Chasing Xander

By Lexi Lawton

Kylie Quinn is positive nothing could be more embarrassing on her first day of college than having her unmentionables go sprawling across campus. She was wrong. Very wrong. Having a super-sexy co-ed twirl them around his finger like he's privy to all of Victoria's Secrets is so much worse.

Xander Collins has met his match with Kylie—she's gorgeous, smart, sarcastic as hell, and doesn't give a damn that he's loaded. She's also a virgin. And he doesn't do virgins. Been there, done that, and he's still paying for it. But that doesn't mean they can't be friends, despite the fact her flirty moves leave him with balls a shade of blue he never knew existed.

Kylie is special, and she deserves more than his typical "one and done" routine. But as his life implodes and his not-so-brilliant plan to take things slow blows up in his face, he's at risk of losing it all—including Kylie. Now he must decide if everything he's been fighting so hard for is worth it without her by his side.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Oct 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781640632561

Book preview

For my husband, who always makes me laugh.

Chapter One

Kylie Quinn stood at the back of the pickup truck and frowned at the tower of boxes. Sadly, only a handful of them belonged to her. Um, your mom does know we’re sharing a room not a full apartment, right? She glanced over at her best friend, Celeste, who had the same overwhelmed expression on her face.

She knows. She chooses not to listen. She dragged a box labeled bedding toward her, lifted it out of the truck, and then headed inside the residence hall.

The campus was a bustle of excited energy. There were people everywhere carting boxes and trunks and suitcases. A woman with a bouquet of multicolored balloons and a large box wrapped in shiny pink paper walked across the parking lot. It looked like she was preparing for a birthday party, not college move-in day. Conflicting emotions warred inside Kylie—relief that she wasn’t the one who was going to be embarrassed and sadness that she didn’t have either of her parents here to do embarrassing things like bring her balloons.

Sighing, she reached for the box labeled Kylie bathroom and hefted it into her arms. She grunted with the effort. Why had she stuffed it so full? She set the box on the tailgate and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. Maybe she should leave that one for Celeste’s dad.

Stop being a wimp.

I could so kick your ass, and you know it! a guy yelled.

Bullshit! I just gave you the chance, and you blew it! another guy shouted. Raucous laughter followed their words, and Kylie turned to see what the commotion was about.

Four shirtless guys walked down the sidewalk. One of them had a basketball tucked under his arm. They were all tall and handsome, but the one on the far left snagged her attention. He had to be well over six feet, with dark hair and eyes to match. Broad shoulders gave way to muscular arms. And that chest? Her eyes widened as she took her fill—full pecs, chiseled six-pack abs, gym shorts hung low on his hips. Good Lord, everything about him was sinfully fabulous. A sheen of sweat glistened on his body. He removed the college baseball cap he wore, swiped his arm across his forehead, and then put on the hat again, backward. His tongue peeked out to graze across his bottom lip.

She suppressed a groan as a tingle worked through her body. If that’s what the college guys around here looked like, she was going to end up doing a lot more dating and a lot less studying. She laughed to herself. Yeah, right. With all the experience she had? She’d be lucky to have a guy like that even talk to her, much less ask her out.

Forcing herself to stop staring, she pulled the box into her arms and headed toward the res hall. She’d made it a few steps when one of the guys whistled a catcall. The tips of her ears burned, and her face felt like it was on fire. Are they whistling at me? She wanted to twist around and look, but fear and adrenaline kept her moving forward. Her heart thumped wildly. Just keep walking.

Dude, you don’t stand a fucking chance with her.

There was no way in hell they were talking about her. Were they? No. They couldn’t be. Just then, a tall, thin, leggy blonde crossed Kylie’s path. She had a flirtatious smirk plastered across her flawless face. Yup, those guys were most definitely not talking about Kylie. The blonde waved with her fingers and blew a kiss. Ugh. Could she be any more obvious? If those guys bought that, they were certainly not Kylie’s type. She didn’t do sexy, dumb jocks.

Kylie picked up her pace, but she missed the curb, and her foot slipped, sending her sprawling forward. Oh no. Dropping the box, she put her hands out in front of her to stop from face-planting on the pavement. The unforgiving sidewalk bit into her palms at the same time the box crashed to the ground, its contents spilling out around her. Ouch. Kneeling, she inspected her hands. No blood, but they were red. That’s going to feel awesome tomorrow.

Oh, shit. Are you okay?

She looked up to find the guy she’d been ogling a moment earlier crouched in front of her. His eyes were like dark pools of chocolate. She loved chocolate. And swimming. Yeah, she could totally drown in those eyes.

Are you hurt? He tilted his head and studied her. That voice…it was deep and rich, and it settled around her like a cool, silk blanket.

Uh, no, thank you. Did I really just say thank you? She wanted to smack herself. I mean, no, I’m not hurt. Thanks for asking. Yeah, that’s better. She refrained from rolling her eyes at her stupidity.

Well, good. He smiled, showing off twin dimples.

She nearly fell back onto her ass at the sight. Holy hell, his smile was A-list movie-star quality. A flash of yellow caught her eye, and reflexively she turned to look. All the color drained from her face, and her heart stopped. Her tampons were rolling down the sidewalk, and all of her personal items—bras and underwear included—were littered across the grass, on display for everyone to see.

Kylie scrambled to her feet, righted the box, and began frantically shoving her stuff back inside. Oh my God. Kill me now. She chased after a stray tampon and scooped it up before the guy saw it. Her shampoo and conditioner had rolled halfway across the parking lot. Looked like she’d have to buy new ones because she was not going to be the lunatic student chasing her shit across campus.

Please let him be gone, please let him be gone. But when she turned back to collect her unmentionables, she found the guy gathering her cosmetics and gently setting them in the box. She plucked her underwear from the ground as quickly as possible, praying she could get them all before the guy offered to help with those, too.

Kittens? he said, amusement coloring his tone. He held up a pair of her panties—gray ones with white kittens on them. That’s…different.

Kylie’s eyes widened. My grandmother gave me those. She grabbed the underwear from his hand and shoved them into the box. A stab of sadness hit her at the thought of her grandmother, but it was quickly replaced by utter mortification. She did not just tell that super-hot guy that her grandmother had bought her kitty underwear. Lightning couldn’t strike her down fast enough.

They’re cute. His lips twitched into an almost smile. Actually, it was more of a smirk.

She’d never met a guy who could pull off a smirk without looking like a jackass, but damn if he didn’t wear it well. Really fucking well. Refusing to respond to his teasing, she silently picked up more of her items.

Now these—he held up a pair of black, bikini-cut panties with brightly colored polka dots—are sexy. In a nerdy sort of way.

There’s nothing nerdy about those, she said and tore the panties from his hand. They made her ass look fantastic. Her heart was out of control, and adrenaline spiked through her system, making her arms and legs shaky.

Mouth open, he paused for a beat, then laughed. Y’know, this is the fastest I’ve ever gotten into a girl’s panties. He twirled her red thong, grinning.

She narrowed her eyes and snatched the thong from him, shoving it into the box. Next time, I’ll expect dinner first.

He laughed, and goose bumps erupted on her arms. Dinner, huh? I can handle that.

Her heart jackhammered in her chest. And a movie, too.

Whatever you want. He winked, then stood and moved around the massive tree that stood near the edge of the sidewalk. Then he held up a pair of white briefs, a devilish glint in his eyes. Granny panties? Now, this is a surprise.

She glared at him. More accurately, they were period panties, and she only wore them one week a month. Not that she was going to tell him that. Instead, she said, Everyone needs backup underwear for laundry day.

Not me. I go commando.

Oh my God. She laughed, and then her gaze dropped lower. Was he commando right now?

Were you just checking me out?

Her eyes jerked back up to his face. What? No. She shook her head. Liar.

Hmm, too bad. His smile grew, as if he was pleased with himself. Because I was totally checking you out.

Yo, Xander! We gotta go! Some guy whistled and waved his hands over his head.

His name was Xander. Was there anything about him that wasn’t perfect? Picking up the final item, she dropped it into the box and then lifted it.

Want some help carrying that? Xander asked.

No, I got it, but thanks. Like she was going to let him carry the box up to her room and subject him to Celeste’s parents. Or Celeste. It was bad enough he’d already fondled her underwear. A girl could only survive so much embarrassment in a single day.

You sure?

Yes. She adjusted her hold on the box. Her palms stung from falling, and the cardboard rubbing against them wasn’t helping. Without another word, she rushed toward the front door of her res hall, refusing to look back to see if he was watching.

I didn’t get your name, he shouted after her.

Stopping, she turned back. You want my name? she asked, a hint of disbelief in her tone.

Well, considering I just spent the last few minutes playing with your underwear, yeah, I want your name.

Several people walking by slowed to watch their exchange, thanks to the fact Xander was using his outside voice. If he spoke any louder, people on the other side of campus would be able to hear him.

Kylie, she said.

Well, then, Kylie… He took a few steps backward. I’ll be seeing you around.

She blew out a breath.

Hey, I was coming down to find you. What’s taking so long? Everything all right? Celeste asked.

Yeah, I dropped a bunch of stuff. But it’s fine now. My arms, however, are about to fall off. I need to set this box down.

Why didn’t you leave that one for my dad to carry?

I should have. But then she wouldn’t have met Xander. It’s fine. She headed inside and upstairs to her new home for the next year. Celeste’s parents, Mike and Sarah, were in their room bickering over how to get the TV set up.

No, you have to put that cable there. Sarah pointed to the back of the TV and then buried her face in the owner’s manual. Yeah, you’re doing it wrong. See? She showed the manual to Mike.

I know what I’m doing, Sarah, he snapped.

Kylie dropped the box onto her bed and headed back out to grab another one. Thirty minutes and numerous trips later, they finally had everything in their room. Now they had to unpack all of it, which was a daunting task. The boxes were piled high, making it impossible to move around.

Seriously, Mom? Did you need to pack all this stuff? Celeste said.

It’s better to have too much and not need it than need it and not have it, Sarah said. Besides, whatever you don’t need, your father and I will just take home.

Kylie sat on the corner of her bed, and her shoulders slumped. She didn’t have it in her to lug any more boxes unless they were empty and she was taking them to the Dumpster. She rubbed her hands over her face and yawned.

They spent the next hour going through the boxes, picking out what they needed while Mike carried the excess out to his truck. Mom, we don’t need an ice pack. Celeste tossed it into a box of items they weren’t keeping.

Yes, you do. Sarah retrieved it from the box and put it in the mini-fridge. You never know when you might need ice.

Then we’ll go to the campus health center. Celeste sighed with aggravation and gave Kylie a help me look.

Kylie shrugged. It was a stupid ice pack. She didn’t care one way or another if it stayed or went. Sweat dampened the back of her neck, and her stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and it was now close to five thirty.

It will make me feel better if you keep it, Sarah said.

Fine, whatever. Celeste’s voice was defeated and tired.

All right, that’s the last of it, Mike said. We should be going. We’ve got a long drive ahead of us.

As if on cue, Sarah’s eyes filled with tears. She pulled Celeste in for a hug. Be a good girl. She released her and turned to Kylie. You, too. She smiled warmly. I wish your grandmother was well enough to make this trip with us. She’s so proud of you.

A lump formed in Kylie’s throat, and she nodded. I know.

No boys. Mike pointed at them. And look out for each other. Use the buddy system.

Dad, Celeste groaned. We’re not five anymore.

Kylie laughed.

I know. You’re older and smarter, which means you’ll get yourselves into more trouble. I’m not paying for you to party, Celeste. You’d best remember that. His tone was sharp.

Don’t worry, Mr. Anderson. We’ll stick together and be safe. Kylie flung her arm around Celeste’s shoulders.

Yeah, you don’t have anything to worry about. Promise. Celeste smiled and wrapped her arm around Kylie’s waist. See? Buddy system.

It certainly makes me worry less knowing you two have each other, Sarah said, wiping the tears from her eyes. Okay. One more hug. She wrapped the girls in an awkward group hug. Enjoy this experience, but not too much.

Bye, Mom. Dad. I’ll call you later this week. Celeste gave her parents one final hug and then closed the door behind them. She let out a long sigh and said, I didn’t think they were ever going to leave.

Kylie looked around the room, and a slow grin spread across her face. "We did it. We’re in college!"

I know! Celeste squealed and jumped around. What should we do first? Explore the campus a bit? Or get something to eat?

They’d gone on a campus tour the summer before their senior year of high school, but that had been guided and boring. Now they were free to go wherever they wanted, without supervision. I’m starving. Let’s go find food.

If I remember correctly, the closest dining hall is Nelson. We can go there, then wander around campus, see what we can find. There’s got to be something going on somewhere.

Kylie opened the door and motioned Celeste to go first.

A petite redhead with wild curls stopped in front of them, a clipboard clutched in her hands. Room two sixty-four… Celeste and Kylie, right? She looked up at them, eyebrows raised.

Yeah, I’m Kylie. That’s Celeste.

The girl smiled. I’m Hannah, the RA for the floor. She pulled a sheet of paper from the clipboard and held it out. I’m hosting an informal meet and greet tonight. We’ll play some fun get-to-know-you games, and there will be snacks.

Kylie took the flyer and glanced at it. Thanks. We’re headed out to get some dinner, but maybe we’ll check it out when we come back.

The complete schedule of events for the entire semester is on the back.

Kylie flipped the paper over, and her eyebrows shot up. There had to be at least sixty or seventy events listed. Wow. Lots going on, huh?

Well, I like to make sure people have fun, safe things to do. Not everyone is into the Greek, party-hard way of life, y’know? Hannah said. Anyway, enjoy dinner, and hopefully I’ll see you later. With a wave, she moved on to the next room.

She seems nice, Celeste said.

Yeah. They headed downstairs and outside. Was it just me, or did she sound bitter about the whole Greek life thing? Kylie pushed out the door into the warm evening air.

She totally did. Celeste nodded. Maybe she had a bad experience.

Probably. Are you still dead set on pledging a sorority?

Celeste shrugged. I don’t know. It sounds like fun, and next year we could move out of the dorms and into a sorority house. I’d like to check out a few rush parties.

Kylie nodded. I’m game.

This is going to be the best year ever! Celeste looped her arm through Kylie’s.

She couldn’t have agreed more.

Chapter Two

Xander bounced his leg and snuck another look at his cell phone—6:41 p.m. Brad, the fraternity president, had been droning on for almost an hour now. Was he ever going to shut up?

So, as I said, our goal is to increase our membership by ten percent, double our charity and fundraising efforts, and try to beat last year’s cumulative house GPA, Brad said.

If he repeated the same information one more time, Xander was going to get up and walk out. The thought of doing so brought a smile to his face. That would really piss off Brad. He hated dissent.

And we’re going to have some kick-ass parties, too! Finn shouted and pumped his fist in the air.

The room erupted in whoops and hollers of agreement. Rho Alpha Theta was known for two things: its high GPA and its parties. The fact the fraternity could successfully do both was a mystery to almost everyone on campus, Xander included. Although, with the grades he’d gotten last semester, it was a miracle the overall house GPA didn’t tank.

The activities fair is tomorrow afternoon in the quad. We have a booth and will be recruiting, but we could use a couple volunteers to walk around and direct people our way.

Xander’s hand shot up. Finn and I will do it. He glanced over at Finn and grinned.

Brad sighed. But when no one else volunteered, he waved his hand dismissively. Fine, Xander. You and Finn can do it, but I expect you to be there and stay there. No ditching the event to go hang out with some girl like you did last semester.

Laughter rippled through the room. Xander straightened and saluted. Yes, sir. That earned him even more laughs and a dirty look from their fearless leader.

Brad’s face turned red, and he banged the gavel on the table. All right, settle down. He smoothed his hands over his sweater vest and cleared his throat. I believe that’s it for now. We’ll meet again next Thursday and go over our plans for rush week. You’re dismissed.

About damn time. Xander stood and stretched. His stomach growled.

Finn, Xander, could I see you two for a moment? Brad waved them over.

What the hell does he want now? All Xander wanted to do was go eat, have a couple beers, and relax. Between moving in and the intense basketball game earlier, his ass was dragging. Although, meeting Kylie had been fun—and unexpected. She was gorgeous and a little feisty, and she had an innocence about her that he couldn’t quite explain.

We need to make a good first impression tomorrow, so I expect you two to be dressed appropriately. Khaki pants or shorts and the polo shirt with the house logo, Brad said sternly.

Xander half expected Brad to wave his finger at them like a father scolding a child.

You do both still have your house shirts, don’t you? Brad crossed his arms, his tone condescending.

Yep, Xander said. Are we done now? I need to go eat.

Brad dropped his arms to his sides and balled his hands into fists. I’m not screwing around, Xander. If you’re not going to take the activities fair seriously, I’ll—

Chill, Brad. We got this. It’ll be fine. Right, Finn? Xander nudged him.

Right, of course. Finn nodded.

Eight a.m. tomorrow. He pointed at each of them in turn. Don’t make me regret this. Brad walked away.

He acts like we’re complete morons, Xander muttered.

Don’t let him get to you. It’s Brad being Brad. You know how he is. Finn shrugged. He thinks being fraternity president is the most important thing in the world.

When can we vote him out? Xander laughed. Brad used to be the vice president, but when the previous president suddenly dropped out without any real explanation, the brothers voted to let Brad step up into the position so there wouldn’t be too much disruption. And then no one ever opposed his position.

Why? You thinking about running against him? Finn playfully punched Xander in the arm and laughed.

Maybe. The thought had crossed his mind a time or two, but between his low grades and his father’s ultimatum, running for RAT house president was out of the question. Or maybe I’ll nominate you.

The fuck you will. I don’t want to be responsible for this house. I just like living here.

Xander smiled. Finn was the brother who took Xander under his wing and acted as a mentor. It helped they had a lot in common and quickly became friends. Want to go grab some food? I’m pretty sure Nelson is open, and it’s close by.

Finn scrunched up his nose. That place is going to be packed.

Want to order a pizza instead? Not that he really wanted to wait an hour for food, but if he didn’t make a decision soon, he was going to start chewing on his own arm.

Nah, let’s get out of here.

They left and headed toward the dining hall.

So, you never did tell me what happened with the underwear girl today. You get her number? Finn asked.

No. He’d wanted to, but he had a feeling she wouldn’t have given it to him, considering she’d acted like she hadn’t even wanted to give her name.

I’m sure she’ll show up at one of our parties. Most freshmen do.

Wait, she’s a freshman? How do you know that?

Branson Hall is a freshman-only dorm. You didn’t know that? Finn shoved his hand in his pockets.

No. Xander opened the door to the dining hall.

Finn walked inside and got in line. Why’d you volunteer us for the activity fair tomorrow, anyway? I had big plans to do nothing.

Figured we could check out the incoming freshmen, and helping out will go toward our required monthly volunteer time. All we have to do is walk around, hand out some flyers, and talk to people. It’s an easy gig. Quit your bitching.

You just want to use it as an opportunity to scope out chicks. Finn chuckled. You’ve got a one-track mind.

Dude, fuck you. Xander laughed. It was true, though. He wanted to see who was on campus, but not for a random hookup. Those were getting old and boring. He was ready to settle down; maybe not as settled down as his brother, Tanner, but more so than he’d been since starting college.

Hey, isn’t that the girl from earlier? Finn pointed across the dining hall.

Kylie sat at a table near the wall. She was with another girl, and they were smiling. His heart raced. The memory of her laughter swirled through his mind, tugging at something deep inside of him, urging him to go to her.

Who’s that with her? Finn asked, snapping Xander from his thoughts.

I have no idea. Roommate, maybe?

She’s hot.

Xander grinned. C’mon, let’s go talk to them.

I thought you wanted food? Finn muttered.

He did want food, but he wanted to talk to Kylie more. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure Finn was with him and then picked up his pace, weaving through the dining hall and around the tables. As he approached, he heard Kylie’s friend say, He did not! He really said that’s the fastest he’s ever gotten into a girl’s panties?

Yes! Kylie grinned. I don’t know if it was a pickup line or not, but it was definitely the most…unique thing any guy has ever said to me.

The friend laughed. It’s the cheesiest line I’ve ever heard.

Cheesy or not, it totally worked. Kylie popped a french fry in her mouth.

Xander couldn’t help the arrogant grin that pulled at his lips. Kylie was telling her friend about him?

But you didn’t get his number? The friend raised a brow. Do you even know his name?

Finn nudged his arm and nodded at the two girls as if to say, Are you going to introduce me or what?

Yes, Kylie said. His name is Xander. Isn’t that sexy?

At your service, he said, pulling out the chair next to Kylie and sitting.

Kylie jerked around to look at him. His breath caught. She had the purest green eyes he’d ever seen, and the way they sparkled now was like a punch in the gut. She’d done a hell of a job avoiding eye contact earlier, so he hadn’t noticed them before. But now, he couldn’t stop staring.

What’re you doing here? Her gaze darted to her friend, up to Finn, then back to him. How long were you standing there?

Long enough to know you think I’m hot and to hear your friend call my line cheesy. I thought it was quite clever. He smiled, then extended his hand across the table. Xander Collins.

Celeste Anderson, she said slowly, shaking his hand.

Nice to meet you. This is Finn. Xander nodded at him. Finn, meet Celeste and Kylie.

Do you mind? Finn asked, touching the back of the chair next to Celeste.

No, not at all. Please, sit. Celeste smiled up at Finn, and he promptly sat.

Kylie cleared her throat. Um, I mind. We were having a private conversation.

About me, Xander said. Therefore, it stands to reason I should be a part of said conversation, don’t you think?

No, she said, shaking her head. If we wanted you to be a part of the conversation, we would’ve invited you. Her lips twitched as if she wanted to smile, but then she pressed her mouth shut.

Xander let out a sharp laugh. Would you like us to leave?

Kylie stared at him for a moment, and he held his breath, fully expecting her to say yes. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d been shot down by a girl. He refused to look away, though, and that’s when he noticed the light dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose. Her face reddened, making the freckles pop. Goddamn that was sexy as all get out.

But instead of answering his question, she lurched forward, said ow, and then reached under the table to rub her leg. Did you just kick me? she said to Celeste.

Sorry my friend is being so rude. Celeste gave Kylie a dirty look, then smiled at Finn. You two are welcome to stay. If you don’t mind us eating in front of you.

Actually, we’re planning to eat, too, Finn said. He stood. We’ll go get some food, give you two a few minutes. He motioned for Xander to get up.

Standing, Xander leaned down so his mouth was near Kylie’s ear, and he whispered, "I can massage your leg if you want, get rid of the pain. I’m very good with my hands."

She turned her head so her mouth was inches from his. Then she raised one perfectly arched brow. I certainly hope your massages are better than your pickup lines.

He pulled back, momentarily stunned. You mean the pickup lines that, and I quote, ‘totally worked’? He straightened, smiling at the shocked expression on her face. We’ll be back in a minute. Save our seats? He directed the question at Celeste, who was trying not to

Reviews for Chasing Xander

[pelusa41-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This was the second book in the series. I loved Xander in the first book, and I could deal with him in this one.He was a little confused about his feelings, because he was always a player, and then he meet Kylie, a virgin and he is not used to those. Her father is horrible, and Xander steps in, and all hell breaks lose, but big brother comes to rescue, and it was good to see that Tanner and Jules were going strong. I can't give you more, but I probably will not read anymore, it is a little to juvenile to my liking.

[nelispelusa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This was the second book in the series. I loved Xander in the first book, and I could deal with him in this one.He was a little confused about his feelings, because he was always a player, and then he meet Kylie, a virgin and he is not used to those. Her father is horrible, and Xander steps in, and all hell breaks lose, but big brother comes to rescue, and it was good to see that Tanner and Jules were going strong. I can't give you more, but I probably will not read anymore, it is a little to juvenile to my liking.