Thankfully the day that followed Six's final visit to my home was a busy one at the library. My mind was filled with book recommendations, new customer applications and replacing a mountain of books back to their rightful places. I needed to be kept busy. Every time there was a lull my mind wandered back to the events of the previous evening. The look on Six's face when I caught sight of him throughout my dance. The V that formed between his brows and the sadness that emanated from his very being. An air of defeat. He'd given up and although that fact should have meant relief for me it had achieved anything but.
I was entering some new client data on to the computer when someone cleared their throat and I glanced up. “Oh, hi. W-what are you doing here?”
My visitor smiled widely. “I figured it was about time I joined this fine establishment. I think a little reading would be good for me. Don't you? I used to read when I was younger. It was mainly bedtime stories for Tyler but... Anyway, what do you need from me?”
I scrunched my brow. “I'm sorry what?”
He smiled again. “To join the library. What information do you need from me?”
I laughed and rolled my eyes. “Oh, of course. Duh! I need a form of picture ID and something with your address on please. And I need you to complete this form.” I attached the pink sheet to a clip board and handed it over.
He took the board from me and then reached into his breast pocket. “Sure thing, beautiful. Look...I wanted to apologize again for getting out of hand the other night. I don't know what came over me. But it won't happen again, okay?” He handed me his drivers license and gave me a heart melting grin.
I felt my cheeks heat as I took the card from him. “It's okay. Forget about it.” I glanced down at the photo on the ID. “Wow, you look so...different.”
He sighed and ran his hands over his short, neat hair. “Sheesh, I know right? Urgh. What was I thinking? I mean, who has a goatee these days?”
His cheeks had colored and I found it quite endearing. “Oh I don't know. I think you rocked it actually.”
That wide, handsome grin appeared again. “Aww shucks. You're too kind. But I know I looked like a dweeb.”
I copied down the information I needed onto a fresh member’s card and handed it back. “So, how's Tyler? Still wanting to start his own band?”
The smile left his face and he frowned for a moment but no sooner had the look appeared than it was gone. “Oh, you know what kids are like. He's a handful right now. The less said the better, if you know what I mean.”
“Ah. No worries. Kids, huh?”
“Yes indeed. Anyway, what time are you done here today? I thought I could maybe bring some groceries and cook for you.”
“Oh. I...I don't know.”
“Look, Chloe. Excuse my language but I was an asshole last time. I won't be that way again. I got carried away.” He leaned in lowered his voice to a whisper. “I find you insanely hot and you can't blame a guy for trying. But you said no and I respect that. I'll wait until you're ready. Cross my heart.” He made the sign of the cross in the center of his chest.
I pursed my lips and contemplated his words. “So...what would you cook?”
“I was thinking something Italian maybe. Do you like pasta? I make a mean tagliatelle.” He stuck out his lower lip and fluttered his eyelashes causing me to giggle.
“Okay, deal. I get off here at six. Come to my apartment at seven?”
“Sounds great. I'll even bring wine.” His face was alive with enthusiasm and I was touched by how eager he was to make amends. “Now. Where do I find crime novels?”
I raised my eyebrows. “Crime novels huh? Consider yourself a regular Sherlock Holmes do you?”
“Maybe not Holmes but...well I don't like to brag but I'm an expert with a flashlight.” He winked and once again I giggled like a silly school girl. Sheesh, I'm going to have to get a handle on that habit.
I pointed Zak in the direction of the crime novels and went back to my work. Around a half hour later he checked a couple books out and left, reminding me before he did that he would see me at seven.
♥♥♥
The library manager let me leave early, seeing as we'd had such a manic day. As I was leaving the library I spotted Ellie across the street, she waved and gestured that we should go for coffee. I checked my watch and gave the thumbs up.
After jogging across to her we hugged and made our way to Hank's. Ellie pushed open the door but it disappeared from her grip, almost causing her to land flat on her face. I glanced up to find a familiar dirty-blonde haired biker holding a takeout cup with a brown paper bag dangling from his fingers in one hand and the door for us to enter in the other.
“Shit, I'm sorry about that. You okay?” he asked Ellie as she cussed him out.
“Maybe you should watch who's coming through the damn door in future.” She huffed melodramatically wiping her clothing down.
He cringed at me and widened his eyes and I had to stifle a laugh. Nodding his head in mock seriousness he replied, “Yeah, sorry. You're right about that. And I will.” He turned his attention back to me. “Hi, Chloe. How're you doing?”
I smiled and nodded as my cheeks heated. “I'm good thanks. You?”
“Oh, you know. Hospital visits, lack of sleep. The usual. All good.” There was a note of sarcasm to his voice but I chose to ignore it.
“How's Cain?”
“I'm just on my way over there. The second surgery went well and he's showing signs of improvement. Had a call from his sister earlier.”
I sighed. “Oh that's a relief. I'm so glad to hear that.”
“You...um...could stop by the hospital later maybe? You know, if you're free.”
I cringed and spoke without really thinking. “Oh, sorry I'm having dinner with Zak later.” As soon as the words left my mouth I clamped it shut.
He nodded and a crease formed between his eyebrows a look of hurt apparent in his features. “Oh yeah, sure. No problem. Enjoy. I'd better be going.” He raised his hand in a kind of wave and walked away quickly as if he couldn't wait to escape my company.
“Shit, Chloe, sexual tension much?” Ellie had no clue how off she was with her observation.
We ordered coffees and slipped into a booth opposite each other. Her eyes were fixed on me. “Come on. Spill it. Something's going on here. What is it?”
I shrugged. “He's finally agreed to let me move on.”
“Well you could look happier about it. Zak is gorgeous and so sweet. Pass him my way if you don't want him.”
I hadn't told her everything about Zak. I knew that if I told her he had been a little forceful the other night she would be angry and worried about me. And seeing as I was convinced it was a one off incident she didn't need to know.
I shrugged. “Yeah, Zak is sweet. But Six...the chemistry...” I blew out through pursed lips.
“I hear you, honey. I really do. But you and I both know that the biker is no good for you. He's dangerous. You don't need the drama. And Zak is so...”
“Normal.” I finished off her sentence and she nodded profusely.
Holding her hands up she pointed at me. “That's it. He's normal. Normal is good. Normal doesn't get you half killed.”
What the hell? I scrunched my brow as my desire to defend Six fought for dominance over every other emotion. “Ellie, he never got me 'half killed'.”
“Not yet he didn't. But look at what happens with the people who get mixed up with those people.”
There was no arguing with her so I decided to change the subject. “Zak's cooking me Italian food later.”
A wide grin spread across her pretty face. “Oh really? So, is tonight going to be the night?”
Rolling my eyes at my friend’s insinuation, I took a sip of coffee before responding. “Ellie, not everything is about sex you know.”
“Not everything. But I bet he's ripped under his nice, clean cut clothing, huh?”
I took another gulp of my coffee and checked my watch. “Look I should go. I want to shower before Zak comes over.”
She reached over and patted my forearm. “I bet you do. Make sure you wear some nice lingerie. You never know your luck.”
I tilted my head back in exasperation and glanced at the ceiling briefly. “See you soon, Ellie.”
“You sure will. And I want to know all about those abs.” She called after me as I left the coffee shop.