Chapter 5
There were worse things in the world then being Zoe Cruz's pretend boyfriend. I told myself, I was doing it to help her stick it to Sarah Shaw, but if I was being honest, I enjoyed it. House hunting with a woman had it's perks too. She knew what kinds of questions to ask that I wouldn't have. Like what were the schools like in the area, and were there any parks nearby. All I needed to know was that it had enough bedrooms, and a big enough yard that I could add a pool.
It was at the fifth house that Sarah showed us, that I knew I had found the one. The way Zoe's eyes lit up when she walked into the large living room, made me smile. I knew we weren't really sharing a home together, but seeing the smile on her face, as she ran her hands over the brick on the fireplace told me that nothing else would compare to this. It was a four bedroom, with a large backyard, and a full basement. It was perfect. “We'll take it.” I said, causing both women to turn around and look at me.
“I still have a few more on my list to show you Mr. Granger.” Sarah started, as she opened her manilla folder to show me the other prospective properties.
I shook my head. “No. This is it. I'd like to put an offer in.” I said assuredly.
“It's perfect.” Zoe said, coming to stand beside me. “The fireplace is all original, imagine the cozy nights we could spend in this room.” She said, smiling.
“I only have one question.” I said, turning my full attention to Sarah. “The neighbors are pretty close. How soundproof are these walls?”
“I don't think that's a question that I've ever been asked Mr. Granger.” She said, curiously. “How loud are you planning to be?”
“Oh no, not me.” I said, hiking my thumb in Zoe's direction. “She's a loud climaxer.” I half whispered, covering the side of my mouth nearest Zoe.
Sarah's cheeks grew a deep shade of crimson, and the look Zoe gave me was mischevious. “It isn't my fault.” She said, turning towards me, and placing her hands directly on my chest. “It's that tongue of yours.” She whispered, putting her finger over my lips, and making a tsking sound. “Maybe we should give the master bedroom a test run?” She asked innocently.
“I can't allow that.” Sarah said, clearing her throat uncomfortably and switching subjects. “If you'll come with me, we can begin the paperwork, and get your offer sent out this afternoon.”
“I'm sorry Babydoll.” I said huskily, kissing her fingertip.
A chill visibly shot through her, and it took her a second to regain her composure. “Make it up to me later?” She asked in a breathy, begging voice.
I had to close my eyes to regain my own composure, before answering her question with a single nod. She just smiled, stepping around me, and out the front the door like she hadn't just gave me the biggest hard on of the century. I stood there for a moment, quietly willing my erection to disappear before turning towards the door myself.
“She's always been a racy girl.” Sarah said, as she was locking the door up behind us. “It's a shame really. Maybe if she'd have grown up with a Mother instead of that brother of hers she would have had a fighting chance. With no one to teach her properly, she used sex to get what she wanted. You seem like a nice man, I just thought you should know who you're involved with.”
When we were facing one another, I gave her a genuine fuck you smile. “That brother of hers, is my best friend. Not only did he save my life, but he's risked his ass every day in Iraq to make sure that people like you have a life. And Zoe? She's nothing like the girl you just described. She works with under privileged children, for a paycheck that wouldn't cover your house payment. The fact that she happens to be amazing in bed, and sexy as hell is just a bonus. I won't be following you back to the office. I have the address, and I'll find a new realtor. Have a wonderful day.” I added sarcastically, before slipping into the passenger side of the Chevelle, and closing the door.
Before I could open my mouth, Zoe had flung herself into my arms. I hugged her back, and when she pulled away, it was to swipe a stray tear from her eye. “Thank you for what you said back there.” She said, starting the car and pulling down the long drive. “But, I don't want you to lose out on this house because of me. Sarah is always trying to one up me.”
“There are plenty of realtors in California.” I assured her.
“I've been thinking.” She said, switching gears. “The gala is in two more days, and despite what I said about hoping you have a tux, I know you don't. Jake has one at home that should fit you. You guys are about the same build.”
“My muscles are bigger.” I dead panned, flexing them to show her I meant business.
She laughed, and it was music to my ears. “Maybe just a little bit.” She agreed.
When the car was safely parked in the garage, I followed Zoe inside, and watched, as she pulled out the fixings for sandwiches from the fridge. “You hungry?” She asked, her voice bouncing off the inside of the refrigerator.
My eyes were locked on her ass, when I answered with a “yes.” It came out with a hitch, and when she stood, her eyebrow shot up. “Were you looking at my ass?” She asked, with a hint of humor.
“Truth?”
“Yes.”
I decided to be as straight forward as she was, and throwing caution to the wind, I told her the truth. “I've been stuck on your ass since I followed you out of the airport.”
She laughed, as she spread mayo over four slices of bread. “You've gotten pretty ballsy since Jake high tailed it back to Iraq.” She said, nonchalantly.
“Does he always leave like this?” I asked.
“Most of the time. You know him, he isn't good with words. He just.. does better there, you know?”
“I do. The minute I met him, I knew he was wired different. I couldn't handle a platoon the way that he does. I'd lose my damn mind with that much pressure on my shoulders. It's like he can just detatch, and become some kind of super soldier.”
“He wishes he was more like you.” She said, setting a plate down in front of me, and easing down beside me. “Said that he admires you. I think that's why he was so adament about you and I not seeing each other.”
“How do you mean?” I asked around a bite of my sandwich.
“You and I, we're the two constants in his life, and if we crash and burn, he'll lose us both.”
“I guess I just always thought he was over protective.”
“He is.” She agreed, around a bite of her own. “Besides, you and I would never work.”
“Why's that?”
“You're a player.” She said on a laugh. “Do you know how many stories I've heard about you from Jake?”
“You shouldn't believe everything you hear.” I said, standing to set my empty plate in the sink. “Thanks for lunch.” I added, before heading up stairs. I knew I shouldn't have let it bother me, but it did. Whatever Jake had told Zoe, had given her this image of me that while it wasn't necessarily false, it was wrong. Jake knew about a few girls I'd hooked up with when we were different towns, but I never told him about anyone substancial. I was in love once, with someone who I thought I would marry. She slept with Cole, and after that I stopped trying.
Men didn't talk about relationships, instead we talked about conquests. Of course Zoe's view of me would be tarnished, it wasn't like Jake would vouch for me any way. Maybe pretending to be her boyfriend was starting to get to me. I shouldn't care what she thinks of me. I should be worried about moving out of her house, and striking it out on my own. The longer I stayed here with her, the harder it would be to leave. I was already feeling guilty about taking off so soon after Jake did, but what more could I do?