There’s also a part of me that wonders if that’s not an example as to why I should stop fighting and let Callan inside my heart…
Chapter 17
Callan
When Zoe opens the door, my mouth goes dry. She’s wearing a black dress that looks like it was made for her, molding to every curve perfectly. The bits of skin showing are making my mouth water. My control feels paper thin. Taking her on her doorstep when her father could possibly be home is not how to start tonight—no matter how appealing the thought is.
“You look beautiful.” That could be the biggest understatement in the history of understatements. I take her hand and have her do a small spin. “Are you ready for dinner?”
“I am. I hope I’m not over dressed,” Zoe says nervously, wiping her hands down her dress.
“Should I come in and meet your dad first?” I ask, peeking around her just before she closes the door.
I can tell by the way she talks about him that he’s very important to her. Making a good impression with him is important. I need to make it clear to him that she’s mine. I want his approval, but never having dealt with parents before, I’m not sure what to expect. I just know that I need his support or Zoe won’t take me as her man.
“He’s not here. He had to work. After that, Dad will be staying at my uncle’s place for at least a week. My uncle just had knee surgery and my dad is the only one he will accept help from,” Zoe says, shaking her head.
I’m relived he isn’t home. My plan is to have her at my house tonight—in my bed. Hell, I didn’t know what to expect. I half expected the curfew talk from him. Zoe’s car was delivered to my place today. I’m hoping that after she spends the night, I can give it to her in the morning. I don’t know how she will react. I’ve been trying to move slower than I want, but my patience is getting thin. I want her. I need her. Making her mine is my only goal right now.
I walk Zoe to the passenger side of the car, helping her buckle before kissing her softly. Her tits are pushed up and my eyes keep straying to her perfect cleavage. She knew what she was doing when she bought that dress. Torturing me.
When I climb into the driver’s seat, I look over to find her staring at me as she touches her lips. I smile as pleasure rolls through me. She seems to do that every time we kiss. I love it so much that it makes me want to claim her mouth again. I think about it, but I know if I don’t get a hold of myself, I won’t be able to follow through with our dinner plans.
“Are you ready?” I ask, pulling away from her house and heading towards Miami.
“Yeah.” Zoe says, fidgeting as she pulls the hem of her dress down when it creeps up to show off her milky thighs.
“You look gorgeous,” I murmur, glancing over in time to watch as a blush creeps up her cheeks.
“Thank you,” she responds, her voice soft. “Where are we going?”
“Miami.” I see her frown out of the corner of my eye.
“You know there are places to eat here, right?” she laughs.
“I know, but it wouldn’t have been as good.”
Hearing her laugh is like music to my ears. “You really love Miami that much?”
“I’ve traveled a lot, but Miami is home,” I respond honestly. I think about it for a second and realize I thought about Miami for myself, but not for what she might like. “Do you hate Miami?” Shit. If she hates Miami, that could cause issues…
“No, it’s beautiful and flashy. I love visiting Emilia. The beaches are okay, but they are way too busy. That’s what I like about where I live. There’s a nice beach close by. It’s not so busy or touristy. I can just go looking for shells and watch the sunrise.”
I glance over at her. “I thought you said you wanted a white picket fence. That might be hard to find with a beach front.”
Zoe laughs. “It’s a dream and in dreams I can have it all. In reality, I’ll probably live somewhere close to my dad or maybe even live in our house.” She looks over at me and sees my frown. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No. I’m just making notes so I can figure out a way to make your dreams come true.”
“What?” Zoe practically giggles, thinking I’m joking. I’m not. I’m dead serious. I’ve been making mental notes of all these comments so I can find her dream home. I want to make this happen for her—for us.
We end up spending the rest of the car ride making small talk about things we like or don’t like, the pros and cons of the city, and our bucket lists. There’s not a dull moment. When there is a silence, it doesn’t last long before one of us fills it. The companionship between us is comfortable. Nothing is forced. The conversation is easy and flows as if we’ve known each other forever. The only uncomfortable moment is when she brings up her car.
“Have you heard from the garage?” Zoe questions.
“Yeah. You should have your car tomorrow.” I hate lying to her. Although, this is not a total lie. I’m going to give her the new car tomorrow.
“I’m really hoping the bill isn’t astronomical. My dad said he would help me pay it, which is nice because I don’t want to spend the next few weeks working more twelve hour shifts to pay it off. Of course, it will be worth it to have my own transportation again.”
“It’s nice of your dad to offer to help you,” I respond. I try to push the conversation in another direction. I’d prefer not to have to stretch the truth any more than I have.
“Yeah, he was against me buying the car, but for the price, I couldn’t pass it up.”
I turn down a street and Zoe frowns. “I’ve never been to this part of the city. Is there a restaurant up here?”
“Mm-hm,” I agree, not really answering her.
I turn down another street, the one I live on, slowing down until I click the button on the garage so I can pull in.
“You brought me to your house?” Zoe asks in surprise.
“Yeah,” I tell her as I get out, walking to her side of the car and opening the door for her. I take her hand and help her down. Slamming the door shut, I lead her to the entrance of my home.
“I agreed to have dinner with you—”
“I’m going to cook for you in my house, Zoe. That way we can talk and get to know one another better.”
“Is getting to know each other code for sex?” Zoe mutters.
“Nothing will happen that you don’t want,” I reassure her.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she says dryly. I laugh, loving how honest she is. I kiss her softly on the lips. I tilt her chin so her eyes meet mine.
“You can trust me. I’d never hurt you, Zoe.”
“I am starting to believe that.”
“Good. Now let’s get inside so I can impress you with my cooking skills,” I tease.
She laughs again. I’m not sure I’ve ever met another person that is so full of joy. I’m certain I can listen to her laugh the rest of my life and die a happy man.
Chapter 18
Zoe