Page 47 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“Yes, we’re…friends, but…” He trails off, gaze searching mine, and I can see yearning in his eyes. Yearning? Is that right? Before I can respond, he takes a step closer. “Zoe.” The air between us is charged with possibility. Time stands still, and I feel his breath on my skin.

“What is it, Tom?” My voice is trembling with urgency.

“Zoe,” he says softly. “I really care about you. I hope you know that.”

My heart aches at his words, and shocked, I stare at him. I want to tell him that I care too, that this connection is new to me. That I wish I’d realized it sooner. But the reality of my life pulls me back. “I didn’t know that,” I whisper. “And I care about you, too. But…” I let the sentence trail off, unsaid words ricocheting between us. “We can’t. I can’t. I’m engaged.”

The commitment I made hangs in the air, heavy and final. His expression shifts, a mixture of disappointment and understanding flooding his handsome features.

He somberly says, “I get it,” stepping back as if the distance could take away the intensity of the moment.

“I’m so sorry,” I murmur, reaching out for his hand but pulling back before I touch him, regret pooling in my chest. I wish things were different. I wish I could let go of my responsibilities and dive into whatever this is with him.

“Yeah, I’m sorry, too,” he says, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I should probably head out.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” I agree, trying to mask the ache in my chest.

“Let me just get my clothes.”

“You want to wait here with me while I wash them?”

His eyes lock with mine, and I see pain in them, an agony mixed with desire. “As much as I don’t want to leave, Zoe, I have to.”

I give a tortured nod and watch him disappear to retrieve his clothes. He likes me, too? When did that happen?! I want to crawl up in my covers and sleep until everything makes sense in life again.

He emerges from the bathroom and offers a smile, “Mind if I wear the robe home?”

“Only if you stop and get gas in it.”

He chuckles half-heartedly, “That’d be hilarious.”

Wishing he’d stay longer, I shake my head and sigh, “I’ll walk you to the door.” It’s not a long walk, but I want to be near him for as long as possible.

As we step outside into my building’s hallway, crisp night air filters in from its open windows but it can’t cool the tension between Tom and me, so thick and painful.

“You’re not coming into the shop tomorrow, Boss?”

My phone rings, muffled by the pocket of Ralphie’s carrier, and instantly I remember that Caleb was going to call me tonight. “No, um…I’ve got a lot to do.”

“Take care of yourself, okay?” he says, stepping away, the distance feeling like a chasm.

I call after him, forcing a smile that can’t reach my eyes, “If you stop at the gas station, send me a picture.”

He forces a smile, waves over his shoulder, “Might just have to do that now.”

“Tom!”

He stops, turns around, looking crazy cute in my robe, holding his things. “Yeah?”

I start to speak but only, “Goodnight,” squeaks out.

“Nothing’s changed. If you need me…I mean, if you need anything. I’m here for you.”

As he walks away, I close the door slowly, leaning against it as the weight of my choices settles over me.

My phone rings again.

TWENTY

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