Nina Cox Must Date

Chapter 10 - Xander

I roll my pants up for what must be the third time in an hour. I seem to attract Batman and Joker's hair like a static magnet. Normally, I wouldn't care, but I'm hoping that things work out with Xander. We have so much in common that it's ridiculous—at least, that's what I gathered from his profile. Since he is a Dungeons and Dragons role player, I came up with a fun way to get to know each other. I hope he appreciates it and doesn't think I'm weird for it.

After taking one last look in the mirror, I grab my keys and drive to the restaurant where we're meeting. After the unfortunate date with Jett at Waka Grill, I've decided to avoid my favorite place in case things go wrong again. Although, honestly, I doubt I can sink lower than my date with Remus.

As soon as I arrive, I spot him. He's leaning against the wall next to the entrance, looking at his phone. Damn! He's even cuter than his pictures and looks... younger. I take out my phone and check his profile again. It's definitely the same guy. Okay, I'll keep an open mind. Maybe he just looks young.

"Xander?" I say.

The guy lifts his gaze from his phone and gives me a crooked smile. His black hair could use a good haircut, but his warm brown eyes and button nose make up for it. He looks harmless and adorable.

"Nina!" he exclaims, giving me a hug.

So he's affectionate. Usually, I just shake hands or kiss on the cheek with a date. It's fine; I can get used to the hugs.

"Should we head inside?" I suggest, attempting to free myself from his embrace.

"Yeah, totally," he replies.

The restaurant has a casual vibe, and I immediately feel at ease. Xander slides into the booth next to me. A sassy waitress with too many pins on her shirt takes our order and leaves us alone.

"Thanks for agreeing to go on a date with me. I haven't had much luck with my profile," Xander admits.

"Really? What's been the issue?" I ask, feeling a bit relieved that I'm not the only one with dating problems.

"My looks, my hobbies, my job—do I need to go on?" he says, smiling.

"What's wrong with those?" I ask, slightly anxious about his answer.

"For starters, I look like I'm 18 years old when I'm actually 26," he says, and I breathe a sigh of relief. He's only two years younger than me. "I have all these geeky hobbies, like role-playing and collecting comics. Some people think I don't want to grow up. That is, until they find out that I'm a junior lawyer, and then they think I'm boring."

I start laughing, and he looks at me with curiosity.

"You're describing my life! Since you like role-playing, well, you like D&D; I don't even have the proper dice. It's a lame idea. Never mind, I didn't think this through," I say, feeling embarrassed.

Xander places his arm over my shoulders, and it feels nice. He looks at me with those adorable eyes, and I melt a little inside.

"Share it with me," he encourages.

"Uh... ha, ha... okay," I respond, feeling like a teenager in front of her crush. I take out a piece of paper and two plain dice from my purse. "The idea is to roll the dice, and depending on the combination, we have to answer a question from this list," I explain, sliding the paper toward Xander.

"Sounds fun. Ladies first," he says, handing me the dice.

I roll them and get a five and a two.

"Alright. What is your favorite place to go shopping?" Xander reads.

"The supermarket," I reply, making him laugh. "I also shop a lot on eBay for my store, but that's not for myself. I only buy clothes about once a year, much to my sister's dismay. Oh, and I'm a sucker for craft markets and country fairs. I always find something I didn't know I wanted."

"Those places are gold mines at times. I've found vintage comics worth a lot for just a few dollars. Okay, my turn... two fours," he says.

"Tell me something that you don't like to do," I read from the paper.

"I hate wearing clothes to sleep. They strangle me. Naked is the way to go—especially handy when you want to do the naughty," Xander says, wiggling his eyebrows. "Oh, and I dislike washing dishes."

"Who doesn't?" I reply, realizing that I'm the opposite when it comes to sleeping. I wear fuzzy pajamas and even socks to bed.

The waitress brings our drinks, and we continue playing the game. I roll a three and a one on the dice.

"Tell me about your last holiday," Xander asks.

"I've been busy with my store, so I haven't taken a holiday in a few years. The last time I did, Taylor and I went theme park hopping, and it was so much fun. Since he is in a wheelchair, we didn't have to wait in line and could enjoy many rides repeatedly."

"I'm sorry to hear that your brother is in a wheelchair," he says, gently cupping my face and caressing my cheek with his thumb.

I recall what Dad and Elijah said about mentioning Taylor and how it could jeopardize my chances of building a relationship, so I remain silent.

"Okay, my turn," Xander says after taking a sip of his drink. "Two and six. What is my favorite food? That is an easy one: any kind of pasta. I'm also very fond of whipped cream," he says in my ear while placing his hand on my thigh. It makes me shudder, and not in a good way. "I'm next!" I say louder than necessary as he leaves a small kiss on my jaw. "One and a five," I hold up the paper, and my eyes widen at the prompt. Why did I even write that?

"Talk about a friend," Xander reads aloud. I don't know what to say. I must look like a fish, opening and closing my mouth while no words come out.

"Don't you have friends?" he asks in a concerned tone.

"I do. One."

"Okay, better to have one good friend than a bunch that suck. What's her name?"

"Taylor," I reply, playing with the edge of my napkin.

"That's sweet that you are friends with your brother," he says.

"I don't go out much," I explain, feeling relieved when the waitress comes to bring our food plates. Now I don't need to elaborate on the lie.

"One more roll," Xander says. "Six and three. Ask any question."

He looks at me in a strange way. I feel like running, but I'm stuck in the inside part of the booth.

"Would you like to have dessert later at my house? I have whipped cream, and after we shed these uncomfortable clothes, I can rock your world."

No! No way! I just met him!

"I need to pee!" I blurt out.

"Oh, okay," he replies, moving so I can get out. "I'll be waiting for you," he says in what he thinks is a sexy voice after kissing my hand.

I walk toward the bathroom but quickly change my mind and head for the exit instead.