NINETEEN

Cara stumbles into the kitchen, caught somewhere between the realms of sleep and wakefulness. Her hair is a chaotic mess, piled into a bun that's threatening to come undone. Dark circles under her eyes tell the story of a restless night, one that nature certainly hasn't been kind enough to forgive. She has a vague sense that there's something or someone she should be hating this morning, but maybe after breakfast, it'll come to her. For now, an apple from the fruit bowl seems like a good place to start.

"Whoa, you look horrible," Xavier's voice, warm and teasing, pulls her from her daze as he strides into the kitchen. He's annoyingly put-together, as always, in a crisp white polo shirt and blue jeans. His hand reaches for an apple, just like hers.

"Gee, thanks," Cara mutters, rolling her eyes as she bites into her apple.

Xavier crinkles his nose, waving a hand in front of his face as he takes a step back. "Ew, bad breath. Seriously, Cara?"

"Duh, I haven't brushed yet. It's natural, blame nature," she grumbles. The kitchen was supposed to be her sanctuary, not a place for unsolicited commentary on her morning appearance.

"Nature definitely isn't your biggest fan today. You look like a total mess," Xavier says around a bite of his apple, his tone a mix of brotherly concern and playful mockery.

Cara's eyes narrow at him. "That would be your brother's fault. This," she gestures vaguely at herself, "is what happens when you spend the night putting up with Xander."

As she chews the apple, the taste jogging her memory, she recalls exactly who she's supposed to be mad at. The name that surfaces in her mind is bitter: Liza's Bitch, Xander.

Xavier watches her closely, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Hmm, the videos that surfaced tell a different story. If I didn't know better, I'd think you two were in love."

Cara scoffs, the sound harsh and dismissive. "Please, I'm just a good actress."

"Well, you're trending on Twitter. #CaravsLiza is a thing now, but don't worry, I've made it clear where I stand by liking all the tweets in your favor."

"Aren't you just the sweetest?" Cara replies with an exaggerated eye roll as she reaches for a muffin. "Where are you headed, anyway?"

"Got a shoot with Men's Health," Xavier answers, tossing the remains of his apple into the trash as he moves toward the door.

As Xavier leaves, Cara barely has time to take a bite of her muffin before she's interrupted by another familiar voice.

"You look like shit, too," Xavier quips at his brother, Xander, who's just walked into the kitchen.

Cara freezes, her heart doing a little flip at the sight of him. She tries to play it cool, pretending like yesterday's embarrassing episode never happened.

"Good morning," Xander's voice is low, a bit gravelly, as if the weight of the previous night is still lingering in his throat.

"Morning," Cara mumbles, attempting to slip past him and out of the kitchen. But she barely makes it to the doorway when his voice stops her.

"Andre woke me up talking about some videos. Do you know what that's about? I had a lot to drink last night," Xander says, a frown tugging at his lips as he tries to piece together the fragments of his foggy memory.

"Yeah, you did," Cara replies, a bite of resentment creeping into her tone. "Mixed up people's names, even."

Xander blinks at her, confusion clouding his features. "Sorry?"

"It's nothing to worry your billionaire brain about," Cara snaps, turning on her heel and walking out of the kitchen before he can probe any further.

~~~~

"Holy shit, he called you Liza?" Cassie's jaw drops as she stares at Cara in disbelief.

"Yeah," Cara sighs, pushing open the door to an empty, wide room.

"I don't know if I should feel sorry for him because clearly, he's not over that witch. But he's mean, so maybe I shouldn't."

Cassie, ever the optimist, is already imagining possibilities as she steps into the room. "This could be your room," she says, hopping around like a child who's just found a treasure chest.Cara surveys the space, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"I like it," she admits. It's far better than the cramped, dingy place she lived in just a few months ago. She still can't quite believe she can afford something like this.

"So, what are you going to do about Liza and Alex's issue?" Cassie asks, ever curious."Nothing, obviously. Why would I do anything? It's none of my business. It's not like we're dating or something," Cara replies, the words tumbling out in a rush.

"I just need a heads-up if they're going to get back together, you know? Need to know if she's going to be a part of my children's lives. I hope not, though, because I might kill someone."Cassie blinks, trying to keep up with her friend's rapid-fire thoughts.

"Wow, you really thought this through."Cara shrugs, her mind already wandering.

"I wonder why they broke up," she muses aloud as they walk out of the room.

"I wonder why they even dated in the first place. The bitch is so annoying, rude, full of herself..." Cara starts, but Cassie cuts her off.

"Rich, a model, successful, the list goes on," Cassie adds, trying to be the voice of reason.Cara glares at her best friend before heading down the stairs.

"You say it's none of your business, but I sense something in your tone," Cassie teases, a grin spreading across her face.

"Shut up," Cara retorts, but there's no real heat behind the words.

"Just saying," Cassie singsongs, her hands raised in mock surrender.When they finally reach the ground floor, the real estate agent is waiting for them.

"We'll take it," Cassie announces cheerfully, sealing the deal without a second thought.

~~~

"What do you think about Xavier?" Cara wiggles her eyebrows suggestively as she sips on her milkshake.

"I know what you're trying to do," Cassie says, shaking her head at Cara's lack of subtlety.

"What am I trying to do?" Cara asks, feigning innocence.

"Whatever it is, it's not going to happen," Cassie clarifies before Cara can get any ideas.

"Why not? He's really nice, funny..."

"You know why," Cassie interrupts, her tone serious.

Cara pauses, the realization dawning on her. "Look at me," she urges her best friend, leaning forward. "We are done with that life. You are done with that life."

"Still, I've done things I'm not proud of. For Sam, for us to survive... It's just..." Cassie trails off, her voice laced with guilt. "They just wouldn't understand."

Cara reaches across the table, taking Cassie's hands in hers. "If you don't try, how will you know if they do?"

"Ugh, I hate you," Cassie jokes, but there's a softness in her eyes that betrays her true feelings.

Cara smiles, squeezing her hands. "I love you too," she says, picking up her burger. "Since you're the rich one now, you're paying for lunch."

Cassie laughs, shaking her head. "Bitch, you pay for your food. Rich, my ass."

~~~~

Cara walks into the sitting room, ready to col    lapse on the couch after a long day, but she stops short when she sees Xander seated there, his eyes glued to his laptop.

Slowly, she begins to back away, hoping to escape unnoticed.

"I called," Xander's voice cuts through the quiet, halting her retreat.

"Shit," she mutters under her breath, knowing she's been caught.

Xander closes his laptop and sets it on the coffee table, rising to his feet as he approaches her. "I want to believe I haven't been an asshole in a while, so I think I deserved a text back letting me know you're okay and when you'll be back."

It's just past midnight, and Cara had counted on him being asleep by now. Avoiding him had been her plan, but clearly, fate had other ideas. As he moves closer, her heart begins to race, the proximity of his presence unnerving.

She knows he's right; she should've texted him. She shouldn't even be mad about the name slip; after all, their relationship is just for show, for the press and the public. Whatever they have, or will have, is for the sake of their future children, not for them.

Xander stands before her now, looking sinfully handsome in his green hoodie and gray sweatpants. The frown on his face only accentuates his chiseled jawline, making him even more attractive. "I'll m-make sure to text next time," Cara stammers, her eyes fixated on his lips.

The irritation Cara felt just moments ago vanishes as if by magic. Before she can think twice, she closes the distance between them and presses her lips to Xander's.

Xander's initial surprise melts away quickly, his hands finding their way to her waist, pulling her closer.

"Not fair, you get an early birthday gift," Xavier's voice startles them, seemingly coming out of nowhere.

Cara jerks back as if burned, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment as she whips around to face the source of the interruption.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, she chides herself silently.

Xavier saunters into the room, carrying two glasses and a bottle of white wine—the one he and Xander had planned to share before Cara's arrival.

"B-birthday? Today's your birthday?" Cara stammers, refusing to meet Xander's eyes.

"Yep, Cara bear, and since you're handing out gifts, I'm expecting mine." Xavier grins, setting the glasses and bottle on the glass table before plopping down on the couch.

"Happy birthday, Xavier," Cara manages, still flustered.

She finally turns to Xander, the man who makes her heart race uncontrollably. "Happy birthday," she adds, offering a small, awkward smile.

Xander's lips curve into a smile as he notices her flushed cheeks—she looks beautiful. "Thank you," he whispers.

"I should..." Cara gestures toward the door, "go get some sleep." She barely finishes her sentence before she begins to retreat.

"Keep staring and she'll melt," Xavier's voice teases from behind Xander as Cara leaves the room.

The smile on Xander's face vanishes instantly, replaced by a frown as he turns to his brother. "Get the hell out of my chair."

---

"Poor staff, they must've been up all night," Cara remarks, picking up a chicken wing from the massive spread on the dining table.

Jonathan had outdone himself again. When Xavier and Cara came downstairs, they were greeted by a table overflowing with food, vegetables, and fruit.

Cara bites into the chicken, savoring its juices. "Go for the chicken next—it's heaven."

Xavier snaps a quick picture of Cara mid-bite. "My new screen saver," he announces, dropping his phone on the table as he reaches for the chicken wings.

"I'll kill you, birthday boy," Cara threatens, half-joking.

"So, you and my brother..." Xavier begins, a teasing note in his voice.

"I know what you're about to say, so shut up," Cara warns.

"Baby Mama with benefits?" Xavier grins.

Cara drops the leftover chicken on her plate. "Is that even a thing?" She rolls her eyes.

"I don't know, you tell me."

"So, your birthday—how are you guys celebrating?" Cara quickly changes the subject, not wanting to dwell on Xavier's teasing.

"We have this birthday tradition from when we were kids. Our parents always made us do it, and now we keep it up to honor them."

Cara had always wondered about their parents but never had the courage to ask. "Y-your parents... how did they...?"

"Die?" Xavier finishes for her. "Car crash eight years ago. Alex was in the car with them when it happened, but they weren't as lucky as him."

"Oh my," Cara whispers, her heart aching at the thought of what Xander and Xavier must have gone through—the scars they must carry.

"I know what you're thinking, but save yourself the pity. Xander's always been an asshole, and I've always been a party boy."

"Good to know, orphan," Cara quips, trying to lighten the mood as she picks up an apple. "So, what's this family tradition? Can I join in?"

"Oh, do you have the heart for this game, orphan?" Xavier mocks, raising an eyebrow.

"Try me," Cara challenges.

---

"So, what exactly are we looking for?" Cassie collapses onto the couch in Xavier's room after they've scoured the entire place.

"A shiny gold award cup," Cara replies, rummaging through a drawer.

"Underwear. Ew." Cara makes a face as she quickly closes the drawer.

They're searching for the cup that Jonathan had hidden earlier in the day. The winner gets a yellow convertible—specifically, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible. Cara doesn't know much about cars, but she's determined to win it, so she called in reinforcements—meaning Cassie.

"So, are you still going through with your plan to avoid Xander?" Cassie asks, shifting on the couch to face Cara.

Cara freezes for a moment before turning to Cassie. "Well..." she begins hesitantly. "I may or may not have kissed him yesterday." She closes her eyes in embarrassment.

"What?" Cassie exclaims. "What about the whole name thing?"

"I haven't forgotten. Last night was reflex—it won't happen again," Cara says, more to convince herself than Cassie.

"Good, because you said it yourself—he's not over his ex. That kiss won't mean anything to him."

"Hold up, it doesn't mean anything to me either. I'm just... horny, that's it," Cara says defensively.

"Are you sure?" Cassie gives her a serious look.

Cara avoids her gaze, trying to push thoughts of Xander and the kiss out of her mind. "Absolutely."

Cassie simply nods, looking around the massive room. "We're never going to find it," she groans.

"True. We need to stick around people who know the house."

---

Cara trails behind Xander as he searches the house, following him into the wine cellar.

Xander stops and turns to her, eyebrows raised. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing. It's not my fault you happen to check the same places I want to check," Cara feigns innocence.

"Really?" Xander's eyes twinkle with amusement. He knows exactly what she's trying to do but doesn't mind—he likes her company. She's funny.

"What?" Cara mutters.

"You," Xander starts, taking a step closer to her. Cara knows she should move, but her feet stay planted. She can't think straight when he's this close. Her breath catches as he takes another step closer. "Amuse me," he says with a grin.

Cara feels like he's mocking her, knowing full well the effect he has on her. And yet, he keeps moving closer.

Xander leans in, and it takes all of Cara's willpower to take a step back. Surprised at her own resistance, she takes several more steps back.

Cara clears her throat. "I wi-will check this side of the cellar," she stammers, drawing an invisible line on the floor. "And you take that side. No crossing my line," she warns.

Xander bites his lip to suppress a laugh, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'll stay on my side, crazy," he promises, winking as he turns to check the shelves stocked with wine.

Cara stands there for a moment, not believing her eyes. Did Alexander Black just wink at her? Was he flirting with her?

"Crazy," she mutters to herself. Since when did they have nicknames for each other?

Cara shakes her head, reminding herself that he's not over his ex and that she'd only end up looking like a fool.

---

"Anything yet?" Cara calls out to Xander, who's still searching his side of the cellar. She can't help but wonder how many bottles of wine are stored here—this place is massive.

"If I'd found something, I would've said so. You don't need to ask every five minutes," Xander replies, a hint of irritation in his voice.

"Rude," Cara mutters under her breath.

It's not in Cara's nature to stay quiet—she always has to talk.

"So," Cara begins. Xander is already rolling his eyes, bracing himself for whatever she's about to say. Cara walks to the invisible line she drew earlier, so she can see his face when she speaks.

Xander dusts off his hands and walks over to the line as well. "What?"

"Did you see Liza's post for your birthday?" Cara bites down on her lip, watching him closely for any reaction. But he just stands there, expressionless. "She added heart emojis, turned off the comments..." Cara continues, determined to get some kind of response.

"Okay, but why are you telling me this?" Xander asks, his voice calm—a stark contrast to the tension he feels whenever Liza is mentioned.

"Because it seems like neither of you has moved on," Cara snaps.

"Excuse me?" Xander frowns.

Cara hesitates, unsure whether she should say what's on her mind. But then again, it's Cara—she always speaks her mind. "The other night, when I helped you to your bed, you called me Liza."

Xander freezes. His emotions, usually so carefully controlled, slip through the cracks. Anger at himself wells up inside him. Even now, after everything, he's still a fool. He clenches his fists so tightly that his nails leave marks on his palms. How could he have called her name?

"So I can't help but wonder if you think of me as her..."

Xander cuts her off, his voice firm. "No offense, but you are nothing like her."

Cara raises an eyebrow, unsure whether to be offended. She knows Liza is beautiful, but did he really have to rub it in?

"And I mean that in a good way," Xander adds quickly, before Cara can decide to break a wine bottle over his head.

"I doubt it," Cara begins, but before she can finish,  Xander lifts up her chin and captures her lips with his. In a soft yet passionate kiss, the two let their lips do the talking.

Xander withdraws as breathing becomes a necessity, both stare into each other's eyes intensely as they catch their breath.

"W-who are you kissing now?" Cara manages to say under her breath.

"You," He says slowly as he tucks Cara's hair behind her ear. Cara's heart beating fast at the contact of his fingers on her neck, like a fire to her skin.

He bends a little, "I always see Cara." His breath fans her neck.