Chapter 12

My body frozen at the unfamiliar feel of lips on my own, my mind was clouded with a million questions that seemed to mush into a blur of incoherent thoughts. On their own accord my arms wound around Wes's neck forgetting all previous logic and protests that seemed to have floated away the second his lips touched mine. Finding the rhythm his lips were moving at I felt my lips growing urgent and quicken the slow set pace. His lips curved beneath mine into a wide grin as his hand dropped from my arm to my hips, pressing my body against his in a rather improper way but I didn't care.

The taste of strawberries lingered on his lips, the sweet flavor tasting sweeter if possible mixed with his own special taste that in it's self was sweet. Raising one hand up into his dark hair I buried my hand into the soft mane enjoying the silkiness between my fingers, the temptation was too strong to ignore. Waves of heat washed over my body reaching down the tops of my toes, the heat pooled into my lower abdominal as the tingly feeling I knew was arousal pumped in my veins. It was much more intense than when I was pressed against Wes in my towel, it was like a jolt of pure electricity pumping through my body just as naturally as my own blood would. The feeling had me arching closer and grinning internally when Wes's fingers dug into my hip bone as a throaty moan passed his soft lips.

Joy bursted through me at hearing his satisfaction, to be sure he was enjoying this as I was when the sound of a throat being cleared had him pulling away to my disappointment.

Blinking the haze of lust away I lifted my eyes to be met with Wes's, except they weren't their normal gray pools of temptation, instead they seemed to have taken a dark blue shade that resembled the ocean at midnight, dark, mysterious and the promising of a beautiful night ahead. I shivered at the raw emotion staring back at me that reflected the raw passion sizzling inside of me, wanting to burst to the surface and explore the new feelings further. Again a throat was cleared breaking the intense stare occurring between us, irritated by the interruption I turned in the direction of the throat clearer as our surrounding faded back into my mind, bringing a blush to my cheeks with it.

"I don't appreciate the scene Khloe especially after what we discussed." my mother's cold voice penetrated the lustful thoughts swerving in my mind

Dropping my arms from Wes's neck I felt the last traces of arousal simmering down before completely vanishing as my eyes roamed around the faces that turned in our direction, the buzzing of whispers seemed too loud in my ears as I fixed my gaze on my mother's scowling face. Opening my mouth to speak I found myself incapable of uttering a word as her eyes narrowed on my flushed face.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Sparks it was my fault, I couldn't help it." Wes excused his voice sounding hoarse

"It's Ms." my mother corrected her voice as welcoming as a venomous snake "If your public display is over I'm sure you two will be on your way."

Wed blinked shockingly at my mother, wondering how a few minutes ago she was sweet and all smiles, now she scolded in my direction, her voice reflecting the anger she carried within her. The surprise never wavered from his face and for a second I wanted to point at my mother and announce to the room of people that this was the woman I knew growing up. Refraining myself from doing just that I grabbed Wes's arm and jerked him backwards as if my mom was going to attack him.

"I understood the first time." I spoke in an icy voice that oozed the rage I felt at being kicked out for such a ridiculous reason

Without so much as a second glance I strolled out of the room with my head held high and any emotions from earlier completely wiped clean, in it's place was a cold mask that didn't betray the sorrow I felt inside. Wes followed behind me muttering a dry goodbye to my mother while I didn't bother glancing in her direction. With an expression that could freeze anyones blood I continued down the long hallway glaring daggers at anyone that happened to walk by as I made my way the the front of the house. Snatching my bag from the woman who sat in the front I pretended not to hear her muttering a curse at my rude manner but I couldn't have cared less. Fishing my keys out I jumped into my car as did Wes, who to my pleasure didn't argue about me driving like when we arrived. Instead he buckled his seatbelt silently as I pulled out of the driveway of my childhood home, all too happy about leaving once more.

The ride back to the apartment was silent just as I hoped, Wes didn't attempt any conversation which I was grateful for. I was still too wound up from the party to talk let alone explain that this was normal for my mother to kick me out of a gathering because of one reason or another, but it wasn't usual for my mother to be rude especially in front of the other guests. Bringing up her failure of a marriage to my father must of ruffled her neatly brushed feathers and for some twisted reason I wasn't proud of, I was happy to know I could rattle the perfect world she chose to live in. To give her a small dose of reality was a blissful moment.

Pulling into the parking lot of our apartment building I avoided eye contact with Wes as I stepped out of the car, adjusting the thick strapped black cocktail dress I chose for the evening, I strutted forward the mask firmly in it's place. Wes snuck a few glances at me as we stepped into the elevator, pretending as if I didn't notice his obvious assessment of me I crossed my arms over my chest as the soft music played filling the silence in the elevator. With a ding the doors opened on to our floor and I wasted no time sprinting out of the elevator and away from Wes's curious gaze. With him close behind me I stood in front of my door hastily searching for my keys, thankfully it didn't take long.

"Thank you for tonight and goodnight." I spoke in a deadpan voice as I pushed my door open

"No problem but you seem upset, did you argue with your mom?" he asked

Keeping my back to him I shook my head, it's been a long night and all I want is to crawl in bed and forget all about my psychotic family "No." I replied and slipped into the safety of my apartment before he could ask anything else.

Tossing my bag onto the couch I pressed a hand to my forehead feeling the first signs of a headache forming, the usual after effect when I spend time with my mother. We've never been able to have that close relationship most mothers had with their daughters and over time I've come to terms with that but this relationship we have isn't normal. I'm not certain but most mothers can actually spend time with their daughters without it ending with one of them storming away too pissed off at the other or ending in a shouting contest.

I'm not foolish enough to think that we could ever be best friends and braid each others hair, that is as possible as it snowing in august but I was hoping that after time we could grow out of this thing we have. After tonight I don't think that could ever happen. A knock on the door startled me from my sad yet true thoughts, turning for the door I wondered who it could be at this hour. Opening the door I crossed my brows curious as to why he was here.

"Did you need something?" I asked not hiding my irritation about him bothering me

"No." Wes replied shoving his hands into his slacks, his gray eyes locked with mine as he searched my expression "I wanted to make sure you were okay, after the whole angry mom scene."

"I'm fine." I dismissed ready to close the door when he shot his hand out and grabbed the edge

Stunned by his action I pressed my lips together aggravated that he was pushing further on the topic I obvious did not want to discuss. "What do you want?" I snapped feeling the weight of the night taking it's toll

Swiftly pushing past me he shut the door the fact that I didn't invite him in not bothering him at all. He turned on his heels so he was facing me, his lips were set in a firm line as if he was displeased. His grey eyes seemed to bore past me as if they could see past the mask I wore like a second skin, seeing straight into my hardened soul. Leaving me bare for him to explore, the feeling was uncomfortable and had me crossing my hands over my chest as if it were to protect me from his deep stare.

"I want you to explain what happened tonight."

"We attended a family dinner." I retorted with an eye roll

"That's not what I meant." he said narrowing his eyes "What happened between your mom and you?" he clarified

Dropping my arms from their defensive position I spoke in the same dry, detached tone as earlier "Nothing out of the usual."

He pursed his lips not liking my vague answer, sighing I turned on my heels and landed on the white leather sofa with a unladylike thud. I don't even know why he is here asking any way, his part of the night is over and now he can run and do whatever he wants until the next time I call for him. Peering over my shoulder I wanted to scream for him to leave but refused to show him any more emotions tonight, he has seen enough.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked taking three lazy strides across the room so he was standing above the sofa and towering over me.

Gritting my teeth I tried reigning in whatever little patience I was blessed with -which wasn't much to begin with- not throw the hand-made glass vase sitting on the table beside the sofa.

"Does this happen often?" he asked breaking the thin chain of my patience

"What do you want to hear Wes?" I shouted jumping up to my feet, I hate how he stands over me as if I am a child "You want to hear that my mom pulled me aside because I embarrassed her friends and completely ignored the fact that they have been doing the same to me for the past two years, and she stood by smiling along with them. Or maybe you want to hear how she kicked me out of the fucking party because I reminded her of her pathetic relationship with my father."

A flicker of sympathy flashed in his eyes, as if he could understand the gash I am still nursing from this evening. He could never understand the hell I've lived with in that house or my family. A golf ball sized lump formed in my throat, my parents never seemed to care how witnessing their drama firsthand has effected me or the way I shied away from others because of them. How the timid little girl grew a shell to keep the outside world from hurting her, how the shell hardened when life turned against her, or how she had pushed any real emotions deep inside of her so no one could inflict the heartache upon her, again.

Raising my hardened gaze to meet Wes's I felt the same hardened shell rising to fulfill it's purpose and keep the unwanted emotions at bay.

"Has your curiosity been satisfied?" I spat the disgust clear in my tone

Wes shook his head, his eyes bore into my skull but rather than squirm under the intense stare like earlier, I held my ground. "I'll take that as a yes." He spoke in a gentle tone

Arching my brow I pursed my lips, raking my eyes over his body I felt the temperature in the spacious room rise up a few degrees as I took in his image. Dressed in a navy blue suit that clung to his body like a second skin and complementing the lean muscle beneath, under he wore a dark blue shirt beneath tucked neatly into his trousers, the top buttons remained open revealing the bronze skin beneath. It is a transformation from the suit he wore to the public announcement, the worn beige suit hung off his shoulders, the pants wide enough to fit two people and a dress shirt under that has seen too many washes. A definite improvement, I must admit John did an amazing job.

Shifting to his other foot his stare didn't soften as he continued to take in my stiff stance. "Why do you attend parties like this if theses people are jerks?"

"My mom wants me to attend and it's a family occasion, so I don't have much of a choice." I retorted immediately with a shrug

"I don't believe that." he said pursing his lips "You are not the kind of person who gets pressured into anything you don't want to do."

Throwing my hands up in the air I gave him another shrug wondering what he meant when he said I'm not the 'kind of person'. What kind of person does he think I am? Much too my annoyance a part of me hoped his opinion of me was different than everyone else's, that was the irrational, hopeful part of me I ignored most of the time for the same reason I never liked fairytales growing up. It's a huge let down and a waste of time.

"I grew up with those jerks and have learned to tolerate their snarky remarks and less than enjoyable company. It doesn't bother me anymore." I said hoping he didn't catch the lie

"It didn't look that way when you were threatening to rip my arm off." he said a edgy tone in his voice that sounded like a silent challenge

Digging my fingers into my palms I felt the sting of my flesh being pierced by the perfectly manicured nails.

"You were man handling me-which will never happen again or I will rip your arm off your shoulder." I threatened with a voice of steel

His gray eyes took a pale blue hue-a shade similar to a hand blown glass bowl, clear perfection.

"Would you rather I let you walk straight into a gossip session all about you?" he all but growled

Rolling my eyes I fought the sad smile curving on my lips, this is nothing new. Walking around him I ignored the jolt of electricity that ran down my arm when my shoulder brushed against his bulging bicep.

"What else is new?" I said with bitter amusement

Long cool fingers circled my upper arm successfully stopping me from walking away, glancing over my shoulder I sent him the dirtiest glare I could muster. If it had any effect on him he didn't show any sign, his mouth was set in a grim line all indications of laughter wiped clear.

His eyes fixed on mine, the bluish-grey shades infusing into one "They were talking about whether our relationship is a hoax."

Forgetting the fact that he -yet again- dared to tug me like a rag doll as what he said set in. A hoax? Why would they think that? Didn't we come off as a couple? We held hands, well Wes did I endured the small torture, he even kissed me tonight. A faint blush tainted my already rosy cheeks as I recalled the second kiss, the feel of his soft lips and the unique scent that could only be described Wes enveloped me in its intoxicating sphere. How could anyone have sniffed the truth out after such a spine tingling kiss?

Yanking my arm free from his grip I pushed the tingling feeling where his fingers were away, blaming it on my still raging hormones.

"Did anyone bring the topic up to you?" I asked panic settling in my chest at the possibility

He shook his head a lock of his dark hair falling over his smooth forehead "No. I stepped out into the hallway for a breather when I over heard two women whispering about our relationship being fake."

I sensed there was more that the two gossipers spoke of but for a reason unknown Wes isn't sharing the extra information, I didn't know if I should have been relieved that I didn't have to hear more close to true-rumors about me or nervous that Wes might know personal information about me. Pushing the small issue away I focused on the larger issue at hand, the disastrous problem that has occurred beneath my nose without my noticing it.

How could this have slipped past my radar? Any gossip centered around me over the many years I have been blessed to star in I have always known of, every low jab at my pitiful life, snicker behind my back; they have always returned to my ears. Rubbing the hallow area above my temple I hoped it would lessen the sudden throbbing in my head that formed over the last few seconds.

"How could this have happened?" I questioned out loud, lowering my head I thought back to the moment I so foolishly announced I had a boyfriend and put myself in a difficult position. Wondering what could have possessed me to speak without thinking I barely heard Wes speak.

"Your plan has major flaws."

Lowering my hand from the side of my head I lifted my gaze to his "I didn't really plan any of this out it just -happened."

Shrugging his broad shoulders he flipped his bottom lip "Yeah that's life sweetcheeks, the question is what are you going to do about it?"

I despised the calm way he asked the question, without a care of how this ended. Why should he? He doesn't know these people, won't see them at every gathering and holiday, he won't have to suffer through the public humiliation. Maybe for a brief period when his name is splattered across tabloids all around the nation but after a few months his name will fade from everyone's mind while mine remains fresh with the humiliation of my spontaneous and stupid plan.

Why did I think this would work?

"Well?"

"I'm thinking!" I barked, the easy act of breathing suddenly a difficult task

Lowering myself onto the white leathered sofa I felt the slight throbbing turn into a full on pounding, like a Mac truck slamming against the side of my head, over and over again. Suppressing a groan I felt the seat beside me dip, sucking in a lung full of the spicy scent I struggled not to lean forward and bury my nose in his chest.

Stop acting like a teenager having her first crush, I scolded myself. I'm a grown woman and these thoughts are unacceptable, especially with Wes. Yes Wes is off limits, he's a wild, unpredictable, handsome, man with an impeccable body that the Greek gods themselves would die for. A face that held a perfect balance of masculine and beautiful features, from his strong jaw to the long dark lashes that surrounded those grey eyes. His nose decently sized to fit his face and his pink lips that felt softer than they looked..

"Oh God." I groaned out loud

He laid his hand over my shoulder and I jumped startled by his touch after mentally checking him out, although I'm sure my perverted mind would have went further.

"It's okay kitty I have a plan."

Snapping my head up I could have sworn I heard my neck crack as I turned in his direction, his pink lips were stretched wide in a knowing smirk that spoke volumes.

"Care to share this plan of yours."

"The problem is we don't act like a real couple, new relationships have this raw heat vibrating off the couple and they can never stop touching each other. Its like there is a magnetic force pulling them closer together and we..." he paused, motioning between us with his free hand "Act like an old couple, barely touching each other."

Narrowing my eyes to slits I wished at that moment that looks could kill "And your solution is?"

His smirk widened, the hand on my shoulder dropped to the small of my back "That my kitty kat is simple, we get to know each other on a more personal level."

Personal? Scooting away from his touch I tried ignoring the heat still lingering from his touch, it proved to be harder than I originally thought.

"And by personal you mean.."

"Dates. We go out and get to know each other better like a normal couple." he said as if the answer were there all along, he shifted on the couch so his body was facing me, his eyes twinkled excitedly.

"How will knowing each other help?" I asked suspicious of his plan

He pursed his lips obviously fighting off another one of his trademark smirks, oh how I hate his smug smirks!

"When in love the couple aren't just lovers they are best friends and getting to know each other can help us portray a couple in love." he said stretching his arm over the sofa, his fingers brushing my bare shoulder

Willing my body not to release the shudder racking through me internally I couldn't help but think he is right. My parents aren't the best example in the love department but I have seen those rare moments when they resembled a genuine couple when reminiscing about their dating years, it was like an old fire being rekindled.

Twisting my fingers together I continued to ponder on the thought, it hadn't occurred to me until now but Wes is practically a stranger. We have lived across from each other for over a year but other than exchange a few bitter remarks we never spoke unless he borrowed the parking card or the keys to the front door. Maybe learning more about Wes could help me feel more comfortable when we have to pretend to be a couple, like holding his hand without wanting to twist his fingers. The logical part of me yelled that this was crazy, this is temporary and completely unnecessary.

Digging my fingers into my wrist I weighted my options; one one hand I could say no and go on as we ate and possibly be found out as a liar and be humiliated in front of my peers. On the other hand I can say yes and go out for a movie or dinner with him and maybe create a friendship with Wes that may last beyond this embarrassing situation. I mentally snorted at the last part knowing someone like me could never befriend someone like Wes, we were from two different worlds. Oddly I frowned at the very possible thought.

"I guess I can give it a try." I finally answered still uncertain of my decision

Wes flashed a wide smile, revealing a set of straight white teeth that were neither too large or too small "Great." he said and stood up

Mimicking his movements I stared in shock as he strolled lazily towards the door, rushing after him I clenched my fists in frustration at his abrupt exit. Could he be civil for ten minutes?

"That's it?" I said as he reached the front door

Turning half way he nodded as if we hadn't just discussed a way to improve our fake relationship.

"Aren't we going to set a date yo go out?" I asked when he still didn't reply

He pressed his index finger to his chin pretending to think "I'll check my schedule and get back to you."

He'll check his schedule? Grinding my teeth I felt my blood boil in frustration as he started acting like the arrogant asshole I know he can be. Releasing a slow breath I pushed all angry thoughts away, I'm not giving him the satisfaction of seeing me lose my temper.

"Fine, if we're dine here get out." I said in a strained voice

To my annoyance he simply nodded and pulled the door open, following him I grabbed the door knob ready to slam it when he turned causing me to jump back in surprise.

"There is one more thing I wanted to tell you." he said placing one foot in front of the door

Huffing out loud I tapped my foot in annoyance "Spill it-" I was cut off when I felt his sift lips against my own successfully shutting me up for the second time that night.

This kiss was feather light, his lips hovering just above mine as our breaths mingled together as he lifted his head and stepped back. Standing there dumb struck I barely heard him speak the next words in a hoarse tone.

"You taste amazing, kitty kat."

With that he headed off towards his apartment leaving me standing at my door speechless after the third kiss he has sprung unexpected on me in one night.

*************

What do you think about Wes's idea?

I'm late for work at the moment and I knew you guys would love an upload so here it is, the next one might be in another week because it's the holidays but I'll try to make it earlier

Happy Holidays^_^