CHAPTER ELEVEN
TAYLOR
Taylor and Natalie were met at Zac and Kate's door by a pair of running toddlers, their niece and nephew. Kate smiled when she saw Taylor and Natalie. They were sure some of that smile was out of relief to have the adult company.
"Hey, where's Zac?" Tay asked her.
"Oh, he'll be home tomorrow," Kate answered as she gladly turned her youngest over to Aunt Natalie.
Tay looked at her, puzzled by her answer. "Tomorrow? The three of us came into Tulsa together."
Kate didn't seem rattled by this news. "Yeah. He had to turn around and hop a plane as soon as you guys got in to sign some contracts in New York that he said didn't get signed when you guys were there. I know we had plans for dinner tonight, I am so sorry I wasn't able to contact you guys sooner to reschedule. It's been a crazy day around here."
Still puzzled, Tay said, "We were all there together. We signed everything that needed to be signed."
Kate shrugged. "Said he got a call. Apparently two out of three signatures made it on paper. His was missing."
"And they couldn't do that through the mail?"
Kate looked at him matter-of-factly. "You know it would be much quicker for him to fly in and out than it would be to exchange paperwork through the mail."
"I guess."
"Besides, we've waited for him this long," she said as she smiled at her children. "What's one more day?"
"Right..." Tay responded.
As Kate and Natalie began to wrap themselves up in children and conversation, Tay stole a quiet corner for
himself, far away from the women.
Thankfully, Zac picked up by the second ring.
"Zac, what the hell are you doing in New York?" Tay asked, hastily.
"Um, what did Kate tell you I was doing?"
"Signing papers."
"Then that's what I'm doing."
"Zac, seriously. Why are you REALLY in New York?"
"Tying up some loose ends. Dealing with unfinished business. You know."
"Signing papers."
"Exactly."
"Zac, I swear to god, do not get yourself into any trouble."
"Oh, like you almost did? Sending your 'paperwork' right into the devil's lair? How long is she in YOUR neck of the woods for?"
"I don't know. Goddammit news travels too fast around here. Listen, just get your stupid papers signed and get back here! I hate this secret shit!"
"Speak for yourself. Gotta go."
Tay hung up with Zac and let out a long breath. Good lord, what was happening to them?
_______________________________________________
Standing in the shadows wondering
What I'm doing here
Wishing something would happen
Maybe I could disappear
She walks in with that look in her eye
Somehow she doesn't even have to try
Just kick off your shoes
Get on the floor
This is what we came here for
Oh, you've got to break it down
You've got to get it out
Just get on the floor
Everybody wonders when they look at you
Everybody wonders what you're gonna do
You've got it all wrapped up, you do
Everybody wonders when they look at, look at you
Look at you baby, look at you baby
In the middle of the dance floor
Lights shining on my face
Twisin' shoutin' there was no doubt
People dancin' all over the place
Out of the corner of my eye
She says why don't you come and give it a try
Get on the floor, kick off your shoes
You ain't got a thing to lose
Oh, you've got to break it down
You've got to get it out
Just get on the floor
Standing in the shadows
Wondering why I'm here
Wishing something would happen
So I could disappear
She breaks the silence with a move of her hips
Better hold on, don't lose your grip
Kick off your shoes, get on the floor
This is what we're waiting for
DREW
Mel was gone, finally!
Drew had waited all week for this day! Well, not that she WANTED Mel gone, but coincidentally the day Mel flew out for Tulsa was also the first day the guys were home from touring. She knew Mel would have quite an interesting trip, considering, but no time for that now. Any second now, Zac would be calling her to let her know that his plane had landed and where she could meet him.
Drew was a nervous wreck. She and Zac talked almost every day and they'd been planning this meeting all
week, ever since Mel had said that the Times was flying her out to Tulsa to interview Natalie. She and Zac had a few laughs over that, but other than that they decided that was the perfect, stress-free time for them to finally meet up in person.
Ten years.
Ten whole years since she had laid eyes on him in the flesh. The flesh...
Drew shook the thought she knew was coming next. She must have been through her entire wardrobe twice that day. She had transferred five different bags already and had moisturized her legs twice for fear that they had grown a forest since she had shaved them clean two hours ago.
Now all she could do was wait.
Desperate, she looked frantically for something she could do to distract her mind. There was nothing worse than sitting around waiting on a phone call from a man. She felt sixteen again.
She had just begun losing herself in the script she had been studying for her upcoming movie audition when her phone began blaring at her. She had forgotten how she had purposely put her phone on that obnoxiously loud volume as to not miss Zac's call.
And now here it was.
"Hey!" she answered, excitedly.
"This is Colonel Zac to Commander Drew, reporting for duty!"
Drew couldn't help but giggle. "Roger that."
"Who's Roger? Were you expecting someone else?"
Drew laughed louder. "Well, we're quite the comedian today."
"Comes naturally when I'm in a good mood, I guess. So is the coast clear?"
"Couldn't be any clearer!"
"Awesome. Tay already called, looking for me. I knew THAT would only be a matter of time."
"Does he know??" Drew asked, alarmed.
"I think he does. I didn't come right out and say it, but it's obvious he knows. Besides, I have Mel to hold over his head, so he won't dare open his mouth."
"Wow. I wonder if Natalie has put two and two together with Mel and Tay yet?"
"Well the world hasn't ended yet, so I'm not sure," Zac responded.
Zac then gave her the address of the hotel he wanted her to meet him at and told her to give him two hours so
he could get there and get settled. He was just now leaving LaGuardia.
As they hung up, her heart raced and her hands felt like they were pouring with sweat. They were only
meeting in the hotel restaurant for drinks but she might have to suggest dinner when she got there. Despite all her nerves, she realized she was starving.
Two hours gave her time to take yet ANOTHER shower that day so that she could freshly style her blonde hair. After all day going through her wardrobe, she finally settled on a champagne-colored cocktail dress that was fitted and fell just above her knees. It was high-waisted and was embellished with a simulated jeweled
belt just below her breasts. The material covered her breasts and the straps cinched at her shoulders, creating just a small amount of cleavage. She finished her outfit with a pair of nude-colored platform stilettos and a faux-jeweled clutch. She almost felt overdressed, but only almost. This was New York. There was no such thing as overdressed.
She decided not to huff it this time. There was no time for that. She opted to hail a cab for the half hour ride to the hotel. No way was she letting Zac see her hobble in as a result of fashion!
When the cab pulled up to the curb of the hotel, Drew breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Zac wasn't going to stay at a pristine, five star hotel but she knew he wasn't going to stay at a dive, either. It was one of the nicer hotels and on a street that they both knew he wouldn't be recognized easily.
As she walked up the street to the awning that housed the hotel front doors, she passed by the massive windows dressed with sheer lace curtains and spotted Zac seated at one of the tables. At first sight of him, she caught her breath and ran for cover. She couldn't explain her sudden, odd reaction. Sure, she'd seen him in pictures and such through the years, she knew what to expect when she saw him. But in person was always a completely different experience. The last time she had spent any time with him, he was 17. A teenager. With long, blonde hair and a boyish naivety in his eyes. At this table sat a man. With dark, shoulder-length layers and a confidence and sureness of himself that was new to her. She was realizing that she was walking into a whole new person. Well actually the same person he had always been, only now refined and mature.
And ten years older.
And married.
She eagerly pushed the married portion out of her mind and was grateful to have had this first look before she
walked in. She didn't want the cliché movie scene where they gaze longingly at another from across the room, everything in slow motion, and the wind blowing through his hair. No. She was grateful to be able to
walk in like it was nothing.
She checked her face in her compact and shoved it back into her clutch before finally walking in. As the valet opened the hotel door for her, she asked him where the restaurant was located. As he was telling her that it was immediately at her left, she discovered, to her horror, that the hotel floors had been freshly waxed. She had been professionally trained to be graceful in heels, but they didn't teach her how to be graceful when she wasn't getting paid for it. Or when her nerves were shot as the result of an encounter with the male species.
She not only prayed that she wouldn't fall, but she also prayed that this wasn't a sign of the evening to come.
When she entered the restaurant, she was surprised to see that it was semi-formal. Almost casual. It also wasn't busy at all. In fact, when she walked in the door, Zac was in her direct line of vision. She was also more than relieved that the floors were carpeted. In the dim, quiet lighting of the restaurant, the sight of Zac as he stood from the table nearly took her breath. He was dressed simply in a pair of dark skinny jeans, a red and gray striped t-shirt and a black blazer. To her surprise, he met her eyes with a nervous smile and she noticed that he wrung his hands a little. It was obvious right then that at the moment, she was the one who was in control. This did wonders for her nerves.
As she walked toward him, the walk seemed to take forever. It was like every step she took moved him five steps further away. When she finally reached him, his smile grew more radiant. "Hi," he said. They exchanged a light hug and a small peck on the cheek. He immediately walked around and pulled her chair out for her. He let out a breath. "Wow. You look fantastic."
Drew smiled as he sat down across from her. "Thank you. You're looking pretty nice yourself these days."
The waiter wasted no time taking their drink order. He ordered Jack Daniels and Dr. Pepper and she ordered the house Merlot.
"Wow," Zac said nervously. "The last time we saw each other, we weren't even legal drinking age."
"That never stopped us," Drew responded.
Zac chuckled. "Those were the days. We had some crazy times."
Drew's stomach screamed at her and she could no longer ignore it. "Look, Zac, I know we said just drinks,
but--"
"No," Zac said. "I didn't bring you to the hotel because I thought you would stay, I promise. I don't want you to think I'm up to any funny business."
"Um, I was actually going to suggest that we just go ahead and have dinner along with the drinks. I'm
starving."
Zac's face turned a shade of red that was practically new to Drew. "Oh," he said. "Awkward..."
Instinctively, and before she could stop herself, Drew reached across the table and lightly laid her hand on
Zac's. "It's okay. I'm a klutz, so we're even."
The silence was deafening and seemed to last hours as opposed to the seconds it actually was. They both
looked at her hands on his and then she jerked her hand back into her lap.
But not before her water glass flew off of the table.
Immediately Drew jumped up but she was in no attire to bend down and clean up her mess. "Oh my god!
I am so sorry!"
Zac chuckled and picked her glass up off of the floor. He was met by a speeding waiter who was there in no time to help clean up the mess. As Zac stood, he handed the waiter the glass and smiled at him. "Impeccable service," he said to him.
The waiter graciously and speedily did a sort of half-bow at him. "Thank you, sir." And with that, he was off.
Zac turned to her and smiled. "See? Problem solved. All is well."
Drew looked back at him and finally spilled her guts. "I am so nervous. And so embarrassed."
"There is nothing to be embarrassed about. And I'm nervous, too, so we're even. Again. Trust me. And I'm starving, too. Maybe we're acting this way because we need food!"
That made Drew laugh and she started to feel comfortable again. As they were seated, she was thankful
that she didn't spill anything on herself. Soaking the restaurant carpet was bad enough.
When the waiter returned, Drew ordered the spinach-stuffed grilled chicken with rice and a salad and Zac
opted for steak and potatoes. When it came to food, Zac was a man's man. That much hadn't changed.
"I don't see how you eat all that red meat," Drew said.
"We're in New York, right? If you want steak, you come to the City."
"I supposed that much is true. Mel eats a lot of steak, too. I just don't see it."
"That's because she was raised right. On good, old-fashioned Oklahoma cooking."
"Are you saying I wasn't?"
"Of course not. It's not your family's fault that you're Tulsa's food black sheep."
Drew smirked at him. "Ha ha."
Zac smiled at her from across the table. "It is so good to see you. Ten years is a long time."
"Too long," Drew agreed. "But we're here now. And this is the best night I've had in a long time. I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too. I feel like we just saw each other yesterday. I'm so glad that we learned how to be friends aside from our relationship. That's important."
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you needed me all these years," Drew said. "I mean, through
your wedding, and your kids--"
"Well, I was just as bad. I could have made more of an effort to contact you and be there for you, too."
"So how did you and Kate--"
Zac cut her off almost instantaneously. "Um, let's not--let's not really get into that tonight."
Drew was caught off guard. "Oh. Okay," she said. Weird. It was obvious that Zac had not found a way to balance his feelings between his current married life and his past life before his wife. Or he just hadn't figured them out yet. Drew chose to respect him and not bring up his home life at all.
After they talked awhile longer, their food arrived. The next couple of minutes were spent in silence as they both dug into their plates.
Drew finally broke the silence when she said, "Wow, we must be really hungry!"
Zac laughed. "I know. Nothing shuts people up faster than food. This is SO good. How's yours?"
"It's awesome," Drew said, spearing some lettuce with her fork and taking a bite.
"You're awesome," Zac said.
Drew heard her fork hit the
plate before she realized she'd dropped it. "What?" she said, ignoring her mouthful of salad.
"I mean, you look awesome," Zac said.
Looking in his eyes, suspiciously, Drew slowly finished her mouthful of food and swallowed. "Thank you."
"No, seriously," Zac said. "You really look really great. You've blossomed into this classy woman. Beautiful and confident. New York City looks good on you. I'm proud of you. Seriously."
Drew felt tears spring to her eyes and she desperately sought out her glass of wine. "Oh, Zac. That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Actually, I think that's the sweetest thing YOU'VE ever said to me."
"You're probably right," he said, chuckling. "But I mean it. Every word."
After a few more minutes of silence, they finished dinner, refused dessert, and drank a little more. They laughed and talked as though ten years hadn't passed.
Drew was disappointed when Zac paid the check. She didn't want the night to be over, but she didn't want to
continue the night in Zac's room. She didn't want to feel cheap and she didn't want this to feel like a booty call. They were having such a good time already. So it was to Drew's surprise, and delight, when Zac said,
"How about a walk?"
Drew thought about her shoes and then ignored them. "Sure, I'd love that."
They walked out of the restaurant, side by side. As Drew was about to make a right turn toward the front hotel door, she unexpectedly felt Zac grab her and duck her into a dark doorway.
Without words, he shoved her against the wall and kissed her, hungrily, forcing her mouth open with his
tongue then claiming her mouth for himself.
Drew was shocked and for a split second wanted to stop him, but primal lust took over and she gave in. Sometimes there were feelings too good to ignore and this was one of them.
Zac broke the kiss and looked in her eyes, breathing heavily. "I am so sorry," he said.
Drew's breathing matched his. "It's okay," she said, and wrapped her arms around his neck and anxiously drew him back in.
Things got intense extremely quickly. Drew noticed but she didn't care. Before she knew it, Zac had lowered his mouth to her neck and his hands were all over her body. He explored it with no effort at all, obviously not forgetting every single aspect of her. Ten years couldn't erase THAT kind of memory.
Drew was aroused at once and she couldn't tell if it was all because of Zac or if it was because every now and then she could feel drafts of the night air coming in from the hotel doors and that there was the underlying knowledge that they ran the risk of being caught.
Zac's mouth found his way back to hers and to her surprise, his hands fell below her waist and jerked her dress up above her thighs, completely exposing her in this dark doorway of this strange hotel, the valet guys mere feet away.
Drew choked back a whimper of surprise and pleasure as she tried hard to keep herself quiet aside from their
breathing as to not alert anyone of their presence.
Almost as swiftly, Zac wrapped one of her legs around his waist and let his fingers aggressively slide inside
of her. Drew closed her eyes and laid her head back against the wall as he slid them in and out, making it difficult to keep her from making any sound. She let her forehead drop onto his shoulder and then she
turned her head toward his face, breathing heavily and letting out quiet moans of pleasure. Her mouth found his ear and she tugged at his earlobe with her teeth and moaned in his ear. This excited Zac more and he turned his face toward her and guided her head back to the wall with his and let his tongue tease her neck.
Suddenly he stopped and she didn't want him to stop. She realized that he had suddenly become preoccupied with his belt and with nimble skill and within seconds, unbuckled his belt, unzipped himself, and then inserted himself into her.
When she felt him enter, she was ready to let loose, but she had to keep in check where she was. He slid in and out of her with impressive fluidity and speed and it felt so good that Drew never wanted him to stop. His free hand slid inside the top of her dress and he took her breast in his hand, massaging it and watching her
breathe and moan in pleasure.
When his fingertips found her hard nipple, they both knew it would be all over for her. He had never
once forgotten any of her hot spots. Drew sucked in a breath and looked Zac in the eyes. She felt so savage, she almost didn't care who heard her. "Yes," she whispered excitedly. "Oh, Zac, yes!"
As she felt herself coming, she reached around the back of his head and grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled. Hard. She knew his hot spots, too.
When she did this, he buried his head in her neck and his breathing became heavier and more rapid. He
thrusted harder and harder until he felt her orgasm, her insides pulsing and throbbing all around him. And with that, he came as well, burying his head further into her neck and shoulder.
Neither one of them moved for a few seconds, each one catching their breath and taking in what just happened.
After they quickly put themselves back together, Zac's eyes looked frantic. "Um, I didn't--"
Drew knew what he was thinking. "It's okay," she said. "I have a diaphragm in."
"Oh," Zac said. "Okay." Drew detected the relief in his voice.
Suddenly things got awkward. The sex was quick and unexpected, but it was amazing. "So, um, that was unexpected," Drew said.
"I'm sorry," Zac said. "I just couldn't help myself. I'd been looking at you and listening to you all night. I felt 17 again. And look at you. I mean, you look gorgeous. How could I not want you? I tried to fight it, but I just couldn't resist."
Drew blushed. "I'd be lying if I said I kinda wanted it, too."
The two fell silent again. Hormones were winding down, the air was cooling off, and clarity was beginning to take over their minds. 'Oh my god,' Drew thought to herself. 'Zac has just cheated on his wife.' She didn't regret the sex one bit. And she can feel bad about her mistress status all day long, but that was nothing compared to being the one who cheated. And Drew would bet her career that this was the first time he had ever cheated. It was evident, without saying, that this night was over.
"Um, I should go," Drew said. "It's late..."
"Yeah," Zac hesitantly agreed. "I have a plane to catch in the morning."
"Yeah," Drew said.
"You want me to walk you home?" Zac asked.
Drew smiled. "No. I have to take a cab, I live almost across town."
"Oh. Well, you want me to get you a cab?"
"That's okay," Drew said. "I can get one."
"Okay," Zac said.
They began to walk to the hotel door. "Dinner was great," Drew said. "Thank you so much."
Zac smiled. "Yeah, it was. Thank you for showing up."
Drew laughed. "Why wouldn't I?"
Then Zac got serious. "Drew. I want you to know, I don't regret tonight. I won't regret it."
"I know," Drew said. She kissed his cheek. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," he responded. "I'll call you later."
As Drew hailed herself a cab, she knew 'I'll call you later' didn't mean later that night. She also knew it didn't mean the next day. As much as it pained her, she had to respect the fact that she may not hear from him for several days. But she knew eventually, when he was ready, he would call her.
Right?
TAYLOR
Taylor and Natalie were met at Zac and Kate's door by a pair of running toddlers, their niece and nephew. Kate smiled when she saw Taylor and Natalie. They were sure some of that smile was out of relief to have the adult company.
"Hey, where's Zac?" Tay asked her.
"Oh, he'll be home tomorrow," Kate answered as she gladly turned her youngest over to Aunt Natalie.
Tay looked at her, puzzled by her answer. "Tomorrow? The three of us came into Tulsa together."
Kate didn't seem rattled by this news. "Yeah. He had to turn around and hop a plane as soon as you guys got in to sign some contracts in New York that he said didn't get signed when you guys were there. I know we had plans for dinner tonight, I am so sorry I wasn't able to contact you guys sooner to reschedule. It's been a crazy day around here."
Still puzzled, Tay said, "We were all there together. We signed everything that needed to be signed."
Kate shrugged. "Said he got a call. Apparently two out of three signatures made it on paper. His was missing."
"And they couldn't do that through the mail?"
Kate looked at him matter-of-factly. "You know it would be much quicker for him to fly in and out than it would be to exchange paperwork through the mail."
"I guess."
"Besides, we've waited for him this long," she said as she smiled at her children. "What's one more day?"
"Right..." Tay responded.
As Kate and Natalie began to wrap themselves up in children and conversation, Tay stole a quiet corner for
himself, far away from the women.
Thankfully, Zac picked up by the second ring.
"Zac, what the hell are you doing in New York?" Tay asked, hastily.
"Um, what did Kate tell you I was doing?"
"Signing papers."
"Then that's what I'm doing."
"Zac, seriously. Why are you REALLY in New York?"
"Tying up some loose ends. Dealing with unfinished business. You know."
"Signing papers."
"Exactly."
"Zac, I swear to god, do not get yourself into any trouble."
"Oh, like you almost did? Sending your 'paperwork' right into the devil's lair? How long is she in YOUR neck of the woods for?"
"I don't know. Goddammit news travels too fast around here. Listen, just get your stupid papers signed and get back here! I hate this secret shit!"
"Speak for yourself. Gotta go."
Tay hung up with Zac and let out a long breath. Good lord, what was happening to them?
_______________________________________________
Standing in the shadows wondering
What I'm doing here
Wishing something would happen
Maybe I could disappear
She walks in with that look in her eye
Somehow she doesn't even have to try
Just kick off your shoes
Get on the floor
This is what we came here for
Oh, you've got to break it down
You've got to get it out
Just get on the floor
Everybody wonders when they look at you
Everybody wonders what you're gonna do
You've got it all wrapped up, you do
Everybody wonders when they look at, look at you
Look at you baby, look at you baby
In the middle of the dance floor
Lights shining on my face
Twisin' shoutin' there was no doubt
People dancin' all over the place
Out of the corner of my eye
She says why don't you come and give it a try
Get on the floor, kick off your shoes
You ain't got a thing to lose
Oh, you've got to break it down
You've got to get it out
Just get on the floor
Standing in the shadows
Wondering why I'm here
Wishing something would happen
So I could disappear
She breaks the silence with a move of her hips
Better hold on, don't lose your grip
Kick off your shoes, get on the floor
This is what we're waiting for
DREW
Mel was gone, finally!
Drew had waited all week for this day! Well, not that she WANTED Mel gone, but coincidentally the day Mel flew out for Tulsa was also the first day the guys were home from touring. She knew Mel would have quite an interesting trip, considering, but no time for that now. Any second now, Zac would be calling her to let her know that his plane had landed and where she could meet him.
Drew was a nervous wreck. She and Zac talked almost every day and they'd been planning this meeting all
week, ever since Mel had said that the Times was flying her out to Tulsa to interview Natalie. She and Zac had a few laughs over that, but other than that they decided that was the perfect, stress-free time for them to finally meet up in person.
Ten years.
Ten whole years since she had laid eyes on him in the flesh. The flesh...
Drew shook the thought she knew was coming next. She must have been through her entire wardrobe twice that day. She had transferred five different bags already and had moisturized her legs twice for fear that they had grown a forest since she had shaved them clean two hours ago.
Now all she could do was wait.
Desperate, she looked frantically for something she could do to distract her mind. There was nothing worse than sitting around waiting on a phone call from a man. She felt sixteen again.
She had just begun losing herself in the script she had been studying for her upcoming movie audition when her phone began blaring at her. She had forgotten how she had purposely put her phone on that obnoxiously loud volume as to not miss Zac's call.
And now here it was.
"Hey!" she answered, excitedly.
"This is Colonel Zac to Commander Drew, reporting for duty!"
Drew couldn't help but giggle. "Roger that."
"Who's Roger? Were you expecting someone else?"
Drew laughed louder. "Well, we're quite the comedian today."
"Comes naturally when I'm in a good mood, I guess. So is the coast clear?"
"Couldn't be any clearer!"
"Awesome. Tay already called, looking for me. I knew THAT would only be a matter of time."
"Does he know??" Drew asked, alarmed.
"I think he does. I didn't come right out and say it, but it's obvious he knows. Besides, I have Mel to hold over his head, so he won't dare open his mouth."
"Wow. I wonder if Natalie has put two and two together with Mel and Tay yet?"
"Well the world hasn't ended yet, so I'm not sure," Zac responded.
Zac then gave her the address of the hotel he wanted her to meet him at and told her to give him two hours so
he could get there and get settled. He was just now leaving LaGuardia.
As they hung up, her heart raced and her hands felt like they were pouring with sweat. They were only
meeting in the hotel restaurant for drinks but she might have to suggest dinner when she got there. Despite all her nerves, she realized she was starving.
Two hours gave her time to take yet ANOTHER shower that day so that she could freshly style her blonde hair. After all day going through her wardrobe, she finally settled on a champagne-colored cocktail dress that was fitted and fell just above her knees. It was high-waisted and was embellished with a simulated jeweled
belt just below her breasts. The material covered her breasts and the straps cinched at her shoulders, creating just a small amount of cleavage. She finished her outfit with a pair of nude-colored platform stilettos and a faux-jeweled clutch. She almost felt overdressed, but only almost. This was New York. There was no such thing as overdressed.
She decided not to huff it this time. There was no time for that. She opted to hail a cab for the half hour ride to the hotel. No way was she letting Zac see her hobble in as a result of fashion!
When the cab pulled up to the curb of the hotel, Drew breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Zac wasn't going to stay at a pristine, five star hotel but she knew he wasn't going to stay at a dive, either. It was one of the nicer hotels and on a street that they both knew he wouldn't be recognized easily.
As she walked up the street to the awning that housed the hotel front doors, she passed by the massive windows dressed with sheer lace curtains and spotted Zac seated at one of the tables. At first sight of him, she caught her breath and ran for cover. She couldn't explain her sudden, odd reaction. Sure, she'd seen him in pictures and such through the years, she knew what to expect when she saw him. But in person was always a completely different experience. The last time she had spent any time with him, he was 17. A teenager. With long, blonde hair and a boyish naivety in his eyes. At this table sat a man. With dark, shoulder-length layers and a confidence and sureness of himself that was new to her. She was realizing that she was walking into a whole new person. Well actually the same person he had always been, only now refined and mature.
And ten years older.
And married.
She eagerly pushed the married portion out of her mind and was grateful to have had this first look before she
walked in. She didn't want the cliché movie scene where they gaze longingly at another from across the room, everything in slow motion, and the wind blowing through his hair. No. She was grateful to be able to
walk in like it was nothing.
She checked her face in her compact and shoved it back into her clutch before finally walking in. As the valet opened the hotel door for her, she asked him where the restaurant was located. As he was telling her that it was immediately at her left, she discovered, to her horror, that the hotel floors had been freshly waxed. She had been professionally trained to be graceful in heels, but they didn't teach her how to be graceful when she wasn't getting paid for it. Or when her nerves were shot as the result of an encounter with the male species.
She not only prayed that she wouldn't fall, but she also prayed that this wasn't a sign of the evening to come.
When she entered the restaurant, she was surprised to see that it was semi-formal. Almost casual. It also wasn't busy at all. In fact, when she walked in the door, Zac was in her direct line of vision. She was also more than relieved that the floors were carpeted. In the dim, quiet lighting of the restaurant, the sight of Zac as he stood from the table nearly took her breath. He was dressed simply in a pair of dark skinny jeans, a red and gray striped t-shirt and a black blazer. To her surprise, he met her eyes with a nervous smile and she noticed that he wrung his hands a little. It was obvious right then that at the moment, she was the one who was in control. This did wonders for her nerves.
As she walked toward him, the walk seemed to take forever. It was like every step she took moved him five steps further away. When she finally reached him, his smile grew more radiant. "Hi," he said. They exchanged a light hug and a small peck on the cheek. He immediately walked around and pulled her chair out for her. He let out a breath. "Wow. You look fantastic."
Drew smiled as he sat down across from her. "Thank you. You're looking pretty nice yourself these days."
The waiter wasted no time taking their drink order. He ordered Jack Daniels and Dr. Pepper and she ordered the house Merlot.
"Wow," Zac said nervously. "The last time we saw each other, we weren't even legal drinking age."
"That never stopped us," Drew responded.
Zac chuckled. "Those were the days. We had some crazy times."
Drew's stomach screamed at her and she could no longer ignore it. "Look, Zac, I know we said just drinks,
but--"
"No," Zac said. "I didn't bring you to the hotel because I thought you would stay, I promise. I don't want you to think I'm up to any funny business."
"Um, I was actually going to suggest that we just go ahead and have dinner along with the drinks. I'm
starving."
Zac's face turned a shade of red that was practically new to Drew. "Oh," he said. "Awkward..."
Instinctively, and before she could stop herself, Drew reached across the table and lightly laid her hand on
Zac's. "It's okay. I'm a klutz, so we're even."
The silence was deafening and seemed to last hours as opposed to the seconds it actually was. They both
looked at her hands on his and then she jerked her hand back into her lap.
But not before her water glass flew off of the table.
Immediately Drew jumped up but she was in no attire to bend down and clean up her mess. "Oh my god!
I am so sorry!"
Zac chuckled and picked her glass up off of the floor. He was met by a speeding waiter who was there in no time to help clean up the mess. As Zac stood, he handed the waiter the glass and smiled at him. "Impeccable service," he said to him.
The waiter graciously and speedily did a sort of half-bow at him. "Thank you, sir." And with that, he was off.
Zac turned to her and smiled. "See? Problem solved. All is well."
Drew looked back at him and finally spilled her guts. "I am so nervous. And so embarrassed."
"There is nothing to be embarrassed about. And I'm nervous, too, so we're even. Again. Trust me. And I'm starving, too. Maybe we're acting this way because we need food!"
That made Drew laugh and she started to feel comfortable again. As they were seated, she was thankful
that she didn't spill anything on herself. Soaking the restaurant carpet was bad enough.
When the waiter returned, Drew ordered the spinach-stuffed grilled chicken with rice and a salad and Zac
opted for steak and potatoes. When it came to food, Zac was a man's man. That much hadn't changed.
"I don't see how you eat all that red meat," Drew said.
"We're in New York, right? If you want steak, you come to the City."
"I supposed that much is true. Mel eats a lot of steak, too. I just don't see it."
"That's because she was raised right. On good, old-fashioned Oklahoma cooking."
"Are you saying I wasn't?"
"Of course not. It's not your family's fault that you're Tulsa's food black sheep."
Drew smirked at him. "Ha ha."
Zac smiled at her from across the table. "It is so good to see you. Ten years is a long time."
"Too long," Drew agreed. "But we're here now. And this is the best night I've had in a long time. I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too. I feel like we just saw each other yesterday. I'm so glad that we learned how to be friends aside from our relationship. That's important."
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you needed me all these years," Drew said. "I mean, through
your wedding, and your kids--"
"Well, I was just as bad. I could have made more of an effort to contact you and be there for you, too."
"So how did you and Kate--"
Zac cut her off almost instantaneously. "Um, let's not--let's not really get into that tonight."
Drew was caught off guard. "Oh. Okay," she said. Weird. It was obvious that Zac had not found a way to balance his feelings between his current married life and his past life before his wife. Or he just hadn't figured them out yet. Drew chose to respect him and not bring up his home life at all.
After they talked awhile longer, their food arrived. The next couple of minutes were spent in silence as they both dug into their plates.
Drew finally broke the silence when she said, "Wow, we must be really hungry!"
Zac laughed. "I know. Nothing shuts people up faster than food. This is SO good. How's yours?"
"It's awesome," Drew said, spearing some lettuce with her fork and taking a bite.
"You're awesome," Zac said.
Drew heard her fork hit the
plate before she realized she'd dropped it. "What?" she said, ignoring her mouthful of salad.
"I mean, you look awesome," Zac said.
Looking in his eyes, suspiciously, Drew slowly finished her mouthful of food and swallowed. "Thank you."
"No, seriously," Zac said. "You really look really great. You've blossomed into this classy woman. Beautiful and confident. New York City looks good on you. I'm proud of you. Seriously."
Drew felt tears spring to her eyes and she desperately sought out her glass of wine. "Oh, Zac. That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Actually, I think that's the sweetest thing YOU'VE ever said to me."
"You're probably right," he said, chuckling. "But I mean it. Every word."
After a few more minutes of silence, they finished dinner, refused dessert, and drank a little more. They laughed and talked as though ten years hadn't passed.
Drew was disappointed when Zac paid the check. She didn't want the night to be over, but she didn't want to
continue the night in Zac's room. She didn't want to feel cheap and she didn't want this to feel like a booty call. They were having such a good time already. So it was to Drew's surprise, and delight, when Zac said,
"How about a walk?"
Drew thought about her shoes and then ignored them. "Sure, I'd love that."
They walked out of the restaurant, side by side. As Drew was about to make a right turn toward the front hotel door, she unexpectedly felt Zac grab her and duck her into a dark doorway.
Without words, he shoved her against the wall and kissed her, hungrily, forcing her mouth open with his
tongue then claiming her mouth for himself.
Drew was shocked and for a split second wanted to stop him, but primal lust took over and she gave in. Sometimes there were feelings too good to ignore and this was one of them.
Zac broke the kiss and looked in her eyes, breathing heavily. "I am so sorry," he said.
Drew's breathing matched his. "It's okay," she said, and wrapped her arms around his neck and anxiously drew him back in.
Things got intense extremely quickly. Drew noticed but she didn't care. Before she knew it, Zac had lowered his mouth to her neck and his hands were all over her body. He explored it with no effort at all, obviously not forgetting every single aspect of her. Ten years couldn't erase THAT kind of memory.
Drew was aroused at once and she couldn't tell if it was all because of Zac or if it was because every now and then she could feel drafts of the night air coming in from the hotel doors and that there was the underlying knowledge that they ran the risk of being caught.
Zac's mouth found his way back to hers and to her surprise, his hands fell below her waist and jerked her dress up above her thighs, completely exposing her in this dark doorway of this strange hotel, the valet guys mere feet away.
Drew choked back a whimper of surprise and pleasure as she tried hard to keep herself quiet aside from their
breathing as to not alert anyone of their presence.
Almost as swiftly, Zac wrapped one of her legs around his waist and let his fingers aggressively slide inside
of her. Drew closed her eyes and laid her head back against the wall as he slid them in and out, making it difficult to keep her from making any sound. She let her forehead drop onto his shoulder and then she
turned her head toward his face, breathing heavily and letting out quiet moans of pleasure. Her mouth found his ear and she tugged at his earlobe with her teeth and moaned in his ear. This excited Zac more and he turned his face toward her and guided her head back to the wall with his and let his tongue tease her neck.
Suddenly he stopped and she didn't want him to stop. She realized that he had suddenly become preoccupied with his belt and with nimble skill and within seconds, unbuckled his belt, unzipped himself, and then inserted himself into her.
When she felt him enter, she was ready to let loose, but she had to keep in check where she was. He slid in and out of her with impressive fluidity and speed and it felt so good that Drew never wanted him to stop. His free hand slid inside the top of her dress and he took her breast in his hand, massaging it and watching her
breathe and moan in pleasure.
When his fingertips found her hard nipple, they both knew it would be all over for her. He had never
once forgotten any of her hot spots. Drew sucked in a breath and looked Zac in the eyes. She felt so savage, she almost didn't care who heard her. "Yes," she whispered excitedly. "Oh, Zac, yes!"
As she felt herself coming, she reached around the back of his head and grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled. Hard. She knew his hot spots, too.
When she did this, he buried his head in her neck and his breathing became heavier and more rapid. He
thrusted harder and harder until he felt her orgasm, her insides pulsing and throbbing all around him. And with that, he came as well, burying his head further into her neck and shoulder.
Neither one of them moved for a few seconds, each one catching their breath and taking in what just happened.
After they quickly put themselves back together, Zac's eyes looked frantic. "Um, I didn't--"
Drew knew what he was thinking. "It's okay," she said. "I have a diaphragm in."
"Oh," Zac said. "Okay." Drew detected the relief in his voice.
Suddenly things got awkward. The sex was quick and unexpected, but it was amazing. "So, um, that was unexpected," Drew said.
"I'm sorry," Zac said. "I just couldn't help myself. I'd been looking at you and listening to you all night. I felt 17 again. And look at you. I mean, you look gorgeous. How could I not want you? I tried to fight it, but I just couldn't resist."
Drew blushed. "I'd be lying if I said I kinda wanted it, too."
The two fell silent again. Hormones were winding down, the air was cooling off, and clarity was beginning to take over their minds. 'Oh my god,' Drew thought to herself. 'Zac has just cheated on his wife.' She didn't regret the sex one bit. And she can feel bad about her mistress status all day long, but that was nothing compared to being the one who cheated. And Drew would bet her career that this was the first time he had ever cheated. It was evident, without saying, that this night was over.
"Um, I should go," Drew said. "It's late..."
"Yeah," Zac hesitantly agreed. "I have a plane to catch in the morning."
"Yeah," Drew said.
"You want me to walk you home?" Zac asked.
Drew smiled. "No. I have to take a cab, I live almost across town."
"Oh. Well, you want me to get you a cab?"
"That's okay," Drew said. "I can get one."
"Okay," Zac said.
They began to walk to the hotel door. "Dinner was great," Drew said. "Thank you so much."
Zac smiled. "Yeah, it was. Thank you for showing up."
Drew laughed. "Why wouldn't I?"
Then Zac got serious. "Drew. I want you to know, I don't regret tonight. I won't regret it."
"I know," Drew said. She kissed his cheek. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," he responded. "I'll call you later."
As Drew hailed herself a cab, she knew 'I'll call you later' didn't mean later that night. She also knew it didn't mean the next day. As much as it pained her, she had to respect the fact that she may not hear from him for several days. But she knew eventually, when he was ready, he would call her.
Right?