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By the time we arrive at the gate of my neighborhood, my heart keeps sinking. If Ezra knows I’m back, why hasn’t he reached out? My finger keeps brushing over my phone, but my pride keeps me from calling him. I know leaving wasn’t the best option, but his words scared me. At some point, we’re going to have to talk it through and come to an agreement or compromise. If he still wants me. I dip my head down, so Kyle can’t see the tears in my eyes and that is how I miss the fact that my house is lit up when we pull into the driveway.
“Careful of your door, Ms. Heart,” Kyle warns. I glance up and see the pewter gray sports car already parked next to me.
The knots in my stomach tighten. Kyle helps me grab the small bag of things I accumulated during my trip and hands it to me at the door.
“You aren’t coming in?” I ask, my brow raised hopefully.
Kyle shakes his head. “Neither of you pay me enough to walk in on that right now.” With a friendly wave, he gets back in his car and leaves.
My hand tightens around my bag and the other grips the door handle. I twist it and it opens. Quietly I kick my shoes off and lock the door before placing my bag on the table. I hear pots move and the sound of the oven door opening. Hesitantly, I walk to the kitchen. Ready to seal my fate.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Ezra
Even while cooking her favorite meal, turkey gravy and stuffing, I’m livid. I’ve never been happier about the tracker on her phone for how often she disappears. If I had known she’d use her jet to escape me, I might not have helped her buy it. I panicked when I woke up and she was gone. My head knew that everything I laid out on the table was probably too much for her. She’s young. She’s still fresh in her career, and right now, in the world of celebrities, she’s a hot commodity. I understand where some of her hesitation comes from when she reminds me how old she is. My heart, on the other hand, wholeheartedly disagrees. He’s a possessive bastard, and big picture wise everything I told her was what I wanted and true. I forgot again to take a step back and remember that I left her for two years. That's two birthdays, holidays, events, awards, ceremonies. Two years of dealing with her uncle and his gambling addiction. There is so much to make up for.
My gaze lifts to hers when she walks into the room and I’m thankful to see that she’s not injured. Her skin holds a golden tan and she looks happy. Until she meets my gaze anyways.
Anger builds and thrashes in my chest. “How was the flight?”
Her cheeks turn pink and she clears her throat. “Smooth.”
I nod, my jaw clenching. I would love nothing more than to take her over my knee, spank her peachy ass, and then fuck her into submission. That won’t work with Ocean though. For so long, everything was out of her control. And while she likes me taking the control from her, she also is only willing to do so when it’s what she realizes she needs. I have to make her need me, to crave me, to be so enmeshed in me and dependent on everything I give her.
I pull apart the turkey breast and dish some stuffing on her plate before drowning the food in gravy like I’ve seen her do. “Here. Sit and eat, I’m sure you’re hungry.”
She eyes me warily as she sits at the kitchen island and takes the fork I offered her. “Thanks.”
Moving around the kitchen, I clean up the mess while she quietly eats the food, moaning after the first few bites. I suppress the smile on my lips at how much she enjoys it. Once I’m done, I set her towel on the counter and grab my keys. “See you in a few days.”
I move to leave and her eyes jump to mine, her brow frowning in confusion. “You’re leaving?”
I nod my head. “Why would I stay?”
Her shoulders hunch, and she pushes her food on her plate. “I. I don’t know. I thought maybe you would want to talk or something.”
I tilt my head regarding her, trying to gauge her emotions. “I guess the time to talk would have been when you woke up the next morning instead of childishly leaving the country.”
Her mouth drops open and her eyes widen. Anger stains her cheeks. “Did you just call me a child?”
I shake my head no. “I said you acted childishly.”
“That's the same thing!”
I shrug. “I guess it's something we could have talked about. I have to leave for business. I’ll be out of the state for a few days, but I’ll be back before the award ceremony. If you need anything let Kyle know.” I walk past her and out to the entryway
I feel her presence behind me. “Ask Kyle? Why can’t I just ask you myself?”
“I didn’t think you wanted to talk to me. You made it pretty clear by leaving our bed, ignoring my call, and flying to another country to get away. Your phone wasn’t on and you didn't bother to reach out to explain,” I remind her.
Ocean’s face falls, and she bites her lip. “I just needed some time and space.”
“You have it, Ocean. Apparently you need more. I’ll be gone a few days, and I’ll plan to be here to pick you up before the ceremony.”
I slip my shoes on and grab my bag from the entryway closet. Her arms wrap around my waist from behind and I feel her head touch the middle of my back. “You really came here to make me food and let me know you’re leaving?”
In my heart I know I’d turn around and stay with her all night if she asked. I want that. But what I want more is for Ocean to need me on a level different than her security or her manager. I want her to want me to take care of her, to love her, to provide for her. My hand slides up to hers and I hold them gently. Turning my head, I’m able to drop a kiss on top of her head. “I’ll see you soon.”
