CHAPTER 20

As they enjoyed their food, Ava cleared her throat. "I have something to tell you."

"Go on," Mia said, munching on her corndog.

Ava took a deep breath. "We kissed."

Mia nearly choked on her food. "WHAT THE FUCK? When did you turn into a lesbian?"

Ava's face turned beet red. "What? No! I mean, Xavier and I kissed. I didn't mean it like that!"

Mia's expression shifted to surprise. "Oh. Okay. So you kissed? When and where did this happen?"

Ava recounted the kiss with a mix of embarrassment and fondness. "It just happened yesterday. We lost control."

Mia shook her head, laughing. "You're so clueless. Why did you run away?"

"I got my period. What was I supposed to do?" Ava shot back defensively.

"Whatever. I'm just happy for you," Mia said, doing an awkward dance. "Tell me all about it later."

Ava rolled her eyes with a smile. "Let's just watch movies. I'm bored."

"Fine, but we'll talk about this later," Mia said, turning on the TV.

After their movie marathon, they bid each other goodbye.

"Call me if you need anything," Mia said as she headed out.

"Bye," Ava said, retreating to her room.

As Mia left, she murmured with a grin, "Bitch," and Ava chuckled to herself, reflecting on the whirlwind of the day.

Ava's anticipation had reached a fever pitch over the past week. Xavier's absence, coupled with his brief and clipped responses to her calls, had left her anxious and yearning for contact. She understood that he was probably swamped with meetings, but that didn't dull the ache in her heart. So when he finally texted her with an invitation to meet him at his gym, she jumped at the chance.

In the late afternoon, Ava dressed in a sleek pair of black leggings and a fitted tank top that showed off her toned physique. The outfit was perfect for a gym visit, but it was also a subtle way to remind Xavier of the passion between them. Her emotions were a mix of excitement and nervousness as she prepared to see him again. Despite her excitement, the lingering memories of their last encounter made her hesitate slightly. She didn't want to confront him about their kiss, but she also couldn't ignore the pull she felt toward him.

As she arrived at Xavier's mansion, her heart pounded with anticipation. The grandeur of the estate was even more impressive in person. The front door was answered by a maid with a friendly smile.

"You must be Ava," the maid greeted her as she opened the door.

"Yes," Ava replied, returning the smile but feeling a bit unsure.

"Master is in the gym in the basement. If you could let him know I'm leaving, that would be wonderful," the maid said as she prepared to head out.

"Of course," Ava said, fidgeting nervously with the strap of her bag. She glanced around the opulent foyer, trying to hide her awe.

As the maid left, Ava hesitated for a moment, glancing around. "Is there anyone else here?" she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.

"No, miss. I'm the last one here," the maid responded, giving her a reassuring nod before departing.

Left alone, Ava wandered through the house, marveling at its opulence. The marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, and the high ceilings were adorned with intricate chandeliers. Every room she passed seemed more luxurious than the last, each one showcasing a level of wealth that was almost overwhelming. She wondered how someone could accumulate so much.

Eventually, she found her way to the basement gym. The heavy door to the gym was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open. As she descended the stairs, the sound of Xavier's grunts and the rhythmic thud of punches against a heavy bag grew louder. Her heart raced with each step, her excitement building as she approached the gym.

When she reached the bottom, the sight before her was breathtaking. Xavier was in the midst of an intense workout, his body glistening with sweat. His powerful strikes against the punching bag were mesmerizing, each movement revealing the defined muscles of his torso.his form, accentuating his impressive physique.

Ava stood there, momentarily entranced. Her jaw dropped as she took in the sight of him, unable to tear her eyes away from the raw physicality and strength he displayed. She felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks, her thoughts scattered by the sheer intensity of the moment.

She stood there, her gaze locked onto him, the heat of the room and the allure of his physique pulling her into a trance. "Done gawking at me?" Xavier's voice broke the spell, rich with amusement as he glanced over his shoulder. His smirk was both challenging and inviting, a subtle reminder of their previous encounter.

"No," Ava stammered, trying to regain her composure. "I mean, I wasn't staring at you. You're not that hot," she added, her attempt at nonchalance falling flat as her cheeks turned a shade of crimson that was almost as red as her sports bra.

Xavier's chuckle was low and knowing, a sound that seemed to reverberate through the room. "Whatever helps you sleep tonight," he replied, his tone light but carrying a hint of something deeper. He took a swig from his water bottle, setting it down with a casual grace before heading towards the locker room. "Do whatever you want. I'll be back in a minute."

With Xavier out of sight, Ava set about her own warm-up, her movements deliberate and focused. She peeled off her jacket, revealing a red sports bra that clung snugly to her form. The fabric highlighted every curve, making her more aware of her own body than ever before. She shook off her self-consciousness and picked up the skipping rope, her feet moving with a steady rhythm as she jumped.

The sound of the rope whipping through the air and her feet thudding against the floor created a steady beat that matched her racing heart. She tried to focus on the workout, but her mind kept drifting back to the image of Xavier, his smirk, and the electric tension between them.

When Xavier returned, he set down a protein shake on a nearby bench and began his cardio, his movements fluid and precise. He kept an eye on Ava, waiting for her to finish so they could talk.

"Hey, can you help me with the pull-ups?" Ava called out, her voice tinged with both effort and a touch of desperation. She eyed the pull-up bar above her head, just out of reach. "It's been ages since I've done these."

Xavier nodded, his gaze steady and focused. "Only help if you're falling," he said with a grin, his tone light but his eyes serious.

Ava jumped up, grabbing the bar with both hands. She strained as she began her pull-ups, each set of thirty challenging her endurance. Her hands grew slick with sweat, the absence of gloves proving to be a hindrance. As she reached the third set, her grip faltered, and she began to slip.

Xavier's reflexes were quick. He caught her around the waist, his hands warm and firm against her skin. Ava's legs instinctively wrapped around his torso, pulling their bodies close together. The contact was immediate and intense, their sweat-slicked forms pressing against each other.

The close proximity and the heat from their exertion created a palpable tension. Xavier's hands rested on her bare stomach, sending shivers through Ava. The contact was electric, her breath hitching as she looked up at him, their faces inches apart.

Xavier's eyes were dark and intense, his gaze locked onto hers with a raw intensity that made her heart race. Ava could feel the heat of his body, the firmness of his grip, and the closeness between them made everything else fade away. She realized her legs were still wrapped around him, and she began to pull away, but Xavier's grip tightened, holding her in place.

The tension between them was almost unbearable. The room seemed to pulse with the heat of their shared breath, the world outside disappearing as they focused solely on each other. Xavier's eyes searched hers, his expression a mix of determination and desire. Ava's lips parted slightly, her breath mingling with his as they hovered on the brink of something both thrilling and terrifying.

The moment was charged with unspoken words, the weight of their previous encounters and the current proximity creating a heady mix of emotions. Xavier's hands lingered on her waist, his touch both possessive and tender. Ava's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing as she grappled with the intensity of their connection.

In the dimly lit gym, the air crackled with electric tension. Xavier's words hung between them, charged with an intensity that Ava couldn't ignore. His voice was a low, deliberate rumble, each word soaked in earnestness.

"I'm not a romantic boyfriend, Ava," he said, his gaze piercing through her. "I express my feelings honestly, and you know exactly what I'm talking about."

Ava's heart raced as she tried to process his declaration. The lump in her throat made it difficult to form a response. "I need time," she murmured, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions.

"You took a lot of time to realize your feelings, Ava," Xavier countered, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "The topic here is very simple. I want you to be mine."

He took a deep breath, his body inches from hers, the heat of his presence overwhelming. His voice dropped to a seductive whisper, close enough for her to feel his warm breath against her ear. "Will you be my girlfriend, Ava Jones?" he asked, the words a tantalizing promise.

"If it's a yes," he continued, his voice husky and filled with unspoken desire, "I'm going to kiss you right here, right now. So tell me before I lose my control."

Ava's pulse quickened at his words. The prospect of his kiss, so close and so charged with raw need, made her head spin. Xavier's honesty and the intensity in his eyes were magnetic, drawing her in despite her inner turmoil.

"I will always be honest with you, and nothing will change between us," he added, his voice taking on a comforting, almost intimate tone. "This is my promise."

His words, laced with sincerity and a promise of deep emotional connection, cut through Ava's confusion. Despite the swirl of emotions, she felt an undeniable pull towards him. She met his gaze, her lips curling into a smirk that hinted at her resolve. The heat between them was palpable, and she could no longer resist the allure of his touch.