Desired
1636 Words
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV
I enter my car feeling awkward out of my depth. Surely Vanessa doesn't think that her pretense is bewitching enough to make me forget all the inhumane things she did and said to me in front Cyrus.
I got nothing out of being a good man to her. Not even once.
Her kiss still tasted as devine as I can remember despite the cruelty in her heart. Wait, why am I even thinking about it? I want to slap myself because my reaction is now bordering on ridiculous.
I slam the door shut, start the engine and peel out of the hotel's driveway eager to put as much distance between me and my controlling ex-wife.
About two miles before the traffic light where I would turn right to go to my apartment, I become aware of a sleek silver Land Rover car riding in the left lane next to me. I speed up, then slow down, the car match my speed. Is Vanessa having me followed?
I turn left and the car swerves into the left lane and continue to follow me. What the f**k?!
I pull my car to a stop safely and the vehicle just goes past me driving on. I shake my head. Strange. Maybe they weren't following me. This whole Vanessa-your-still-mine thing is making me paranoid.
I should probably get some groceries and something to drink as well, after what just happened this morning could use a drink, something to lull the edges of my frayed nerves.
I turn into a parking lot belonging to a brick building that has a huge sign that reads Blasmart Grocery’s. It's quite close to my apartment.
I reach over the seat and open the compartment to take my black baseball hat and tinted glasses before heading inside the building. Taking a shopping cart, I head to get some vegetables first. As a model I do dedicate a lot of time to preparing healthy meals.
As I check the snacks aisles, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I instantly put my guard up as I slowly turn around. Standing close is a red haired Sofia flushing all white teeth.
“Hi, I didn’t mean to scare you or anything,” she says, breathless with excitement.
Great, just what I needed. I should have opted to eat in a cafe.
I smile politely, “Hello Sofia.”
“Do you usually shop for yourself?” She asks.
"Umm…yeah.” I say guardedly.
Her grin widens and she points at my cap. “You’re terrible at going incognito. With your good looks, you’re practically a walking billboard!"
I laugh unsure of how to answer her.
"It's nice to see you sofia." I say trying to sound enthusiastic. "But I gotta go.” I force a smile and start to walk away. How do I get her to unknow me?
"Wait, did you see the likes on that photo I posted of us? It's like, blowing up all over Instagram." she calls after me, following as I head to the wine aisle.
"That’s awesome, Sofia. I’m really happy for you,” I say, grabbing a wine bottle and cans of Coke and head for the checkout.
As luck would have it, the line is long, and she comes right behind me.
"Don’t you have something to do? I remember you saying you’re a photographer,” I ask, trying to keep my tone friendly. She bats her eyelashes, then start babbling to me about her job being a total drag, all while throwing in the occasional giggle and hair flip.
Finally, my turn at the checkout arrives. I pay quickly, relief washing over me as I head toward the exit.
"Wait!" I hear her shout and soon she steps in front of me. She nods in the direction my luggage. "Here, let me carry that.”
I glance at her, weighing my options, and sigh inwardly. Looks like I’m not escaping that easily. I hand her the smaller bag full of grocery.
As we walk to my car she asks me when I became a model. Why does she want to know?
"Three years ago.” Yeah, can't forget that the same day, Vanessa divorced me.
"And how much do you make as a model?" She questions.
"Why?"
"Your car, your clothes, I can tell an expensive shirt when I see one." She answers and I shake my head.
"I'm twenty six, by the way," she says after a while.
I load the groceries into the back and move to get in the car. "Look, I really have to..."
"Maybe you and I can spend sometime together.” She interrupts looking hopeful.
Absolutely not. Her never ending questions are irritating.
Do you always offer to get into strangers' cars and go with them?" I ask dryly. "I could be a k********g creep."
"Any girl would willingly be kidn*pped by a goodlooking creep like you," she laughs. "And you're not forcing me to come with you."
I can't help but chuckle at her audacity. "Fair point well made." Maybe we can get along and I'll have a distraction for the afternoon. I gesture to the passenger seat. "Get in."
She squeals with delight and rushes to the other side of the car, hopping in. I shake my head, wondering what I've gotten myself into.
She's quite engaging, talkative person so the ride to my apartment is not as bad as I thought it would be.
"Your place is still so cool." She compliment as we carry the bags to kitchen.
"Sure thanks." I pour two glasses of wine and hand one to her.
“Cheers.” I raise my glass.
“Cheers.” She takes a sip and I start busying myself in the kitchen, but within seconds, she’s right there, peering over my shoulder. “Can I help you with that?”
“No, it’s fine. Sit.” I give her a sideways I’ve-got-this look.
“I’d like to help.” she insists.
“Okay. You can chop the vegetables,” I say, pointing to the drawer with my chin. “Knives are in there.”
"You seem to know everything about cooking." She observes. Of course I do, I cooked for Vanessa for three years.
“So, are you dating anyone?” she blurts out curiously. She really does that alot, blurting out personal questions without thinking.
“No,” I reply firmly, to make sure she doesn't inquire more.
I'm not ready for relationship, neither do I want to be in one.
She brushes past me, her arm touching mine as she moves to unpack the vegetables. I step out of her way.
She pushes past me, again her thigh brushing against my leg as she uses the sink. It’s deliberate, I’m sure since there is a lot of space, but I try to ignore.
In the next ten minutes, we finish chopping, and I pull out chicken from the freezer.
"I'll heat the water. It'll take some time," I tell her.
"Which gives you and me plenty of time to get to know each other.” she beams.
“Yeah, no thanks,” I tell her and head to the living room.
When I turn to look at her, she’s blushing.
“What?” I ask as I shrug out of my jacket and toss it on the couch.
“Nothing! Just... you’re really handsome,” She smiles and I roll my eyes.
VANESSA STERLING'S POV
"I’ve been thinking since I left, and I’ve decided I’m ready to give you another shot," Cyrus declares and my eyes narrow in disbelief.
"You’re giving me another shot?" I laugh, incredulous.
"Look vanessa, I'm willing to forget what happened that night. I know you didn't mean to say all those awful things or hit me and I want you to know I forgive you." he continues, as if bestowing a great favor. "I’ll just grab my things and come back home."
"Whose home?" I retort, and he blinks in confusion.
"Our home... here," he insists, and I can’t help but laugh again.
"I hope my talking isn’t annoying you..
because your face...." he stammers.
"No, no please continue talking." I urge, my irritation boiling.
"I have nowhere else to go," he claims.
"Have you ever heard of the saying " Don't s**t where you eat?" I ask as I pull out a stack of papers and slams them down on the coffee table in front of him. "This pretty sums it up."
"What are those for?"
"They're divorce papers," I reply flatly.
There is a big oh-s**t expression on his face before he speaks.
"Vanessa, I messed up once, but I said I was sorry. Why are you taking this too far?" he stands.
I nod toward my security team outside and they step into the room. "Get rid of everything of his and escort him out," I order.
"No, no, no! Please," He quickly moves to stand in front of the security team, his voice trembling. "Vanessa, I briefly lost my mind and yes I made a mistake. If you are trying to scare me, stop it here. I get it now." he pleads.
I nod at my security and they push him out of the way and head upstairs.
"Sign the papers and leave my house, Cyrus. I don't wanna make this more embarrassing."
"You can't divorce me." He claims loudly turning back to me. "Do you even realize how lucky you are. I don't drink. I don't f**k other women."
"I don't even try to touch you since you made it abundantly clear...."
"I’m done talking. Sign the damn papers!" I roar, my patience wearing.
"No!"
"No?" I smirk "Alright."
"You don't wanna do this, you're just trying to hurt me." He claims.
- Writer
