Chasing Zoe

by Mia Barrett

  Wait, why did he wait all year?

  Staring into the mirror, I pat the glistening sweat on my hairline and scream. On the inside, of course. Gus is going to complain about my tramp ways all the way to Westchester County, but I don’t care. That man did things to my body I didn’t think were possible. He made it look so easy. His mouth. His fingers.

  What the hell have I been doing?

  Slinking out with my back against the wall, I slither back into the main room, a bit flushed, slightly sweaty and almost certainly glowing from multiple orgasms. No one notices. No one cares. I ended things early for nothing.

  Gus and Lila are sitting by the fire, drinking wine, deep in conversation. I stifle a smile. That sly dog. A few feet away, Ivan stands with his hands crossed at his chest and glares at me. He shifts his eyes from me to Gus. I get his meaning. He’s implying “my man” is flirting with another woman, and this is the perfect opportunity to call things off.

  I crease my brow and shrug my shoulders. I just had his mouth between my legs. This is not the time to play jealous girlfriend. Dismissing him with a wave, I walk towards the fire and tap Gus’s boot with mine.

  “Are you still coming to Tarrytown?” I ask quietly, in case he wants to stage a break- up of his own.

  His eyes shoot up. “Sweetheart. Sorry, I didn’t see you there. Yes, of course. Is it time?” He fidgets as he stands. Lila makes him nervous. She’s the only person in the universe who makes Gus Gallagher nervous.

  “We should get going. Traffic might be bad.” I lean down, give Lila a hug and thank her for inviting us.

  She looks sad to see us go. No, she looks sad to see Gus go. Interesting. When she stands to give him an overly enthusiastic hug goodbye, he smirks behind her shoulder.

  No wonder he’s still playing along.

  On our way out, Ivan takes a step towards us, hovering like a vulture near roadkill. I shoot him a side-glance and mouth, “I’ll text you later.”

  He frowns, scowling when I wave goodbye.

  This might cost me. Gee, I wonder if he’s a spanker. I’ve had lots of time to fantasize about this man and as long as he’s not too overzealous, I think I’d like a spanking from Ivan Pavlenko. I even have a director – actress, “you missed your line for the last time” storyline worked out in my head that I’d like to see put into action.

  What a titillating thought.

  Seconds before I walk out the door, I press my luck and mouth, “I love you,” with a grin.

  He scowls and taps his phone.

  It takes me a few minutes to figure out what that means, but on our way to the car I reach for my phone and see his text.

  Ivan: I’ll see you at 10:00. You better be home.

  What a bossy man. He’s lucky I love him.

  Chapter 15

  Ivan

  Zoe’s home. She text shortly before 8:00 and suggested we see a movie at 9:30. I’m dying to be alone with her, but I can do a movie. We should have a real date. I feel bad I didn’t suggest it first. I can’t expect to jump in bed without a proper date. We’ve known each other for years, but not like this. No, this is different.

  This is everything.

  After a shower and change, I race out of my apartment and jump on a train to the east side of the park. There was no mention of her dumping Gus. That’s fine. We’ll discuss it when I arrive. Things must be over if she’s fine being seen in public with me. I’m surprised she doesn’t want to be more discreet. It’s not like it matters to me. I don’t care how she ended things, as long as they’re over.

  That’s not true. I hope they ended badly. Horrifically. I don’t want that asshole in our lives.

  The doorman knows to expect me and lets me pass through. Her place is nice. Much nicer than mine. She told me once it used to belong to her grandmother. It was passed down to her father and he gave it to her. But she bought her apartment in Paris with her own money. She seems to be good with her finances. Never too frivolous. I’ve always liked that. Her father invests her salary and manages her budget. I guess that’s why she’s comfortable taking a break from work. She has the money. You don’t find too many practical people in this business.

  Riding up the elevator, I bounce on the balls of my feet, anxious to see her. She hasn’t left my thoughts. After leaving Lila’s, I worked out for two hours, hoping to burn off extra energy, but I’m still humming. Sitting alone in a dark theater will be torture, but there’s nothing wrong with delayed gratification. She’s already given me more than I expected. Two days ago, I watched her drive away, fearing I lost her for good. Waiting a few more hours is nothing.

  I knock twice and she appears at the door. Bright-eyed. Wide smile. Tight turtleneck sweater and skirt. I’m dead.

  “You look beautiful.” I stammer as she waves me in.

  “Don’t be silly. This is winter wear. A blizzard is coming in by morning. Haven’t you heard?” She points to the leggings under her skirt and a pair sensible boots by the door. Adorable.

  “A blizzard? No. It’s just a snowstorm.” I correct her, then reach for my phone. Blizzard warning. Damn.

  Now that we’re alone. After a day of teasing and intrusions, I pounce. Closing the distance between us, I pull her into my arms. “I missed you, brat.”

  “Me? Brat? No, I’m perfect.” She smiles, laces her arms around my neck and melts into me. My heart soars having her so close, so willing. I don’t want to leave this room for days.

  The smell of her perfume sparks a thousand memories of a thousand times I’ve wanted to stand this close and kiss her full lips. Nothing is stopping me now. Drawing near, I breathe her in, smother her lips and lose myself in Zoe. Every kiss captivates me. Every hum and moan sends a rush that thickens my cock. With her supple breasts crushed against my chest, and her fingers winding through my hair, I fear I may lose my mind and carry her to bed.

  But she pulls away. “The movie! We should go!”

  I growl as I let her go. “Aren’t you worried about the blizzard?”

  She jumps into her boots and grabs her coat. “The theater is close. It isn’t a long movie. The heavy snow won’t come in until early morning and we could be trapped for a few days. This is our chance to get out of the house for a bit. Come on!”

  I follow her out, too distracted to ask her the biggest question on my mind. After zipping my coat to hide my erection, I take her hand and lead her out.

  When we reach the street, I spin her around to face me and kiss her nose.

  “Hey.” I somehow stutter a one-syllable word.

  “Hey, Ivan.” She grins. “You want to know, right?”

  I nod.

  “He and I are close friends. We were just testing the waters to see if there’s more. I ended things. He knows how I feel about you.” She reaches up and kisses me. “Does that sound good to you?”

  “It does. I love you, Zoe. I should have said that earlier.”

  She tilts her head and gives me a strange look.

  “We should go. We have seats, but I want popcorn.”

  “Aren’t you full from today?” I grasp her hand tightly and bring it to my lips.

  “Surprisingly, no.”

  Chapter 16

  Zoe

  “Let’s go.”

  Ivan lifts our coats, grips my hand and leads me out of the darkened theater. The movie is only half-way through, but he’s had all he can take. It’s not my fault. He started it. He should have never placed my hand on his hard-on.

  It’s not like I touched skin!

  But I was mesmerized. Amazed. Stupefied. I knew he’d be big. He’s tall. He’s broad. It would look strange if he wasn’t above average and if I’m being perfectly honest, I’ve stolen a few peeks at his bulge over the years. If it looks big when it’s flaccid, you know it’s going to win awards fully erect. But Ivan. No, Ivan was beyond my expectations. Once I felt it through his jeans, I couldn’t stop. I lost all sense of reason. I wanted to see just how hard it could get.

  Well, I found o
ut. He reached his limit and we’re on our way back to my place.

  It’s snowing, but we march through with purpose, zigzagging our way through late-night tourists grabbing reinforcements for the storm. When the elevator doors close, he tackles me. Sliding his big hands into my coat, he covers my breasts and crashes his mouth into mine. My body awakens. Every cell tingles and vibrates with ecstasy. I’ve waited years for this moment. Every erotic dream, every illicit fantasy my imagination has ever conjured involved this beautiful man and tonight I get to make one little part of it come true.

  He’s already blown my mind once. No, four times with an appetizer. Zoe Burton is ready for the main entrée.

  I fumble for my keys and unlock my door. Two steps in, he tugs off my coat and carries me to my bedroom. We kiss. We grope. I fondle while I undress him, finally feasting my eyes on his chiseled chest. There are no words. His pecs are incredible. His abs indescribable. The thin tangle of hair leading south makes my fingers tremble when I pop the button and unzip his jeans. Wanting to move things along, he pulls them down with his boxers and he’s so hard, his cock springs out and slaps against his abdomen. I grow dizzy. The size. The girth. I need to bite my lip to keep my mouth from falling open.

  He’s going to destroy me. But it will be worth it.

  I’m so entranced, I’m not sure how my clothes come off. Ivan does it all. Boots fly. My sweater is toast. My skirt and leggings come off in one pull. Crawling on the bed, smiling sweetly, he brings his lips to mine and for a few moments, we lose ourselves. Our hearts beat wildly as one and I eagerly surrender to his roaming mouth.

  When his mouth finds my nipples, I gasp and arch my back into him, urging him on, whimpering with every sensation, pain mixing with pleasure, love mixing with lust. His teeth graze my taut nipples. His fingers sink into my wet folds, circling my clit, getting me ready for so much more.

  “I love you.” He groans and presses his body against mine. There’s no space between us, but he fights to come closer, sealing his body to mine. His heat radiates into me and a fire within spreads to every part of my being. When our eyes lock, they blaze. Something is unleashed. Something I’ll never be able to contain again.

  My heart is home.

  “Do you really love me, Zoe?”

  Overcome with emotion, I whimper my reply. “You know I do. I always have.”

  “I haven’t been with anyone in two years. Not since I fell for you. You were worth the wait.” He smiles, spreads my thighs and drags his tongue down my slit.

  “Ivan!” I pant, stammering through moans.

  “I’ve never been with anyone. Not ever. I waited for you.”

  His head pops up.

  Chapter 17

  Ivan

  “What?” My heart stops.

  Did she say she was a virgin?

  “Are you mad? Is it weird?” She blushes and covers her face with her hands.

  “I don’t deserve you, Zoe.” I swallow the knot in my throat.

  The thought had occurred to me. It was a fantasy. One I kept close to my heart. But after seeing her with Gus, I dismissed it as impossible. He’s a man. Why didn’t he have sex with her? I’m not going to think about it too long. That is not something I want in my head. Maybe, he’s not as big of an asshole as I imagine.

  “Are you sure about this?” My eyes sweep over the sight of her virgin pussy. My heart thunders. My pulse roars in my ears. What the hell did I ever do to deserve this?

  She nods and extends her arms. “I need you, Ivan.”

  “I need you, too. But first I need to make you feel good.”

  Calming myself, I take long licks and swirl my tongue over her clit. She gasps and rocks her hips, but I hold her still, teasing her before moving back to her clit and slipping it between my lips. Suckling it deep, I listen to her shriek, as she trembles with pleasure.

  “Are you going to come for me?” I groan as I dip my tongue inside her. Her taste consumes me. This could be my last meal. I could eat her all day, every day.

  Her breath catches. “Yes! Fuck! Ivan!” She tenses, pulls my hair and presses her pussy against my face. Howling wildly, she screams my name as her honey drips into my mouth.

  And I lose all control.

  I climb her curves and she tugs me to her, sealing her swollen lips to mine. Growling with hunger, I kiss her deep and try to temper the roaring in my brain. I need her now. I can’t wait one second more. But I need to be gentle. She’s mine. This girl is mine. She’s precious.

  But fuck, she’s so wet and her big tits are jiggling right in my face.

  “Ivan, please. I can’t wait.” She spreads her legs wider and wraps them high around my waist. She’s not making this easy.

  I pull away and rise to my knees. “I love you, Zoe. I want to be with you, okay?”

  She nods. “I want to be with you. I love you.” She bites her lip and lets one hand trace the curve of her breast before tugging her nipple for my viewing pleasure.

  “Okay, that’s enough.” I lean in and run my cock through her folds, dragging it through her slit until it makes contact with her clit. I would tease her, but I can’t. My need is great.

  I slide in, one inch at a time. Her face grows pale and she latches on to my biceps. My mind spins. She’s so tight. Unfathomably, tight. Heavenly, tight. For her sake, I stop, fearful I’m hurting her, but she spreads her legs wider and lifts her legs on either side of me, coaxing me forward.

  “Are you okay, sweetheart?” My voice rasps. She feels so fucking good, I can’t stop. I glide in further even as I ask.

  “Keep going, Ivan. Split me open. I’ve wanted this for so long. Don’t you dare fucking stop.” Her cries turn feral as I sink all the way in. Moaning with desire, she begs for more.

  “Zoe, fuck.” My heart soars every time she cries my name. She feels like heaven, but I want to make her feel good. I want to make her come with my cock.

  “Oh god, Ivan. Please.” Our mouths crash and while our tongue dance, my cock drives deep inside her. Claiming her. Making her mine, forever.

  Nothing has ever felt half this good. I know nothing ever will.

  My muscles tighten with each plunge. The more I thrust, the wilder she becomes. She writhes and thrashes, panting with pleasure until she arches her back and tenses in a fit of spasms, one following another.

  But I keep going.

  “Say you’re mine, Zoe.” I cup her breasts and cover her tight nipple with my mouth. First one and then the other. The deeper I suckle, the harder they get.

  “I’m yours, Ivan. Always.”

  “Are you on birth control?” I’m so close, I don’t want to pull out.

  She nods and whimpers. “Since I turned eighteen. For you.”

  Jesus Christ, I could kick myself. Hard. In the head.

  Groaning with anger and loss over the last year, I move inside her, stretching her open, plunging harder until I feel her pussy milk my cock, gripping it so tight that I finally crumble and fall into her arms. Zoe’s arms. My Zoe.

  This is exactly where I want to be. I’m never leaving.

  Chapter 18

  Zoe

  “I want you out. Just leave, Ivan.” I clench my fist in the air and slam the bathroom door. I don’t lock it, because I anticipate an apology. A big one.

  A giant one!

  Fifteen seconds later, he swings the door open, still naked from sex. We’ve been cooped up for two days in this blizzard, having sex like bunnies in every nook and cranny of my apartment and he’s just confessed he had no intention of sharing his feelings for another fucking year. That’s why he offered me the job. He wanted to keep me earmarked and mothballed for later use.

  That rat!

  “You rat!” I throw a towel at him and start the shower. Covering my breasts with my hands, I’ve decided he doesn’t deserve to see them. He’s trash.

  He rushes over and tries to hug me, but I turn away. “I loved you.”

  “I said I’m sorry. I’m an idiot. I regret it.
You know I regret it. Please, forgive me. And what do you mean, loved me?” He protests my tense.

  “Yes, I loved you for years and you were going to keep me hanging just because you were embarrassed by my age. Yet, seeing me with sweet Gus, got you over your humiliation.” I push him away and jump into the shower.

  He gasps and follows me in. “You better take that back.”

  I crease my brow. “Which part?”

  “You know which part.” He grasps my waist and slams me against his chest.

  “He is sweet. He’s a sweet man. I should have seen things through with him.” I scowl and grab my body wash.

  “That’s a terrible thing to say, Zoe.” He throws me a sad look.

  “Oh, shut up! I cried over you. I was heartbroken. I didn’t think you’d ever love me.” I point a finger and lead him into the shower wall. “As soon as this blizzard is over, I’m leaving for London with Gus.”

  His jaw drops.

  This has been in the works for weeks. Gus and I have a premiere to attend in London in five days. It’s in all the news. We have press junkets. This is an Oscar contender. I thought he’d catch on right away.

  “The hell you are!” He drags me to him and lifts me up against the wall.

  “Hey, jerk! Shampoo!” I wipe my eyes as suds drip into my face.

  “You’re not going to London, Zoe. You can’t play around like this. We’ve made love for two days. I said I’m sorry. I am. It wasn’t just embarrassment about dating a teenager. I want a lot of things with you. I want to marry you and have a family. I wanted to make sure you were ready for those things.... you brat.” He presses his lips to mine and then reaches for a hand towel to wipe my face.

  My heart melts a little. Only a little. It’s not like he asked me to marry him. Did he?