chapter 9
Izzy
The feeling I had for Z was something I couldn’t quite explain to myself yet. The heart pumping, fiery attraction we felt towards each other, the chemistry we shared was…intense. It was a feeling I’ve never shared with a man ever before. Not even with HIM, which seems strange considering I always felt HE had swept me off my feet, well, at least in the beginning.
I touched my fingers to my mouth and ran them softly over my swollen, almost bruised lips caused by our passionate kissing just moments ago in his office. His touch seared my skin like fire when his fingers grabbed my thigh and then strongly cupped my ass. My heart picked up from just replaying everything in my mind. I gently bit my swollen lip, trying to calm my hunger for more of his touch.
Shouldn’t I be angry with Z for what he had done? Had he pulled me into his office only out of jealousy because I had flirted with Mark? Was he in some sort of contest with Mark?
Mark. Shit. How do I feel about Mark? It was nothing at all compared to what I felt for Z, but I did have a nice flirtation that was entirely on the opposite side of the spectrum. Sweet. Innocent. Almost a teenage romance type of flirtation.
I glanced up at Z and noticed his gaze upon me from across the room. He seemed like he was trying to gauge my feelings. I gave him my best scowl, which seemed almost comical considering his lustful gaze made my insides swirl deliciously in my abdomen.
If I were to go with my instinct, I would sprint across the bar as if I were in some dramatic love scene, bounding into his arms with my hair flowing behind me, as he carried me into the shadows of the night.
I quickly tore my gaze away from Z before I started to giggle at my silly fantasy, making sure my hair draped over my face so he wouldn’t notice the change in my expression.
Leave. I needed to get out of the bar quickly to try to understand what just happened.
A silly expression popped into my head from when I was little. The guys at the bar used to tell me how women “fish hook” them – digging their lure hard into their hearts to reel them in. I giggled remembering the expression, but started feeling like that’s what Z has already done to my heart in such a short time. He has some sort of hook digging into my heart. I feel like I need to remove that hook before it sinks any deeper and tears me apart. Would it tear me apart? I asked myself as I quickly grabbed my purse and headed out the door.
I tried to answer the question by putting myself in his position. Sheila had probably just tore some stupid hook out of his heart when she cheated on him. So really, Z just has a hole that needs to be filled right now. Because right now, Z only wants a rebound and after what Sheila did to him, I can’t blame him.
Is that what Z would be to me? The question still hung over my mind from the other day, when he threw the question at me with Clark standing right there: ‘Is that what you want to do to get over your ex?’ I replayed his husky voice dripping with sexual innuendo when he asked me that; not to mention his deep intense stare as if it were daring me to say ‘yes.’ I was so close to saying yes, just so I could be with him. Just to go ahead and take the chance, thinking maybe we both need to be each other’s rebound to get over our exes.
Mark. I thought of our phone conversation as I picked up my pace towards the townhouse. He called me to ask me if I wanted to run tomorrow with him. I felt bad about the fight, but even worse that I made out with Z in the back room right after flirting with Mark at the bar. I agreed to run with him more out of guilt than anything else.
Did he get into a fight with Flynn over me? Why did Flynn care about what I do with Mark?
A strong, but gentle hand grabbed my bare upper arm. I knew the touch immediately because his touch shot an electric current to my core. I spun around to stare into the most perfect, caring blue eyes speckled with amazing grey flecks. My heart raced as my belly rolled with anxious pleasure by seeing and being touched by this man.
“Hey, didn’t you hear me calling you?” He was out of breath. He obviously doesn’t run or at least I didn’t think he ran, guessing by the way he was trying to catch his breath.
“No, I guess I was deep in thought.” I hope he didn’t hear the breathlessness in my voice. I crossed my arms across my chest, more as an attempt to calm myself to keep from throwing my arms around his neck, so we could continue our make out session from the office.
“You’re not angry with me, are you?” He cocked his head to the side and smirked, “I didn’t knock the shit out of him,” he teased.
I wanted to giggle at his adorable attempt to make light of the situation. “I don’t know what to think.” I tried to keep my voice quiet and even, but my heart was racing, making me feel anything but calm.
At first, he seemed to try avoiding my eyes, as he looked past my shoulder. Then he quickly glanced back looking me in the eye and asked, “Is it me or do you also feel our connection?” I watched him as he shoved his hands into his pockets and then tilted his head to the other side, giving me a cute grin.
I was shocked by his sweet admission. I grinned back at his adorable boyish charm, bit my lip and glanced away quickly – knowing that we do have a connection, but unsure how to respond.
I took a deep calming breath as I tried to regain my senses. I gazed back into his gorgeous eyes as I quietly tried to reason things out and decided to try to find out if he wanted to use me just to get over Sheila.
“Is that what you think it is? You kissed me when you were drunk and another time when you were jealous. I don’t want to be your rebound just so you can get over Sheila.” My heart beat fast knowing I had just laid it all out there. I looked to the ground, awaiting his response, unsure of what he might say.
I glanced back up as his eyebrows pinched together, “You’re not a rebound, Izzy. I’ve never wanted you for a rebound.”
My breath hitched as I swallowed. “I…,” but something caught my eye across the street. My heart stopped with fear as I strained to look over Z’s shoulder. Was that the same guy I saw when I was out with Melanie at Spike’s? No, he couldn’t be…my mind was playing tricks on me again. Cars sped by the street as I continued to try to search for the person I thought I saw.
“What’s wrong, Izzy? You just went white. Are you okay?” Z looked behind him and was trying to find what I was looking for.
I blinked and he was gone. At least I think the person was a he. I don’t even know what I saw. I faintly heard a question from Z. “What?” I asked as I shook my head and looked back at him.
“Did you see something? Was it your Ex?” Z asked as he was looking around searching for whatever I might have seen. By that time Flynn walked up and heard Z say “Ex.”
“Where the f*ck is her ex?” Flynn asked also looking around.
My eyes scanned back across the street, searching for that same shadow from my memory and I shook my head, “No…,” I stammered. “Nothing. I didn’t see anything. Just my mind playing tricks again.” I swallowed hard. “I…I need to get inside. It’s just been a long night, that’s all.” I looked over at Flynn and noticed his lip was bleeding and swollen. “Oh God, Flynn! You need some ice on that.” I turned and proceeded to walk up the stairs. I looked back when I realized no one was following me. They were both staring at me with confused expressions on their faces. “What? You need ice on that.” I stated as I turned back around and continued to walk inside.
I grabbed a ziploc bag and put some ice in it, then turned around to Flynn handing it to him. He took it and put it on his lip, looking at me dubiously.
Z watched Flynn tap the ice bag to the corner of his mouth, still giving me the same uncertain look. Z looked back at me, “What’d you see out there Iz?”
“Nothing. It was nothing.” I tried to sound convincing, although I knew I failed at my attempt. I turned to grab a beer out of the fridge.
Mel was on the couch watching TV and turned when she heard Z’s question. “You saw someone again, Iz?” She asked clearly concerned.
“No,” I stated firmly, while shaking my head and held my other hand up for everyone to stop worrying. “Can we just drop it? It’s just my mind playing tricks on me again.” I tried to give a small reassuring smile to convince them.
HE wasn’t going to have me followed, would HE? I frowned as I took a drink from my beer. I turned away from the guys and walked to the couch in an attempt to change the subject.
I lowered my voice and asked Melanie, “how was your date?” I forced a smile. I heard Flynn huff, clearly pissed off as he grabbed a beer out of the fridge. I mentally scolded myself yet again for asking Melanie about another guy in front of Flynn.
“It was good! We went to a great restaurant and he was so much fun to talk to!” Shit, why did I ask her this? She stopped abruptly, probably also realizing Flynn was right there. “Hey, did you know we have a pool table here? I don’t think I ever really gave you a good tour of the place! How about a game?” Melanie jumped up excitedly.
“I had no idea!” All this time I could have played to help clear my head! I beamed as I followed Mel to the back of the townhouse and to the right. There was another huge room, basically behind the kitchen. It had a gorgeous, mahogany wood regulation pool table with green felt and an exquisite Tiffany light fixture over it. I walked over to the pool table and began to set up.
We started playing and Mel told me a little more about her date. The good parts she increased the volume on her voice to make sure Flynn heard her in the kitchen. The rest she giggled and lowered her voice, probably trying to make him think they were intimate discussions or something.
Flynn stalked into the pool room, looking pissed off, followed by Z. I was still trying to figure out what Z meant by his comment before we came inside earlier. If he doesn’t want me as a rebound maybe he wants something else? I shook my head. It’s a competition thing, I kept trying to tell myself, as I tried to concentrate on what Melanie was telling me.
“Holy shit! What happened to you?” Melanie asked, looking concerned at Flynn as she finally noticed his lip bleeding. He was no longer holding the ice bag to his cut, I noticed.
“I got into a fight.” He answered as he glanced away.
Melanie looked at me knowing there was more to this story. “He got into a fight with Mark.” I told her.
“Who the heck is Mark?” Melanie asked. Oh yeah, I hadn’t told her about him yet, had I?
“A guy I met on my run who was interested in me until Flynn and Z decided to pick a fight with him.” I told her while looking over at Z. I was still trying to figure out why Flynn got into a fight with Mark.
“I didn’t get into a fight with him, Flynn did!” Z shot at me giving me another boyish grin. That adorable look melted my insides and I had to bite my lip to stop from grinning stupidly.
“Well, wasn’t he fighting Mark for you since you decided to pull me into your office so you could make out with me?” I asked, still not knowing exactly how the fight started.
Melanie held her hands up. “Wait a minute. What happened? Flynn got into a fight so you could make out with Iz again?” Melanie looked at Z with her brows pulled together trying to sort it all out. I was glad she was just as confused as I was.
“Izzy was flirting with him and he seemed to be checking out the girls Flynn brought over. I was just saving Iz from being disappointed.” Z shrugged as he glanced away from Melanie.
“That doesn’t even make any sense. He wasn’t checking them out at all until Flynn brought them over.” I turned to Flynn and asked, “So, why did you start a fight with Mark?”
“He was being an a*shole. He shoved me and like hell if I’m going to let some a*shole touch me, so I punched him. It went on from there.” He shrugged his shoulders and took a drink from his beer. His eyes averted my questioning look. “He’s a douche.” Flynn muttered under his breath.
I glanced back and forth between both of them not really knowing what to think. “Why would Mark shove you for no reason?”
Flynn shrugged and took a drink from his beer. He gave a slight head nod toward Z. “Maybe he didn’t like that Z brought you to the back, what do I know? He seemed like an idiot to me.”
I kept replaying the evening in my head. Z was hitting on other girls. If he really felt some connection with me, why didn’t he say something sooner? Why did it take me flirting with Mark to get him to take me to the back?
I glanced back at Z and asked, “why do you care if I was flirting with Mark anyway? You had your entourage of girls for the night.” It was a simple question, but the look on his face seemed as if I asked something personal as he looked around and then walked up to the pool table. He started to roll a ball under the palm of his hand back and forth on the green felt. I continued to watch him, waiting patiently for his answer.
“He…umm, just seemed like a dork. You shouldn’t date someone like that Izzy,” Z said sheepishly as he shrugged and continued to look at the ball, still rolling it with his palm.
“What do you know about what I need? You’re in the same boat I am, just coming out of a relationship, but I’m not going up to your group of girls and pushing them aside or getting into fights with them.” I shook my head not knowing what else to say.
I felt anger well up in me and I wasn’t sure I could remain calm. I started walking back to the kitchen to throw my bottle into the recycling bin, remembering one of my many lessons from HIM — when feelings are involved, always keep your voice in control and keep calm; Acting reckless and expressing your feelings were punished. I learned that lesson very early in our relationship; it came in handy until the very last night when I couldn’t control it.
Z followed me and grabbed my arm turning me to face him, again creating that electric feeling straight through my body. “I’m sorry. You’re right; I was being a dick tonight. I shouldn’t have done that. I just think you deserve better. That’s all.” He admitted sincerely.
He barely knows me. How does he know what I need? As intense as our attraction is to each other, I continued to wonder his true intentions. Was he just jealous that I was trying to move on to something new? It didn’t make any sense since he had a group of girls surrounding him.
I tried to keep my anger out of my voice and tried to keep it even and calm as I told him, “I don’t think that’s why you did it. Maybe you’re still pissed off about Sheila and maybe you still want everyone to be as miserable as you. I didn’t walk over and interrupt you and your girls. Maybe next time you could just stay out of my affairs.” I turned and went up the stairs, hoping I did the right thing by cutting him off. It didn’t feel like the right thing to do in my heart, but it was probably the best thing to do for now at least.
I changed into my pajamas and got into bed listening to Melanie yelling at both of them for being jerks for chasing Mark away. Then I heard Z leave the townhouse, the door not really slamming shut, but it definitely wasn’t closed quietly. Of course, then Flynn and Melanie got into an argument about her dating someone right under his nose.
I tried to get some sleep, but instead tossed and turned thinking about Z. Thinking about our kissing, although that doesn’t seem to describe what we shared in his office. It was more intense than just kissing — but what was his real reason for making his move? Was it really because he likes me? Or was it because he was jealous of me trying to move on to someone new after my relationship.
Relationship…was what I had with HIM even considered that? I guess not many people would call it that. Was it really as bad as I remember it to be? I mean, our type of relationship wasn’t what most would define as “boyfriend/girlfriend,” but it was more than I had ever shared with anyone…well, except in college if I had let any of the guys I dated go any further.
Having a ‘real’ relationship was something I had always craved. I had saved myself for Brad, which was probably another reason I turned down all the guys in college when it came down to sex. That and I didn’t want to become a whore like my mom. Sex became something that I wanted to only do with someone I loved.
Brad was someone I deeply loved, but since he didn’t love me the same way, I turned to HIM when it came time for sex.
HE didn’t love me, but for some reason I felt that if I gave myself to HIM, gave HIM my virginity, gave HIM myself entirely, that HE would love me. That turned out to be a huge mistake.
After reviewing my non-love life for some time, I finally cried myself to sleep.
******
I woke up the next morning and realized I had a “date” run with Mark.
I began to wonder if I really gave Mark a fair shot before being swept away by Z’s passion. After an odd relationship of two years, I probably wasn’t the best judge of character. I decided I was going to give Mark a chance and just see what happens.
I took a quick shower and made sure to shave my legs then put on my “cutest” workout clothes, added a little makeup, which I never do when I run, and headed downstairs. Melanie and Flynn were gathered around the kitchen island. I overheard them discussing the fight Flynn got into with Mark as I came down the stairs.
“Off for another run,” Melanie asked when I reached into the fridge to grab a bottle of water.
“Yes, I am!” I said, probably a little too cheerful.
“Why’d you take a shower?” she asked curiously as she eyed my hair and clothing.
“Umm…I’m meeting Mark for a run.” I looked away quickly trying to avoid Flynn’s shocked expression.
“You’re meeting that a*shole after the fight I got into with him? He’s a dick Iz! Why would you want to date a guy like that?” He snapped at me, the look of disgust on his face said more than his words.
“Look, I don’t know what happened between you two, but I’m sure it didn’t really happen that he shoved you for no reason. Anything else you want to tell me about what really happened,” I asked as I stared at him, trying to keep calm, knowing there was more to the story than he was telling me.
He scoffed, “No! He’s a dick and felt the need to shove me. You don’t want a guy like that!”
Pursing my lips and furrowing my brows, I shook my head knowing he was lying because he couldn’t even look me in the eyes. I walked up to him and calmly told him, “When you can make sense of your love life, let me know and I’ll let you determine who I date. Until then, it’s my business only.” I looked over at Melanie quickly who gave me a knowing smirk. He shook his head and was about to say something when I headed out the door. I walked across the street and down a couple blocks to the trail.
Mark was waiting right where we had agreed to meet, at the beginning of the trail, and was smiling brightly. As I walked up to him, I immediately noticed a cut under his eye, which was red and puffy. “Oh no! Are you alright?” I asked, reaching to touch his cheek. He caught my hand squeezing it softly and held it.
He smiled sweetly at me. “Fine, it’s fine, I promise – doesn’t hurt. Wow, you look amazing!” he exclaimed as his eyes quickly glanced over my body.
I bit my lip and teased, “For going on a run in workout clothes?” My eyes grazed over his amazing body. He looked so hot in his running shorts and very fitted t-shirt. I could see his rippling muscles through his tight shirt and somehow the cut under his eye made him look more masculine and rugged. I glanced back up to look into bright green eyes. My heart skipped a beat as we both smiled at each other. See, maybe I do have more of an attraction with Mark than I do with Z, I tried to make myself believe.
“Ready to run?” Mark winked as he said that.
I dismissed my reservations in my head and nodded, “Sure, let’s get going.”
We turned and started walking, then into a light jog. We started talking again as if nothing had happened last night. He told me where he grew up, where he went to college and how he started professional racing. I told him about college with Melanie since that was probably the safest thing to talk about. I couldn’t scare him with my upbringing and the past two years with HIM. Somehow we were able to skirt around those items. We ran a couple of full sprints and then down to a nice jog and then finally down to a walk to a cool down. Running with him was so easy going and the time flew by.
We finished our run and returned to our meeting place. I wasn’t sure if this could be considered a real date. Was he going to kiss me? We were smiling at each other and doing that silly first date stalling thing.
“I had a great run with you. You’re a great workout partner.” He said smiling. I glanced down to his gorgeous lips.
I bit my lower lip, smiling. “Thank you. I had a lot of fun too.” Although I had sweat dripping all over and I’m sure at that point my makeup was sliding off my face. What was I thinking putting makeup on?
He bent his head toward mine and I tilted my head up to his, touching my lips to his. His lips weren’t as soft as I thought they would be and I didn’t get that warm feeling like I did with Z. I wasn’t sure if I was giving him a chance. We just went for a run, so he was probably dehydrated. Right? Maybe it was just in my head. His tongue entered my mouth and searched for mine. It was a good kiss, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t heart stopping like last night with Z. He pulled back and I smiled, hoping that would still give him the okay that our kiss was nice. He smiled and pecked my lips again with another closed mouth kiss.
He seemed to look around for a second or two, as if he were searching for something to say. “Umm, I hate to ask this on such short notice, but I have a lunch meeting with some of my sponsors today. It’s kind of a banquet-type thing. Would you be interested in going with me?” Mark asked looking a little unsure, maybe because he asked on such short notice?
Regardless, my heart picked up that he wanted to spend more time with me. I smiled, probably a little too brightly. “Yeah that sounds like it would be fun. What time today?”
He chuckled and then scrunched his face a bit. “It’s at noon, actually.” Ah, maybe that was the reason he looked so unsure. It was very short notice!
“Wow, that’s in an hour and a half.” I giggled looking at my watch.
“Yeah, it’s okay. I’m sorry. If it’s too short of notice, I get it. We’ll just plan another run. Maybe Tuesday we could go?” He looked like he really felt bad and a little defeated.
I was actually used to things on short notice from HIM so it didn’t make me nervous, nor was it really an issue. “Actually, that’s not a problem. Really. I’ll just shower and change quickly. Did you want to meet there?” I asked as I remembered my conversation earlier with Flynn. I wasn’t sure I wanted Flynn starting a fight as Mark picked me up!
He smiled brightly and quickly said, “No, I’d love to pick you up, if that’s alright?” He seemed very excited about picking me up so I decided I’d have to chance another possible fight.
“Yeah, that would be great! I’ll text my address to you. So, I should be ready in an hour or so?”
“Yeah, that would be great. I’ll see you soon.” He touched my cheek and gave me another sweet kiss on my lips. I smiled back at him and we went our separate ways to shower and change.
I practically bounced home, still smiling from my “date run” with Mark and then being asked out to his sponsors’ brunch. The kiss may not have been as exciting as with Z, but it still made my heart pound. I was very excited to get to know Mark, not to mention see him in a social setting, other than the bar last night.
I returned to the townhouse and was surprised to see Z sitting at the kitchen island having coffee and talking to Melanie, Flynn and Clark. He smiled brightly when I entered and my heart skipped a beat seeing his blue eyes light up. There was that huge spark between us again.
Was I making a mistake by going out with Mark when I already have this connection with Z? No. I need to try to give it a fair shot with Mark and see where it leads. Z just wants a rebound, even though he said last night he didn’t. Mark wants to date me because he likes me for me. That’s what I’m going with for now at least.
I was curious as to why he was over, but maybe he is always over here and I didn’t know it because of the whole Sheila thing; that may have thrown off his normal routine. “What are you doing over here?” I asked still smiling from my run and smiling even more because seeing him just made me want to smile.
He chuckled as his eyes gazed over me. He bit his lip and said, “Going to play basketball with the guys.” His expression changed slightly to a frown as he glanced away. “How was your run?” I was pretty sure judging from his different tone that Flynn told him I had met Mark for my run.
I wasn’t sure why, but I felt guilty for running with Mark. I suddenly remembered the banquet I needed to get ready for and that caused additional guilt to sweep over me. I looked away and nodded, “Good, it was good. I’m going to grab a shower.”
“Another one?” Flynn asked smugly. A*shole.
“Yes, I just went running.” I shot out as I ran up the stairs. I sent a text to Mark with my address, then took my shower and quickly got ready. I wondered what I was going to wear and what I was going to tell the guys downstairs. I was getting nervous that the guys would start a fight again if they saw Mark. I was hopeful that they already left for their game, but I still heard them chatting, so that wasn’t the case.
I decided on a nice crème skirt of a respectable length, but still a little sexy. I paired it with a nice silk wrap top with spaghetti straps in a royal blue and some cute wedges I’ve been dying to wear. After rechecking myself in the mirror and checking the time, I hurried downstairs. I wanted to make sure I could get to the door before the guys did!
I walked into the kitchen as casually as I could. The guys hadn’t left yet and were still gathered around the kitchen island.
I grabbed a coffee mug, filled it and went to the fridge for the creamer. Z got up from a bar stool and handed the sugar to me, smiling.
“Thanks.” I smiled back at him and again my heart was beating out of my chest. What is it with this guy? And at the same time, why am I going on a date with someone else when I don’t have the same reaction with Mark? Just give Mark a fair shot. I sighed as I said that to myself...again.
I watched him eye me from head to toe, lingering on my legs before coming back up to my eyes. “You’re all dressed up. Going somewhere?” Z asked curiously. I watched him as he swallowed, his face seemed a little annoyed, boarding on anger. He seemed to be trying to keep it out of his voice.
I bit my lip and turned back to my coffee and began to stir it. “Uh, yeah. I was invited to a brunch.” I tried to sound as vague as possible as I tried to avoid his eyes.
“Oh? Going with Mark, I assume?” I glanced back quickly, seeing his jaw tighten and his eyes that were once bright were now replaced with anger. DING DONG. Saved by the bell! Thank goodness!
“I’ll see you guys soon.” I called out as I ran (well, pretty much the word should be bolted) for the door. I was glad I jumped and ran because I had an odd feeling that I needed to give Z a kiss on his cheek before leaving.
I opened the door and shut it just as quick behind me. Mark stood there looking amazing in dark dress pants, an untucked white linen shirt and sunglasses that I was pretty sure were from his sponsors.
He drank me in with his eyes the same way I had just done to him. He leaned in and kissed me softly on my lips. “You look amazing.” He whispered into my ear giving me goose bumps. I became breathless as he kissed me softly again. “Come on, we better get going or we’ll never leave,” he teased.
We walked over to a black BMW M6 and he opened the passenger door for me. After I slid into my seat, he closed my door, walked around and slipped into his seat so we could leave. I glanced over to the windows and saw the curtain move before we took off, but wasn’t sure who had looked out.
Mark grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently. “I’m really glad you could make it on such short notice. You look absolutely gorgeous.” He smiled as he kissed my hand. I grinned back and realized we were on a “real” date instead of a running date.
I again told myself to give this a fair shot and to not think at all about Z. Although just trying not to think about Z shot adrenaline through my entire body and I became excited. I squeezed my thighs together and tried to think of other things as I looked out the window, smiling to myself.
We pulled up to the front of the hotel using valet and Mark came around to help me out of the car.
The hotel was beautiful and very chic with marble tiled floors, elaborate expensive décor and high ceilings. He took my hand into his as we turned the corner and walked toward the door of the banquet room. Rich crème linens covered the tables which were decorated with beautiful tall glass cylinders. A sign above a stage read, “WELCOME ATHLETES.”
We stood for a moment at the entrance and looked around at the room full of people already mingling.
A woman with short straight red hair practically ran towards us smiling very brightly and held a clip board in her hand. “Mark, I’m so glad you’re finally here! I was beginning to get worried!”
Mark clapped her back and smiled, “I told you I might be a few minutes late!” Then turned towards me and introduced us. “Izzy, this is Marni, my personal assistant. She helps me organize everything.” He obviously holds her in high respect, I noted to myself.
I held out my hand and Marni shook it warmly. “It’s always great to meet one of Mark’s many girls!” She trilled very excitedly, still smiling, oblivious to the impact of what she said. What is that supposed to mean? And why did she say it so excited?
Mark gave a slight nervous cough and asked, “So where are we seated?”
“Oh my God!! What on earth did you do to your eye?” Her green eyes were as wide as saucers as she inspected the cut under his eye that was surrounded by a deep hue of purple.
“Umm, well, I kind of got into a little fight last night.” He smirked and winked at me as he said it. I felt horrible, especially now knowing he had to meet with his sponsors that I’m sure were not going to be happy with his new look.
“What were you thinking? You have a photo shoot tomorrow after your workout!” She chastised him.
He shrugged, “That’s what Photoshop is for. It’s not a big deal. Where are we seated?” He quickly brushed off her comment and changed the subject from the fight. Meanwhile, Marni looked over at me with a disgusted face, as if I were the one who caused the fight. Well, I kind of was, I guess.
She started to walk towards the sea of tables and pointed to one towards the middle. “Your table is over here. I’ve seated you next to the reps from Ray Ban, Nike, McKnight Global and GNC,” Marni announced proudly to Mark.
My heart stopped beating and I gulped, hoping I heard wrong. “Did you say McKnight Global?” I began to look around the room nervously to see if HE was here, although I was pretty sure a marketing or sales representative would attend this type of function rather than HIM.
“Well, yes, they manufacture the latest technology for GPS watches, among many other things.” She snorted and rolled her eyes. Among many others… more like a crap load of other items. Unfortunately, I knew this first hand. I felt sick as I thought about who I might see and pleaded to whoever would listen to my silent prayers that whoever the representative is does not recognize me.
Mark placed his hand on the small of my back to guide me over to our table. “Are you alright? You look a bit pale,” he whispered softly into my ear.
“I’m fine, sorry, I’m just a bit hungry probably from running. I forgot to grab something to eat this morning.” I tried to fake a smile.
“Ah, that’ll do it. Always need to make sure you eat something at least an hour before a run. Need to fuel your body.” He stated informatively with a wink as we continued to walk over to our table. If I hadn’t been so nervous I would have giggled that he sounded like an advertisement or nutritionist with that comment.
“Sorry about Marni’s comment. I really don’t date that much, but when I do Marni always makes a comment like that to any date I have. It makes me wonder if she’s jealous or something weird like that.” Jealous, I’m sure. I think I agree with Mark’s analysis of Marni.
I nodded. “No, no worries. I didn’t think anything of it. Besides, it is really just our first date, isn’t it?” I gave a nervous laugh.
Mark gestured to a table as a waiter came around with a tray of drinks and asked, “Mimosa?” I grabbed one a little too eagerly and took a long drink. Mark eyed me and I realized I drank it a little too fast. I stopped and grinned at him as I noticed he wasn’t taking one. “Training?”
He nodded, “yes, but you go right ahead. Looks like you’re enjoying it enough for both of us.” I pressed my lips together feeling like I had done something terribly wrong by the manner of which he said that.
“Mark!” A tall blonde handsome man came stalking towards us in khakis, a striped dress shirt and blue sports coat. “So great to see you again! How’s the training going? Are you all ready for Kona this year?” He questioned Mark while smiling and showing his perfectly white teeth. I watched his eyes flick over to mine and spark with a quizzical look.
Mark noticed his glance and quickly introduced us. “Steve, this is Izzy McKenna. Izzy, this is Steve Maxwell with McKnight Global.” I took a deep breath hoping that quizzical look that sparked in his eyes wasn’t from recognition.
All hope faded as he quirked his eyebrow and asked, “Isabella, isn’t it?” He stressed my name as it rolled off his tongue. Mark glanced over at me, wondering how Steve knew to call me that. Shit. I swallowed hard and took a deep breath. My heart started to beat so fast I thought it might burst out of my chest. I tried not to panic.
Faking a smile I stammered, “Umm, yes, but I prefer Izzy, actually.” I was racking my brain trying to remember where or if I had ever met Steve Maxwell before. Since Steve was obviously with McKnight Global, I was pretty sure he just knew me from when I visited the office or from the company functions that I always attended on HIS arm. Steve continued to eye me with a small smirk on his face.
“So, how do you two know each other?” Mark asked pulling his brows together.
Steve continued his gaze on me with that same smirk. I was nervous as to what was going to come out of his mouth since I had no recollection of him. “Isabella, sorry… Izzy,” stressing my name, “worked for one of our subsidiaries. Isn’t that right, Izzy?” He explained as he raised his Mimosa towards me.
Somehow I decided he might actually be on my side and not let Mark know anything about my ex. “Actually I was under contract, one that I decided not to renew.” I tried my best to fake smile, but pretty sure it didn’t work. I glanced over at Steve and he was still smirking at me. At least it was a nice smirk. It calmed my nerves knowing we were possibly playing the same game. Mark looked between both of us as if he knew something strange was going on.
Marni called Mark over to meet someone and he excused himself. I was then left standing with my new friend Steve. “So, no longer under contract, huh?” He chuckled with a cute smile, his eyes bright with mirth.
I took a deep breath knowing I needed to just call him out to find out his intentions. “Are you going to tell Mark about HIM?” I had just wanted to enjoy my date with Mark, but between Marni’s comment and meeting my new buddy, it was far from being any fun.
Steve shook his head and chuckled softly. “No. McKnight was pretty upset when you first left, but has calmed down since and found another…similar looking friend… to put ‘under contract’.” My smile stopped immediately at his words and my heart jumped into my throat. While I was glad HE found someone else, I also had a flash of jealousy go through me. I was with HIM for so long, but I guess we were both moving on. I was here with Mark after all.
I looked over to where Mark stood, making sure he was out of earshot and then glanced down at the remainder of my Mimosa. Knowing I would need another one shortly, I placed the glass to my lips and gulped the rest down. “How do you know about me?” I asked as I glanced around nervously.
He looked down at my empty glass and gently put his hand on my elbow leading me towards the bar. He tilted his head and smiled, “Someone as beautiful as you, how could I forget? I only know you from seeing you on his arm all the time. You seem like you’re doing very well and you seem a lot happier than when I’ve seen you before.” We arrived at the bar and he ordered a scotch on the rocks for himself and a double Mimosa for me.
As he handed me my drink, I asked “So, how do you know he was upset when I left?” I couldn’t fathom that HE would become upset about anything. Especially after all the lessons I was taught on remaining calm. HE continually enjoyed teaching me that one. I flushed as I thought of those nights.
Steve practically scoffed. “Are you kidding? He’s an a*shole to begin with, but the day you left…whew,” he gave a low whistle, “I think everyone in the company knew something was very wrong.” He shook his head and then looked around. “So, any reason after being with him for so long that you decided to leave?”
I swallowed hard and felt tears threatening to fall. I held them back tightly as I glanced around the room, trying to make sure they didn’t spill over. “I just wasn’t happy anymore with the relationship. That’s all.”
He nodded and then gave a small chuckle, “You know, everyone at the higher level was betting on when he would propose to you.”
I rolled my eyes and felt myself relax a little. “He is definitely not the marrying kind, not in the least.” I whispered as I finished off my second Mimosa.
“I don’t know. I think with you, he was the closest he was ever going to be.”
I snorted. “You certainly don’t know him very well.”
Steve gave me a soft smile. “I’ll take your word for it.”
I glanced around making sure Mark wasn’t near and noticed he was still chatting with some gorgeous tall blonde woman. I fidgeted a bit before asking, “Umm, can you possibly just not mention seeing me to anyone? I, uh, sort of just really want to move on, if you know what I mean.” I gave a small hopeful smile.
Steve had an understanding look on his face, “Not a problem. I get it.”
I exhaled a deep breath. “Thanks.” I felt relieved and hopeful that he would keep his word. Although, I’m sure he will be more than eager to tell his coworkers who he ran into. There was obviously nothing I could do about that right now. I would just have to take his word that he wouldn’t say anything.
Just then I watched Mark look back over to us at the bar with a concerned look on his face. He finished up his conversation as Steve said under his breath. “Looks like you’ve got this one just as wrapped as McKnight was.” I shook my head knowing he obviously knew nothing about HIM.
“I’ve never had anyone wrapped, nor do I wish to. This is my first date with Mark. You may want to get glasses.” I smiled at him trying to make some light of the situation.
“Nah, they wouldn’t look good on me,” he said and shook his head as I giggled.
Mark arrived at the end of our small exchange. “What wouldn’t look good on you, Steve?” Mark asked looking a bit concerned with a serious face.
Steve smirked and nodded his head towards Mark, “The Ray Bans you’re wearing. Isa…Izzy said I should get a pair.” I smiled at him, thankful that he didn’t elaborate on the earlier part of our conversation.
Marni came running over to direct us back over to the table. Mark slipped his hand around my waist in a possessive manner as he glanced over at Steve. I giggled, probably from having too many Mimosas or maybe it was that his hand felt like he had a death grip around my waist. Mark pulled out my chair for me and I took my seat as he turned to the other people at our table and shook their hands introducing me to each of them.
Steve sat next to me on my other side. Mark seemed tense about the seating arrangement and continually wrapped his arm around me, constantly pulling me to him. At one point, I gave him a reassuring squeeze on his thigh so he would release me so I could eat my food like a normal person.
Steve seemed amused by the obvious possessiveness Mark was displaying. Each time I glanced over at Steve he would smile and shake his head. I also smirked back at Steve and a couple times I actually gave him a ‘can you believe this’ type of look. After eating, they began presenting all the athletes and Mark was called on stage.
Steve took that opportunity to whisper in my ear, “For this being the first date, he’s pretty possessive.”
I giggled at the obvious, “Yeah, I’m really not sure what that’s all about!”
Steve turned to me with a serious gaze. “Oh, I can tell you what that’s all about. You’re stunning and I wouldn’t let you out of my sight either.” His eyes had grazed over my body quickly, before returning back to my eyes at the end of his statement.
I swallowed as our eyes met and was terribly unsure as to how to respond to that. “Umm, thank you,” was all I could choke out in my confusion. I sat there for a moment trying to gather my wits, still feeling his hot breath in my ear as he had said that. I was unsure what else to say to that and wondered if he was flirting with me.
He quirked up his eyebrows as he turned towards me again, “So, let me ask you something. When you leave someone as powerful as McKnight, do you just start dating any other rich guy that comes along?”
His question caught me off guard and my face fell as I realized what he must think of me. I straightened my posture and glared at him. “I am not a gold digger, if that’s what you’re implying. I met Mark on one of my daily runs. I’m not after his money or anyone else’s for that matter.” I looked him right in his eyes as I stressed, “And I was NEVER after McKnight’s money either, since that’s what you and probably the entire company thought.”
Steve dropped his head and shook it. “I’m sorry…really, I’m very sorry. I…that was wrong of me to say. I …uh…” he closed his eyes and then cringed when he opened them again. He offered his hand, “Sorry, can we go back to being friendly?”
I reluctantly shook his hand and nodded, “Sure.” I tried to focus on the presentation, but could barely make out anything that was said. The conversation that just took place was still milling around in my head.
“Umm, so, where do you work?” Steve asked trying to change the atmosphere and the conversation.
I decided to shake off his earlier comment and replied, “I’m a bartender over at Allure.” Dammit. Why did I just tell him that? I cursed myself for my stupidity. I had to just hope that he wouldn’t tell HIM.
His eyes lit up. “I love that place! It has a great vibe there. I know the owner, Z. We grew up together in the same neighborhood.” He exclaimed as he turned and leaned in more towards me.
Shocked, but also feeling some relief that he knew Z, I smiled, “Really? You know Z?”
He gave a light laugh as he said, “Yeah, actually we played football together and hung out a lot. We used to have some wild times.”
I continued to smile as I asked, “Then you must know Flynn too?”
He smirked oddly, “Of course I do. Flynn and Z were inseparable.”
I giggled, but then noticed the rude looks we were receiving from the other people at our table. We were supposed to be paying attention to the athletes being presented, but I couldn’t resist continuing our conversation. “He’s my roommate! We live close to Allure, so he’s always there too!” I whispered excitedly.
“Holy shit! What a small world! No wonder why I always run into him at Allure!” He shook his head and I noticed his gaze upon my lips and then quickly back up to my eyes. “I’ll definitely have to stop by again really soon.” His gaze was…intense and I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.
Just then Mark came back to the table looking pretty annoyed. I straightened up since I had been leaning towards Steve to make sure he could hear me when we were supposed to be quiet listening to the presentation.
Feeling remorseful, I sat quietly for the remainder of the presentation; of course, there was nothing else I could do since Mark’s arm had returned possessively around my shoulders, pulling me closely to him.
When it was finally over, and I do mean finally because it was so boring, we all stood up. Steve shook Mark’s hand saying goodbye and turned to me, “It was great seeing you again Isa…Izzy.” He smiled as he corrected himself. “I’ll have to stop by and see you next time I’m at Allure. Tell Z and Flynn I said hello.”
I smiled sweetly. “I will definitely do that.” And then I watched Steve walk off. I turned back to Mark realizing he was glaring after Steve as he walked away.
Mark shook everyone’s hand saying their goodbyes. He had a hard time doing that because he kept grabbing my hand to hold, but had to quickly release it to shake everyone’s hand goodbye.
We said goodbye to Marni and I told her it was nice to meet her, although I wasn’t too sure of that considering her earlier remark.
Mark’s hand slipped back around my waist as we walked out to the front lobby to retrieve his car from valet. While we waited for his car to be brought up, he slipped his sunglasses on as he took a deep breath, “So, you and Steve looked like you knew each other really well from what I saw up on stage.” His tone was actually quite accusatory and I immediately felt for, some odd reason, like I was with HIM again and was going to be punished later.
I started to stammer just like I had always done with HIM when I was in trouble. “I…I’m sorry. We…umm, when I told him I work at Allure, he told me he knew Z and we just went on from there.” I swallowed hard, trying to stop that rising feeling of nervousness. Mark just nodded his head and didn’t say anything else. I realized that HE used to do the same exact thing.
The car pulled up then and he held the door out for me. I slipped in and he closed the door. He slid into the driver’s seat and headed back toward my townhouse. The ride was very quiet. I didn’t know what to say and still couldn’t shake that nervous feeling I had of an impending punishment. Just as we were approaching the townhouse I softly said, “Look, I’m sorry. You took me to the banquet and I should have really been more attentive. I’m very sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”
He sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry too. It’s just our first date and I really should have taken you someplace nice. I just really wanted to see you again and this was the only thing I could think of since I have training and a photo shoot tomorrow.” He pulled in front of the townhouse and shifted the gear into park. “Let’s just start all over again on Tuesday. Okay?”
I exhaled and smiled, “Yes, I’d love that.” But I wasn’t sure if I really meant those words. He leaned over and kissed me deeply. Again, it was a really wonderful kiss, but just not the same as with Z. There were no sparks, but then again I keep comparing each kiss to Z’s.
He got out and came around to my side and walked me to the front door. He took my hands in his. “I really enjoyed your company. I’ll see you Tuesday, right?”
I smiled up at him. “Yes, I’ll see you Tuesday – same time, same place.” I teased. He bent down and kissed me, then walked back to his car. I took a deep breath unsure of the inquisition I might have to answer to as I entered the townhouse.