Breathe for Me

chapter Seventeen





Early in the morning Xander laced his shoes, still mulling Chelsea’s problem. His problem. Serving pizza by the slice in a pop-up pizzeria made of plants for a couple of weeks might an ‘out there’ idea, but he’d wanted to see it work. More importantly, she’d needed to see it work. She needed to have her interim beautiful something to see her out of her personal wreckage.

But he’d been cut by her dismissal last night. Hell, for a moment he’d thought she was looking all sad and weary because of him. As if. Then she couldn’t have made it clearer that she didn’t want his help. But he’d helped her with the plants the other night without asking and she’d coped okay with that, so what had been the difference?

He loped down the stairs, checking his watch. He was on time. Hunter was just walking through the foyer and they broke into an easy stride without saying anything. Five minutes later Xander managed a laugh as he saw Logan and Rocco heading towards them.

Logan’s running outfit looked like he thought it was winter. Long sweats, long sleeves, a cap pulled low and sunglasses large enough to cover half his face. The newly grown beard covered the other half.

“What’s with the disguise? This because you’re a sex celebrity now?” Hunter teased as they turned along the pavement, almost at the park.

Logan muttered foul things under his breath.

Xander chuckled. For Logan to be this bothered was unusual. He was already a celebrity of sorts what with his skiing record, and having become the ‘face’ of his company. Normally Logan never eschewed media attention.

“You’re really not proud of it are you?” Rocco commented from a half pace behind. “Just forget about it.”

“I have forgotten about it,” Logan growled, his feet thudding faster. “It’s the family who haven’t.”

Xander winced. He knew how hard Logan’s father could be. The guy sliced away emotional support with a single look. The ultimate lack of forgiveness. For all the extra-marital activities he might have indulged in himself, the old devil was always discreet and expected his sons to be the same. He’d hate the playboy notoriety Logan had earned. And it was getting to Logan. It was obvious from the grim line of Logan’s lips—the slight pallor encircling them. He was having it tough. Well, Xander could do some distraction for him. “Rocco, I need a favor.”

“Sure, what?”

Xander grinned at his buddy’s agreement before he’d even heard the request—but he knew it wasn’t really going to fly. Not with Roc. “I need some space. About 3 by 3.”

“Inside the hotel?” Rocco frowned. “You can have a whole suite if you want.”

“No I need a space outside—where the public walk. For a stall.”

“A stall? Like a bake sale or something?” Hunter asked dryly, sounding as incredulous as he ever got.

Xander tried to explain the concept as best he could—and then cajoled. “Come on Roc, can you do it for me?”

“Planning, permission…” Rocco shrugged, a negating gesture.

“They love you,” Xander argued. “You’ve brought so much traffic into the area. So many consumers.”

“Hell, sorry Xan, but you’re never going to get a pop-up pizza joint in my block.” Rocco pulled an apologetic face.

“Logan? You can find me a space. I know you can.” Xander looked at his quarry. “You have contacts like no one else.”

“This is that important to you?” Logan took off his cap and wiped the sweat from his brow before tugging the hat down low again.

“Not to me, but...” he trailed off and saw the sly grin flash over Logan’s face. Shit. How easily had he walked into that trap?

“And she’s what’s important to you.” Logan had it already.

“No.” Xander gritted his teeth, refusing to think that even in private moments. “But she’s had a tough time. I’d like to see her have some success.”

Logan’s jaw tightened. “Never seen you this way. Why so keen to please her? You p-ssy whipped?”

“Must you be so crude, you a*shole.” Xander curled his fingers into fists.

“Like that’s not crude?” Hunter chipped in.

“You not bagged her yet?” Logan continued to taunt. “Your technique slipping?”

“I’m not discussing this with you.” Xander deliberately pushed faster, ahead of the pack. The group of walkers coming in the other direction quickened their pace to get out of way.

“Clamming up?” Logan provoked, a bare pace behind. “Even more of a sign you’re a broken man.”

“I can still beat you Logan. Don’t push it.”

Logan strode up to match Xander’s punishing strides. “I think we’re an even match,” he puffed. “She’s really got you hanging. Holding out on you.”

She was and she wasn’t. She’d looked at him with her big eyes and let him do anything he wanted. Which wasn’t enough. Which in itself was insane. He didn’t get himself at all. “Just find me a damn space.”

Logan was silent for twenty yards. Then he sighed. “I’ll need to check it out. I’ll see what I can do.”

Xander smiled. He’d known he could rely on his cousin—for all his grump. “Just don’t let her find out we’re behind it.”

“You sure that’s wise?” Logan asked.

“She’ll never know,” said Xander.

“Women always know. They have their ways.” Hunter came abreast of them. “They always find out. Question is whether it’s going to be worth the fall out.”

Xander thought about it for all of two seconds. Chelsea might be mad, but he figured he could get around that. She’d be too pleased to have gotten her pizzas cooking.