Chapter 50

Blowing a deep sigh out I tucked a strand of my blonde hair behind my ear as I glanced around me at the many tourists swarming around me like flies. Seniors snapping pictures like awe struck Americans who have never left the small town they grew up in, some young college students strolled around in groups laughing as they passed the older tourists. It was what I hate the most about traveling, the over crowded streets filled with visitors who couldn't blend in to the crowd. Being a person who hates crowds and pictures this was torture for me to have to come here but Tess said her friend would be here to pick me up. Why I took a taxi to this over crowded tourist site for some stranger to come pick me up I have no clue?

Dragging my cheetah print suitcase across the pavement I made my way through the crowd to the front of the fountain where I was instructed to wait for my 'escort' to bring me to my hotel. Squeezing past middle aged men with round bellies I noticed the small space I had growing more narrow as I neared the front of the fountain. Growing more annoyed with my so called best friend I gritted my teeth as my bare shoulder rubbed across a stranger's sweaty forearm. The sweltering heat didn't help that everyone was nearly pressed together, back to back. Every which way I turned I felt someone's sweaty skin rub against me.

Mentally cursing Tess I elbowed my way through the flashing cameras and posing grad students determined to get to my destinations. Not at all bothered by the angry people shouting for me to stop running my suitcase over their feet or even caring that I was being cursed at in both languages. All I cared about was getting to the damn front and getting out if this blazing sun. Using my elbows to navigate my way through the angry strangers I sighed in relief as the sound of water grew louder indicating I was nearly there.

Finally breaking through I pulled my suitcase out into the small opening I miraculously found at the edge of the large fountain. Before I could actually enjoy the moment my phone rang. Fishing my phone out of my front pocket I rolled my eyes as I read the screen.

"Just the person I was thinking of." I grunted into the receiver

"Good thoughts I assume." Tess replied happily

Wrapping my free arm around my waist I felt a soft smile tug at my lips "Well I'm in the midst of a crowd of sweaty people who act more like five year olds at a place I wasn't planning on visiting because of you. So, no they aren't good thoughts."

"Relax, he should be there soon."

"Do I even get to know his name or do I just follow any stranger who walks up to me?" I asked sarcastically

"Trust me you'll know him when you see him babe."

Pursing my lips at her vague reply I glanced over my shoulder wondering if this stranger was here yet. If it weren't for the fact that I am a disaster when it comes to navigating an unknown city I wouldn't need this escort of hers who I am still uncertain of, I mean what if he's a serial killer. Than again Tess trust this guy enough to put me in his hands knowing how horrible I am with foreign languages and people skills.

"Is this guy like your cousin in the escort service?" I half teased

Huffing out a breath she answered "You'll be in good hands I swear, you just figure out what you're going to say."

"Don't remind me." I groaned dreading the moment I had to face the music

"Oh come on Khloe we talked about this all day yesterday when you decided going down there would be the best option."

"As I recall this was your bright idea." I corrected

Her soft laughter rang from the other end "I had help from Aaron who I must say was very excited you agreed to do this."

Dropping my arm I couldn't help the slither of doubt from entering my mind, maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. I mean how could the ice queen Khloe Sparks be standing here right now with a plan that would cause her mother to literally pop a blood vessel when she discovers what I have planned. This is out of character for me yet here I was suitcase in hand ready to pull through despite my mother's voice shouting in my head to stop before I do any real damage.

"I don't think I can do this." I blurted

"Yes you can." she assured me "Khloe I know you are scared of what will happen if you do go through with this but I know part of you wants to. So screw logic, screw the right thing and screw your mother and do this. For you."

Briefly shutting my eyes I knew she had a point, a large part of me wants to do this because for the first time in my life I'm at a point where I feel like I'm in control of what happens to me. There is no worrying what my mother thinks or what the press says, I'm only thinking of me and why shouldn't I?

"Okay, I can do it." I coached myself

"That's the spirit and Khloe don't forget you deserve this."

Nodding, I felt tears sting my eyes as I reopened them "Thank you." I muttered softly

"That's what I'm here for honey, call me when you get there."

"Alright, bye."

Returning my phone to the front of my white shorts I released a long sigh finding myself really rethinking my plan. Thirty six hours ago my mother gave me a ticket to Paris expecting me to arrive ready to apologize and explain that I was just drunk and upset. It didn't matter to her that none of that was the truth or that she was asking me to basically take one for the team when I'm not even considered apart of this team. Sitting on my bed with the envelope in my hands and both Aaron and Tess sat beside me trying to convince me to make a decision that would benefit me at the end really opened my eyes at last.

Foolishly I sat there for a while wondering how I would word my apology without making it sound too scripted when it hit me. Why should I do what she says? Why should I bend over backwards to keep them happy when they don't even care about how I feel during all of this? Being the great friends that they are Aaron and Tess nudged me further as I thought it over again. Not just the trip and my apology but the last twenty four hours before that. The rehearsal dinner, Wes's depressed state and his sudden departure, the wedding -which I still couldn't remember clearly- and then my mother's bitter visit to inform me of my 'apology'. Neither one of them called to check on how I was after that night and it really sunk in then that they didn't care. The people who really cared about me were the ones sitting on the bed listening to me finally make sense of what I tried ignoring all these years.

Smiling to myself I didn't know whether I should be proud of my epiphany the night before or embarrassed that I allowed all these suppressed feelings to drag on for so long. It took a series of too many unfortunate events for me finally see what has been in front of me all this time and one hell of a roller coaster ride that has been equally happy as it has been saddening. Now here I stand in one of the most romantic cities in the world ready to do something completely out of the ordinary for me.

Glancing around at the groups of tourists flooding the large fountain I found one specific pair that caught my attention. Sitting side by side with their hands clasped was a young couple each holding a gelato in their hands but it could have been a dead fish for all the attention they were giving the famous cold treat. They didn't crowd the fountain like the other people nearby instead they sat talking to the other eyes locked and having a more intimate conversation no ears could hear. The sight pulled at the still raw scape on my heart and reminded me of what I could have.

'Its not too late.' A voice whispered hopefully.

Biting my bottom lip I quickly averted my eyes from the couple knowing if I stared any longer I'd end up making a call I'd regret later. Despite the ache in my chest and the sudden itchy feeling I had in my hand I turned my attention towards the tourists tossing coins into the fountain behind me, the loud rants in different languages mushed together making it difficult to tell the origin of the strangers around me.

My interest perked as I watched a young girl -perhaps twenty or so- squeeze her eyes shut and hold a coin up to her mouth and whisper softly and tossed it over her left shoulder. Reopening her eyes she glanced up and caught my stare. Face flushed she collected her bag and quickly walked into the pool of people and disappeared amongst the many bodies surrounding the fountain. It wasn't so much the girl that sparked my interest but the idea that she -like many here- thought throwing a coin into the fountain would grant their wish. Such things were childish, right?

Eyes gliding toward the soft trickle of water I found myself wondering if it were a silly myth to make wishes here or a small miracle in this cruel world? For centuries people have believed in the legend surrounding this fountain but did it really have any truth to it? Chewing on my bottom lip I felt a twinge of curiosity pulling me closer to the clear water with different arrays of coins laying at the bottom, wishes from strangers from all around the world.

Twisting my fingers together I felt foolish for even considering this idea, I am not the kind of person who believes in myths like this but....

Shaking my head I slid my hand into my short pockets where I placed the change the taxi driver returned. Mimicking the girl I brought the coin to my lips and hesitantly shut my eyes. Tuning out the sounds of laughter and foreign languages that buzzed around me I concentrated on what I would wish for. For a moment I drew a blank; all my life I've received everything I wanted.

Not everything, a voice whispered.

Squeezing my eyes tight I found myself thinking of the reason why I was here today and then I had it. I knew exactly what I would wish for. Unsure of how to word this I just spoke the words running through my mind.

"I wish to love one day." I whispered softly, the ache in my chest stung as if to tell me to be more specific "To love him." I added and slowly opened my eyes

Twisting around I recalled the girl throwing the coin over her left shoulder, tossing the coin over my shoulder I smiled as I heard it fall into the water with a soft thunk. Squinting against the early afternoon sun I felt the hallow ache in my chest intensify at the reminder of Wes but as soon as I felt my heart sink with loneliness I pushed the thought aside refusing to feel that misery again. I couldn't handle that sort of pain with Tess and Aaron across the ocean.

"Excuse me miss?"

Startled by the small voice I glanced down to see a boy, nearly ten years old holding an arm full of red roses. His young face was bright with the energy -that only children possessed- as he glanced up at me. I felt myself smile at the young boy, for a brief second I thought that maybe it was someone else speaking, someone in particular....

Swallowing past the lump in my throat I felt tears sting my eyes as the door to my heart that I struggled to keep closed these past few days reopened. Dragging my fingers beneath my eyes I swiped away any moisture and nodded "Sure." I told the boy who looked frightened by my unexpected reaction

With a smile from ear to ear he retrieved a rose from the bouquet and handed it to me. Searching my pockets for the correct amount to pay him I felt the warm sun that has been on my back since I landed disappear as a shadow loomed over me. Assuming it was a curious tourist I ignored the shadow. Pulling my hand free I stretched it out for the boy when a large bronze hand beat me to it.

"Keep the change." the man told the boy who's smile widened before he ran off to find his next customer

My shoulders tensed as the voice met my ears, the deep tone sending an electric current to run down my spine. My fingers tightened over the stem of the rose as I tried to determine whether I should turn around or not. This couldn't be real. No one knew I was coming here let allow him. Trying to make sense of what was happening I didn't notice the bronze hand that hung in mid air as if waiting for me to react first. Eyes blurring with tears I slowly turned around expecting to see the same image of the fountain flooded with strangers I didn't know but as I faced the owner of the hand I felt my heart gallop in my chest.

"Welcome to Rome kitty kat." he grinned

My lungs momentarily refused to give any oxygen to the rest of my body, my knees knocked together as the rest of my limps melted into goop that just barely held me up. My eyes widened as I looked him over from head to toe, not skimming an inch of him just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.

"Are you actually here?" I mumbled stupidly

His soft grey eyes sparkled with amusement "It's only been two days Khloe, did you really forget me already?" he teased

Taking a small step forward I found myself searching his eyes for proof that I didn't doze off in the taxi and made this up. That he was actually here. Opening my mouth I meant to speak, to ask how or when but as I did so no sound escaped. Although I don't think I really needed to speak any words for Wes to understand my shock.

Wrapping his toned forearms around my waist he pulled my body to his and my jelly like legs could take no more as I inhaled the musky scent of his cologne. Leaning against his body I circled my trembling arms around his neck and squeezed my eyes shut. The muscles in his back flexed as I slid my hands down the toned length of his back, too wrapped up in the exciting idea that Wes. My Wes is actually here with me. Nuzzling further into his chest I felt wet streaks sliding over my lips as the reality hit me, this is real.

"I've missed you so much." he said in a broken tone

Nodding my head in agreement I found the statement insane. It has barely been seventy two hours since I last saw him but I feel as if It's been three months. I never realized just how much I looked forward to seeing him everyday in the morning when I wake up or hearing his voice which I haven't heard since our goodbye. I smiled as a pair of lips brushed across my forehead. I've missed his kisses. Pulling an arm's length away I looked him over one more time just to confirm that this was Wes and not some stranger I've been hugging.

Offering me a soft smile he cupped the side of my face and brushed his thumb across the top of my cheeks "Don't cry kitty." he said as he brushed the last of the tears away

"I can't......help....it." I hiccuped

Nodding in understanding he stroked his thumb across my bottom lip and tilted my face up so our gazes met and the heat filling those stormy orbs had my heart tripping over itself. Swallowing nervously I felt my bottom lip tremble as the emotions in my chest tore my sensitive heart apart. Studying his features I drank in his appearance like a starved woman and he was my first meal.

"How did you know?" I asked

"Tess called me this morning."

Pressing my lips together I didn't know whether I wanted to thank her or strangle her for leaving me in the dark this whole time. Then again it wouldn't be much of a surprise if I waited for him. Since I've landed I've been freaking out wondering how I would just show up at his family home unexpected, mostly because I was worried about his reaction.

"What she didn't mention was why you're here?"

Dropping my gaze to the front of his sky blue tee I felt my heart jump out of place and lodge itself in the middle of my throat. This was another large part or why I thought of chickening out, the reason behind my spontaneous decision to stand my family up and chase after a man I somewhat chased away in the first place. Lowering my arms back to my sides I knew this was a large step for me and once I say these next few words there is no going back. I would be laying my heart out for Wes and I hope- no pray he doesn't break it.

Turning a deaf ear to the voice scolding me for being so stupid I lifted my chin so I met his curious gaze. All my nerves and fear rushed to the surface paralyzing me as I stared up at him terrified of the next few moments. I sucked in a lung full of air and knew at that second that I had to put these old habits aside. No more hiding behind the past. No more running.

"I was miserable without you." I blurted before I could talk myself out of it "I know it's been only a few days but it felt like more. I kept thinking of you and what we could have been doing if you were with me. Even the simplest actions like walking out to the hallway made me cry like a baby." I admitted

His lips parted as if he were going to say something but as he did I shook my head, I needed to get this out now while I still have the courage.

"I know you said this was suppose to be an opportunity for me to figure my feelings out and it's unfair for me to be here but I couldn't do it Wes. I can't walk around pretending I'm fine when I'm not. I miss you, a lot and suffering through an entire summer without you was not an opinion. So I finally took my vacation days from all these years and booked the quickest ticket to Rome because...."

Pausing I felt the old me resurfacing, petrified that once I admitted what I wanted out loud I'd wind up nursing another deep wound. Wes had the ability to hurt me in a way that no other man can because he wormed his way past my defenses and lodged himself into the cracks of my heart.

"I really like you, like a lot a lot and I couldn't stay away from you when I know I have an opportunity to be with you." I added with one last breath

His dark brow arched "So what you're saying is?"

Rolling my eyes I spotted the gleam in those grey orbs I adore so much. He knows exactly what I am saying but being the ass he is he wants to hear the actual words, knowing all to well how difficult it was for me to say all of this on the first place.

"I'm saying I want to be with you Wes. I want to explore this relationship we have with an open mind and an open heart this time."

His lips stretched into a smile "It's not an I love you but I'll take it."

Slapping his forearm I couldn't help the smile spreading along my face or the step I took forward his torso pressed against my breasts. Despite the warm, hazy air I shivered at the contact.

"Does this mean we are on again?" I asked coyly

Pressing his hand on my hip he lowered his head so his forehead leaned on mine "My heart belongs to you Khloe Sparks whether you want it or not."

Throwing my arms around his neck I felt as if I was floating in mid air as those words reached my ears. Meeting his smoldering gaze I saw the true depth of those words and the genuine emotions behind it that I've been blind to this whole time. Fading was the small voice that shouted for me to back out now and growing louder was the one that encouraged me to take what I want from life.

"I'm not ready for it now but I will, someday." I confessed out loud

"I'll hold you to that." he replied and slanted his mouth against mine

Clutching on to his broad shoulders I found my body melting into a pile of goop as his lips gently massaged mine in a soft, tender kiss that reminded me of why I was willing to take the risk of blowing my mother off and flying to Rome. Wes loves me, broken bits and all. Sinking my nails into his skin I felt our surroundings dissolve as the familiar flame sparked between us, starting in my veins where my throbbing heart beat frantically. I slipped my tongue out and tasted the moisture on my lips and sighed as the sweet taste that was Wes filled my system, it felt like the first we kissed. The buzzing of my nerves, the boiling of my blood, the liquid heat in my lower belly and that urge to forget the people around us and gear of his clothes. It feels like I would never have enough of him and I welcomed the thought.

"We should stop before I start to unzip these sexy shorts of yours." he groaned as I pressed my hips to his very noticeable solider who obviously missed me too

Understanding his concern I stepped back, my breath labored and my heart hampering against my ribs. Only Wes could make me so hot and bothered with just one kiss. Swiping my tongue across my lips I nearly moaned when I tasted him again, I don't think there is anything that could match the taste of him.

Grabbing the handle of my suitcase he held his hand out for me to take "You ready for a summer to remember kitty kat?"

Weaving my slender fingers with his I nodded "I'm more than ready." I replied truthfully

Offering me a smile he led us through the swarm of bodies and all I could think was what the sexy Italian man had I store for me. Smiling to myself I had to admit I couldn't wait to see what he had planned, so far my experience with him has been incredible and I couldn't wait for more moments like them. Squeezing his hand I felt in that moment, pressed against random strangers the happiest I have in years.

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Just the epilogue left guys :'( no good bye speech yet so don't get teary and be honest who excepted her to go to Rome when they first started reading the chapter?

Love you all for reading and for the support!!!!