Chapter Sixteen, Reality Meets Fantasy

Rei’s Point of View

I have no idea where my courage came from. First of all, I did not mean to stay overnight. I remember just wanting to rest my eyes for a moment while texting Grace, and the next thing I know, I’m being gently nudged awake by the gorgeous biker from last night. At first, I thought I was still dreaming until I heard his captivating voice offering me a cup of coffee. I was utterly enthralled until he suggested that I should probably call Grace.

I was so embarrassed, so I just nodded, and as soon as he left the room, I called my best friend. Oh, did she have a lot to say! Firstly, she wanted details. All of them! It was very hard for her to understand that nothing had happened at Xavier’s apartment and that I had fallen asleep on his couch. Granted, I did go a little bit wild by fulfilling a fantasy I’d long had earlier in the night, but… okay, a lot wild, but what’s done is done.

I found myself surprisingly composed and collected when Xavier mentioned that I had been talking in my sleep and had mentioned him. Instead of succumbing to panic, a subtle inner voice urged me to inquire. Inquire about what, though? Then it hit me - my dream. The biker who had been a recurrent figure in my dreams for the past decade not only shared the same name as Xavier, but also bore an uncanny resemblance to him once his helmet was off. Could it be possible that I had encountered him somewhere before and simply forgotten about it?

Reality met fantasy when Xavier revealed we had met before, though I couldn't recall how until he told me how and when our paths had crossed. I had struggled to remember the name of the biker who had stopped to assist my children and me years ago when we were stranded at the side of the country road, attributing it to the moment's stress. However, my subconscious had retained his memory well, becoming a recurring figure in my dreams for the following decade. Xavier had provided content for all sorts of dreams for the last ten years.

Tears filled my eyes as I remembered his kindness and desire for nothing in return. It was just after the cheques had stopped coming from the Ravenscroft family, and I struggled to make ends meet. If he had not stopped to help us or paid for my car's tow and repair, my life could have taken a drastic turn then.

My daughter’s frantic phone call saved me. I thought I had wanted him last night, but it was nothing compared to the urge to make new, tangible memories of being with Xavier in a horizontal position after realizing who he was.

I needed to get home. It was unlikely that Onyx had broken anything, but one could never be too sure with that boy and his ability to find trouble. Despite feeling frustrated by his repeated moments of absurdity, I realized that getting angry was futile. Onyx possessed an impulsive and silly nature and a fearless attitude. Nevertheless, his keen observation skills made him the first to notice anything, and his heart overflowed with empathy and compassion for others.  I just had to hope it wasn’t broken and only bruised or sprained.

I didn’t know what it was about this man, but I didn’t want whatever this was to end. I asked Xavier for a ride and invited him in for a coffee. I was willing to share the absolute chaos of my home and see if it scared him off. I’d be disappointed if it did, but it would be for the best. He hesitated, and I braced myself for the rejection I was sure was coming. Xavier threw me a bit by asking how the kids would react as if it mattered to him. Did it? Was he a good guy?

Xavier went to his laundry area in the corner of his apartment, where he fetched my freshly washed and dried clothes from the previous night and handed them to me. After thanking him, I swiftly changed in the bathroom. I neatly folded the clothes he had lent me and then returned to ask him where to place them. Xavier put the items on the couch with a gentle smile, then paused, studying me intently. I looked back at him, my expression filled with confusion, and he couldn't help but chuckle.

“I thought you looked beautiful last night, but Rei, you are even more gorgeous today,” Xavier said, biting his lip.

Oh, that hit me right in my core. I squeezed my thighs together and moved slightly to try and hide the effect that his comment had on me. Xavier's lips curled into a confident smirk as his intense gaze smoldered with emotion. He reached for his keys and motioned for me to join him, anticipation gleaming in his eyes. I grabbed my purse and followed him out of the apartment. I remembered how to wear the helmet and get on his motorcycle, which impressed him. I shrugged, claiming to be a fast learner, although I didn't understand why Xavier would be impressed by that.

I held onto him tightly, savoring the sensation of wrapping my arms around this stunning man. I made sure to lean back slightly to ensure that my helmet wouldn't bump into him. Xavier was driving even faster than the night before, and it felt like a dream come true. It was as if we were soaring through the air, yet there was a profound sense of peace. I wasn't afraid; instead, I felt completely safe, an uncommon sensation for me. Unbeknownst to him, a single tear trickled down my cheek. I was captivated by the way this man made me feel. However, I knew I had to proceed with caution. It had been a long time since I had experienced this sense of being cherished and secure. I realized that Xavier Woods had the power to shatter me with ease.