Chapter 18
Yasmine swiped open the room door, and warm yellow light instantly spilled out, illuminating a small area by the entrance. She stepped aside to let Xavier enter first, her gaze inadvertently catching his reddened ear tips as her lips curved slightly upward.
“Make yourself comfortable.” She casually placed her bag on the entryway cabinet and hung her coat on the coat rack.
“Do you want something to drink? The hotel should have wine, but…” She paused with a teasing tone. “Are students allowed to drink wine?”
Xavier stood in the center of the living room, his spine ramrod straight like a small animal that had wandered into unfamiliar territory. Even his breathing seemed more careful.
He looked around and finally chose a single armchair farthest from Yasmine, his voice becoming somewhat tense. “Water is fine. I don’t usually drink alcohol. I don’t smoke, either, and I have no bad habits.”
Yaşmine chuckled softly at his words. She retrieved two bottles of mineral water from the mini bar and walked over to hand him one. She leaned forward, her hair falling and brushing against his shoulder almost imperceptibly.
“Why so nervous?” Her warm breath tickled his neck, and he could see the mischievous glint in her eyes. “It’s not like this is our first time meeting.”
Xavier took the water, his fingertips accidentally touching hers before jerking back as if he’d been electrocuted. He twisted off the cap and took a large gulp, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his gaze darkened.
“I’m not nervous,” he said quietly, though his voice was hoarser than usual.
Yasmine sat on the edge of the bed across from him, crossing her legs while the hem of her skirt revealed a stretch of pale calf. She rested her chin on her hand, openly studying him.
“Xavier, you’re not staying in this area, right? It doesn’t look like a tourist district, either. Did you travel here alone?”
He avoided her gaze with an affirmative hum, his ear tips bright red. “I quite like this area.”
“Oh?” She drew out the sound, her lips curving upward. “What a coincidence, then, running into you right after I arrived in Uplon. I thought maybe…” Xavier’s ears turned even redder as he quickly cut her off. “It’s all just a coincidence.”
Yasmine couldn’t help but laugh, continuing unhurriedly, “I thought maybe Anthony asked you to look after me. So, is it really just a coincidence?”
A flash of chagrin crossed Xavier’s eyes. He’d been too eager!
After learning from Anthony that Yasmine was coming to Uplon, he’d impatiently found out her flight details and checked into a nearby hotel, waiting for this chance” encounter. Even his excuse was pathetically weak.
”
Yasmine stood up, her bare feet stepping on the soft carpet as she walked toward him step by step. Like a small animal who sensed danger, Xavier leaned his back slightly, but the couch blocked his retreat.
“Xavier.” She bent down, one hand braced on the armrest while the other reached behind him for her water bottle, completely encircling him. “I’m not very familiar with this area. Would you be willing to show me around Uplon, for my brother’s sake?”
They were close enough to feel each other’s breath. Xavier froze in place, his heart pounding as his nostrils filled with the faint jasmine scent from her skin. He opened his mouth but couldn’t make a sound, and his mind had gone completely blank.
“Xavier?” Yasmine straightened slightly, looking at him with apparent confusion.
Xavier snapped back to reality, stammering, “O–Of course, I can. If you need anything, you can… you… anytime…”
Just then, the doorbell suddenly rang. Yasmine straightened up, sighing with apparent regret. “It looks like my driver’s here.”
“I’li walk you downstairs.” Xavier immediately stood up. “It’s so late. I don’t feel comfortable with you going alone.”
She didn’t refuse, tuming to get her coat and bag. Xavier stood behind her, his gaze falling on her slender silhouette with his eyes full of restrained tenderness. The moment they walked out of the hotel entrance, Yasmine suddenly turned around. “Xavier.”
He looked up, meeting her cheerful eyes. “What is it?”
“Are you free tomorrow?” She tilted her head, her face lit with a smile. “Since you’re willing to be my tour guide, I’d like to treat you to dinner tomorrow.”
Xavier froze for a second, then nodded, his voice carrying barely concealed excitement. “Yes.”
Yasmine opened the car door and smiled at Xavier, who was still standing there, dazed. “See you tomorrow, then.”
“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”
