Free Next to Me by Emily Walker Page B

squealed with excitement. Zane went to answer it and found Whitney standing there smiling at him like nothing had happened.
    “You have the worst timing.” Zane wasn’t really happy to see her, which was not what she expected after they hadn’t spoken in about three weeks.
    “I just came by to say I’m sorry, and I want us to start over.” She stood awkwardly on the porch, and Zane knew his dad was listening.
    “We can’t start over, Whitney, there have been too many times. I think we’ve just finally grown apart.” He looked down at the ground as Lila’s car pulled up.
    “Is that your girlfriend?”
    “I told you, you have the worst timing.” Lila walked up and smiled widely. Whitney nodded at her, and he kissed her hello.
    “Wait for me inside, I’ll be right there.” He shut the door behind Lila and turned back to her. “It’s too late for us now, Whitney. I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for.”
    He walked into the house without another word and left her standing on the porch with her mouth open.

    Dustin was funny and Zane could tell Lila was really enjoying herself.
    “I feel like Zane had to raise me these past four years, and I should have been the one raising him.” He smiled at his son and gave him a thumbs-up while Lila grabbed some water from the sink. He approved of Lila, and Zane knew he was glad to see his son happy.
    “Dad, you raised me my whole life, after Mom died. I think I can handle helping you out a little.” He wanted to lighten the mood, because it was always a sore subject with his father that he had to take care of him for so long, but he seemed to be in good spirits tonight. After dinner they all helped each other clean up, and Zane put on a pot of coffee.
    “I’m going to retire and let you kids have some time together.” Clapping his son on the back, he walked over to Lila. “It was a huge pleasure to meet you, and I hope you will come back soon.”
    “I’m actually going to go back to her house and hang out for a while, Dad, if you want to watch SportsCenter.” Lila lit up and talked to Dustin about football for another twenty minutes before they headed out.
    “I fell in love with her even more, Son,” he told him as he went out the door. “I won’t wait up.” They stopped at his truck and he kissed her softly before following her to her place and walking up to the door. He was about to open the door for her when she stopped him. She looked up into his eyes, placing a hand on his arm.
    “Do you love her?” He didn’t have to ask who she was talking about. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the top of both her arms gently.
    “I did, but I don’t anymore.” He meant it. Looking into Lila’s eyes, he had to be honest with himself, and her. He didn’t love Whitney anymore.
    She smiled at him, pulling him down for a kiss and taking him by the hand, leading him into the house, which was surprisingly quiet.
    “They are out tonight. I want you to stay.” She led him up to her bedroom, and he felt happier than he had in a while. She tasted sweet and inviting as he ran his lips and tongue over her neck and moved the shirt back to kiss her shoulder. Shivering she brought her arms around his neck and moved closer to him. He took this opportunity to lie her down gently on the bed and kiss her deeply.
    It had been a while since he had been intimate with anyone, and he planned on making up for lost time. She reached into the nightstand for protection, showing him that she was ready too, and he pulled her clothes off slowly, kissing every bit of skin he revealed. She was beautiful and he told her she was repeatedly as he examined her body. Returning the attention, she took his clothes off and moved her hands over his skin. Now it was his time to shiver.
    After they made love, he just listened to her breathe as she slept and thought she could really be the one.

    Whitney had walked back to her car with her tail between her legs, angry that Zane hadn’t