Claimed by You, page 4
“What... What are you doing here?” I ask, my words coming out rushed and full of disbelief.
I'm fairly certain that I am dreaming right now and yet, I know it's real.
“You needed time.” He says, a slow smile turning up the corners of his mouth. “You about done with that?”
“What?” I don't know if I am asking a question or just simply too beside myself to form any other words.
“I meant what I said Scar. I'm not letting you go again.” He says, his smile boarding wicked as he takes another step towards me.
“This is crazy.” I stutter out, taking a step backwards. “You can't...... You can't just show up here and expect..... Expect..... Why are you even here?”
“I thought I made my intentions clear Scarlett, but if you need me to be more specific. You. I'm here for you.” He says, once again taking a step towards me.
This time, I can't seem to make my feet move and I stay rooted to the ground beneath me. My mind is racing with questions, with confusion. Honestly, everything just feels like too much. And yet, not enough at the same time.
For years I have dreamed of this. Of Westin showing up, finding me, claiming me to be his. It's all I have ever wanted. But even still, I can't process it. None of this makes any sense.
“I don't...” I break off, shaking my head gesturing for him to not come any closer. “Westin... I... We..... We don't even know each other anymore. You can't honestly think that you would just come here and I would jump at the chance to be with you.”
“No. I didn't expect you to make it easy on me.” He says, his eyes dancing across my face.
“You need to go.” I say, his statement sending the anger that has been brewing for ten years to the surface.
This man has no idea what he put me through. And now here he is, ready to force his way back into my life and for what? So he can destroy it the same way he did ten years ago? Thanks but no thanks.
“Scar....” He reaches for me but I take another step backwards, my feet finally able to move again.
“Don't.” I say, side stepping past him and quickly making my way to the bakery door. He lets me get to the two step staircase before his hand closes around my forearm, causing me to whip around.
“Scarlett. I flew across the country to see you. Can't you at least give me the opportunity to talk to you, explain things?” His voice is pleading now, the playfulness gone.
I stand there for what feels like an eternity. Staring into the blue eyes that I once thought held my future, my happiness.
The silence is deafening and dances around us, neither one of us able to speak through the sudden thickness that has settled around us like a bubble.
“Why?” I ask, seeing him flinch when he registers the pain in my voice.
“Why did I leave?” He asks, reaching out to brush a stray hair away from my face.
“Why should I trust that you won't do the same thing again? Why are you doing this to me after all these years? And yes Westin, why did you leave?” I fight back a sob.
Nothing could have prepared me for the swell of emotions that would overtake me at the opportunity to get to ask the one question that I have wanted to ask for the last ten years.
“I will tell you anything you want to know Scar. I will answer every question. I will do anything.” He says, trailing the back of his hand down my cheek causing heat to flood my body.
“Just give me a chance.” His voice lowers to a whisper and like a light switch, my resolve just melts away.
I want this. No matter how hesitant I may be. No matter how afraid. There is no denying how badly I want this. How badly I have wanted this for years.
But that doesn't mean that I am ready to just forget about the past and throw caution to the wind. The fact still remains that I know nothing about him anymore and I will not risk everything I have worked so hard for.
But he's here now. I don't see the problem with at least giving him the chance to explain to me why he's here and what exactly he's after.
“Are you hungry?” The words just kind of come out without me actually meaning to say them and a smile immediately lights up his impossibly handsome face.
“Famished.” He replies, for the first time since coming back into my life, smiling like he's genuinely happy.
That carefree playful smile that I swore at the age of sixteen, I could look at forever. The smile that makes every problem in the world seem a little less important. The smile that causes my skin to prickle and my heart to race.
I can't help but smile back at him. Even though I know he's twenty-eight years old, right now in this moment, he looks a lot like the eighteen year old I fell in love with.
“Come on.” I say, turning back around and making my way to the door, sliding my key in the lock before pushing my way inside.
I flip on the lights next to the door and make my way to the back counter, tossing down my keys and bag before turning back to face him.
He doesn't meet my gaze right away. Instead, his eyes travel over every inch of the bakery before finally making his way to my face.
“You own this?” He phrases his question like he already knows the answer. Clearly he's checked up on me.
“Me and Aunt Kari. Yes.”
“It's incredible Scar. I can't believe you actually did it.” He says, making his way towards me and leaning against the back counter, elbows resting on the spotless glass as he gazes at me with an intensity that leaves me feeling squeamish and antsy.
“I did.” I say, not able to feel anything but extremely proud as I look around my little bakery. I think this is the first time since we bought the space that I am truly realizing what an accomplishment this is.
When I look back at Westin, his eyes are fixed firmly on me, making me feel extremely self conscious.
“What?” I question, not sure what else to say.
“You're beautiful.” His words are soft but leave no question about his sincerity. My heart picks up speed and I feel a sudden panic to break the moment before things get to a point where I can't stop them.
I may be strong but I'm not stupid. I am fully aware of my lack of judgment in this man's presence. Hell, a week ago I would have probably let him fuck me outside against a wall had Chloe and Jacob not come out.
I blush at the memory and quickly push away from the counter and make my way back towards the kitchen. I can feel Westin follow behind me, but I don't turn around to look at him. Instead, I open the industrial sized refrigerator and start rummaging through the contents for something to eat.
Even though it's a bakery, I still cook other things here as well, usually just for me but regardless, I still keep the kitchen well stocked.
“What do you want to eat?” I ask, pulling out a pound of boneless chicken breast and laying the package on the counter behind me.
“Surprise me.” He says, leaning against the large island that takes up nearly half of the center of the floor, where I do most of my creating.
“Okay..... Well what don't you like?” I ask, turning to face him, remembering almost immediately that I already know the answer.
“Peas, onions, mushrooms, and if I remember correctly, you like fish but only if it's breaded.” I say, not able to contain my smile at the shocked expression that crosses his face.
“You remember all that?” He asks on a laugh.
“I remember everything.” I admit, turning back towards the refrigerator so that he can't see the emotion suddenly welling behind my eyes.
“Well I think a test to prove you actually do is in order.” He laughs, clearly trying to keep the mood lighter, which I appreciate.
Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I grab what I need from the refrigerator and make my way to the center of the kitchen to join him.
“Fine. Ask me anything you want. But while you do, put this on.” I say, reaching to the side to retrieve two aprons from a hook on the wall.
“You can't be serious?” He laughs, holding up the lavender apron in front of him.
“Oh but I am. I would never forgive myself for ruining that amazing t-shirt.” I say, realizing that I recognize his shirt. Only now, it fits his muscular build much better than it did when he was younger.
I let my eyes travel the length of him and for a moment, lose my train of thought. My god this man is immaculate. Even in an old gray t-shirt and dark jeans, he looks like a million dollars. Once I realize that he's on to my ogling, I shake my head and slip my own apron on.
“You got that when we visited the UC Berkeley campus.” I say, remembering the day like it was yesterday. “You insisted on buying it because you were convinced within ten minutes of getting there that it was where you were going to college.”
“That's right. And you told me that I was getting too ahead of myself and that I shouldn't buy the shirt until I knew for certain because then if I didn't end up going there....”
“That you would just have some random shirt from a college you didn't attend.” I finish his sentence and we both start laughing.
“God I've missed that.” He says, falling serious for a moment. He continues when my eyes shoot up in question. “Your laugh. Most beautiful sound in the world.”
“If you're trying to butter me up, it won't work.” I do my best to lighten the situation again. When things get too serious, it all just feels too heavy. But joking, laughing, reminiscing on the good times of our past, that much comes naturally enough that it's free of the awkwardness that seems to always be hanging over our heads.
“Well then what will butter you up?” He asks seductively, his eyes sweeping over my body before making their way back to my face.
“You putting on the apron and helping me feed us.” I say, tossing a hand towel at him as I make my way to the other side to collect some flour to make noodles.
“I think it's my color.” He says, causing me to laugh when I turn back towards him.
“Of course.” I exclaim, shaking my head as I re-approach the island and lay the flour down in front of me.
“What?” He laughs.
“Of course even something as ridiculous as a lavender apron looks good on you. I'm starting to believe you could make a trash bag look sexy.” I joke, nudging his hip with mine when he steps closer beside me.
“Interesting. Well I can't say I have ever worn one. But for you.... I think I could make that happen.”
I can't contain the laughter that is building in my throat from spilling out. I forgot how good it feels to laugh. I mean, really laugh.
“Here your handsomeness. Why don't you do something productive and cut these?” I say, sitting some fresh squash and zucchini in front of him, before getting started on the dough for my noodles.
“I am at your command boss.” He says, giving my backside a light swat before taking the vegetables to the sink to rinse them off.
The giddiness building in my belly and the smile that I can't seem to wipe off my face, tells me everything I need to know. I am in some serious trouble.
Chapter Seven
“So you really spent three weeks in Australia?” I question, taking a sip of my red wine as Westin sits across the table from me.
The conversation has remained light throughout dinner and while I still feel the uncomfortable weight sitting on top of me, the wine has definitely helped to calm my nerves a bit and allow me to carry on a decent conversation without stuttering and blushing every five seconds.
“Yep. Some of the best days of my life.” He says, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms in front of his chest, his gaze suddenly falling serious.
“What?” I ask, taking another sip of wine.
“This is nice.” He says, smiling at me. Something about the way he's looking at me, the way his eyes continue to flicker across my face like he's waiting for something, has my stomach full of butterflies and my nerves on edge, but in a good way. I think.
“It is.” I agree, trying to not let my emotions show through.
It's nice to sit here with him and catch up. I love hearing about his college experience, laughing when he confirms that he did not attend Berkeley. I love seeing his excitement over his travels and his time in Europe and most recently Australia.
But I can't deny the sting that bites at me every time I realize that he left me for this life. He left me alone to fight off my parents and to break out on my own. And while I wouldn't change that now, I know it's made me who I am today. Stronger, more self sufficient. It still doesn't take away the struggle I endured to get to this point.
Sensing my shift in mood, Westin reaches across the table and squeezes my hand, pulling my attention back to him.
“Where did you go?” His smile is sweet and I can tell he's treading lightly.
“Sorry.” I say, pulling my hand back. “So what exactly is it that you do?” I ask, having yet to broach the subject of his job.
I can see his hesitation.
“What?” I question, trying to lighten the sudden heaviness that seems to have settled over us.
“Please don't tell me you're a male stripper or something.” I laugh, taking another sip of wine as my eyes travel over his covered torso. Even though I hope he's not, I have to admit, he would make one fine stripper.
He laughs at my question and shakes his head. “Worse.” He says, his laughter dying off.
The longer the silence looms, the tighter the knot in my stomach gets. “Just tell me Westin. It can't be that bad.”
“I'm a lawyer.” He admits, causing my mouth to literally drop open.
“I'm sorry, you're kidding right?” I ask, a nervous laugh bubbling in my throat. Westin knows how I feel about the profession, having almost been forced into it by my father. I certainly never saw it as a path he would choose for himself.
Lawyers are uptight and stuffy and all about the money. Westin doesn't fit into the stereotype at all, and his confession leaves me more than a little confused.
“I went to Law School after finishing my degree and then moved back home shortly after.” He shrugs, taking a large gulp of his wine while I empty the contents of my own glass.
“I just.... You.... I just wouldn't have pegged you for the lawyer type. You're so different from....” I break off.
“From your father.” He says, apology lacing his voice.
“Well... Yes.” I say, straightening my posture and meeting his gaze. “I thought... I don't know. I guess I'm just surprised.” I admit. “So then you're still in California?”
“I work out of a firm in Sacramento.” He says, his shoulders going stiff as he registers my reaction.
“What firm Westin?” I ask, preparing myself for an answer I already know is coming.
“Scarlett, you have to let me explain.” He says, immediately reaching for my hand, but I pull it away and quickly stand.
“What firm?” I repeat, taking a step backwards away from the table as he scrambles to his feet.
“You know what firm.” He says, taking a step towards me.
Shock and betrayal seep through my veins like poison and as much as I want to run as far and as fast away from this place as I can, I can't will my feet to move.
“How could you?” My words are thick with emotion and I can tell by his expression that he registers how much his confession has hurt me.
“After everything that man put me through. After everything. You just turn around and go to work for him? Why?” I ask, fighting against the lump that has quickly formed in my throat.
“Why Westin? Of all people? My father? The person you convinced me to stand against..... Was that your plan all along? Push me out of the way so that you could step in and be the child he's always wanted?”
“Fuck Scarlett, it's not like that. He promised me partner after five years. Partner! Some lawyers spend their lives trying to make partner and here I had someone ready to hand it to me. What was I supposed to say to that?” He asks, his voice wavering a bit a the end.
“NO!” I shout over the table. “You should have said no! You know my father Westin. He doesn't give anything away without a price.” I say, suddenly forming a conclusion that leaves me feeling weak in the knees and honestly a bit nauseous.
“That's why you're here. That's the price. If he can't control me, he'll send someone who can. So what's the deal Westin? You bring me back home, slap a ring on my finger, tie me down with a couple of children so that I have no option but to stay. To be their daughter again. To live my life under their rule.” My words seep like acid now and while this may not be the truth, there is no convincing me otherwise in this moment.
“Do you not know me at all?” He asks, hurt apparent in his voice. “Do you really believe that I would ever do that to you? That I would force myself into your life and manipulate you in such a way?”
“You left me!” I try to control the shriek in my voice but it does me little good. “You left me and now I find out years later that you went back. You went back and now you're working with him. How would I know better Westin? I clearly don't know you!”
I can tell that I am pushing him to a point that I don't want to but honestly, at this point, I am too hurt and confused to really care.
“You promised me you would protect me. You promised me that you would never leave me. But you broke that promise remember? You fucked me and you left me. I may not have known the coward you were then, but I can see him now.”
“We were kids Scarlett. I was eighteen years old for fucks sake! I didn't know how to protect you. And I sure as hell wasn't equipped to love you the way you needed me too.” His words cut through me like a hot blade and I gasp from the pain now radiating through me.
“I thought you did love me the way I needed you too. I guess there were a lot of things I had wrong.” I say, pushing myself away from the table.
“Thank you for clearing that up for me. Now if you'll excuse me.” I say, turning my back to him and beginning to walk away.
“Scar. Wait. Please.” He calls after me.
I stop just before I get to the door that leads to the kitchen and slowly turn towards him, immediately regretting it the moment the sadness of his blue eyes hit me.
