"Ah!" Serena wobbled in her high heels, losing balance and stumbling forward. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the impact.
But before she could fall, a warm hand caught her firmly at the small of her back, steadying her.
She blinked her eyes open and found herself staring into Xavier's dark, amused gaze.
Her heart thumped. Quickly regaining her posture, she shoved him away and cleared her throat, her voice laced with embarrassment. "Seriously? You live here and still manage to bump into someone?"
Xavier grinned, smug. "Excuse me? You're the one who turned around and crashed into me. What was I supposed to do-vanish?"
"I moved so you could open the door."
"My door's never locked. You know that."
Serena scowled. "The last time I was here was years ago. How was I supposed to know you still haven't kicked that habit?"
Xavier smirked. "I don't like changing. And one thing that hasn't changed-" he leaned in just a little, "-you're still the only one on my mind."
Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she turned her face away, hoping he didn't notice.
Xavier's voice softened with memory. "It's been so long. Last time you came here... you didn't even know Clint."
"I-Of course I stopped coming. I'm married. What kind of woman just visits another man's place like it's nothing? That would be-"
Before she could finish, his hand pressed gently but firmly against her shoulder, guiding her back until her spine met the wall. His arms came up, bracing against it on either side of her, trapping her in place.
Her eyes went wide. "Y-You-what are you doing?"
He looked into her, gaze dark and restrained. "Don't ever tell me you're a married woman again. You have no idea how much it kills me to hear that."
"I..."
The space between them vanished. Her pulse quickened, hands clenching at her sides. She could feel his breath, warm against her cheek as he leaned in, his lips nearly grazing her ear.
"What's done is done. If you've decided to divorce Clint, stop chaining yourself to the past."
His words echoed in her ears, distant and overwhelming, like being caught in a current. She hated how off-balance he made her feel-how easily he could break her composure.
Taking a breath, she straightened her neck, trying to steel herself. "The truth is I am married. Even if I divorce him, I'll still be someone who was once married. If that bothers you-then stay away. I never asked you to-"
Before she could finish, his lips were on hers-cool, determined, and silencing. Her breath caught in her throat. She stood frozen for a heartbeat, then shoved him away.
She wiped at her lips, face burning. "Are you insane?!"
Xavier stepped back, a hollow smile curving his lips. "Insane? Maybe. How else do you explain still being obsessed with you after more than twenty years?"
Serena turned her face, unable to meet his eyes. "I'll... save the wine for another day. I'm going downstairs."
She turned quickly, but as she passed him, his hand caught her wrist.
She struggled, then sighed and looked up. "What now?"
"I don't want anything," Xavier said, voice casual, face unreadable. "I lost my head, that's all. Don't take it to heart. You should still stay and drink. I promise to behave."
She hesitated.
"What?" he teased. "You scared?"
"Scared?" she scoffed. "Of you?"
She had died once already-what could a little wine with an old flame possibly do?
"If you're not scared, why are you leaving?" he pushed, eyes sharp. "Or are you afraid Clint's still got a place in your heart?"
That was the last straw.
She turned, jaw tight. "You think he still matters to me? Fine. I'll show you. Serena Knowles is afraid of nothing-least of all Clint."
She marched back, throwing open his bedroom door.
The room was familiar, almost untouched by time. Her eyes scanned the space-and stopped on a bouquet of pure white baby's breath on the windowsill.
Her favorite.
Before Clint. Before everything.
Clint had been allergic. After they married, she'd never had flowers again.
Behind her, Xavier was on tiptoe reaching for a bottle of red wine. He turned and caught her looking.
"They're not for you," he said quickly. "I just think they're easy to care for. That's all."
She said nothing and walked over to the couch, sinking into the corner of a soft, lazy sofa.
While he decanted the wine, she picked up a magazine from his bookshelf, flipping through absentmindedly.
A few minutes later, he handed her a crystal goblet filled with rich, dark red wine. She took it without a word, sipped, and let the flavor linger on her tongue.
"Mmm." She sighed. "This is almost enough to make a girl want to stay alive."
Xavier didn't answer. He simply lifted his glass and clinked it gently against hers.
***