Dark Matter: SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE

by Jessica Loft

  Rolling her eyes, she said,

  “Fine, let’s get to work then.”

  Before they could settle down, Gary popped his head into the room.

  “Zoe, you’re wanted upstairs. Mr. Salvatore’s secretary just called, he wants to see you.”

  Zoe’s heart jumped. There was only one reason Zach would want to see her. But, did he have to call for her here? Gary was probably wondering why the boss would want to see her. The look he gave her said as much. She glanced at Jake whose mood has suddenly changed. He was giving her an angry look.

  “Looks like It’s time for you to pay him back for taking you home on Monday.”

  Zoe gasped and turned to see if Gary had heard. Thankfully, he was gone.”

  She glowered at Jake.

  “Why don’t you say that a bit louder? I don’t think the rest of the building heard you. And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “Don’t play innocent, Zoe. I told you to stay away from him. I can’t believe you accepted a ride from him instead of calling me. The man is after you; any dummy can see it. Go on, run along he wants to see you.”

  Now she wished she hadn’t told Jake that Zach had driven her home.

  “What is your deal, Jake?”

  He scowled.

  “Don’t come running to me when he throws you out like yesterday’s news. He wants nothing from you but a little bit of fun.”

  “We are not talking about this here,” she hissed. “I can’t believe you’re speaking to me like this.”

  Jake sighed.

  “You’re into him aren’t you?”

  “I-I don’t know. Maybe. Yes.”

  She was confused by the hurt she saw flicker across his face.

  “I thought I knew you, Zo. But you’re just like the other women who throw themselves at rich men.”

  Zoe’ mouth fell open.

  “Excuse me? How dare you imply that I’m some kind of-of. You know what, screw you, Jake.” She pushed her chair back loudly and rushed from the room.”

  She arrived upstairs a few minutes later and brushed at a lone tear that had managed to squeeze its way out. Stopping at the desk, she forced out a smile for the benefit of the blonde woman sitting behind a huge desk.

  “Mr. Salvatore called for me.”

  “Oh, Ms. Preston.” She got up, “Follow me.” She led Zoe to a closed door and knocked lightly.

  “Come in,” Zach called.

  “Mr. Salvatore, Ms. Preston is here.”

  “Thanks, Marissa.”

  Marissa motioned for Zoe to enter and closed the door. Zoe stood staring at Zach, who regarded her coolly. She nearly let out a loud sigh. She wasn’t up for any more drama. She’d had enough with Jake. Having her best friend demoralize her, hurt very much and she wished she could lock herself away and cry.

  ***

  Zach frowned. He had been set to give Zoe the brunt of his anger for ignoring his calls for four days, but the dejected look she sported disarmed him. She looked beautiful today, as usual. He loved the way her wild curls spilled over her shoulders. What is wrong with me? It was like Zoe had cast a kind of spell on him. Since when did he care enough to chase after a woman, who wasn’t interested? But, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Maybe it was the fact that she was the one woman who had resisted him, that held him so captivated.

  “You wanted to see me,” she said softly, avoiding his gaze.

  “I did. You won’t answer my calls, and you avoid me at every turn, so I had to resort to using my position to get you in here. I didn’t want to, but you left me no choice.”

  Zoe rolled her eyes.

  “Look, I ignored you calls because you and I will never work. I’m not into flings or one-night stands, Zach. I know that’s all you want. So, it’s best if I just stay away.”

  “Who said all I wanted was one night, Zoe?”

  Her eyes widened in shock. He was just as shocked by his words too. She still stood by the door. He got up and walked toward her. Towering over her, he grasped her chin.

  “You have no idea what I want.” He wanted her, badly and he would have her. He knew she wanted him to, but she was determined to fight it.

  “W-what do you want?”

  Gray eyes bore into her.

  “I want you, all of you. I want to feel your naked body against mine. I want to kiss you until you’re breathless. I want to bury myself inside of you. It’s all I’ve been dreaming about since you walked into me in that damn elevator. I try to force you out of my head, but you keep coming back. I don’t know what it is about you. And I still want to have dinner with you tomorrow.”

  Zoe gazed up at him, her chest heaving as her breathing sped up.

  “Okay,” she breathed.

  “Okay to what? Dinner?”

  “Yes, and everything you else mentioned.”

  Zach’s nostrils flared as he sucked in a sharp breath. He reached down to turn the lock on the door, and then pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Zoe wound her arms around his neck, draping her body against his. One of his hands reached up to run through her hair. Clutching a hand full of hair, he gently pulled her head back so he could deepen the kiss. Zoe let out a moan when his tongue darted into her mouth to explore.

  Her feet soon left the floor, and she was carried toward the massive oak desk. Zack broke the kiss to look at her.

  “I want you now, Zoe.”

  “We can’t, not in your office.” She blushed at the thought of going any further, knowing that the building was full of people. His secretary would probably wonder why she was in his office so long.

  “I’ve fantasized about taking you on my desk,” he drawled with a grin that made her weak.

  Zach inched her skirt up so he could push her thighs apart and step in between then. His eyes never left hers. He was mesmerized by the loveliest green eyes he had ever had the pleasure of staring into. The mixture of innocence and desire he saw in their depths drove him wild. He was going to make it happen. He was going to claim Zoe right here and right now, on his office desk.

  Zoe blinked when she heard something being torn. Shaking her head slightly, her eyes dropped to see Zach opening a condom packet. She hadn’t even realized that he had moved to retrieve it. She had been put into some kind of trance after starting into his eyes. Should she allow him to go any further? The rush of excitement that coursed through her was the answer she needed. She was going to do this with him. She wanted it; the consequences be damned. She gazed at his thick, hardened length and licked her dry lips. Why not seize the moment?

  She closed her eyes when he stepped closer and pulled her bottom to the edge of the desk. Her eyes flew open when fingers pushed her underwear aside and parted her entrance. Two fingers slipped inside while his thumb circled her sensitive bud. Taking herself and Zach by surprise, she came apart almost instantly. Zoe gasped and shivered, her eyes wide.

  “I’m sorry. It’s um been a while since… you know.”Her cheeks flamed, and she bit down on her lower lip.

  Zach’s lips curled into a grin. He had barely even begun, and she had fallen apart.

  “Amazing,” he mused out loud.

  He removed his fingers, slick with her moisture.

  “You’re ready,” he said.

  “Yes,” came her soft reply.

  When he slowly entered her, Zoe nearly hit the ceiling. Being possessed by Zach in every way was a wonderful feeling. He had taken over her mind since she had met him and now her body was his. Her legs wrapped around his waist, forcing him to enter her fully.

  Zach let out a content sigh, finally buried deep inside Zoe. He began to move, setting a steady pace. Her head fell back, and she let out a moan. The sexy sound was like music to his ears. He framed her face with his palms and captured her lips, swallowing her mewls of pleasure. Reaching down, he slipped his hands under her bottom and lifted slight, tilting her hips back so he could go deeper. His pace quickened.

  Zoe gasped, her breathing becoming erratic. Wrappin
g her arms around him, she held on tightly. Every thrust of his hips brought her closer to the point of rapture.

  “Zach,” she moaned, as she neared her pinnacle.

  Feeling her inner muscles clamp around him, Zach knew she was near. He quickly covered her mouth with his, muffling her cry as she convulsed against him. Continuing with urgent thrusts, he followed closely behind her. He was wracked with shudders as he exploded into oblivion.

  Zoe sagged against him and he rested his forehead against hers. Their breaths mingled, sounding harsh in the quiet room.

  “I can’t believe we just did that,” Zoe finally said.

  “We did and it was amazing,” he drawled. He frowned and stepped back, when he noticed the worry that clouded her features. He helped her off of the desk and to her feet. He cleaned himself up and watched her straighten her clothes. She remained silent. What had brought the look of concern to her face?

  “Don’t worry, no one heard us.”

  “It’s not that.”

  “What is it?”

  She lifted her gaze to his.

  “What exactly are we doing? Or maybe I should ask where this is going?”

  “Well, I would say this means, we’re dating, even though no actual date has happened yet. But it will, tomorrow.”

  “We’re dating? Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun a bit?”

  “Considering that we just had sex before sharing even a meal, I would say it’s safe to jump the gun.”

  He chuckled when she turned a deep shade of pink. Pulling her to him, he kissed her quickly, deeply.

  “I look forward to our first date,” he said.

  Chapter Five

  Zach stared up at the ceiling, his hand idling stroking Zoe’s back. He had taken her back to his Westchester home after dinner. She had been quiet the entire forty minute drive, just as she was quiet now after going another round of mind-blowing love-making. He frowned, wondering why he thought of it as love-making rather than sex. It was always just sex for him. But, it felt different with Zoe. He wondered if she felt the same way. There was no way to tell unless she actually spoke to him.

  “You’re quiet,” he said. Too quiet. Was she having second thoughts about them?

  “Just thinking.” Her words were barely audible.

  “About?”

  “I have had sex with you twice and I don’t know anything about you.”

  Zach grimaced. Now he knew how she felt. It was just sex to her. Swallowing his disappointment, he asked,

  “Would you like me to start rattling off facts?”

  Zoe giggled.

  “No, I know a few facts. The ones listed on Google.”

  “Ah, you have looked me up. I’m flattered.”

  She snorted.

  “I researched the company when I decided to apply for the internship, so don’t get too excited. I know you are twenty-nine and a self-made billionaire, things like that. But who are you really, Zachary Salvatore? What do you like? Do you have any family? Are you naturally arrogant or did that come with the CEO of your own company status?”

  Zach snickered.

  “You think I’m arrogant? I think I’m offended.”

  “Don’t be. Maybe I should have used that word. Your confidence is enough to get you what you want and that’s a good thing.”

  “Hmmm. Thanks.”

  Shifting her in his arms, he began to share.

  “I’m half Italian on my father’s side. I’m an only child and my parents are living in Italy. That’s about all there is to my family story. As to what I like, well, I like you Zoe Preston and I find that I like having you in my bed. I have never brought a woman her before.”

  Zoe lifted her head to give him a shocked stared.

  “Are you being serious?”

  “Quite.”

  He usually invited women to his penthouse apartment in the city, but never his house. Not even his ex-fiancé had ever been there, which always pissed her off. He wondered if he should mention that he was once engaged. He decided not to. There was no need to bring up past relationships, and that was at a time in his life he wished to forget.

  “Oh, um that’s…I have no idea what to say about that.”

  He smiled slightly.

  “There’s no need to say anything. What about you, Zoe? Tell me a bit about yourself.”

  “There’s nothing much to tell, except I have a very loud, interfering, half Caucasian-half African-American family, who I had to move away from to get a little peace and quiet and privacy.”

  Zach chuckled.

  “Sounds great.”

  “I have three younger sisters, all teenagers. Can you just imagine the chaos caused by teenage hormones?” There was obvious love in her tone when she spoke of her family. “I wouldn’t give them up for the world though.”

  “I hope I will get the opportunity to meet your loud, interfering family.”

  Zoe froze. Meeting her family implied a long-term relationship. She wondered if he realized what he just said. Clearing her throat lightly, she said,

  “I can just imagine how embarrassing that would be for me. I can’t afford to have you hear embarrassing stories about my childhood.”

  “Now I’m even more eager to meet them,” he replied with a broad grin.

  Zoe glanced up at him and smiled. She could feel her heart slowly melting and knew she was in big trouble. Giving Zach the power to hurt her was the last thing she had wanted. But, as she got to know him, she found herself falling. Falling into what? Surely not love. She’d only known the man for a week. Needing a distraction, she began to feather kisses across his bare chest.

  Zach sucked in a breath. He could already feel himself hardening.

  “If you keep that up, you know what it will lead to, right.”

  She gave him a mischievous smirk.

  “I’m well aware.”

  She shrieked when he suddenly flipped her over, pinning her beneath him.

  “Minx,” he teased, dipping his head to devour her mouth.

  ***

  Zoe took a deep breath as she approached Jake. He leaned against his car, waiting for her. The parking lot of the diner was empty, as it usually was at night.

  “Well my six hours of torture are finally up,” she joked, stopping in front of him.

  He smiled.

  “I’m happy for you.”

  “How are you, Jake?” She had to ask. Though she saw him every day at work, he barely spoke to her. They haven’t really talked after their argument in the office over four weeks ago. It was torture not being on speaking terms with her dearest friend. She could no longer take it anymore. She had called him and begged him to meet her after work.

  “I’m alright. You?”

  “Not so great. I hate that you won’t talk to me. What have I done? This can’t all be because I allowed Zach- er Mr. Salvatore to take me home over a month ago.”

  “It’s okay Zo. You can call your lover by his first name.”

  “My what?”

  Jake grunted.

  “Did you really think you could date someone without me knowing? I know you better than you know yourself kid.”

  She let out a breath.

  “Okay fine, I’ve been seeing Zach for weeks. What does that have to do with you and me? I want my friend back, for goodness sake.”

  “It has everything to do with you and me Zoe.”

  Her brows furrowed.

  “I know you don’t like him, Jake but that doesn’t mean we have to stop being friends. I don’t even know why you don’t like Zach. You barely know him. I wish you would just give him a chance. You would see-”

  “I can’t give the man a chance, Zo. He literally swooped in and stole you from me.”

  Getting more confused by the minute, Zoe gaped at him. What did he mean by that? How could Zach have stolen her from him? She’s had boyfriends before and they had remained best friends. What was so different now?

  Jake sighed.

  “For God’
s sake, Zoe, you can be so clueless sometimes. I’m in love with you. I have been for some time now.”

  Zoe’s mouth hung open.

  “Oh, Jake, I-I- you never said anything.”

  “If I did, would it have made a difference?”

  Her shoulders sagged and she averted his gaze.

  “That’s what I thought,” he murmured. “I guess I really shouldn’t be upset with you. It wasn’t like we were together and you left me for Salvatore. But, it isn’t easy knowing that I can’t have you now.”

  “Jake, I’m s-”

  “No don’t apologize. None of this is your fault. I’ve had some time to think and I’m getting over it. I’m happy that you’re happy. You seem happy.”

  She nodded.

  “I am.”

  “Good and I apologize for everything I said that day at the office. I’ve seen the way Salvatore looks at you when he thinks no one is watching. He seems to really love.”

  Zoe was surprised by his choice of word. Sure, Zach cared for her, but love? He had never expressed any words of love. She was definitely in love, but she hadn’t said anything either. Deciding not to comment on it, she smiled.

  “Apology accepted. Now, what about us? Are we good?”

  Jakes grinned and ruffled her hair.

  “Yeah, we’re good.”

  “Jake, you know I hate it when you do that.” She laughed and smoothed her hair, immensely relieved that things between them were somewhat normal. They would get past the awkwardness eventually. Hopefully.

  “I don’t see your car. How are you getting home?”

  Zoe answered hesitantly.

  “Uh, Zach will be here to get me soon.

  “Oh God. That’s my cue to leave. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She pursed her lips and nodded.

  Chapter Six

  Zoe tapped her foot, waiting for the elevator to reach the top floor of the hotel, where Zach stayed during the week. She smiled, excited to see him, which was ridiculous since she saw him the day before. They saw a lot of each other, even though her internship was over and she had returned to school. She stayed with him almost every night. She usually came to the hotel after work, which she refused to give up despite his arguments. There was no way she was going to give up her job and depend on a man she had been dating for only three months, even if he was filthy rich.