Love's Hiding

by Karen Deen

  “No matter how much I know about you, every time I learn a little more, you manage to show how exceptional you really are. You’ve been hiding this too long, Zoe. It’s time for the world to know how amazing you are. I want to take you out on to the street and scream to anyone who will listen. This girl here, is fucking amazing. I will keep yelling until everyone hears. The world needs to know. More importantly, you need to believe it.”

  He was crazy, but I already knew that. Little did Luke understand, I didn’t want to be amazing, I just wanted to be normal and fit in like everyone else, just to be one of the crowd.

  “I think that is a little overboard, Luke. I’m nothing special.”

  “Woah. Stop. That’s where you’re wrong. You are so special to me. That’s all that counts. Let’s face it, no one matters except me. We just established I’m king of the world.” Taking my face between his hands, and held me tight so I couldn’t look away. His voice was soft and smooth. “Zoe, I promise to show you how special you are. It will be my mission until the day I die, to cherish you like the queen you are. I know you want to tackle this world on your own, but let me stand beside you, and travel the journey holding your hand for when you need me.”

  That was it. There was no holding back the big tears now. I broke down in Luke’s arms, sobbing and letting go of everything that had been building up inside for so long. That was all I’d ever wanted. Someone to lean on when things got hard. Someone to care.

  “I want that. I just don’t know how to do it.”

  “Then, let me show you. First step is, we’re going to take a shower. Yes, baby. Together. Then we’re going to dress comfortably, order take out and camp out on the lounge and talk. We need to get know each other.”

  “Sounds like bliss. I think I already know you pretty well.” Things had been so intense, I wanted to change directions. Rubbing my hand down his chest, I continued down until I felt him, hard as steel. “We met a few times before.”

  “Shower now,” he growled, smacking my ass as I got up to head into the bathroom. “You are about to get to know me all over again. More than once, if you’re lucky.”

  I had a feeling my life just got a whole lot more interesting. We had a long way to go and so much to discuss. Tonight, however, I decided I just wanted to forget it all.

  Luke

  Shower sex was one of my favorite past times. The contrast of getting into the shower to get clean, when you spent all your time being dirty. Tonight, didn’t disappoint. No matter where it happened, sex with Zoe would always be hot and a little dirty.

  I left her to get dressed into some of my clothes. I had to leave the room, otherwise we would be ordering dinner at midnight. Seeing her in one of my shirts and track pants would be enough to make me want to strip her out of them again. There was nothing hotter than your girl wearing your clothes. Well, maybe naked, that always took first place in my book.

  The soft padding of her feet down the stairs put my senses on alert. Pouring a glass of wine each to settle the nerves sounded like a good idea at first, but now, I just really felt like a beer. For some reason, it was the universal drink of a man who’d just had scorching hot sex. Like the drink of champions.

  Holding both up to Zoe so she could decide, I expected her to take the wine.

  “That beer looks amazing, thanks.” Propping herself up on the kitchen stool, she smirked, looking at my stunned face.

  “I wouldn’t have picked you for a beer lover, Zoe. Most girls are into wine or spirits. Can I just say how sexy it is to have you sitting in my clothes, in my kitchen, drinking my beer? The only thing that can top this, will be you sitting in my shirt and nothing else, eating breakfast in my kitchen tomorrow morning.”

  Zoe laughed so hard she spat her beer over the bench. Drawing in her breath, she said, “There’s that big ego again. You really need to put a leash on it. One day it will run away with itself and get you into trouble, big boy.” Still choking slightly on the beer, she grinned, wiping her mouth.

  “You’re in trouble for that one. I’m keeping count, you know. I have the memory of an elephant. So, watch out.”

  Again, the beer dribbled down her chin. “What’s so funny now?”

  “Well, I was going to say something about part of your body being like an elephant but it’s not your memory.”

  Now I couldn’t hold it in any longer. Doubling over laughing, we both just let it all out. Tears ran down her face and I had water in my eyes.

  “Fuck, Zoe, I had no idea you’re such a comedian. Where have you been hiding all this wit?”

  Pulling herself together, she took a few deep breaths, finally able to speak. “Why? Does the king of comedy feel threatened?”

  I started inching closer, keen to tickle her into my arms, but the front gate buzzer broke my plan. Zoe jumped at the noise, suddenly concerned.

  “Dinner. Hope you like Italian. I feel like a good feed of pasta. Plus, you’ll need the energy for later.” Buzzing the driver through the gate, I head to the door, leaving Zoe to absorb my words. That’s right, little lady. This was just the beginning of our crazy.

  I never thought a casual meal and drinking beer, sitting around the kitchen, could be so perfect. We sat, we ate, we talked, with everything occurring so easy between us. It was effortless.

  “Should I go now?” She looked shyly at me, not knowing where she stood.

  “No,” I said, more forceful than intended. “No, Zoe, stay the night with me. I want to wake up with you in my arms.” I gripped her waist, drawing her close. “I know today has been massive. Although, I think I’ve made it pretty clear I want you in my bed for more hot sex, just laying with you in my arms will be perfect. I don’t need any more unless you want it.” Her forehead dropped to my chest. I could almost hear thoughts churning in her brain.

  “Come, let’s get you into bed and we can get some sleep. Tomorrow morning, might just be a different story, so let’s get some rest.” Cupping Zoe’s ass, I hoisted her around my waist. “Hang on tight, baby.”

  “Like my life depends on it,” she whispered. I was unsure if those words were meant for my ears, but my heart did a little celebration dance. She does want me, just like I wanted her. That I was certain of.

  21

  Luke

  WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT, the best sleep remedy was as simple as orgasms, and crazy sex that had you dripping in sweat? I didn’t know the time when we drifted off to sleep but I remembered laying there for a while just watching Zoe breathe, her head on my chest and tucked in tightly around my body, legs wrapped in mine. I hung on that little bit tighter ensuring she didn’t disappear while I slept.

  Last night must have worn her out. The sun had been peeking through the curtains for a little while, Zoe asleep still in the same position. She looked peaceful and I hoped being here with me had given her comfort. I wanted her to feel safe with me.

  I couldn’t resist any longer. My hands wandered down her back and over her ass. Just softly, like the touch of a feather, I traced the beautiful curves of her body. My fingers stopped at the tattoo. The one that belonged to me, or at least it felt like it did. That little girl was on her back to ensure I found Zoe again. She was going to be the symbol of two new beginnings. One for Zoe and one for me. Today was the start of our new beginning together.

  “You like her, don’t you?” A soft raspy voice came from my chest.

  “I love her because she’s a part of you.” My head tried to catch up to the words. Was that how I felt about Zoe? Was it too soon to feel that way? I couldn’t rationalize the thought so I put it to the side.

  “Mmm, you feel so good as my pillow.” Zoe was obviously only half awake because she didn’t flinch at my answer, so I guessed she hadn’t heard it properly.

  “Glad to know I’m good for something.” Leaning down I kissed the top of her head and lingered, taking in the sensation. “Morning, my kitten. You’re curled up just like a little kitty cat would be. I wonder if I can make you purr like one, too.�
�� She gently smacked me on the chest and I knew she was fully awake.

  “My pussy is all purred out, thank you very much, mister. She had quite the workout last night.” Looking up now to see my face, a blush colored her cheeks. “Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Good to hear. I’m happy to be of service.” Shifting so she lay on body, I could see her face properly. “Zoe, last night was amazing. I have dreamed of this for so long, having you here with me, that I’m worried I’ll wake up shortly and you’ll disappear. Please tell me this is real, that you’re really here and not going to run away again.”

  Her face lowered to me, our lips softly kissing and moving in sync. As per usual with us, it seemed, our kisses never stayed soft and gentle for long. Tongues pushing forward, we deepened the kiss, hands exploring each other. We touched, stroked, and groped. There was no holding back.

  “Zoe, are you okay? You aren’t too sore? I will stop if you need.” I didn’t know if I really could stop, but a gentleman always offered.

  “If you stop now, you better get ready to listen to my complaining until you start again. Get on with it.” Zoe giggled and straddled me. “Or perhaps, I’ll just get on it instead.”

  “All yours, baby. Take what you want. It belongs to you now anyway.” With that, I thrust up as she eased me home. In that split second, all my fear from the dream was gone. I was now living the dream. I hoped we could keep on dreaming together.

  With a nice sheen of sweat covering us both, a shower was next on the agenda. Then food, because I was starving. If there was one thing that worked up an appetite, it was physical exertion. I certainly did my fair share of that over the last twelve hours. Dragging a sleepy Zoe into the bathroom, I stopped at the sound of my cell ringing. Looking down at her, I contemplated if I were to ignore it.

  “It’s okay, answer it. It might be Lilly cock-blocking you again.”

  “I swear to God, if it is, this will be her last chance.” Chuckling I picked up my phone from the nightstand to see Grant’s number. That was strange. He would never call me this early on a weekend.

  “Bro.”

  “Get to Zach’s farm, now. The twins are missing. We need you in the truck. Meet me there.” With that, he hung up.

  “Fuck!” Dropping my cell, I scrambled for my boxers on the floor and searched for my jeans.

  “Luke, what is it? What’s wrong?” Zoe stood in the bathroom looking concerned.

  “The twins are missing on the farm. I’ve got to go. Stay here, I’ll be back.”

  “No, I’ll come and help.”

  “No!” It came out gruff. “I won’t have time to explain why you are with me. Stay, I will call you as soon as we’ve found them. Just. Don’t. Leave.” Grabbing her face, I smacked a kiss on her and ran from the bedroom to go find my little mates. They had to be okay. Nothing could happen to them. It would kill Emily. Zach would blame himself and the rest of us would be devastated. They had already become such a huge part of our family for two tiny little kids. I needed more information, so as I screeched out the driveway, I dialed Dad’s number, hoping to get more answers as to what the hell was going on.

  Zoe

  Pacing the bedroom, I couldn’t calm down. I wanted to be there to help. Luke didn’t even give me time to work it out, instead, he just screamed out of here. Why didn’t he want to take me with him? We could have made a story up. Maybe he was ashamed to tell his family what was happening. Maybe he was just all talk.

  Stop this.

  Why do you always look at the negative? You were the one who had been panicking about Grant and the family finding out about you. Luke was protecting you. Plus, he didn’t have time to think. His main priority was to go to help. Now, pull your shit together, Zoe. Have a shower and wait to hear from Luke. There was nothing else to be done.

  The shower didn’t settle me. A quick wash was all that I managed. I worried about little Sophia and Samuel. What could have happened to them so early in the morning? I hadn’t seen them much, but I felt like I knew them so well from the amount Zach talked about them. My heart and stomach grew restless just thinking about them lost or hurt. They were so tiny.

  Searching the cupboards for a coffee mug was much harder in Luke’s kitchen than my own. It only took two steps to cover my whole kitchen. Luke’s could fit my whole apartment inside his. Finally hitting the jackpot, I decided a cup of tea would be better. My head was in the pantry searching for tea bags when a voice startled me from behind.

  “No wonder he blew me off this weekend, when he has you for company, darlin’.” I backed into the pantry as far as I could, feeling for anything I could use as a weapon.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” I screamed. “Get out of my house.” In a panic, I stumbled over my words. “I’ll call the police.”

  “Your house, hey? I’m sure my mate, Luke, owns this house. Built it from scratch, actually. Now let’s get the introductions out of the way so you can calm the fuck down.” He walked toward me, confidently.

  “Stop right there. Don’t move. Don’t come near me. I don’t give a fuck who you are.”

  “Woah, darlin’. Calm down. My name is Andrew. I’m Luke’s best mate. My guess is you’re Zoe? The chick that’s had his head spinning for some time now. Pleased to see he pulled his cock out of his hand and finally worked out how to use it.”

  “How dare you speak to me like that. You don’t know me, and you certainly don’t know Luke like you say you do, if you speak about him that way.” My breathing faltered while working out how to get away from the jerk. I knew the first time I heard about Andrew, I didn’t like him. Now my suspicions had been proven correct.

  “Honey, that is where you’re wrong. I have known him a very long time and I know just how much of a whoring ass he is.”

  This guy was all class.

  “I think you should leave and come back later. Luke will be home any minute and he can call you. How did you get in through the gate, anyway?”

  “It was wide open, ready to let anyone in. He must not be too worried about your safety, hey, darlin’?” My blood was boiling. He was such a dick. Who did he think he was?

  “Leave now and I’ll tell Luke you called in.”

  He smirked at my response.

  “I think I’ll just wait for him to get back. I’ve come to visit for the weekend. He wouldn’t meet me in Vegas, so I came to see him. Now, I see he’s been busy. It’s okay, though, you can make me a coffee while I wait.” Sitting down on a kitchen stool, he had no intention of moving. I needed to get out of there. This guy gave off weird vibes and I didn’t like him. I didn’t feel safe being alone with him.

  “Fine, I’m going upstairs for a minute.” I edged across the kitchen, never turning my back on him. I took off up the stairs to Luke’s room. Collecting my things, I snuck back down the stairs and into the garage ensuring Andrew didn’t see me. Luke had left in such a rush, he must have left the front gate open and the roller door up on the garage. I slid into the Mercedes, closing and locking the door. I started the car and backed out of the driveway in one quick move. I was going to wait at home until I heard from Luke that the twins were safe. Then I’d explain about his visitor and apparent house guest for the weekend. I wasn’t sure he was the guest Luke had in mind to be sleeping at his house and filling up his time this weekend. Andrew should have asked before he just lobbed up to the house. Maybe that’s what friends did. I’d never really had any close enough to find out. Either way, I didn’t feel safe in the house with him. Over the years, I’d become very good at reading people and their body language. I knew who to avoid, who scared me, and of course, who I could trust. There weren’t many of the latter type. Most of the trustworthy people came from one family, the Stevensons. Andrew would never fall into that category. Not even close.

  Pulling into my apartment parking lot, a few lone tears fell down my cheeks. This was how my life always turned out. When something looked good and I felt positive, someone else trampled all over it. I was
stupid to think I could be happy with nothing to worry about. Getting out of the car, noise of children playing snapped me out my self-pity, reminding me of the twins. They were more important than anything, especially me. I needed to focus on that and send positive energy to Luke to find them quickly. Stay safe, little ones. Let Uncle Luke find you and bring you home.

  Luke

  I still didn’t know what had happened to make Sammy and Sophia run away in the early hours of the morning, apparently looking for another place to live. They had been gone from the house for two hours, gaining a head start. I may bitch about Grant all the time, but we both worked perfectly as a team, scanning the woods near the creek. My greatest fear was that the kids had gone down to the water and something bad had happened.

  I didn’t have any children to know that parent-child bond. I could imagine poor Emily would be beside herself with worry and fear. Grant and I stopped dead in our tracks, catching each other’s attention at the sound of a little voice, talking non-stop, and the faint sobs coming from one frightened little girl. Breaking through the trees, my heart took the biggest sigh of relief as they both turned to see us. Sophia ran straight to Grant, climbing him like a monkey. Sammy looked sheepishly at me, kicking the dirt, not knowing how much trouble he was in. I couldn’t give a shit what they did, I was just glad to see them safe. Before I knew it, I had Sammy safely wrapped in my arms, and we were in the ute on the way back to the house.