’s as persistent as the devil himself.”
• “You should stop sleeping with women who don't believe in casual flings. Perhaps draw up paperwork or some sort of agreement next time, will you?”
• “Hmmm,” I nodded, wondering if that would work with Amanda.
• Leo chuckled. “Board meeting’s at 11.”
• “I’ll dial in. Let Brandon shine.”
• Leo exhaled.
• “Still letting him play heir?”
• I hesitated. I wasn't tired of being in the quiet, not yet.
• And my nephew loved the limelight.
• “For now.”
• Another soft knock on the door interrupted me.
• “Amanda’s back. I’ll talk to you later, man.”
• I opened the door, prepared to give her a piece of my mind, but it was Matt, the bartender from last night.
• I inhaled, relieved.
• “Sir, the lady from the bar left you a note. Just this morning,” he said as he handed it to me.
• Taken aback, I raised a brow.
• Notes were another first. Women never left me notes.
• Maybe panties and earrings they always claimed to forget so they could return, not notes.
• I collected it and said a quick “Thanks,” to Matt.
• And as he left, I shut the door and opened the note quickly, and scented strawberries hit my nostrils. A lipstick stain was on one side and written words on the other:
• Don't worry. I’m not the clingy type.
• _Baby.
• I stared at it, a slow grin curling my lips.
• “Baby,” I whispered. Sweet, perfect.
• My fingers tightened around the paper. Hell, I’d find her.
• And when I do?
• God help us both.