Cole
I can’t stop my feet from moving. I’m pacing frantically like some nut job waiting for them to arrive. They found her. Never in a million years did I expect to find her. I hoped we would but I knew it was a long shot.
“Sit the fuck down, boy. All of your pacing is making me feel queasy.”
“Sorry, Chuck, I’m just anxious as fuck to see her. I can’t believe they found her, you know?
“I’m happy for you, dude. Honestly, I am but seriously now, sit down!” he bellows.
“I’m getting a snack and drink. You want something?
“Nah, boy, I’m good”
I walk over to the vending machine in the lounge area of the motel. The décor is dated and the whole place has probably seen better days. I dig in my pocket pulling out a few coins. I quickly get a Coke before heading to the machine next to it. I deposit a few coins and enter my selection, waiting for the damn chocolate bar to fall out. It teeters on the ledge, fueling my annoyance. I slam my fist against the damn machine, trying to get the contraption to release its hold.
“Damn it,” I growl with frustration.
“Cole!” I hear Chuck shout over.
“Fucking thing’s jammed. Fuck! All I wanted was some sugar.”
I feel a cold hand on my shoulder and I freeze on the spot. I whip my head to the side to check who it is.
I release a breath when I notice it’s just Chuck.
“Hey, let me sort that.” He stands in front of the machine. For an older guy, he’s totally ripped. He barges against the contraption holding my candy hostage with this shoulder. The thud of candy falling brings a smile to my face. Chuck laughs and bends down, picking up the chocolate bar, before handing it to me.
“That’s how we do it, boy,” he laughs out.
The unexpected flood of headlights breaks through the windows. I blink rapidly, trying to clear my sight.
“They’re here,” I squawk. My voice trembles with excitement as well as fear. I have no idea what to expect. I hope that Ken is holding it together and the sick bastards didn’t hurt her or the baby. There is nothing scarier than the unknown, and right now, everything is unknown.
I race out of the door like lightning, the drumming of my beating heart against my chest is deafening as I race to get to her.
I run over to the motorcycles parked in the lot. My eyes search for the girl that holds part of my heart, my soul.
I lock on to her as she dismounts.
My running becomes small steps. She slowly removes her helmet. Her long hair flows freely as it cascades over her shoulders.
I close the space between us until we are nearly touching. Holding out my shaking hand, I take her face in my palm. She leans into me as I run my thumb over her dry lips, noticing a deep cut below her lip.
She winces as I get to close to it.
“Did he do this?” I ask with a deep sense of anger. My voice is pained as the rage rises within me.
She closes her eyes before I pull her in close, wrapping my arms around her frail body as tightly as I can without actually hurting her. I lift her off the ground until we are face to face. Our noses touch together lightly and our eyes meet. My heart races as I gently lean in to kiss her. All thoughts of losing her are swept aside as I stand here, holding her.
Although barely touching, the spark between us is undeniable.
I breathe heavily through the discomfort of my bruised ribs. Ken pulls her head back, studying my face.
“Are you hurt, Cole? Did something happen to you?”
“It’s nothing,” I huff out. Now wasn’t the time to talk about me, or the accident. Now was the time to make sure everything was okay with Kennedy.
“Oh, Cole, thank you so much for coming to find me.”
“How did you get out? Did they hurt you, baby? Please tell me they didn’t hurt you!”
“It wasn’t like before, Cole. I was kept in isolation the whole time. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t pleasant, but the hardest part was the pain of being separated from you. It cut through me. Being torn away from you, not having you there, not being able to touch you or speak to you – that was the hardest part. You’re my good when times are bad, and all I could do was hold on to the thoughts of you, of us.”
I pull her head to my chest, kissing the top. “I love you so much, baby. You are safe here with me, I promise.”
“The baby saved me, Cole.” She sniffles as the tears stream down her face. “He said while I was carrying his child he wouldn’t hurt me.” She pauses for a moment before wiping her face on the back of her sleeve. “We need to contact the police, Cole. They have to be caught before it’s too late.”
“Don’t worry about a thing, baby. It’s all taken care of. I have spoken to mom and she’s been dealing with the police. I believe they are on the way to the commune to try and get that bastard,” I spit out.
“But how, Cole? How did you know where I was, and who are these guys on motorcycles you’re with?” I could tell she was confused. We had so much to discuss. There are so many questions that she needs answers to.
“This is Chuck and some guys from back home. He’s familiar with these parts. When they took you, we tailed you, but lost you.” I glance over to Pete, not quite wanting to discuss the accident, although I would have to before long. “Chuck and his friends know the area really well and offered to help us look for you. We started out from where we lost you before.”
“His face is familiar, Cole, but I can’t quite place him,” I whisper.
“He spent years searching for his daughter, Sara, who was abducted. He’d happened to visit the commune years ago. He knew the location. We put two and two together and realized that must have been where you escaped from when Pete called.” I take a deep breath. Trying to explain this is complicated. Kennedy begins to shiver. I wrap my arm around her tighter, holding her as closely as I can.
“Come on. Let’s go inside.” I gesture to Ken and everyone else. “You’re shivering, baby.”
Pete walks over, pulling me in for a man hug.
“Man, I don’t know how to thank you for finding her.”
“She’s too precious to lose.” He smiles back at me. “But in truth, she found us. I mean, what are the fucking chances.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Have you met my new best friend?” He points over his shoulder to a beautiful blonde haired girl standing just behind him.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” I bend over, offering her my hand. She runs toward me, wrapping her tiny arms around my frame.
“You came to save Kennedy. You’re like a knight in shiny armor,” she coos.
We laugh out before Ken takes her hand and we head inside.
“Cute little thing,” I whisper in Ken’s ear.
“She saved me, Cole. If it wasn’t for this little angel, I’d still be locked up. She’s so brave. So incredibly brave,” she states.
The little girl tugs gently on Kennedy’s hand. I look down to see her smiling lovingly at me.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” asks Ken.
“Can we get something to eat?”
“Of course we can,” I answer quickly.
“Really?” she asks, a sound of disbelief to her voice.
“Whatever you want to order it’s yours,” Pete joins in. “Want a piggy back?” he offers, bending down beside her. She jumps on. Buzzing with excitement, they run ahead and into the motel. I look around and see we are the last ones outside. I stop just inside the entrance, taking Ken’s hand in mine.
“Fuck, I’m so glad we found you, Ken. I can’t imagine what I would have done if we hadn’t. The odds were against us, but despite that, here we are.”
“Don’t say that. I’m here. We are together and I will never be parted from you again. Hopefully the police have that sick piece of shit locked up by now!”
I look at her. There’s a fire in her; a determination in her words as she talks about him being locked away.
“Mom can’t wait to see you. Her and dad have worked tirelessly with the police and other agencies searching for you.” I touch her tiny bump, running my hand gently across. “I’m so glad the both of you are okay.”
“Your dad? Really?” she questions, shock lacing her tone. Even Kennedy knew my dad isn’t her biggest fan. “I don’t even know what to say. I never thought I would be back with you. I love you.”
“I love you, Kennedy. I can’t imagine my life without you and the baby. I have been out of my mind since they took you. It’s been total hell not knowing where you were or if you were even alive.”
Ken’s eyes fill with tears. I run my finger under her eyes, wiping away the tears.
“Promise me he didn’t hurt you.”
“I promise.” She smiles sadly. “Let’s get inside before Hope wonders where we are. She hasn’t had it easy.”
“You’re so good with her, Ken. You will be a fantastic mommy to this little princess.” I point to her growing belly.
She lifts on to her tiptoes and kisses my forehead lovingly.
“I smell so bad,” she giggles. “I really need to get cleaned up.”
“I didn’t want to say anything, but you’re right,” I chuckle.
“Hey, no fair,” she sulks her lip, curling it downward as she tries to accentuate her sadness.
“We all have rooms here. I thought it was best. It’s getting real late and I knew you would be tired. The police will be along to speak to you and then we will head home tomorrow. Mom is sending a car for us. It’s a long trip. You need your rest.”
Kennedy
As we walk through the motel, Hope clings to my side. I turn my head to see paramedics and a few police officers walking toward us. Hope buries her head into my side and I know she’s scared.
“It’s okay, honey. They’re here to make sure we’re okay. To check that we’re not hurt.” I feel her head nod against my side, but she doesn’t release her hold on me
The police grab some quick information from me before advising they will be back later to take further statements. I know they are shocked by the magnitude of what has happened. I got the impression they aren’t exactly equipped to deal with this.
We spend the next thirty minutes getting checked over by the paramedics. I stay with Hope. I know she can’t bear to be parted from me. They quickly dress my wounds and check the baby’s heartbeat. I’m assured that both my baby and Hope are safe; neither one of them harmed in anyway.
As soon as the medics are done, we head up to our room. I’m desperate to get cleaned up and rid myself of the stench that reminds me of being at the commune.
The warm water cascading over my weak body feels heavenly. I lift my head under the direct spray of the water. I hear Hope and Cole singing loudly in the bedroom. Although she’s a happy little soul, she has been through so much. I can’t blame her for clinging on to me for dear life. I shut off the shower, grab the towel from the rail, and head toward the mirror. The dark circles are extreme but I don’t care. I’m safe, alive, and in one piece; well at least my body is. My mind won’t rest until I know Christopher is locked away for good.
A loud knock on the bathroom door causes me to jump.
“I have something for you, baby.” I relax at the sound of Cole’s voice. I wrap the towel around my body and open the door slightly.
“Oh yeah, what’s that?” I ask, raising my eyebrows suggestively. He groans in response.
“Baby, don’t. I can barely hold it together here,” he speaks breathlessly.
I look at him with heavy eyes, knowing exactly how difficult he’s finding all of this.
“Take this,” he offers, handing me a bag.
“What is it?” I quiz.
“The owner of the motel has given us some clothes for you. She said that her daughter is about your size. She even gave us some things for Hope,” he says sprightly.
“Oh, that’s so kind.” I take the bag and start to close the door. “I will be out in a second.”
I rifle through the huge bag of clothes and toiletries. This is too kind. There’s everything from pants to face cream. I pull out underwear, a top, and pants. Everything fits lovely apart from the bottoms.
My bump is prominent and stops me from fastening the top button. I loop a hair tie through the hole and over the button. It works perfect.
I take the comb and walk out of the bathroom to see Hope dancing around and Cole sitting crossed leg on the end of the bed.
“Oh, baby, you look tons better.” He holds out his hand.
I take his in mine and we intertwine our fingers. His thumb runs over the back of my hand. My body tingles in response to his delicate touch. I run my other hand through his longer than normal shaggy hair.
Hope stops dancing and singing when I glance at her. She looks at me strangely. I look at Cole and he eyes me curiously.
“So, Hope, you going to get cleaned up so we can get something to eat, sweetie? It’s super late and a little girl as beautiful as you needs her beauty sleep.”
“If I’m already beautiful then I don’t need beauty sleep, silly,” she answers sarcastically.
I chuckle lightly as I jump down off the bed and guide her to the bathroom.
“It’s been a long day, sweetie. We must get sleep tonight. Go clean up really quick so we can get some food. Here are some clothes to change into.” I pass her a small bag full of clean things.
“O-kay…” she says sullenly, pouting on her walk into the bathroom, clinging onto the bag as she closes the door.
I sit down beside Cole, resting my head on his shoulder.
“What are we going to do about Hope?” Cole inquires.
“I guess CPS will take her. I’m not sure if she has any family. By the sound of things, her mom isn’t around any longer. I wish we could do something to help her, Cole.”
“I know, baby. Me too. Maybe when we’ve sorted out our own home she can come stay with us.”
“Really? You’d do that for me?” I remark.
“Of course. She’s a super sweet little girl and you two clearly have a deep connection.”
“What did I ever do to deserve you?” I ask, cupping his face lovingly, losing myself in the deep blue heaven of his eyes. I feel the passion flow through me as our contact heats up. He wraps his strong arms around me. Pulling me onto his lap, we fall back on the bed as I kiss him deeply, exploring his mouth. Heat and desire pour from me, slowly unfolding me as I lose myself in him. I’m controlled by him in this moment. I am his, and he is my everything.
Without him, I am nobody.
We are interrupted by the sound of Hope clearing her throat. “Huh, huh,” she coughs at us. We look over at her and jump up.
“I’m ready,” she snickers before twirling around, showing us the pretty little dress she’s wearing.
“You look really beautiful, Hope,” Cole remarks.
“Why thank you, kind sir. Can we please go get something to eat now?”
“Of course. After you, pretty lady.” He gestures with his arm, pointing toward the door.
We head downstairs to the lounge. There is a variety of food laid out on the old fashioned wooden table. Hope looks at me, eyes wide and mouth slightly ajar. She tugs gently on my top, trying to get my attention. I lean down to her.
“What’s up, Hope?”
“Is this all for us?” she asks incredulously.
“I guess so.”
“I have never seen so much food,” she gasps.
“Go help yourself, sweetie.”
She skips toward the table rubbing her hands together.
I notice the biker guys and Pete sit rowdily playing cards. Pete looks up and throws me a wink. I look at the small table they are crowded around and see empty beer bottles littering the floor and table.
I smile fondly at Pete. He notices my eyes wondering to the beer bottles before raising one in the air.
“Just toasting you, Ken. We are so pleased we found you,” his words slur a little bit.
“Careful, guys, I’m not sure Pete can keep up with you heavy drinkers,” Cole taunts.
“We are enjoying fleecing him for every penny,” Chuck laughs out.
I grab some food before settling on the couch. I eat quickly, finally realizing just how hungry I’ve become. It feels so good to get full.
“Hey, slow down there, pretty girl.” Pete smirks, as he comes to sit beside me. He leans back, crossing his legs. “I still can’t quite get my head around the fact that we found you.”
“Me too. I don’t know how I will ever thank you,” I whisper, holding my hand over his.
He grabs my hand and lifts it to his mouth, placing a soft kiss on the back. His lips feel like silk against my rough skin.
I wasn’t expecting that. I swallow heavily, growing uncomfortable at my heart’s pace. I look at Pete’s piercing eyes as he gazes at me.
Shit, what is happening to me? I pull my hand away quickly before anyone notices our exchange. I feel his heavy eyes burning into me.
“Well, at least now Cole the grumpy bitch will be happy. He’s a nightmare without you around.”
I laugh nervously. I don’t quite understand what is going on.
“Hey, beautiful,” Cole interrupts.
“Hey, Cole,” Pete answers.
I laugh loudly.
“Not you, dick head,” Cole chuckles, taking a sip from the bottle of beer in his hand.
“I’m beautiful though! Right, Ken?” Pete winks at me.
“You’re drunk.” I push on the top of his arm and notice just how buff he actually is. Cole drops between the two of us, pushing Pete off the seat.
“Hey, man, no fair,” he groans.
“There’s a little girl over there trying to get your attention.” Cole points the bottle over to where Hope sits with her mountain of food. She waves at him excitedly, gesturing him over.
He jumps to his feet and dances over to Hope, pulling up a chair beside her. She starts to giggle. Her laughter is heartwarming and infectious. Before long, Pete is laughing hysterically, the pair of them rolling from side to side, holding their stomachs.
My eyes are fixed on them, watching them both. Hearing their laughter is a welcome sound to my tortured soul. I shudder thinking of the evil we managed to escape, amazed that we got away, and so very grateful that I could be the one to help Hope. The one to be her savior, because in a way, she was mine too.
I scan the room and notice the table of bikers all staring over at Hope and whispering between themselves.
“What’s the deal with this Chuck guy?” I ask, nodding my head to where the four guys sit.
“His daughter was abducted years ago. He lost everything dedicating his life to trying to find her. He never did though,” Cole speaks so quietly I have to lean in to hear him. Not that I’m complaining.
“He has Sara tattooed on his knuckles. That’s his daughter’s name. It’s sad you know.”
I smile despondently at him.
“He even remarked that Hope reminded him of Sara.”
I lose focus as my eyes wander over to the motel owner walking toward us. “I’m so sorry to bother you guys, but the police are here to see you again. They’re out in reception waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Celeste,” answers Cole.
“Oh,” I blurt out, “thank you so much for the clothes. That was so kind of you,” I cut in.
“You are most welcome, my dear. I’m glad I could help you guys.”
I inhale sharply, readying myself for the police questioning. I squeeze my eyes tightly, nervous of what is to come, of what they might say to me.
“You can do this, baby,” Cole reassures, grabbing my hand tightly.
“I’ll be with you all the way. We will do this together.”
“Okay, let’s do this,” I say trying to fake confidence.
Cole pulls me to standing; hand in hand we walk out of the room.
“Wait up, where are you going?” Hope shrieks.
“Oh, honey, I’ll be back. You stay and have some more to eat. Pete will stay with you.”
“Abso-ruddy-lutely,” sings Pete. “Let’s go tackle the desserts. I bet I can get at least ten marshmallows in my mouth. All. At. Once.”
I look back at them, laughing and Pete nods at me approvingly.
After thirty minutes of questioning, my head is spinning like I’ve been on the damn waltzer.
“We will leave you to rest now, Kennedy, but when Mrs. Peterson arrives tomorrow we will need you to come down to the station to make an official statement,” the tall officer advises.
“Whatever it takes, Officer. I will do whatever is necessary,” I state.
“We also need to ascertain who else is involved and what charges can be brought against them, but we can discuss this with you further tomorrow. Just rest assured we have him and some of the others in police custody already. The whole commune is under police surveillance. We think there may be a lot more to this commune than we first thought.”
I ponder what he said, not really sure of what exactly he’s insinuating. I have seventeen years of torture in my memories. A lot of people came and went. There’s sure to be a lot involved in this investigation.
“What do you mean, officer?” Cole asks inquisitively.
“Right now, all I can say is that this is an ongoing investigation.”
We bid them farewell and I go back to check in on Hope, while Cole calls his mom to fill her in on our conversation with the police.
As I enter the lounge area, I spot Hope curled up on Pete’s knee. I start to make my way over to them but I’m stopped by Chuck.
“Quick word,” he whispers. He pulls on my arm, a little too forcefully for my liking. I glance down at his tight grip on my arm, then back up to his face. Our eyes meet and he notices my intense glaring.
“Oh sorry,” he huffs, releasing his hold on me. “What do you know about this little girl, Hope?” he quizzes.
“Not much,” I offer back.
He rolls his eyes in frustration, letting out a heavy sigh.
“Well did she say where she came from? How long she had been there?” he quizzes further. His annoyance was clear. I just didn’t understand why is mattered or where this was going.
“Listen, Chuck, I’m thankful for all you have done in helping to find me, but I just don’t understand why you’re asking me all these questions about Hope,” I exclaim. I think to what Cole said about Chuck’s daughter and Hope looking alike, but that could be his mind playing tricks. Or jealousy that Cole found me and Chuck never found his daughter.
“She’s the spitting image of my Sara. That’s why,” he grates out, his teeth clenched together. I swallow down hard. There is an aggressive aura about this guy. He scares the shit out of me. I watch cautiously as he digs into his biker jacket and pulls out his wallet. He opens it, pulling out several pictures. He fumbles with the plastic flipbook, flicking through until he stops. His face lights up when he finds the one he was looking for.
I gasp as I look at the photos. “The likeness is uncanny,” I pause, “but it could just be a coincidence.”
He narrows his eyes at me menacingly.
“Sure, I hear ya! But if there’s the slightest chance she’s related to my daughter, I have to find out. I have been searching for fucking years. It has been my life, my mission to find my daughter. This might be the gem I’ve been waiting to find.”
“I can only imagine what you have been through, Chuck, honestly. I know very little about that special little girl, but believe me when I say, I will do everything I can to help her locate anyone that may be related to her. I guess we will know more when the police look into her background.”
“I will be keeping a close eye on that little girl,” he mutters before walking away from me.
I lean my back against the wall, my mind racing with thoughts of Hope. I feel the warmth of Cole’s hand against my arm. We lock eyes and I fall into his open arms. I nuzzle against him, needing and yearning for his comfort.
“Hey, baby.” He smiles, running his hands over my hair. “Everything will feel better and much clearer tomorrow. Shall we head up to our room and get settled? You must be beyond exhausted.”
His words are all it takes for me reach up and seal my lips over his. I work his tongue with mine. The fire inside ignites as we connect together in this kiss, so intense, so passionate. This moment is one neither one of us will forget.
Cole jerks back in surprise, his lips quirked. “Damn, girl! That was some kiss.” He gazes at me intensely with wanting eyes.
I run my hands over his rapid neck pulse and up toward his hair, gently running my fingers through his tousled hair. I notice a change in his breathing. I slowly lean on to my tip toes and position my swollen lips against his ear.
I breathe heavily. “You need a haircut,” I whisper.
His head drops backward as he lets out a little growl. “Damn, girl, you’re killing me here!”
I giggle lightly before ducking and heading toward Pete and Hope. I turn and look back over my shoulder, shooting Cole a glance.
“Not fair, Ken,” he hollers. I can’t help but laugh a little more.
I rush over to Pete, sliding in next to him. I’m careful that I don’t disturb a sleeping Hope. Cole walks over to Chuck. They talk in hushed whispers, with their arms around each other. I wonder what they are discussing.
“Hey,” Pete speaks, his voice barely a whisper.
“Hey, we need to get this little one in bed,” I yawn.
He winks. “So we can have some alone time?”
I shake my head, a puff of laughter escaping my mouth.
“Hilarious, Pete.”
“Who said I was joking?” His tone is now more serious. I feel myself leaning into him involuntarily; my body gravitating toward him effortlessly.
I scoff, not really knowing what to say. My inexperience talking to boys must be evident for everyone to see. Although I know this is dangerous territory, it’s nothing but a little bit of fun. After all, he makes me laugh, and that takes my mind off of thoughts I’d rather not be having.
“Come on, comedian. Do you think you can carry her up to my room or should I call over one of those buff bikers? You know, the ones with the big guns.” I chuckle.
“They may have the guns, but I have the…” his words trail off as he nods down to his crotch. “Buff,” he laughs.
Dammit, I couldn’t help but look down when he did. I feel the heated blush covering my face and look away.
“Those guys haven’t got shit on me. Why do you think I came along? I may not be the brains, but I’m definitely the brawn behind this operation!”
“You think you’ll be able to get your head through the damn door frame?” I quiz.
“It’s not my head you need to worry about,” he scoffs, winking at me.
I cover my eyes with my hands, shaking my head. “Jeez, you’re so lame,” I huff.
I look at Cole nervously. I spot him sitting with Chuck and the rest of the guys. I try to catch his attention, waving like a lunatic, but he appears lost, deep in conversation. I shrug before standing. Signaling for Pete to follow, we make our way over to the door, toward the staircase.
As we reach the room, I unlock the door. I enter, holding the door open for Pete who carries Hope effortlessly. I flick on the lamp and pull back the covers on the single bed.
I watch, or you could say stare, at Pete as he lays her down gracefully on the bed. Every part of his bulging biceps ripples with every tiny movement he makes. I feel the heat intensify as my face flushes. I look away quickly, hoping he doesn’t notice my reaction to him. I stare down blankly, trying to rid my mind of the thoughts of this tall, dark, muscular man, who’s full of wit and standing in front of me.
He walks toward me, connecting our eyes.
“See, I knew this was all about getting me in to your bedroom,” he smirks.
“I’m at a loss for words,” I mutter.
“Well, let’s not speak.” He moves in closer. I counter act, taking a step back.
“What do you want from me, Pete? I’m with Cole. I love him!” I stutter.
“Are you sure about that?” he muses.
“What does that mean? Where’s all this coming from?” I ask in utter confusion as I turn my back on him. Quite honestly, this was the last thing I needed.
“I know you feel it, Ken.”
“Feel what exactly?” My breath rattles in my lungs as I try to steady my breathing.
“This fucking chemistry between us, Ken. Fuck, I can’t get you outta my head. You’re with Cole. I know that, right. But today, seeing you there in the middle of the god damn road, it started a chain reaction of feelings I didn’t even realize I had! I mean, I’m only human. And everyone knows you’re in a different class. I’ve admired from afar for so long. I feel like I’m going out of my goddamn mind. It’s so crazy.” He pauses for a second, his chest rising and falling, as though he’s out of breath.
I look at him, my mind floods with confusion as he paces, taking short steps in front of me. He tugs his hands through his hair, as though trying to find the words to continue.
“Everything you have been through, everything, and you stand here, in front of me selflessly having escaped hell and rescuing this little girl.” He points to Hope, his hands becoming animated as I glance over and see that she’s still sleeping soundly. “Dammit! Can’t you see how special you are, Ken? You are the person we all long to be…” his voice teeters and he exhales sharply, the oxygen roughly leaving his body as his stature changes in front of me.
I’m lost for words. I study his face, trying to understand where this is coming from. I can’t grasp why he’s saying this.
“This is bullshit, Pete, and you know it. You don’t feel anything for me. You’ve had way too much to drink and I think I’d like you to leave.”
“You think? So you’re not sure?”
I let out an audible sigh, rolling my eyes with frustration.
“You’re only saying that because you’re angry. I think you look damn sexy when you’re angry.”
He takes another step toward me, reaching his hand out.
“Hey,” I warn, holding up my hand. My legs shake and I’m confused whether I’m scared of him, or scared of what he’s saying and if it holds any truth. I can’t deny that he makes my pulse race. I cross my arms and stand tall. “I’m sorry if you feel like I have given you some signal here or something, but there’s nothing in this for me, Pete. I don’t know what else to say.” I shrug, twirling my hair around my finger nervously.
“Why is your body not telling me the same story then, Ken? Your body doesn’t agree with the words you’re speaking.”
“My body isn’t telling you jack shit, Pete,” I spit back.
“I recognize all the signs, Kennedy. The way your body reacts to me. How you lean in a tiny bit when we are near each other. How your breathing changes. Believe me when I say they are all there, whether you want to believe it or not.” He moves in closer, slowly touching the side of my face.
His feather light touch causes me to shudder. Goose pimples cover my body in an instant reaction. I feel the heat instantly and close my eyes, holding on desperately to the denial. I feel every inch of my skin tingle. My head spins as his touch begins to send me into a frenzy.
Damn!
I know I shouldn’t feel like this. My heart starts pounding erratically in my chest.
I lurch back, my eyes flying open wide.
“No,” I say weakly.
“You can’t even say no like you mean it, Kennedy. Who are you trying to fool, cos it ain’t fooling me?”
“You’re reading too much in to this, Pete. This has come from nowhere,” I grate out. I’m getting pissed off and I need him to leave before I do something I’m sure to regret.
I know he senses the anger in my tone.
He puts his hands up in surrender, stepping back toward the door.
“I’m outta here if that’s what you want, but believe me when I say I will be waiting. When you realize how much you want me, and you will realize you want me, Ken, I’ll be there waiting for you.”
“Wait all you want, asshole. It ain’t happening,” I mock back. I look over at him as he shoots me a wide, lip curling grin before heading out of the door.
I flop my exhausted body onto the bed, lying flat out. I hold a hand to my chest feeling the heavy thud of my beating heart. I feel totally powerless and confused about what happened here tonight.
This just can’t be real. We’ve been friends the whole time. Why the hell have things changed now?
Had they changed?