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Chapter 9

Gathering my blonde hair in a high bun I dropped my hands to my side exhausted and frustrated with Tess.

"It was not a date." I repeated yet again

"You spent the afternoon together, right?" she asked

"Yes, but-"

With a tskk she cut me off building up to something I knew I wouldn't like. "Had lunch together, correct?"

Switching the cellphone to my other ear I pouted my lips following her twisted train of thought. "Yes."

What sounded like a clap sounded from the background "Honey, that's a date."

"No, it isn't." I retorted frustrated by what she referred to as logic

As I promised I told Tess all about the shopping trip with Wes yesterday and I expected my friend to think something exciting went on when in reality nothing happened and Tess never failed to probe further. It didn't help though that I told her about the awkward moment when I measured Wes, I wasn't planning to tell her for the simple fact that she would read into nothing. It had slipped out unintentionally and before I could reel in the slip up Tess was gasping for more.

Strolling lazily over to the nearly filled bathtub I skimmed the tips of my fingers over the warm water pleased with the temperature.

"We stopped by a fast food place and ate burgers on the way back, that doesn't qualify as a lunch date." I added drily

"Deny it all you want hun, but it was a date." she all but sang

"Can we please change the subject."

It was not! Sure we spent a large part of the day together and unlike I expected it wasn't a disaster, actually it was a bit exciting to change the normal routine of my weekends. Which consisted of replacing meals with junk food while reading the latest novel that captured my attention or editing a client's story. One saturday spent with someone other than the very comfortable couch of mine was good enough for me.

Today I slipped back into my routine, spending the whole day curled up with a client's very eerie horror novel and let me say I am still freaked out. I keep waiting for Jason to barge through my door with his famous bloody knife held above his head. Although I kept busy a part of me wished Wes would drop by or even knock on my door just to tease me. It was insane of me to want to see the jerk, leaving the thought as just insane I ignored the sudden loneliness that seemed to wedge into my chest.

"Has he mentioned the magazine?"

"No, and I'm sure he hasn't seen it." I admitted, the ridiculous lies the trashy magazine wrote was far from the truth. The crap they spewed was about how I was madly in love with the man I seduced and ready to 'settle down, I would be mortified if Wes read the lies. Or worse believed them. Wes doesn't strike me as a prescriber to any gossip magazines so the lies shouldn't cause any difficulties.

"You guys looked so cute Khlo, I still think you should have a little fun with this." she said bringing up her opinion yet again

"Wes is everything I don't want in a man, he's not my type and you know I don't do flings."

Shutting the faucets closed I started unbuttoning the front of my blouse eager to soak in the tub after a long day of being curled up on the couch.

"Not your type! The man is a sex train and honey you need to jump on."

Chuckling softly at her joke I tossed my shirt into the hammer "I'm going to take a long bath now, bye Tess."

"Fine I'll let you go but don't think I'm letting this go."

Knowing Tess she wouldn't, my best friend's determination was the reason why I admire her so much, other than her lovable personality and positive out look on life that is. "I wouldn't expect you to." I added and hung up

Placing my phone on the white marble surrounding the newly modeled sink. Discarding my clothes into the hamper in the hall I grabbed the steamy novel I chose for my soak. Sinking into the soapy water I sighed in content as my muscles loosened at the feel of the slightly hot water. The floral scent of roses and lilac floated around me like a barrier of relaxation, keeping the outside world on the other side of the said barrier. I wiggled my toes beneath the water giggling like a child as the soap swished in between the sensitive skin loving the ticklish feeling it brought.

That would be all your feeling, I sneered to myself.

Sliding further into the array of bubbles I felt the light mood I was in moments ago turned sour at the sad fact. Over the years I have prided myself with my ability to maintain my sexual needs, not that I've had any urges after the many disastrous times I have had sex. Still I wasn't a sex starved woman rubbing on any solid male that walked by but lately my body has been tingling. Not 'oh designer heels on sale' either. It was the tingle that started in my lower abdominal and trails like wild fire down to my most womanly area and has me tossing at night wondering how to burn the raging fire out. I am not a sex expert but even I knew that strange tingle -that has me crossing my legs tightly just to relief some of the tension- was arousal.

Although I've had intercourse with men before I've never felt my body yearning for a man's touch. To have my breast$ teased until they're heavy from the taunting, calloused hands that continue to tease them. Those rough hands sliding down the soft curves of my body; squeezing, pinching as a hard mouth nibbles down the same path down my chest. The contrast of his hard body pressing flush against my soft one, his breathing deep pants as I arch myself into the inviting touch. His tongue slipping past his lips to taste my heated skin, his hot breath fanning over flushed skin; kissing a hot trail down my naval than lower to the place I ached most.

Groaning out loud I slid further into the water embarrassed by my sexual thoughts but more that my n!pples were hard as pebbles from the fantasy I wished was real.

"Well it's not real." I mumbled to myself

Reaching for the paperback novel from beside me I found myself getting lost in the author's creative writing and very detailed love scenes. The scenes were hot and heavy as the author went further describing the difficulty the main male character had controlling himself around the main female character who seemed oblivious to his internal struggle as she smashed her lips to his. The kiss was sizzling and ended with the couple in a tangled mess on the couch; their legs intwined, clothes thrown in their haste and the satisfaction of finally giving into their sexual tension.

Shivering I noticed the water had cooled tremendously while I was lost in the world of make believe. Placing the book aside I stepped out of the tub and began reaching for my knee length bathrobe but settled for the fluffy cream colored towel hanging beside it. Wrapping the large towel around my still dripping body I pulled the plug, with a loud pop the rubber plug lifted allowing the water to escape.

Straightening my back I felt the uncomfortable tension in my lower abdominal all due to the erotic novel. Great now I'm aroused. Blowing out a exasperated sigh I pulled my hair free of it's elastic band and gave the soft blonde hair a quick ruffle. Tess's words repeated in my head mocking me and tormenting my sensitive body.

'You should have a little fun with this'.

Shaking my head of the ridiculous thought I blamed it on the steamy novel; the male in the story was the female's neighbor -who just like Wes- was a playboy and a jerk. Now that I thought about the main character and Wes had many similarities, both were proud of their womanizer ways, knew just how sexy they were, both men saw life as a barrel of laughs. The sizzling sex scene replayed in my mind; the male character rescued the female from the raging storm that left both stranded in the highway, seeking shelter at an abandoned shack that was when the spark flared between the hard headed lovers.

My mind replaced the fictional characters for Wes and I. Biting my bottom lip I allowed the hot scene to replay in my mind feeling the ache in my lower abdominal return more intense as I imagined Wes doing what the male in the story did to his lover.

"Expect Wes would never have an interest in me." I snorted feeling oddly disappointed by the fact

What was wrong with me and thinking about Wes of all people in a sexual way. He isn't my type! Wes is wild, unpredictable, a player and just too well... he's not my type and I have to remember that. Nodding in silent agreement I pushed all thoughts of Wes away.

I am not a sex starved woman, I can control myself and my hormones. With my head held high I started walking towards the bathroom door when a palm sized spider scurried in front of the door.

A sharp scream passed my lips as I scrambled backwards jumping up onto the closed toilet seat. Flapping my hands frantically in the air I screamed again as the large creature turned it's tiny head in my direction, his multiple beady eyes taking me in.

I've never been a girly girl who freaked out at any old thing that came my way but spiders I can not handle and this one was huge. It's long legs stretching out as he took two quick steps in my direction. Panic seized my chest as I watched the spider scurry closer. Another girlish shriek bounced off the sky blue tiled walls as I scooted as far as I could on the toilet, the back of my knee pressing against the cold lid.

"No, no please don't come any closer!" I yelled knowing very well it can't understand my pathetic plea

Glancing behind the brown dusted spider I noticed the opening I had to run out of the door and away from that thing but what if he chased me. On a nature show I watched a few months ago it showed a spider running after it's prey and let me say those eight legs sure came in handy. What if I made a run for the door and it gets me? The image settled in my mind and I found myself screaming yet again. A loud banging sounded from outside of the bathroom silencing my screams.

I was just about to set my foot down to go check out the noise when the spider scurried closer and earning a ear shattering scream from me. Clutching my towel to my body I heard a loud thud followed by a man cursing. Is someone breaking in? My question was answered when the familiar squeak of my front door opening rang in my ears.

"I'm going to die on the toilet." I whispered nearly in tears

The soft patter of feet indicated the intruder was bare foot, but I don't think it matters when he's robbing me! Swallowing the lump lodged in the middle of my throat I bit back the scream bubbling in my chest. Other than the weak lock on the bathroom door there was nothing stopping the intruder from coming in here and in the state I was in I don't think I could fight off the intruder. What if there is more than one? Would they just take what they want and leave or would they harm me? Would they kill me or worse?

My knees knocked together as I thought of my face on the front of all newspapers; Young Heiress Killed in Her Own Bathroom After A Robbery. How will my mom react to the news? Or my dad or Stacy? Would they be sad despite our lacking relationship or should I say non-existing relationship. And Tess? How would she take the news?

Shifting on the seat I felt the fear I tried pushing down rising quickly as the sound of footsteps sounded closer. If there is one maybe I could run out to the hall but I doubt I can run from two burglars in a towel. I cursed myself for leaving the front door open I dropped my head feeling the familiar sting of tears at my situation when I saw the spider at the bottom of the toilet. Forgetting all about the possible burglar or burglars I released a blood curdling scream that was sure to deafen any one near by.

A bang on the door caused me to suck in a deep breath in shock when I heard another bang this one shaking the door from it's hinges.

"I'm going to die." I panted as the door shook from it's nailed position

Glancing down I saw the spider had already began climbing up the toilet it's long legs stretching as it took slow careful steps. My chest heaved up and down with every shaky breath that pasted my lips but I didn't scream. Another bang against the bathroom door had my heart jumping in pure terror. Pressing a hand over my hammering heart I took a calming breath and set my eyes on the rattling door preparing myself to claw the thief's eyes out.

I'll be damned if I let some creep kill me in my own bathroom!

Narrowing my eyes I waited for the intruder to enter and than I'd make my move but my perfect plan went to dust when I caught a glimpse of a hairy leg on the toilet seat and than another. Sucking in a lung full of air I screamed louder than I ever have as I stepped backwards trapped between the spider and the burglar. The door shook again before the once sturdy oak door swung open revealing a bare chest Wes silencing my screams. I have never been more happier to see Wes before than right at this moment. His chest heaved with every breath as his pale blue eyes darted around the room before landing on my terrified figure.

Pointing my finger down at my feet I saw my hands trembling in fear. His dark brows pulled together as he walked in my direction the confused expression firmly in place.

"S-spider." I croaked sparing a glance down at the hairy creature

His forehead smoothed of it's creases and his eyebrows drew upward before dipping downwards.

"H-hurry." I all but cried as the spider neared my toes

Grabbing the novel I was reading he slid it under the hairy creature and lifted it up to examine. Releasing a breath I felt my shoulders drop their tensed position knowing it wasn't at my feet anymore. Turning to face Wes I saw him petting the hairy back of the spider as if it were a dog.

"What are you doing, kill it!" I squeaked

His grey eyes lifted to meet my terrified stare before he strolled lazily towards the bathroom window. With one hand he opened the glass and flipped the book so the spider dropped down into the array of bushes below. Gasping I jumped off the toilet and ran across the cold floor, gripping the window pain I stared down at the green bushes hoping to see the creepy crawly hanging onto the wall.

"You killed it." I gasped hitting his toned bicep

"You said to."

Pressing my lips together I sent him a death glare, stepping away from the window I felt a twinge of guilt because I did tell him to kill it. But I didn't think he would throw it out the damn window, the poor spider.

"It's not dead."

"You threw it out the window." I shouted back turning on my heels

In two long strides he was in front of me his eyes filled with amusement "The bushes broke it's fall, he will me back terrorizing you in no time."

A small smile played into my lips at the assuring news. I don't like spiders but I don't want to kill them either.

"How do you know it's a male?"

His eyes took a dark liquid blue that had me clenching my thighs, still sensitive in that specific area.

"Because he was trying to climb up your leg while you were naked." he said in a hoarse voice that had my insides squirming

A flush of heat spread along my face as I gripped the front of the towel only now remembering my lack of clothing. Why didn't I go with the bathrobe, I groaned internally.

"Not that I blame him." I heard him add under his breath

Daring to spare a glance in his direction I found his eyes raking up and down my legs like a predator sizing up it's prey. My mouth went dry as his eyes lifted unconsciously feeling my gaze, the intensity of the dark eyes held me in place. Sucking me further in to their depths, to explore the clouded emotion that gave them a stormy gray hue.

Stop it! I mentally shouted at myself. This is Wes, your neighbor Wes!

Clearing my throat I turned my back to him heading towards my bedroom when my eyes locked on the slanted door that use to be attached to my bathroom. He pulled the whole thing from it's frame! My eyes widened at the door leaning against the bathroom wall no longer attached to it's hinges.

"You broke my door down!" I found myself shouting without processing the thought

The sound of footsteps sounded behind me before the spicy scent of his cologne tickled my nose indicating his close proximity. My body tensed feeling the heat rolling off his body and touching mine, the sensation of the cool breeze on my skin and his body heat had me biting my lip to stifle a moan.

"I assumed you were in danger since you were screaming like a banshee so, yes I had to knock the door down." his voice held a edge of anger

Any sensible woman would have thanked him and forgotten the broken door but my hormones were too jumbled up for me to be sensible, besides I was never the type.

"So your natural instinct is to break the door?" I shot back not really caring about the door, it was his effect on me that had my blood boiling

The man hasn't touched me and I feel like putty in his hand, ready for him to mold to whatever pleases him.

"Fine, next time I'll just stay in bed while an axe murder cuts through you like string cheese." he growled bumping his shoulder against mine as he stormed past me

His unapproachable tone surprised me since I hadn't expected him to get upset so quickly, Wes was the type to laugh and tease on when attacked not storm away angrily. Maybe I shouldn't have snapped at him, it's not his fault I'm hornier than a teenage boy getting laid for the first time.

Sighing I started after him knowing I was in the wrong for snapping at him for what he thought was rescuing me.

"Wait Wes." I called out grabbing his shoulder when he hissed at the contact and pulled his arm back

"Oh my god, your shoulder." I gasped only now noticing the light shade of violet his skin was turning

"It's just a bruise." he shrugged wincing at the simple action

He must have hurt himself while breaking down the door. Without thinking it over I grabbed his wrist and led him towards the kitchen as guilt ate away at me for my non-grateful tone a few moments ago. Pushing him onto the stool circling the island I strolled to the fridge and pulled out an ice pack.

"This might sting a little." I warned him before placing the blue packet on his injured shoulder

Releasing a string of curses, he balled his hands into fists at his sides to refrain himself from jumping away from the ice pack. I expected him to complain or stand up telling me off but instead he sat still with an expression of pain on his face. His brave face only added to my guilt.

"Thank you for rescuing me from the spider." I said in a small voice I didn't recognize as my own

He didn't respond right away but when he did his tone was much softer than before "Your welcome."

Flipping the ice pack over I felt his muscles flex beneath my free hand that rested on his uninjured shoulder. The hard muscle felt amazing under my palm and the heat the seeped from his body was so inviting to my slightly chilled skin. My body awakened only now realizing he was in only jeans, his top half completely bare and open for me to gawk at.

The temptation was too great and I found my eyes skimming over each inch of his tanned body, my own growing warmer with every muscle my gaze grazed over tempting me to run my hands over each ridged muscle. Seizing all the self control I had I contained my urge to explore his body when my gaze locked on the ink pattern on his right shoulder. It was a amber colored dragon, it's long body circled his shoulder blade it's mouth in the midst of the swirl. His snout opened revealing it's sharp set of teeth, the reptile's face pulled in anger. The detail was incredibly realistic.

On it's own accord my hand lifted ready to trace the majestic animal just as Wes spoke, his voice startling me.

"I never pictured you as a person who feared anything. Especially not over a small spider." the lightheartedness back in his voice

"Spiders freak me out and that thing was bigger than my fist." I defended

"You do know you are bigger than it." he teased tilting his head in my direction

Narrowing my eyes at him I could see a smile forming on his pink lips "Don't be a smart-ass."

A soft chuckle caused his body to shake and the deep laugh of his caused my heart to skip a beat enjoying the sound a little too much.

"It's not funny, they are poisonous creatures that are hairy and they are just creepy." I argued embarrassed by my secret fear

"Oh poor kitty, I'll protect you."

Slapping his chest playfully I couldn't fight the smile that managed to spread along my face at his teasing manner preferring it over him being angry, it suited him better. Removing the ice I figured it wouldn't be swollen tomorrow and a couple of painkillers should take care of the ache that he will definitely feel later.

"There, all better." I smiled at him and turned to return the ice pack

Closing the freezer I shivered as the cool air blew against my bare chest reminding me of my nude state. A deep blush creeped onto my face, how could I forget I was only wearing a towel? Ashamed of myself for prancing around practically nude I lowered my head and ran around the island towards the bedroom when a hand gripped my elbow yanking me backwards.

My body tilted as I started to tilt over when Wes slid his bare arm around my waist pulling me directly against his body. The rough denim of his jeans rubbed against my bare legs, the friction sent tiny tingles of excitement all over my body. His hand on my arm loosened before dropping the contact all together, the print of his hand burnt into my skin setting a blazing fire to run down my body and down to my core. My knees quaked together suddenly turning to jelly as I got a whiff of his manly cologne, the arm around my waist tightened pressing me closer to the hard and toned body of the man in front of me.

Goose pimples broke out over my skin at the feel of his erection against my stomach, images of it being strained by his jeans invaded my mind. Raising my hands up to his chest I meant to push him away instead my hands laid flat against his chest noticing the foreign words scribbled over his heart. Another tattoo. Biting my bottom lip I felt my n!pples perk against the towel aroused by the sight of the body ink. I've never been a fan of tattoos but seeing them on Wes was sexy as hell and had my body heating up as I imagined kissing the ink stained skin. Suppressing a moan I unconsciously leaned further against his chest well aware of my uneven breathing as my chest heaved with excitement.

"Look up at me babe." his velvety smooth voice commanded

Unable to ignore his request I lifted my head looking up through my lashes to lock gazes with a pair of lust filled eyes, their shade a liquid blue of the ocean before a storm. His features serious as he bent his head down his eyes fluttering closed. The sound of my blood pumping in my ears deafened me of the world around us as my eyes fixed on his pink lips knowing exactly what was going to happen next, he's going to kiss me!

I stood dumbfound as I felt his breath fan across my skin, my lips parted open as a small moan escaped and than another at the feel of his manhood twitching against my stomach. The temperature in the room seemed to have cranked up drastically, needs I never knew I had awakened wanting-no needing him to relieve me of my internal torment. His hand bunched up a fist full of the towel the feel of his fingers against my skin sent a wave of pleasure down to my most intimate area.

His mouth was barely a centimeter away, one small movement from either side would connect our mouths. "Are you really so lonely you need an erotic novel?"

The question pierced through the thick desire filled air, popping the bubble I was happily floating on as reality set in. Cocking my head up I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant when his free hand lifted into view, in his hand was the novel I read in the tub.

"If you wanted some company sweetcheeks you could have just called." he said with a raise of one thick brow "I would be more than happy to be your sex hero." he added with a mocking wink

A fresh shade of red tainted my cheeks as his words set in, he was just messing with me. A mixture of emotions clashed in my chest; hurt, humiliation, vulnerability but anger out beat the other emotions. Anger at being a pawn in what he considered a practical joke. Poking some fun at the desperate neighbor girl too fucked up to get some real action, too cold and frigid for any man to want her.

Tears prickled my vision at the cruel fact. Wes was just playing with the ice queen's heart, poor lonely Khloe. The sound of laughter caused my head to snap up to see Wes laughing openly at my pain.

"Bastard!" I hissed pounding my fists at his chest as the fury simmered in my chest were moments ago desire was

His arm dropped from around my waist as he lifted his hands in defeat. "Hey it was just a joke, no need to get all sensitive."

A joke! This was all a funny ass joke to him! Clenching my fists at my sides I felt my body tremble with anger at his idea of a good laugh. Hurt swelled in my heart at being laughed at yet again by a male who seemed entertained by my disappointing sex life.

"Real funny asshole!" I growled snatching the novel from his hand

The expression of shock on his face was priceless when I tossed the book aside not caring where it landed. His eyes dared to my steaming figure all trace of humor gone.

"Kitty I didn't mean-"

"Shut the fuck up Wes, save your bullshit for someone who cares and just get the fuck out of my apartment." I spat hating the bastard for daring to justify his insult

He hesitated for a second opening his mouth to speak but snapped it shut realizing how pointless it was for him to try backpedalling now. His opinion of me is already out there and there is no fixing that. Slowly he turned on his heels and walked towards the front door his expression confused but he didn't speak. Reaching the door he glanced over his shoulder his soft gray eyes swimming with regret and with that last look he walked out shutting the door softly after him.

Sliding to the floor I felt my shoulders shake with the on coming sobs, wrapping my arms around my waist I felt the first set of tears running along my cheeks. Sucking in my trembling bottom lip I cried silently on the kitchen floor feeling foolish for ever thinking a man like Wes would ever want an icy woman like me.

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