Daniel insisted on coming up with me after leading me to the complex. I refused to talk to him until he held the door open to let me in. "I can't afford this..."
He grimaced and ushered me in, so he could close the door. "You can... Lori made sure of that."
I looked at the space already furnished, a view of the town, state of the art kitchen. "Daniel... I ca-"
He grabbed my shoulders. "Listen to me, please. It's hard enough that you didn't want to stay at the house. I want you to be safe and not have to worry about some stuff."
I frowned. "I can't pay you back for any of this for a very long time, Daniel. I ca-"
He rubbed my arms. "It's gated, neighbors are for the most part quiet, fewest crimes in the area to date. This is the safest place for you, Cerulean. You're a young woman, by yourself."
I bit my lip, he didn't have to point that out. "Bu-"
"It's close to school and whichever job you choose."
"I don't need the fur-"
He sighed. "It stays, save your money for more important things like books."
I scowled at his chest. "You're not giving me a choice are you?"
I tensed when he pulled me into a hug. Too close... "You have a choice... this is just your best option. You're not at the house and I know you have little to worry about as far as housing."
I stepped away from him looking everywhere, but his face. "I guess..."
He caught my chin in his finger, making me look at him. "It is."
I pressed my lips together, resigning to defeat. "Thank you..."
He smiled. "You're welcome."
His gaze shifted down and I pulled my face from his hand. "You should go..."
I could almost feel his disappointment. "Yeah..."
I was growing restless with him just standing there, so I turned and went to look around. I pursed my lips as I ran my hand along the sectional and look at the huge TV. I don't need such expensive stuff...
I shook my head and went to what I assumed was the bedroom. I bit my lip the decor was nice blues and browns, not my style but I couldn't complain. The bed was king sized, dressers looked to be real wood, with soft carpet throughout. I paid for none of it and it didn't sit right with me. "You don't like it."
I jumped. Why is he so close? "I do, it's just..." I sighed. "Too much. I would have happy with a tiny studio with a couch. I did nothing to deserve even that."
I tensed as hands caressed my shoulders. "Don't worry about all of that, just enjoy this."
I chewed at my lip. "I'll find a way to pay you back one day."
He chuckled, making my spine tingle. "No need."
I frowned. "Bu-" I jerked away when lips touched my neck and glared at him. "Stop."
He bit his lip. "Sorry."
I averted my gaze and touched the place he kissed. "You need to go. I'm sure your wife is loving how to explain your pet to your parents."
He frowned and pulled me against him. "Why you do insist on bringing them into this?"
I raised my eyebrows. "Don't like the reminder? Too fucking bad, you have a wife and a pet. That's the truth."
He looked away from me, but kept my body against his. "One day you won't have that excuse."
My heart stilled, he couldn't be serious. "I'm not a home wrecker. Don't you dare say you're letting them both go because of me."
His eyes widen. "You'd need a home to wreck to be that."
I tried to get away. "Going from married to divorced to me? Yeah... okay..."
He licked his lips. "I lied to you last night."
"About?"
He met my gaze. "It wasn't the last time."
***
I grabbed her face as she tried to turn away and pressed my lips against hers. I felt her press them together as her jaw tightened, I didn't care. She needed to know she was my choice, even if it meant turning my life upside down, she was worth it.
Cerulean stopped breathing as her fist clenched. Stop fighting, dammit. I trailed my fingers down her neck and smiled when she gasped so I could taste her mouth. Finally, she relaxed, but only for a moment when she bit me. I groaned as the pain mingled with pleasure and she moved her tongue along mine.
When she fisted her hands into my shirt, I pulled back and searched her face. She was dazed and confused, panting as she bit her lip. I pulled it from her teeth. "I don't care what others think, I know the truth."
She blinked several times, trying to get herself together. "I don't want this."
I kissed her softly, she didn't resist this time. "Don't?"
She closed her eyes and shook her head as she backed away from me. "Don't, can't... what's the difference?" She glared at me. "You need to leave."
I heaved a breath, I knew I was making her life harder, but I'd fight to be a part of it. "Give me your phone."
She looked at me, surprised. "What?"
I sighed. "Just to put my number in it, in case you need anything."
She frowned. "You've done more than enough."
I rolled my eyes and went into the kitchen, she stayed rooted in her spot as she watched. I found some paper and wrote my number on it. "Call of you need anything, I'm serious."
She crossed her arms, not moving. It took everything in me not to scoop her up and kiss her again, but I could only push so much. I bit my lip, shaking my head, going out the door. "I'll call to check on you later."
I leaned against the door as I closed it. Why me? Why did she have to fight everything that I did for her? Why couldn't she ju- I smiled softly as I realized that I wasn't used to someone not wanting things from me.
Cerulean fought me tooth and nail because she didn't want hand outs, she wanted to earn it. That's the only reason I even considered Lori's idea of letting her pay any rent at all. She set it up so all other bills were sent to her and I could pay those without her knowing, until she started asking questions.
I felt like shit the whole drive home, but made sure my face didn't show it as I walked in and set my keys aside. My preference would have been to stay with Cerulean or she came back with me, neither were viable options as I saw everyone was waiting for me in the den. I steeled myself and joined them, pretending to be happy when all I wanted to do was leave.
YOU ARE READING
Against All Odds
Short StoryComplacency was never an option. Why live miserably comfortable rather than take happiness with your own hands? Is it really worth the risk? What could possibly be worth the sacrifice? What could make one even consider it, when all the odds are...