Spurs & Stilettos (6 page)

I turn to face him blown away by what he just said. Brad hasn’t been mentioned since my phone lit up earlier. “Don’t be, it’s not your problem. It’s life, I’ll live. I deserve better and I’ll find it.”

“You’re right Hope, you will.”

The ride back is quick and we’re soon parked in the hotel parking lot. I haven’t heard from Amber, I have no idea if she’s awake or not but part of me knows she is waiting to hear all about my one on one time with Wesley.

He unbuckles his seatbelt, not once letting go of my hand. I am trying like hell to keep it together; I mean not that long ago I found my fiancé in bed with another woman and now I’m on the verge of falling off a cliff that will either kill me or possibly save my life.
Please don’t let it kill me.
“Thank you for tonight Hope.”

“I’m glad I came.” I reply trying not to conceal how breathy I am. His face is a few mere inches away and I can smell his minty breath. I could breathe him in all day long and never grow tired of it.

The distance between us grows smaller and smaller, my breathing is more unstable than it was before. I’m trying not to look too far into this. I know nothing is going to happen from this, there’s no way it could even if we really wanted it to.

“I’m going to kiss you now Hope,” he murmurs as he leans in lightly brushing his lips against mine. I never had a chance to even think about protesting. I’d have to be an idiot not to feel the spark that just ignited between us. It’s just like the electricity from our hands touching; you just can’t deny that sort of thing. I want to go along with this, his kiss is intoxicating but part of me is scared this is the kind of fire that I won’t be able to easily put out. He tastes like mint, chocolate chips, and heaven. He stops, leaving me breathless again before bringing his lips back forcefully against mine. I let him in, moaning as he thrusts his tongue against mine. I’m feeling a million and one things right now that I’m not sure I should even be feeling. Part of me feels severely guilty even though I shouldn’t be. Brad fucked up; he ended us like it was nothing.

Wesley’s hands find my hair and eventually he rests his hand on the back of my neck giving me some form of stability while he works his lips against mine, placing me under his spell. One of my hands is in his hair lightly tugging while the other hand is fisted in his shirt holding onto this moment for as long as I can. When he pulls away, I’m disappointed. I could kiss this man all night long.

“You have the softest lips I’ve ever kissed.” He whispered.

“Are you implying you’ve kissed many lips?” I ask boldly.

“None of them could even begin to compare to yours. I could kiss you all night but I promised you midnight and unfortunately it’s that time.”

I want him to be lying, but the look in his green eyes tells me he’s being honest and I confirm that by the dashboard light in his truck. My heart just plummeted off that cliff in a free fall and I’m certain I’m about to pull myself under the hotel comforter and try to hide from the world until morning. I really hope Amber is asleep, I suddenly don’t want to talk about any of this even if it was the best night I’ve had in a very long time.

He senses my mood, it’s not hard to. My smile is gone and I look like a lost child. He lifts my chin to where our eyes meet and the passion behind his is something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. “I will call you Hope. I promise you we will see each other again soon. I can’t not see you again. Plus Bandit told me he likes you.”

“Did he now?” I ask sheepishly, ashamed of myself for letting the good looks of a smooth talking cowboy get to me.

“He said I have to keep you around or he won’t let me break any more records.” His flirty smile is back and I feel an ache between my legs that I’m trying hard as hell to ignore. I am not stooping to trying to seduce Wesley in his truck although I’m sure he may not fight me on it. I’m better than that though.

“You should go get some rest Hope. Thank you for a great night.” He takes my hand in his and I fuss at myself as I feel the tears stinging at the back of my eyes. He has no idea how long I’ve waited to hear someone actually pretend to give a shit and I don’t even know him.

“No, thank you Wesley. Tell Bandit bye for me.”

“But it’s not bye, I’ll just tell him you’ll see him soon.” He’s so adamant I can’t help but blush at his persistence even though there’s a small voice at the back of my head telling me this is the last time.

“Bye Wesley,” I whisper as I climb out the truck determined to keep my tears away and my dignity in tack.

Before I make my exit, he reaches out grabbing my hand sending pure electricity shooting through my veins once again. “This isn’t goodbye Hope, I swear.” He pulls me closer brushing his lips lightly across mine and I try to stop the tear that slowly falls down my cheek. With his free hand he brushes it away and I feel so stupid for allowing myself to be so weak in front of a complete stranger. “You’re so beautiful, I should have told you that sooner tonight,” he whispers as I blush a deep crimson.

I slowly pull away from him returning his mega watt smile as I shut the truck door. With every ounce of strength I possess, I walk with my head held high into the elevator.  I smile thinking of the great night I just had but at the same time I’m scared of how I’m feeling, scared I really may never see him again. Before the elevator stops on our floor, my phone goes off and I grab it to find a message from Wesley. I smile as I read what it says and quickly type my response. Maybe I really will get to see him again. I pull the room key out of my purse and insert it. As soon as the light turns green, I push the door open and let out the breath I think I’ve been holding all night long.

Chapter 6

Just as I suspected Amber is lying on the bed gorging on junk food and watching country music videos. She is currently all googly-eyed over Jason Aldean. I roll my eyes as she makes kissy faces in my direction. I flop on the extra queen size bed and face her as she suddenly gets serious.

“So Brad called asking where you were, and I told him the truth.”

My eyes literally pop out my head as I stare at her. “What the hell Amb? Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack. He said he tried to text you and you didn’t answer so he had the nerve to call me. Hope, who gives a shit what he thinks? You haven’t done anything wrong at all. You are a single woman and I know you didn’t sleep with Wesley did you?”

“No! We just kissed.” I can’t help but blush as I answer her. I try to hide the tingly feeling I’m getting right now just thinking about that kiss.

She suddenly smiles. “Is he a good kisser? Where did he take you? I want all the details!”

Silly Amber, I knew all this was coming. “Well, we went to a diner then he took me back to meet his horse Bandit and then back here.”

“He introduced you to his horse? When’s the wedding?”

I threw my pillow at her face. She laughs hysterically as I sit there trying to keep from laughing too. “Seriously though Amb, he is so sweet and you know the craziest part? He lives in Kirby. He’s so close. He told me this wasn’t goodbye, he wouldn’t even let me say bye.”

“Wow, do you think you’ll actually see him again?”

“Please tell me I’m not doing anything wrong because I really do hope I get to see him again Amber.” I let out a sigh feeling completely ridiculous. I’m still swooning. Stupid new feelings are taking over me.

“Look at me Hope,” and I do. I meet my best friend’s brown eyes as she continues, “What could you possibly be doing wrong? Nothing. You’re single; you didn’t screw up your last relationship. Yeah, so you kissed a guy two days after your breakup and felt something, you deserve this. You need to feel and if Wesley Tyler is the one to bring that out in you, then no you aren’t doing anything wrong.”

“Good,” I smile. Brad sends another text that I don’t answer as I turn the phone over before going to the bathroom to take a shower. I don’t want the water to wash off any of Wesley, I smile as I remember the kiss we shared and find myself eagerly waiting to experience another whenever that may be. Amber is passed out under the covers and I tiptoe to my bed carefully climbing under and getting comfortable. I decide to check my phone one more time and I’m more than excited I did because I find one more message from Wesley.

Wesley: Why did I bring you back to your hotel at midnight? I can’t get you off my mind.

Me: Me too :( nite.

********

The drive home always seems to go by faster than the initial ride to wherever you go. That’s just some unspoken fact. It can take five hours to get somewhere but only two and a half to get home especially when Amber is on a mission. It seems she’s speeding a little to get home so I’m extra glad I took some Dramamine before we left Houston. I keep thinking last night was a dream but all I have to do is bring my hand up to my lips and I can feel Wesley. I can feel his lips moving against mine in that moment. He texted me this morning to wish us a safe drive home. Even though the sun is out, I keep my eyes open constantly watching the road as Amber drives. I’m doing what I should have done that evening two years ago. My stomach is full of more nerves than are welcome trying to think of when I may be able to see him again. As we enter San Antonio, I’m suddenly hit with the fact that I’m homeless. I left the apartment and Brad was there. I never want to step into that apartment ever again. Everything in there is tainted crap to me.

“Where am I supposed to go?” I ask feeling lost.

“What are you talking about Hope, you’re staying with me. You’ve been staying with me the past few nights.”

“I can’t impose on you. I need to start looking for a place.”

She takes her eyes off the road for a split second causing my heart to stop beating. I want to scream at her to keep her eyes on the road but I hold my breath praying she will just read my mind. “Look at me Hope. We’re going to be roommates. I always wanted that, but Brad stole you away and now I have my best friend back. You’re stuck with me plain and simple.”

I laugh. This is an argument I’ll never win so I don’t even try. Traffic is light as we continue our drive home. As she pulls up outside her apartment, Brad’s truck is parked in front and he’s standing by the door like he’s waiting for me. And he is. Amber told him I met someone. Shit.

“Leave Brad, you don’t need to be here.” Amber warns jumping out her car. He’s not even fazed that she’s ten seconds from completely losing her shit on him. Every ounce of breath I had just left and I can’t believe he’s here. I’m shocked to see him, and not in a good way.

“I’m not leaving until I talk to my fiancée, Amber, so mind your damn business.”

“This is my fucking apartment asshole so if I say leave, you need to leave. And she’s not your fiancée anymore.” Her finger is in his face and I see the steam rolling off the two of them.

They’re talking like I’m not standing right here listening to the whole thing. He says something else and then she butts right back in pissing him off even more. She pushes past him unlocking her door and walks in standing in the doorway. “Come on Hope, you don’t have to say anything to him.”

This is one of those awkward situations where I feel like I’m stuck. Amber is right. I don’t have to say anything to him. I watch him standing there still looking pissed from the exchange of words. His eyes are glaring at me and I draw in a deep breath contemplating what to do.

“No, I’ll talk to him. Come here.” I grab his arm and pull him inside her apartment trying to ignore the ‘what the hell’ look I’m getting from her right now. This needs to be handled although I have no idea what’s really going to be said. I drag him into the spare room that is now my room.

“You’ve got some nerve showing up here Brad.”

“Well you haven’t answered any of my calls or texts and Amber said you ran off with some cowboy last night. Is that shit true? Didn’t I mean anything to you Hope?”

Oh no, he did not go there. I’m about to blow the hell up in this room and I am deeply regretting having brought him in to talk. “Don’t you go there Brad. You meant the world to me! I can’t believe I wanted to marry you. You’re an insensitive asshole, you treat me like crap, and I caught you fucking another woman. Don’t tell me that you meant nothing to me!”

“I didn’t mean it like that baby. I screwed up. We can fix this. I still want to marry you.” He tries to reach for my hand but I jerk it back.

“Did you not see the ring go down the toilet Brad? We’re not getting married and I’m not your baby.” I practically seethe.

I close my eyes trying to breathe and find his face inches from mine as he leans in attempting to kiss me. Oh no, he’ll wipe off Wesley’s perfect kisses and his breath doesn’t smell as sweet. Nothing about him is intoxicating me right now. I quickly turn my head moving away from him before he can try anything and he gets the hint.

“So you did meet someone last night didn’t you? I can’t believe it.” He stands shaking his head and I still can’t believe he actually thought we were still getting married. He continues to shake his head, “You could have at least thrown the ring at me instead of flushing it Hope, that was pretty damn low.”

“Well, what you did was low Brad.” I turn my head to look anywhere but at him.

And just like that he walked out the room. I heard Amber tell him something and then the front door slam. Amber appears at my bedroom door and walks in sitting beside me. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah,” I whisper. “He actually thought we were still getting married and he tried to kiss me but I turned him down. Then he said I should’ve just thrown the ring at him instead of flushing it.”

“Wow, guess he should have thought about that before,” she replies with a smile on her face. That’s the price he paid to play and for his sake I sure as hell hope she was worth it. Watching him walk out that door did nothing but boost my confidence.

“I’m going to try to relax before work tomorrow. I have a feeling Brad’s not going to leave me alone and I just want to try and have peace.”

“Alright, if you get hungry let me know and we can whip something up. By the way, I wanted to tell you thank you for going last night. It meant a lot to me having you there and I’m so proud of you. One step at a time Hope, you can do it. I love you, you’re the bestest best friend ever.” I smile as she walks out closing the door behind her.

I close my eyes as I lay on the bed and I think back to a time when I thought my life was turning out to be so perfect.

“You sure you don’t want to come with me tonight Hope? Sexy cowboys everywhere, come on!” Karlee has her pouty lip out that she knows I can’t resist to save my life. I hate to tell her no especially since she’s so excited but it’s mine and Brad’s anniversary and he said he had this whole date thing planned.

“You know I want to but it’s my anniversary. He’ll flip a lid.”

“Oh well, celebrate tomorrow. I’m your sister. I’m bloo,d so I’m more important.”

Brad knocked before walking in, making a face at Karlee’s Breaking Benjamin cd that was in her stereo. “That shit is nothing but noise, how can you listen to it? You ready to go Hope?”

Karlee scowled at him behind his back but smiled as soon as he turned around. “Brad, can we please celebrate tomorrow? Karlee bought this ticket for me and I really want to go with her.”

He lets out a sigh, I know he’s aggravated but his answer surprises me. “Yeah, that’s fine. We can celebrate tomorrow.”

Karlee squeals pulling him in for a hug. He doesn’t return her hug but he chuckles as he pulls away and walks out the room.

I walked out the room right behind Brad thrilled that I was getting to go to the rodeo with Karlee. I blink back a tear at the memory. I don’t even want to think about how he proposed to me. I want him to have never existed. I don’t want to think about Karlee being dead because that means I have to hear the metal of the car crashing against the tree all over again and it’s one sound my ears never want to hear again.

I’m brought back to reality when my phone rings and Wesley’s name pops up. I look next to me and Karlee is gone. Damn. My heart flutters as I fumble to answer. “Hello?”

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“Hi,” I reply timidly. How in the hell can I be timid?

“I miss seeing you.”

“You don’t know me. How can you miss me?”

“I know what I need to know. I know how you made me feel and I miss you.” Oh my, I’m blushing and I’m pretty glad he can’t see it. I want to tell him I miss him too but I dismiss it by changing the subject.

“How’s your day?”

“Miserable. I want to see you again. At least tell me you’re having a good day sweetheart.”

I sigh as I answer, “Its better now.”

“What’s wrong?” He asks genuinely. Why does this perfect guy have to be far away?

“My ex tried to come over and talk.” I groan just thinking about Brad being in this room earlier.

“Oh, are you ok?”

“I’m fine, it was just a talk and it’s over now. I just wasn’t quite expecting it that’s all. Enough about me, how’s your day?”

“It’s been pretty quiet, I can’t complain. I’ll be thinking of you while I ride tonight. I wish you could be there.”

“Me too.” I can’t believe I just admitted that to him but it’s true. Watching him ride was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever seen.

“Can I tell you something?” I’m silent giving him the go ahead. “I know you briefly told me about your ex, but Amber told me about him too and she basically threatened my life if I hurt you. But I want you to know, I would never hurt you.”