She Restrained A Renegade

Six

6-Zoe

What the hell was I doing here? From behind my steering wheel, I glanced up at what was once an impressive plantation, but was now a creepy looking house that I feared might fall down at any moment. I seriously considered putting the key back into the ignition and driving away. I wouldn't be running from a creepy house, though. No, I felt the need to run because of Justin. He'd gotten to me a long time ago and he'd been under my skin ever since. When he'd kissed me the night of graduation, I thought all of my dreams were finally coming true. Instead, he'd left town and I hadn't heard from him for eleven years. Now, he'd invited out here for...I shivered at the thought of the delicious things he might want to do to me. Yes, I should definitely leave.

Then the front door opened and Justin stepped out onto the sketchy looking porch. He didn't wave me in or show any clue as to what he could be thinking. Instead, he stood, seemingly patient, while he waited for me to make up my own mind. That's why I got out of the car. If he had pressured me, I might have seriously bolted. Instead, I walked up those porch steps and took his hand, letting him lead me into the house.

Inside, it smelled musty, from lack of use, but Justin had lit some candles. He'd cleaned up the dining room too and had it set up, so romantic. Another candle sit next to some fresh picked flowers in a vase. Some fancy china was already set at the table, with warmers covering the plates. My eyes widened, "You cooked?"

Justin snorted, "No, I had it delivered. For one, I can't even make toast without burning it. Secondly, I wouldn't trust any of those kitchen appliances. This place is a dump."

I nodded in agreement, "Yes, but it still has some charm. I can picture how it used to look, even though I never got to see it in its heyday, but I can just imagine the kinds of parties they had here. I mean, there is a ballroom for Christ sake."

Justin chuckled, "Yes, there is. I've actually thought about buying it and fixing it up."

My eyes widened, "Seriously?"

He nodded, but looked saddened, "Yes, but like you said, I'm not staying, right? So what would be the point?"

"Right." I said and dipped my head, suddenly finding my feet very fascinating. It was stupid to feel my eyes sting with sudden tears. I barely knew Justin. So why was I so sad that this couldn't go anywhere?

"Hey." He said, softly and nudged my chin up, before he cupped my face. He smiled, softly, "Don't be sad."

I shook my head and forced a laugh, "I'm being stupid."

"You're not stupid." He said, as his eyes dipped and then he ran his thumb over my lips. We were standing toe-to-toe and I felt my body begin to quiver with need. This was ridiculous. I didn't do casual sex and yet, I was seriously contemplating it now. What the hell was wrong with me?

"Justin..." I whispered.

"Yea?" He asked.

"Um, maybe we should...eat."

Justin froze and then stepped back, clearing his throat and said, "Yes, uh, let's eat."

We settled at the table in sudden silence. I'm sure the pasta dish was delicious, but I wasn't really tasting it. The wine Justin had served was making my head fuzzy or maybe that was Justin's presence alone. I kept sneaking glances at him, getting caught more times than not. He seemed to be fidgeting in his chair and I wondered if he was regretting asking me to come here tonight. Needing to fill the silence, I found myself blurting, "So, you know about Owen. Tell me about your longest relationship."

Justin choked on his wine, "Uh, relationship? I've never really had one."

My eyes widened, "Never? But all those girls..." I trailed off. Of course, why settle for one when you had access to the whole damned pasture.