(17) A Xavier Free Night

Zoey's POV

"So Xavier Danvers huh?" I hear Ethan mumble. Despite him trying to keep his voice at a neutral tone, I can still hear the subtle hint of distaste wooven in his words, even in the heavy traffic chaos he is currently trying to maneuver through.

Instinctively, I swallow. Heat slowly creep up my spine despite the cool ac that is blasting out of the air vents. Quick flashes of Ty and Xavier chatting from earlier fill my mind. Tyler had been eagerly showing his father all evening, the simple game he had managed to finish create a few days ago. We had both shared a laugh at how enthusiastic the kid was... I bite my bottom lip to keep the joyful memories a bay.

"I already told you..." I begin, but my words trail off into a dry gulp. Turning my gaze from the bright city lights, I face him. His features glow under the dim light of the car, especially the obvious tick in his jaw.

"I know," Ethan cuts me off with a sigh. He glance at me and curl his lips in a sincere smile, "and I