Chapter 4
He didn’t let go of her. He brought her closer to him. His arms encased her and held her tight.
She struggled but realized that he wasn’t going to let go.
“Zayn, please let go.”
“No, not until you tell me what’s wrong. I know this is awkward between us, but I know you’re hurting. You can’t hide that from me. I know you too well.”
Tia wanted to tell him. Wanted to tell him how sorry she was for walking out. But she couldn’t.
She forced herself away from him and stood in front of him.
“It’s awkward as hell Zayn. Now let’s just finish up, shall we?” She turned and stalked back to her camera.
She continued to take pictures until she had used up three rolls of film. Zayn continued to watch her.
He had purposely told their agent that he wanted Tia to take the pictures. He needed to find out if she still felt anything for him. He still loved her.
He had talked to his sister about Tia. Doniya and Tia had been very good friends. She told him why Tia had left. But he wanted to hear it from her own lips.
Tia walked over to a work table and began to rewind the film in the cameras. She didn’t have to turn around to know that she was being watched.
“We’re done for today Zayn. And you don’t have to come back tomorrow.” She said. Trying to keep her voice calm and steady. She heard him get up.
“I thought we had a two day shoot?” he asked.
Tia jumped when she heard his voice right behind her.
“Jesus Christ Malik Are you trying to kill me? You scared the shit out of me!” she said, glaring at him.
“Sorry love. Why only today?”
“I’ve taken enough pictures of you to make your agent happy. You can get your clothes back on.”
Zayn looked over at his heap of clothes on the ground. “Do you mind if I keep the shirt and jeans. Since my clothes are soaking wet.”
“Fine. Just hurry up. I have to get out of here.”
Zayn began to undo the zipper of the jeans he had on. As he pushed them off and reached for a different pair of jeans hanging on the rack, Tia turned around.
Her mouth went completely dry at the sight of him. He saw her staring.
“Anything you’d like love?” he asked. His face serious.
It took Tia a moment to regain her composure.
“Um, no. Just hurry up please.” She hurried around the studio, snuffing candles. She could hear the rain was still falling outside.
“Would you like to grab a bite to eat Tia?” she heard him ask.
“No, thanks. I have somewhere I need to be.”
“Date?” he asked. Curious and jealous at the same time.
“No.” she snapped. She scooped up the film and left the studio.
She walked into Shirley’s office and left her a note to get the film developed and to call a staff meeting for tomorrow.
She tried to regain her composure a bit before heading back to the studio. Her heart was racing. Her palms were sweating.
She wanted nothing more than to go back in there, grab Zayn and kiss him. But she couldn’t do it. No matter how much her heart was aching.
When she returned to the studio. He was dressed and putting on his coat. She picked up her things and ushered him out of the studio.
The silence was killing him. He didn’t want to leave her yet. He wanted to talk to her. Tell her that he still loved her.
Despite her walking out on him. He wanted to hold her, kiss her, make love to her. Make up for the years that they had lost
“Tia, please slow down a minute love.”
She turned to him once again. She could lose herself so easily in his eyes.
“Zayn, please. I really have to go.” They took the elevator down together and stepped outside.
She turned to him once again. “I’ll get the proofs to London tomorrow afternoon. Nice seeing you again.” She said and quickly turned to walk away.
Leaving Zayn stunned. How could she be so cold?
“Tia!” he yelled.
She looked over her shoulder but kept going. Her pace seemed to quicken. He sped after her.
His hand latched onto her arm and turned her around. The rain falling hard around them. “Why are you running? Do you hate me that much?”
He didn’t wait for her answer. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. Needing to feel close to her.
Tia let herself become lost in his kiss. But that moment only lasted a few seconds. She pulled herself away and stepped back. Tears in her eyes mixing with the rain.
“No. I love you that much.”
