Page 63 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

I see respect for Tom glimmering in Caleb’s eyes as he turns to me, “Zoe, I need you to uphold your promise. Not just because of what we talked about. I genuinely care about you now. I think…” he lowers his voice, trying to block out our audience. “…we could really have something here. Don’t you feel that, too?”

The truth is, I am drawn to Caleb as any woman would be. My feelings for Tom are different and have taken me by surprise in every way since I first discovered them.

But I can’t help wondering, did Tom only come forward, voice his feelings to me, because I was spoken for? He’s shown great courage today but where was that courage all these ten months we’ve worked together when I was single, lonely, and right in front of him every single day?

I whisper, the words sticking in my throat, “This is a lot of pressure with everyone staring at me like this. It’s my whole life we’re talking about.”

Caleb steps closer to me. “I can give you everything you’ve ever wanted. Everything. I mean that.”

My gaze slides to Tom who stands there, handcuffed, the fire in his eyes dimming right before he says, “You don’t have to choose out of obligation.”

“Obligation?” Caleb scoffs, brow twisting in annoyance. “This isn’t just obligation. This is about her happiness.”

“Tom, I?—”

“—Zoe,” Tom implores, gaze steady. “You deserve to make a choice that reflects who you are, not what you feel you have to do.”

The officers have been watching like we’re a TV show. The vocal one clears his throat, “We really have to get going.”

It’s like a balloon popped, and I blurt, “I was told to do the right thing. To uphold my word. I can’t betray Caleb. I promised him.”

Caleb stands taller. “Then it’s settled. You’re with me.”

But as the officers move to escort Tom out, a pang of desperation ignites in my blood. “Wait!” I call out, rushing toward them. “You can’t take him like this!”

Mr. Astor blocks my path, face a mask of disapproval. “You chose my son!”

I pull out my phone, fingers trembling. “I’m calling Wyatt. He’ll know what to do. I won’t let Tom stay in jail for defending me. He did what aCocker manwould do! Wyatt will understand.” As the officers lead Tom away, I meet his gaze one last time, a shared longing passing between us. “I promise I’ll get you out,” I say, desperation lacing my voice.

“Zoe…” Tom begins, “You made your choice. I don’t need to be saved. Not from this. I’m proud of punching that jerk.” The officers pull him through the exit and I want to scream.

Alone now with Caleb and his father, I whisper to myself, “I made a choice,” but as I stand there, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m leaving a part of myself behind.

The warmth of Caleb’s hand envelops mine, but I get no comfort from it.

“Father, can you leave us alone, please?” he says, voice firm.

“No!” I object, tearing my hand from his. “I have deliveries to make. We’re done with the meeting. Your flowers will be delivered for the dinner.”

“Zoe,” he murmurs, trying to soothe me.

But you can’t soothe a live wire. “I have customers waiting. A business to run.” Dipping my chin respectfully to Caleb’s father I add a quick, “Mr. Astor, I’ll supply beautiful arrangements for your event. That’s a promise.”

“Let’s hope you keep your promises.”

Ignoring his double-meaning, I hurry out, and break into a jog, opting for the stairs over the elevator. Rushing down, footsteps echoing off lonely walls, I race outside just in time to see Tom’s face turned away from me as the vehicle drives away with police lights blazing, sirens its soundtrack, and everyone watching.

I start running after the police car, my feet with a mind of their own.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Zoe

“Officer!Tom!Officers! Wait!” I shout after the blaring lights. Tom turns in the backseat and we lock eyes. I wave for him to stop. He tells them something. I can see his lips moving even as he stares out the rear window at me. Whatever he told them doesn’t work.

They don’t stop.

So I do.

---