Chapter Fourteen, More Than Just A Dream

Rei’s Point of View

When I saw Xavier’s motorcycle, I felt a wave of dread. Not only was I not dressed appropriately for riding, but I was also afraid of falling off. It seemed like a terrible idea.

Xavier approached his bike and gestured for me to come and sit on it. I followed his instructions and, thanks to my petite frame, managed to get onto the motorcycle with some effort. I wrapped my arms around Xavier as he had instructed, but I made sure to sit back on the seat to avoid our helmets knocking together.

Xavier promised to go slow until I was comfortable, and I hoped he would follow through. Xavier waited until I told him I was ready before turning the key, and his motorcycle roared to life. I felt the vibrations throughout my body, and I hugged Xavier tighter as he chuckled. He reached down and gently squeezed one of my hands in reassurance. My heart raced as Xavier slowly eased the motorcycle onto the road.

The bright moon and stars illuminated the night sky, creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, interrupted only by the motorcycle roaring down the road. Riding with Xavier, I started to grasp his passion for this experience. It was as if we were soaring through the night, feeling liberated and untethered from the world around us.

We rode along the charming country roads until Xavier stopped at a scenic overlook. A wooden platform with integrated seating awaited us, providing a perfect relaxing spot for viewing. After parking the motorcycle, Xavier assisted me off before joining me. We chatted and savored the scenery until a sudden flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder interrupted our conversation.

“That’s odd. The weather was supposed to be nice,” Xavier muttered with concern.

We didn't have a chance to find cover; the rain came out of nowhere. Within seconds, a downpour soaked us, hindering our visibility. Xavier noticed a shelter and promptly guided us to wait until the rain stopped. Drenched and shivering in the cold night air, I felt a sense of relief as Xavier held me close, sharing his warmth until the storm passed.

Xavier expressed his concern: " Unfortunately, we are closer to my apartment than where Grace lives. Did you want to return to my place and have a hot shower? You can borrow shorts and a shirt while I wash your things, and then I can take you back. Or did you want me to bring you straight to Grace’s?"

Considering the situation, I contemplated riding on the back of his motorcycle with my clothes drenched and covering a considerable distance. Feeling his sincerity and the coldness, I agreed with a nod. Xavier lifted me onto the back of his motorcycle before getting on himself and driving slowly to his place. I appreciated his cautious speed, knowing that the faster he went, the more I would feel the chilling touch of the wind.

Xavier welcomed me into his home, not far away, and promptly guided me to the bathroom. As promised, he provided me with a clean towel, shirt, and shorts. Due to my shaking hands from the cold, I felt embarrassed and needed his assistance to unzip my dress. As the dress fell to the floor, Xavier's gaze lingered on me, biting his lip and letting out a deep sigh. He then proceeded to start the shower, collected my clothes for washing, and offered to make hot chocolate while I warmed up in the shower. Xavier suggested I inform Grace about my whereabouts to ease her worry, mentioning he would shower after I was done.

Xavier's Point of View

I hurried to my apartment's compact washer and dryer to start a cycle with Rei's clothes. I was proud of myself for not spending too much time handling her delicate items and initiating the wash cycle. Setting it on a cold wash prevented shrinking and ensured Rei had more hot water for her shower. Her lips were blue when we arrived at the apartment. I shuddered to think how cold she would have been if we had gone directly to Grace's place.

As promised, I prepared the two cups of hot chocolate and set out a plate of cookies. Turning on the television to a streaming service, I left Rei to choose a program while I showered and welcomed the cold water. Assisting Rei with unzipping her dress, I watched it elegantly drop to the floor, allowing me to admire her beautiful, curvy body. We'd fucked with our clothes on earlier, and seeing the woman of my dreams like that was something I wouldn't soon forget.

I discovered Rei asleep on my couch with her phone in hand, seemingly in the middle of texting Grace. The cold rain seemed to have drained all her energy, and even after a hot shower, Rei appeared exhausted. I completed the text to Grace, informing her about Rei's location, the situation, and my plan to take her home in the morning. Grace responded with a thumbs up and a wish for fun. Glancing at Rei, it was clear she wasn't going anywhere.

I entered my bedroom to fetch one of my pillows and an additional blanket for her. Putting her clothes in the dryer on the delicate setting, I switched off the television. Planting a kiss on her head, I observed Rei snuggling into the pillow and wrapping the blanket tighter around herself as she shivered. I went and retrieved an additional blanket and placed it over her sleeping form as she sighed contentedly.

She was so easy to please in every possible way. I sat in the chair across the couch and watched Rei sleep until I could barely keep my eyes open. Then, I left a small lamp on for her and went to my room to crash for the rest of the night. Would I have liked things to have had a different outcome with Rei Draven returning to my apartment? Yes. But this was for the best.

Rei’s Point of View

I only intended to briefly rest my eyes while messaging Grace, but I fell asleep within seconds. The truth is, I was drained from the night's events and the hectic week I had experienced. In my dream, X was again by my side, both of us leaning against his motorcycle, admiring the sunrise.

Confused, I asked, "I thought we had parted ways. Why am I dreaming of you again?" It had been a while since I last dreamt of X. It was since I last encountered Xavier and his friends at the hospital.

Softly, X replied, "It's time, Rei."

Perplexed, I questioned, "Time for what?"

He stepped away from the motorcycle, slowly removing his helmet. I was astonished as I gazed at his handsome face and distinct features. I recognized him. How could I have been dreaming of Xavier Woods for the past decade, and what was the reason behind it?