“Bastards!” Zoe squawked and wiggled wildly.
I stole a glance at her and I don’t think I’d seen anything more beautiful. Without a trace of makeup, she was just Zoe. My Zoe. She was sweating with exertion, her cheeks rosy and her eyes dancing about, filled with life.
“I think she’s had enough.”
“Come on, Spence, remember this is Zoe. She’s a little vixen,” Kane pleaded.
“Yeah, I know, but her ribs must be screaming like a bitch right about now.”
“You’re no fun,” Kane pouted as he released her.
As I let go of her other leg, Zoe tucked them underneath her before wriggling to her knees, staring at me with a scowl. Taking a few breaths, she wiped her arm across her forehead. She was trying to be grumpy but she couldn’t hide the delight in her eyes.
“Right, you two,” Zoe lectured, her finger pointing back and forth between us. Kane, not intimidated in the slightest, reclined against the pile of pillows, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “Listen, and listen closely. We are no longer kids. We’re grown damn adults. Adults don’t tickle each other, and they don’t make fun of people?”
“But Zoe?”
“No, Kane. No ‘but Zoe.’ Things have changed. We’ve changed. For fuck’s sake, less than twelve hours ago you two were trying to beat the shit out of each other. Now you’re best friends again. We can’t play anymore. Not like this.”
“You’re no fun,” Kane pouted.
Zoe just smiled and batted her lashes before poking her tongue out. I couldn’t help but to roll my eyes at the whole situation.
“Seriously though,” Kane started. “I’m really sorry about last night, Zoe. The things I said…well, fuck; they were completely out of line. I shouldn’t have…”
I risked a glance at Zoe. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to see, but I’ll admit I was pleasantly surprised. She was smiling. A wide, dazzling smile that lit up her face and made her eyes sparkle. Everything felt great. Light. Easy. The way it should be.
“It’s okay, Kane. I forgive you…” Zoe shrugged.
“You don’t have to…I mean, I don’t deserve?”
“Kane, just shut it, say thank you, and accept it, okay? We’re good. Now get over here and give me a hug.”
Zoe stiffened in Kane’s arms. She may have asked for a cuddle but she didn’t look happy or comfortable in my brother’s arms. And being the jealous ass I was, I couldn’t help but feel relieved.
“Thank you, Zoe,” Kane whispered. I could see the embarrassment creep up his neck and consume him. The bright red humiliation covered his neck and face. With the back of my hand over my mouth, I stifled my amusement.
Kane unwrapped Zoe from his arms and scrambled from the bed. As he passed me, he clasped my shoulder and mumbled into my ear, “She’s a good girl, that one. Don’t you dare fucking hurt her.”
His words knocked me off my feet. Literally. I stumbled backwards, crashing into the end of the bed with a thump. I’d have bet money it would leave a bruise on my shin tomorrow. Remaining where I’d fallen, I watched as Zoe zipped up her bag. It was bulging almost to breaking point.
“I think that’s it.” Zoe forced a sad smile.
There were a million things I wanted to say, but I couldn’t find the voice to say any of them. “I’ll carry it to the car,” was all I could manage to blurt out.
“Thanks,” Zoe sighed as she hitched her handbag over her shoulder.
I snatched her overnight bag and headed out. Standing outside in the sunshine, I stared down the deserted street. Sunday morning silence was perfect.
The car beeped as Zoe unlocked it and she came wobbling out, dragging her feet. All the laughter and merriment and peace was gone, replaced with emptiness. Her features were blank and her eyes sunken. I was worried how quickly she could transform from the carefree woman I knew and loved to her current state. I was overwhelmed by the desire to tell her to stay. To beg her to stay. I wouldn’t. After everything this week had thrown at her, Zoe needed to go home. She needed some normalcy. Some space. She needed to get back to reality and start living again.
Silently she slid into the driver’s seat and started the car.
“So…” we both mumbled at the same time.
“Thanks for…well, everything,” Zoe stumbled as her eyes filled with tears.
I couldn’t stop myself. I squatted down and rested my arms on the open window. “Pippi…I’m so glad you came home. You have no idea. As for everything else…well, honestly, it was my pleasure.”
