Chapter 1931
Zoey was taken aback; truth be told, she had been on edge all afternoon. After all, guests at the Fitch residence were invariably affluent or influential. The last thing she wanted was to inadvertently offend someone important and make things awkward for Fitch. Especially since it was only her second day in their home, and here she was, getting into a brawl. How could Fitch trust her with his son after such a display?
But his reassuring words warmed her heart, and she felt an unexpected lump in her throat.
Fitch's fingertips gently brushed over the imprint on her cheek. “Did you put something on it?"
"Yes, I was worried it might have been someone important."
"What's important is that you're safe."
Feeling even warmer inside, Zoey was about to respond when Fitch's phone rang. It was a call from the Haskins family.
Fitch frowned slightly, released her chin, and answered the call. "What is it?"
"Fitch, Mia's back. Why don't you and Nolan come over for dinner tonight?"
"No need, Nolan doesn't want to come."
"Are you really going to cut us off like that, keep Nolan away forever?"
"Mom, I've said it before, don't bring her and Nolan into this."
His tone was icy, his gaze unfazed. He even hung up the phone.
Overhearing the conversation, Zoey realized Fitch's strained relationship with his family wasn't just a minor issue. But that was Fitch's private matter, and she didn't feel it was her place to pry. During dinner, when the three of them sat together, she noticed a bottle of fruit wine on the table.
"Is this wine?"
Fitch nodded, "Yeah, it's a new release from a local vineyard, supposed to be popular with ladies, but it packs a punch."
Zoey took a sip and her eyes lit up. It was delicious. Perhaps buoyed by Fitch's support that afternoon and Nolan applying ice to her bruise, she happily drank a bit more than usual.
Zoey could hold her liquor, having
with her dad, Curtis. But toket
occasionally shared a few drinks
she
indulged and drank five glasses, squinting her eyes with satisfaction.
"This wine's pretty good."
Fitch noticed the bottle was nearly empty, his eyes darkening. He had warned her about the wine being strong; she had chosen to drink it.
As Zoey made her way upstairs, her
steps were unsteady, the world before her a blur. Nearly stumbling on the first step, Fitch swiftly steadied her, glancing at Nolan obediently sitting on the couch.
"Stay on the couch and watch your show, don't come upstairs."
Nolan nodded, "Okay."
After helping Zoey up a few steps, Fitch heard his son ask, "Daddy, are you going to tease Mommy again?"
Fitch paused, a rare flush of embarrassment crossing his face. "Quiet."
"Okay."
With Nolan silenced, he focused on Zoey, feeling a heat coursing through him, especially after that question, recalling the events of that night.
Zoey, after drinking, was compliant.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
met
She announced she needed a shower. Fitch prepared the bath, advising a fifteen-minute soak. In those fifteen minutes, he took a quick shower himself, his thoughts his own.
When Zoey returned in her nightgown, back to the bed, Fitch sat beside her, hearing her mumble, "You're quite handsome."
He stiffened, murmured an acknowledgment, and watched as she approached the bed, lifting the covers to lie down.
He had promised not to trouble her, but a kiss would be harmless, right?
Just as he leaned in, Zoey stared at him intently, seemingly pleased.
"You look like that guy."
"Who?"
"Can't remember. Must be a celebrity. But he's only a third as handsome as you."