Chapter 10
I should have set her straight. I should have told her that no matter what happened today, tomorrow I was still moving on, and not looking back. I owed too much to Jake, to keep this thing, whatever it was, going behind his back. But I didn't, I carried her out of that cavern, and set her down on the sand only to watch her pull her dress up over her head and toss it at me, before sprinting towards the water.
Now I knew why she'd worn her bathing suit, I laughed to myself, kicking my shoes off, and tossing my tank down on top of them. In an instant, I was behind her, picking her up by the waist, and spinning her in a circle away from the water. The sound of her laughter filled my senses, and I couldn't help but smile wide. Hearing her happiness, and knowing that I had caused it, did something to me.
She squirmed in my arms, managing to wriggle away from me and disappear into the cool water. I was right behind her, diving under the waves, and coming up directly in front of her. She dove for me, wrapping her arms around my neck, and her legs around my waist. My cock responded, on contact, and she bit her bottom lip, before pressing her lips to mine. I claimed her with that kiss. Nipping her bottom lip, and then licking the sting away. She moaned against my mouth, and I grew harder for her, straining against my board shorts.
“What are you doing to me Babydoll?” I gritted out, when our kiss finally broke.
“Why do you call me that?” She asked, her forehead pressed against mine, looking into my eyes.
“It suits you.” I said, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from her face.
“What else have you done?” She asked, softly pecking my lips. “Why won't you let this work?” She kissed me again. “What makes you think you aren't good enough?” Another kiss.
I closed my eyes, giving her a slight squeeze, holding her close against me. “The reason I was in the group home, was because I was involved in solicitation.” I said quietly, and calmly, only opening my eyes to gauge her reaction.
“Solicitation of what?” She asked, brushing her hand over my cheek.
I pulled away from her then, disappearing under the water, needing to clear my head, to decide if I was really going to tell this woman things that even Jake didn't know. When I came up for air, she was still there, she hadn't bolted, so I took it as a sign. I cleared my throat. “Prostitution.” I said, looking down into the water, and away from her.
“You were a pimp?” She asked, squinting her eyes in confusion.
“I may as well have been one. I drove under age girls to my foster father's friends. I refused, at first, but then he'd beat the girls. He'd tie me to a chair and make me watch, and I knew then that I didn't have a choice. They knew too, the girls. They stopped fighting, and just let me take them where ever I was told. One of the girls ran away. Vanessa was her name. I looked for her, but I never found her. I hope she made it. I was a piece of shit. I should have stood up to him.”
“Let yourself be soft.” She said, wrapping her arms back around my neck. “Don't let the world make you hard. Don't let the pain make you hate. Don't let the bitterness steal your sweetness, because you are sweet, I've seen it.” She smiled, pressing her lips to mine gently. “You know what I think? I think I was wrong to believe everything I'd heard about you Weston Granger, and I'm glad.”
“Even if I told you something about my past every day for the rest of my life, it wouldn't be everything. I was a fuck up Zoe, and Jake, he made me realize I could do better. He trusted me to take care of you, and I betrayed him.”
“I'd say you took care of me just fine.” She teased, wrapping her legs around my waist once again.
“You aren't making this easy Babydoll.”
“I don't intend to. Infact, I intend to do just the opposite.” She smiled, reaching her hand down into the water, and slipping it down the front of my shorts. “I like you Wes.” She said, beginning to stroke my hardened length in her hand. “And I know you like me.” She whispered, moving her hand faster.
I closed my eyes, resting my forehead against hers, “You know I do.” I gritted out, reaching for her hand and removing it from my shaft. Her eyes locked on mine in question, and after adjusting myself, I started swimming towards the shore. I needed distance. The longer we were together the easier it was to fall back into bed. And that's all this was, it's all it could be. A one night stand, turned into a weekend hook up that wouldn't, couldn't happen again. I felt like an ass for leaving her out there, all alone, but If I didn't do it now, I knew I never would.
I took a cab back to her place, packing what few belongings I did have, and asking the cabbie to wait. I decided to go stay at Cole's for the night, and in the morning, I could finally go home. I tossed my bags into the trunk, and sent Cole a quick text letting him know that I was on my way. He was more than happy to have me, I only hoped that whatever he had going on at his place would take my mind off Zoe.
The driver pulled into Cole's driveway a half hour later, and after paying him, I reluctantly made my way up the front porch steps of his apartment. I knocked twice, waiting, but I only heard music blasting from the inside. Trying the knob, I found that it was unlocked, so I stepped inside. I walked into a cloud of marijuana smoke, and topless women wearing mardi gras beads. A few men hung around too, mostly just watching the women dance with each other.
I found Cole in the kitchen, being held up by two large men as he did a keg stand. People were cheering around him, and placing bets as he chugged the liquid down his throat. It wasn't until he was back on his feet, wobbling slightly, that he noticed me standing there.
“Wes!” He slurred, rushing towards me, and giving me his version of a hug. “You're early! Thought you weren't gonna make it until tonight?” He hiccuped.
“I sent you a text Cole.” I said, with a hint of anger.
“Shit. I'm sorry man, the music's pretty loud in here. Hey, let's take your stuff upstairs and get you a beer yeah?”
“I got it.” I said, brushing past him and shoving my way through the crowd up the stairs. Both bedroom doors were shut, and I could only imagine what was going on behind those closed doors. I took a chance and knocked on the first, hearing a fuck off from the other side, the next door wasn't any better. I should have known better than to come to Cole. Shaking my head, I bounded down the stairs, and out the front door without so much as a goodbye.
I walked down the road, my bags strapped on my shoulders, until I came across a small motel. It wasn't the Hilton, but it was quiet, and that was more than I could say for Cole's. The first thing I did was toss my bags onto the bed, and plop down beside them. Pretending to be Zoe's boyfriend this past week had been the most fun I'd had in years. She was smart, and beautiful, and just perfect, and I was doing the right thing by walking away from her.
My cell buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see in incoming skype call from Jake. I quickly sat, answering it before the connection was lost. “Jake? How are you man?”
“I'm good. How's Zoe? You keepin her out of trouble?” He joked.
“I uh, I found a house. I'm moving in tomorrow.”
“You aren't with her?” He asked raising a brow
“You were right. It didn't work, I had to get out of there.” I said, attempting to make a joke of the whole situation. “I'm staying at a hotel for the night.”
“Thanks again man, she told me about Eli. I know that had to be hard, especially after losing your own little brother. If she had known, she never would have asked.”
“She didn't ask. There isn't much I wouldn't do for her. She's a good girl.” I said smiling.
“Yea, she is.” Jake said, nodding. “Look, I might be gone til the first of the month. I know it's askin a lot, but would you mind checkin in on her from time to time? You know, just to make sure she's alright?”
“Of course.” I said sincerely, before the call disconnected, and I was left feeling like even more of an asshole.