A Four Letter Word (4 page)

"Um, I think I'm the only cavewoman here," I reply.

What a way to take a compliment, Zoey.

"Well, then, you haven't seen Taylor, one of Geoffrey's friends. He is sporting the cavewoman look as well. And believe me; I would rather look at you all night." He shivers.

"Don't you mean caveman?" I question, not sure I heard him right.

Griffin chuckles and shakes his head before answering. "No, he is definitely a cavewoman. Actually his sash says 'Queen of the Clan'."

Queen of the Clan?

Queen of the….oh, Oh, Oh!

"Queen, gotcha." Yep, I was a wee bit slow on that one.

Griffin and I laugh at my cluelessness and toast to me winning the contest; although I doubt toasting will help. There are some amazing costumes and some amazing bodies wearing them. The music lowers, and there is a tapping on a microphone. "Is this stupid thing on? Geoffrey, baby, I don't think this stupid thing is on." Patrick's flustered voice carries over the masses.

"It's on, love. Our guests can hear you just fine." Geoffrey reassures a slightly flustered Patrick.

"Yes, I am fine and then some. Okay, my lovelies,
it's contest time." Patrick sing-songs and the guests cheer his announcement.

"And let us tell you all thank you so much for coming to our annual Halloween party. It means so much to Geoffrey and me that we can spread some spooky love to you all." Patrick winks, and the party erupts with hoots and hollers.

"Ooooo, aren't we an excited bunch this year? Okay—on with the festivities. We have some very delicious men ready to sashay across our little stage here and show you what Halloween is all about—wearing as little as possible and absolutely getting away with it. These men are fierce, and I am having a hard"—Patrick's hand seductively travels down his torso, and then he cups his manhood—"definitely hard time deciding which mouth-watering specimen should win, so I am going to need you all to help me decide," he continues.

"I need to get closer," I whisper into Griffin's ear.

He laces his fingers in mine and begins to pull me through the crowd, dodging bodies left and right. An over-zealous Scream character bumps into me, and I end up falling into Griffin. His hands immediately grip my waist, keeping me upright. Our faces are inches from each other, and I feel a tingle deep inside me. My breathing accelerates, and it's as if we are the only two people in the room. I am lost in his cool blue eyes, and a part of me doesn't want to be found. My face inches closer to his, my lips are apparently on a mission of their own seeking out his.  Before I can get too close and possibly embarrass myself… "Let the parade of hotness begin!" Patrick's announcement brings me back, the crowd erupts, and I shake my head.

"Sorry," I say pulling away from Griffin.

"No reason to apologize. Um, are we close enough, or do you want to get closer?" Griffin asks as his eyes flitter between me and the stage.

The double meaning isn't lost on me. At least, I hope there's a double
meaning. "No, this is close enough. I think I'll be able to see Evan just fine."

"Evan?" Griffin asks, confused his voice sounding disappointed.

"My
best friend
. He couldn't say no to Geoffrey, either." I hope he caught the emphasis on the best friend part. I already told him I didn't have a boyfriend. I hope he believes me.

"Best friend.
Got it. Which one is he?" Griffin's chin points toward the stage.

I stand on my tippy toes and scan the line of men parading on stage. I notice the cowboy Ashlee dubbed as her soul mate and next to him is Evan. He looks so uncomfortable—a fish out of water. I should feel bad for him, but I don't. Payback is a bitch.

"The scared Tarzan—that's him." I point to Evan as Patrick makes him spin around for the crowd to really get a good look.

"This is
Tarzalicious, my lovelies. Couldn't you just eat him with a spoon?" Patrick asks the party guests eyeing Evan up and down.

Evan turns several shades of embarrassment. The crowd goes wild, and there is wolf-whistling and cheers.

"I've got my spoon ready," someone yells from the sea of people.

Evan turns back around. His eyes find mine, and the look he gives me tells me I am in for it when I take the stage. Just what have I gotten myself in for?

Patrick introduces the last two victims—I mean contestants—and the crowd cheers, hoots and hollers. 

"Okay, my lovelies, we've tabulated your response to each contestant, and drum roll please…the winner is…oh my God, I am so ready to swing on his vine …
Tarzalicious," Patrick announces, jumping up and down, his arms flapping as he does.

The crowd erupts in more cheers and wolf-whistling; a few “I’m ready to swing away with him” can be heard—some from women, and some from men.  The party guests definitely don’t discriminate.

Evan walks across the stage and graciously accepts the prize.  Just as he’s about to turn and leave, “Not so fast Sweetcheeks,” Patrick stops Evan dead in his tracks.  Evan slowly turns around with a look of complete and utter fear. “There’s more for you Tarzalicious.” Patrick places a sash over his chest and a tiara on his head. Evan turns fifty shades of red.  His eyes find me in the crowd, and I can’t help but laugh. This moment is priceless, I wish I had my camera. But, my amusement is short lived when Evan quirks an eyebrow at me and mouths, “You’re next.”

"Okay, next up will be the ladies and we will crown our Queen of Halloween.
Thank you, boys." Patrick curtsies, and the guys leave the stage.

Evan pushes his way through the crowd and quite a few hands paw and grab at him.  He doesn’t look too happy and I think I want to have a little more fun at his expense.

"Congrats, Tarzalicious," I tease, fingering his sparkly sash.

"Thanks. So, you ready to take the stage, because there is no way I am letting you back out of this after you threw me to the wolves." Evan raises his eyebrow, challenging me.

My smile immediately disappears, and I feel all the color drain from my face.  He isn’t going to let me get out of this.  Why oh why didn’t I just keep my big mouth shut.  Oh, I know why because teasing Evan is just soooo much fun since I rarely get a chance to see him out of sorts.

I feel a warm hand wrap around mine. "Don't worry,
Zoey; remember you've got your very own cheerleader right here."

Evan suddenly notices Griffin standing beside me and gives him this look like he wants to tear him apart.  Great, my body guard now decides to show up.  I so don’t need his over protective ass ruining what might be the start of something. Griffin gives my hand a reassuring squeeze and I suddenly can’t remember why I am so nervous to begin with.

I feel someone grab my other hand and give it a shake, and not just a little shake, the kind of shake that gets your attention. I look down at my hand and notice Evan holding it.  He’s got my attention. His other hand comes up and releases my bottom lip from between my teeth, he hates when I do that.  I can’t help it though.  It’s a knee-jerk reaction to getting nervous—it’s something I’ve always done and it’s something Evan’s always hated.   His smile is warm, his eyes sincere telling me he’s got me if I fall.  Evan’s always got me. "Hey, listen—it's no big deal, really."

I nod even though I’m not so sure I believe in his confidence in me.  Evan’s always been my number one cheerleader.  He’s always had my back and has had confidence in me when I didn’t.  I can remember when it was announced that I was the school valedictorian; I thought I was going to throw up all over my desk in homeroom. But Evan was right behind me, whispering in my ear that first he was so completely proud of me and second that I could do it and finally that he would hold my hand, figuratively of course, all the way through it. 

"You can do this. It will be fun, and when it's over, you'll wonder why you made such a big deal about it. Zoey, you are the strongest, bravest person I know. You always come out the other side. Don't worry, I'm here I won't let you fall."  He gives me my favorite smile, the one he knows I love and gives my hand another little squeeze, driving home his point. And at that moment I completely believe him and trust him—he won’t let me fall.  And just like that, Evan’s confidence in me feels like it flows from his fingers into mine. 

"Okay. I can, I can do this." I straighten my shoulders and give him a squeeze back. I turn to Griffin. "I'll be right back."

He winks at me, making me feel like I’m a girl back in high school with a new crush. I know I’m smiling like an idiot and I feel my cheeks heat up.  I just know I’m blushing like a fool. I let go of Evan’s hand and start to make my way through the crowd.  I take one last look over my shoulder; Griffin is smiling and gives me a little wave pushing me to go on. My eyes flicker to Evan and at first his lips are pursed together, his eyes hard, a slide ways glance toward Griffin before his eyes find mine. When they meet mine they soften and a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.  Now I have two cheerleaders encouraging me and my heart swells at the prospect.

Chapter 5

I push my nerves aside, taking Evan's words of encouragement to heart, and brain for that matter. He always has a way of putting me at ease. How he does it time and time again, I will never know. I'm just grateful he can and does. I look toward the side of the stage and Geoffrey is waving me over, Patrick bouncing at his side. These two really crack my ass up. Faster than I thought possible, I make my way over to them.

"Well, Hot Jane, I'm surprised you came to us on your own accord. Ashlee had us thinking we were going to have to hunt you down and bring you up on stage, kicking and screaming." Geoffrey's eyebrows shoot up, and Patrick nods like a bobble head beside him.

"Kicking and screaming, indeed. Although, usually, I'm not opposed to a little kicking and screaming… and scratching and biting and licking and…"
Patrick's eyes get all glossy, and he has a faraway look in eyes as his lips curl into a devilish "I've been up to something and I want to do it again" grin.

"Sorry to disappoint," I respond, looking everywhere and anywhere other than their faces.

"Honey, you could never disappoint, I'm sure; although, I really wouldn't know much about that. I'll just take your word for it," Geoffrey teases.

My cheeks grow hot. Patrick takes my hand in his giving me a little pat with the other. "
Zoey, honey, just remember this is all about having fun. I know we can be a little much, just like Ashlee, but if you really want to back out, just say the word, and you'll be off the vine or hook. You know what I mean." His expression is full of sincerity; a lopsided grin pulls the corner of his mouth, and it warms my heart. I contemplate his words. He's easily giving me an out.

Do I want an out?

I shake my head. "No, I can do this. I want to do this. I'm not backing out," I honestly admit, squashing the old me once and for all. I’m not
that
girl anymore, and I’m not going to let her make a reappearance after all these years and ruin tonight.

"Okay, bitches, let's do this," I command, my voice oozing with confidence as I grip the handrail and make my way up the stairs to the other waiting contestants.

Geoffrey and Patrick stare at each other, then at me, mouths gaping open.

"Well, doesn't one of you have to get your pretty little ass on stage and get this party started?" I question, picking up the microphone.

Geoffrey and Patrick both shake their heads in total disbelief.

"
Oooo, I love confident Hot Jane. She is on fire." Patrick squeals, fanning himself, as Geoffrey reaches for the microphone.

"Okay, ladies, let's get this contest started, shall we?" Geoffrey saunters up the stairs, his bee-stinger-butt bouncing as he does.

I think Patrick is drooling, his eyes fixed on Geoffrey's ass. And I swear I hear him mumble, "Deliciously edible."

Geoffrey commands the attention of the crowd while Patrick tries to contain himself beside him. "Are you all eager for some more fun?" The guests cheer and a couple of shouts of "Hell, yes!" can be heard over the clapping, hoot and hollering.

"Well, there are some very beautiful delicious ladies waiting to show you what it takes to be the Queen of Halloween. And I must say some of their costumes are to die for…" Geoffrey fans himself. "Hopefully they make a few of them in my size."

"
Ooo, they better, Pookie; I so want to play doctor, and you can be my nurse." Patrick grins like the cat that's about to eat the canary, pointing to…

Holy shit!

I so didn't see Nina standing there. The crowd goes nuts, and of course, I hear Brett's booming voice above all others. "That's my fuckhot woman!"

"Shall we get started?" Geoffrey asks the crowd, his arm in
Vanna White manner, motioning to the line of contestants.

The crowd quickly responds. Patrick takes the microphone. "I think some of you might be in need of some medical attention. I know Doctor Make-me-feel-oh-so-fucking-good is in the crowd…" Patrick winks at Brett. I notice Brett become less enthusiastic and cower.

"But, I think we need his nurse to take our temperature first," Patrick finishes.

"Orally or rectally?"
Geoffrey questions with a quirked eyebrow.

"I'm always up for a little anal probing," Patrick shamelessly responds.

Nina steps forward, drawing all eyes away from the lovebirds, and takes Geoffrey's waiting hand. He escorts her around the small stage and gives her a little spin once they are next to Patrick again. The crowd goes nuts—deafening nuts—especially Brett. Nina gets back in line, and Patrick continues to introduce each contestant, while Geoffrey presents them to the hungry guests. After a French maid, a fairy, and a vampire, Patrick starts to introduce me.

"Our next contestant will leave you hot and sweaty in the jungle. She's just sizzling…it's our very own, Hot Jane."

I take a deep breath and quickly scan the crowd. After what seems like an eternity, I find Evan right where I left him and Griffin. His smile overtakes his features, and he begins to step forward, pushing his way through the party guests—pushing his way closer to the stage—pushing his way closer to me. He mouths, "I've got you." I can't help but smile back, and my hand easily slips into Geoffrey's. I take my turn around the stage, all the while feeling my confidence grow; the crowd's cheering, feeding it. I manage not to trip and find myself standing back in line. I breathe an utter sigh of relief. Next, the last few contestants take the stage. While the last girl has her turn, I see Evan smiling, and he winks at me.

I mouth, "Thank you."

He mouths, "Anytime."

My gaze drifts from Evan, and my eyes instantly find Griffin he's beaming. My heart skips a beat. He mouths, "You did great." I smile and nod my thanks, turning my attention back to Patrick as the last girl gets back in line.

"Whew, is it hot in here or is it just me?" Geoffrey fans himself.

"Oh, it's all you, hot stuff." Patrick nuzzles Geoffrey's neck.

A few chuckles radiate from the party-goers. They get lost in the moment and come very close to making out in front of everyone. I guess the proverbial light bulb goes off, because, before things get too X-rated, they stop.

"Doctor Delicious, where are you?" Patrick scans the crowd and quickly,
like he has GPS on his ass, finds Brett. "Oh, there you are. I might need mouth to mouth before the night is over. Geffy, you always leave me breathless."

I notice Brett slowly turning from Doctor Delicious to a shrinking violet. I can't help but laugh, and I hear Nina laugh right along with me.

"Okay, let's end the suspense, shall we? The Queen of Halloween is…drum roll please…Nurse Nina."

The place erupts into cheers for Nina. All I can think is thank God it's her and not me. Nina graciously accepts her cash prize, adding the sash and crown to her costume. She plays to the crowd as she takes her victory lap. Brett has made his way to the front of the stage, clapping and cheering louder than anyone. He reaches up, helping Nina get off the stage and right into his arms. Brett simply stares at her, in complete awe and with an intense love. I watch him bring her tighter into his arms, lean in, and kiss her with such reference. My heart swells and aches at the same time. Brett and Nina have found and redefined that elusive four-letter word. They are among the rare and lucky few. I let out a deep breath, make my way down the stairs, and find Griffin waiting for me.

His smile widens as I walk closer to him. "You were amazing, Zoey."

"Thanks." My eyes never leave his.

Griffin reaches out his hand to me. I take it without hesitation. A warming sensation spreads out from the contact. Butterflies attack my stomach.

"Just amazing," he reiterates.

Before I can respond, he pulls me into his arms, his face inching closer and closer.  As if he is a magnet, I find myself inching closer as well until his lips tenderly touch mine. He starts to pull away, but I stop him, my hands finding their place around his neck. I seek out his lips this time, and our kiss deepens—sweetly, tenderly. I am the first to break the kiss—oxygen was kind of needed. For some odd reason, his kiss makes me I feel like I just won first prize, not Nina.

Griffin rests his forehead against mine. "Come dance with me."

I don't answer with words; instead, I lace my fingers in his and pull him away from the stage and toward the dance floor. The closer we get, the vibration of the music starts to pulsate through my body, and I can't help but react to it. "Don't Wanna to Go Home" thumps through the speakers; its steady dance rhythm finding its way into my core. I start to sway my hips, arms stretched above my head, losing myself. I suddenly feel a pair of hands grasp my hips—Griffin. A smile spreads across my lips, and I lean my back against his chest, the rise and fall of it moving me. We continue to move, in sync—two bodies becoming one. The song slowly fades and changes to something slower, something I don't recognize. Griffin turns me so I am facing him, his left hand finding its way to the small of my back, his right intertwining with mine. He pulls me closer, and I rest my head against his chest. The butterflies return for round two. We slowly sway to the song, and I easily get lost in the sensation of being wrapped in his arms. I feel…safe. The song seems to fade into the background, as do the other dancing couples around us. It's just me and Griffin—it's just us, and no one else.

"May I cut in?" a familiar voice asks from behind me.

I straighten up and notice Griffin's eyes lose their shine. "Sure."

Griffin releases me, and my body wants to protest. I'm about to protest. Griffin leans in and whispers in my ear, "I'll wait for you by the bar, okay?" His lips brush my cheek. Griffin turns to Evan. The two stare intently at each other—hazel versus blue—it's almost as if they're playing "Who's
gonna flinch first." Neither one of them wants to be the first to back down it seems. Griffin nods and Evan returns it with one of his own—silent words exchanged between them.

Men.

I smile at Griffin, and I then watch him get lost in a sea of people. I turn, and I am staring into a pair of pleading hazel eyes.

Yeah, you should be pleading and begging for my forgiveness for interrupting, you jackass.

"Shall we?" Evan smirks, taking my hand in his, while his other hand finds the small of my back. He starts leading, and all I can do is follow—Evan is a wonderful dancer.

No he's not. You're pissed at him, remember?

"Relax, Zoey, I'll have you back with Mr. Gladiator soon enough." Evan's voice drips with sarcasm.

I squeeze his hand as hard as I can, hoping that it hurts like hell.

"Zoey, please—you know you can't hurt me. Will you just stop and enjoy this dance with me?"

"I don't want to enjoy this dance with you. I was enjoying dancing with Griffin before you so rudely interrupted." I try to keep the venom out of my voice.

"I was just doing what I promised."

"And what would that be—preventing
Zoey from having a good time?" I sarcastically inquire.

"No. Despite what you think, I am just looking out for my best friend. You know, looking out for her best interest, making sure she doesn't do anything stupid, making sure no one hurts her in any shape or form, especially when that form is dressed like a gladiator."

I can't help but feel…guilty. Evan is just looking out for me just like he's always done. But, I can't help but still feel a little resentment. I mean, I am a grown-ass woman, and he knows nothing about Griffin.

"I know you're being my 'bodyguard,' and I really appreciate it. But, you didn't need to go all
caveman. Griffin's harmless."

"No man is harmless,
Zoey. Especially tonight, especially when you're wearing this."

His eyes roam over me, and I feel a burning sensation, and it's not just my cheeks.

"Look, I just want you to be happy, and I don't want to see you get hurt," he adds.

I roll my eyes.

"I know I can be a pain in the ass, but I am very protective of you, Zoey, you know that. I always have been and I always will be—nothing will ever change that."

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, carefully thinking about what he’s just said and what am I about to say. "I know. It's just that, sometimes, I think you see me as that awkward teenage girl who needed your protection and guidance more than anything. But, now, Evan, if you haven't noticed, I'm not a teenager anymore, and I left that awkwardness behind me. I'm a big girl now, wearing my big girl pants. I can take care of myself. But…I appreciate that you still look after me, just ease up a little, okay?" I tell him, my eyes staring into his.

Evan nods. "Okay, I'll try. I'm not making any promises, but I'll try. So, you like Mr. Gladiator?"

"Mr. Gladiator has a name…
it's Griffin, and yes I do. He's been nothing but nice to me since we met."

And it was the truth. Griffin has been a perfect gentleman the entire time; mostly.  That kiss we shared wasn’t really inappropriate and even when we were dancing, his hands never became inappropriate. I feel my lips curl into a small smile at the thought. The song changes to a fast beat, and Evan releases me.