Chapter 11
It had only been a week since I'd last seen Zoe, and even though I was getting used to my new house, I seen her everywhere. When I looked at the fireplace I remembered her comment about sitting in front of it, and when I laid in bed at night I thought about how much I wished she was there with me. I was able to talk to her, to tell her things; things that I swore I wouldn't speak of again. There was something about her that had me missing her, and I was beginning to think that it wasn't going to just go away like I'd hoped.
Cole and I were on the outs as well, since the party at his apartment, so I was alone. I hadn't even gone to buy any furniture yet. I had a bed, and some dishes in the cupboards, I just wasn't as excited as I was in the beginning. I thought this would be an exciting step in my life, but honestly, it just made me feel more alone. I didn't even know where to start, and Jake was still deployed for at least another three weeks. I picked up my cell to dial Zoe at least a dozen times, but I never found the courage to hit send. I owed her an apology for the way I'd left things, but I wasn't sure if she'd even want to see me.
I needed to get out. Go meet people, maybe a woman, someone to take my mind off the obvious even if it was only for a night. I sent Cole a quick text asking if he wanted to meet up. It was my way of offering an olive branch, that and I had no idea where to go. He knew all the clubs, and bars, and at least I wouldn't be drinking alone like some kind of love sick fool. I don't know that I'd call it love, but I was feeling something.
After a quick shower, I dressed in a pair of jeans, and a white tank. Now that I was settled in, the first big purchase I made, aside from my home of course was my bike. I'd always wanted one, and this one was a beauty. She was a black, on black custom. A gear head built her from scratch in his garage, and the minute I laid eyes on it, I knew I had to have it. I know I over paid the man, but we both left feeling happy as hell.
When I parked my bike in the allotted motorcycle space infront of “The Devil's Den” I took a quick look around. It looked decent enough, and by the sounds coming from the inside, the live band was good. Stuffing my keys in my pocket, I headed towards the door, catching a few eyes along the way. I smiled back, weaving my way to the bar, and grabbing a stool. I ordered a beer, and after taking a long pull, looked around in search of Cole. What I found instead was Zoe, and it looked like she was on a date.
I sat, drinking slowly, watching the pair from my vantage point. I could feel my blood boiling as she laughed, tossing her head back at something the dumbass said. He looked nice enough, a real pretty boy in his polo shirt, khaki's, and fucking flip flops. I laughed to myself as I finished my beer, and signaled the bartender for another. When she left the table to head to the ladies room, I slapped some cash on the bar, and made to intercept her.
I managed to reach her, just before her hand met the door knob. She spun around fast, and when she had seen it was me, she visibly relaxed, before quickly changing her expression to pissed. Her arms were crossed over her chest, and her hip cocked in an instant, and I couldn't help but smile. She looked so damn cute, staring me down like I was some kind of villain from a movie.
“What do you want?” She snapped.
“I'm sorry.” I said reaching for her hand, but she wasn't letting up.
“You could have called.” She said, the anger evident in her tone.
“I tried-” I started, but she put her hand up stopping me.
“What do you want Wes?” She asked, exhaling, and letting her arms fall to her sides.
Before I could respond, her date noticed us in the corner, and decided it was time that he gave a shit who his girl was talking to. He approached us confidently, placing his arm around Zoe's shoulder's when he reached us. I gave him a look, that said back the fuck off, and he quickly removed it, brushing a piece of imaginary lint from his polo. I smiled to myself, and Zoe rolled her eyes, reaching for his hand. The look I gave her was just as menacing, only she wasn't afraid of me.
“That the way you want to play this?” I asked, cocking a brow.
When she just smiled, leaning into her new friend, I nodded. “Alright.” I said, walking past the duo, bumping polo's shoulder on the way to the dance floor. I scanned the room, grabbing the first pretty blonde that I saw, and pulling her against me. I didn't recognize the song, but it was fast paced, and when I spun blondie around she backed her ass up against me, grinding against me in a suggestive way. I didn't bother trying to catch Zoe's eye, because I already knew she was watching.
The song ended, and the band shifted gears playing a slow melody. When I looked up, I saw why. Zoe had requested a song. It only took me a few seconds to realize the song she had picked. It was the same song we danced to at the gala. The song that ended with me taking her home and devouring every last inch of her. I danced with blondie, but my eyes were on Zoe. She swayed her hips hypnotizingly slow, rubbing her hands on the back of polo's neck. His hands drifted from her waist to her ass, and she left them there.
My grip tightened on blondie unknowingly, my anger rising. “Hey!” She semi shouted to get my attention over the band. “You alright handsome?” She asked, rubbing her hand down my chest.
“No.” I said, pushing her away and, shoving my way towards Zoe with purpose. “Song's over.” I said, looking polo dead in the eye, and placing my hand on his shoulder.
To my surprise, he stood taller. “Fuck off.” He said, gripping Zoe's ass to spite me.
I was ready to punch the fucker right in his god damned face, but I didn't get the chance. Zoe, slapped him across the face so hard, she'd probably given him whip lash. He instantly released her, and took a step back. I tried to hold in my laughter, but I couldn't help it. Before I knew what was happening, Zoe had turned on me, and delivered the exact same blow. She never even gave me a chance, just turned away, and stomped towards the door, her hips swaying seductively with every god damned step.
I snaked my way through the crowd once again, finally bumping into Cole along the way. He tried to stop me, but I pushed past him too, needing to find Zoe. When I finally made it outside, I saw her. She was standing on the curb, cell in hand, calling for a cab. She was flustered, and tapping her foot. I knew I'd fucked up, again, and all I wanted to do was apologize, again.
“Zoe!” I called out from behind her, making her turn to face me.
“Look Wes, I'm not in the mood okay?” She said, pressing the phone back to her ear.
“I fucked up.” I said, over the crowd of people around us. “You were right. I'm a pussy.” I continued, raising my voice.
“I never said you were a pussy.” She said, placing her phone in her purse.
I walked towards her, and when she didn't back away, I took it as a good sign, and closed the distance. “I miss you. I mean, seeing you every day.” I stammered.
“Is that all you miss?” She asked, locking her eyes on mine.
“Shit.” I muttered, half under my breath, glancing down, and shaking my head.
“I'll take that as a no.” She laughed, placing her hand on my face so that I had to look up, to really look at her. “What do you want from me Wes?” She asked earnestly.
“I don't know.” I answered.
“Yes you do.” She said firmly, cupping my face in her hands. “You just have to say it.”
“You're killing me, Babydoll.” I said, turning to brush my lips against her palm.
“Say it.” She pressed.
“I want you.” I said, the words coming as easily as breathing.