Chapter 38
SPENCER
It took every ounce of self-restraint I possessed to keep my eyes on the road. The truck was filled with the scent of vanilla that wafted from Zoe’s hair, which now looked like she’d been ravaged. And her lips. Fuck! They’d tasted better than I remembered. Now they were bruised and swollen from my kisses. I felt like a fucking rock star. I was the one responsible for the satisfied smile on her face. And I wasn’t done yet. Not by a long shot.
With my eyes locked on the road, I suggested Zoe look in the glove box.
“What exactly am I looking for?”
“You’ll know it when you see it,” I taunted.
“Seriously! Just tell me what…Spencer?” her voice trembled.
“You okay?”
“Wh-what’s this?” she stammered.
“It’s yours, Pippi.”
“What’s it…?”
“Our house.”
“Huh?”
Risking a glance at her, I couldn’t contain the smile that consumed me. With wide eyes and her mouth gaping open, she was beautiful when she was stunned into silence. Pulling the truck onto the shoulder of the dirt path, I killed the engine and turned to face her.
“Zoe,” I started softly. “I just told you I love you. And I meant it. I want you to come home. It doesn’t have to be today or tomorrow, but I want you home. In our home. In our bed. With me. Always. And that, Princess, is the key to the front door.”
She didn’t say a word and I felt my heart sink. Maybe I’d pushed too hard. Too fast. Maybe I’d read everything wrong. I’d fucked it all up.
Pushing open the door, Zoe jumped from the truck as I watched in the rearview mirror. She paced up and down the dirt road, kicking rocks that dared to get in her way. For a few minutes I just watched. She obviously needed some space and I wouldn’t deny her.
“FUCK!” she screamed loudly, causing a wave of birds to take flight.
Pissed off with her reaction, I couldn’t stop my feet from following her out of the cabin. She was supposed to be happy about this. She was supposed to say thank you and hug me. She was supposed to never want to leave.
“Zoe!” I called out, my harsh voice capturing her attention.
She stopped pacing and spun to face me. Tears were streaming down her face, leaving a thick, black trail in their wake. “What?” she snapped back forcefully.
“Stop! Whatever the fuck you are doing right now, just fucking stop.”
“Spencer,” she softened as she bent forward and put her hands on her knees.
I took a step towards her. Just one step. I wanted to run to her side and sweep her into my arms. I wanted to never let go. I thought that’s what she wanted. After seeing this reaction I had no fucking idea what the hell she wanted anymore.
“Zoe. Talk to me. Please,” I begged.
Looking up at me through blurry tear-filled eyes, Zoe straightened her back and broke into a run. Without saying a word she leapt into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist and squeezing. Instinctively my hands found their way under her butt and held firm. I wasn’t letting her go. Not now. Not ever.
“Please, Princess. You’re killing me here. Talk to me.”
“Y-you love me,” she mumbled between sniffles.
I felt her wipe her eyes on my shoulder and the material dampen. I didn’t care. I couldn’t. “You had any doubt?”
“No, but?”
