Always Beautiful (16 page)

“I’ll always be here when you need me. We’re all hoping that this is the worst part for you. God knows, I’ve been praying like a mad man that the bad news will end now and you can move on with your life. You deserve nothing but happiness.”

A sob broke free from my throat and I leaned into Dixon, wrapping my arms around him. “I pray for that too Dixon. I just want the pain to stop and I want to see Zeppelin again. I need him close to me. I don’t like not being able to touch him and hold him and kiss him.” I admitted. Dixon ran a hand up and down my back and I felt him nod. “You’ll get through this Lucky. I know you will.” He whispered as he kissed my head.

I knew that my cousin was right. I would get through this. I had to move on from the tragic past that seemed to forever haunt Zeppelin and me. “Thank you Dixon. I love you.” I said as I pulled away from him and grabbed a tissue off the table. Dixon smiled. “I love you too Lucky. Now stop crying, because Hannah will have my head if she knows I made you cry.” I laughed at his words and sighed. “I’ll see you out there soon.” He said as he stood from the chair and left me.

~July 2012~

Zeppelin left first thing in the morning after he spent the night with me. He didn’t wake me before he left, but he did leave a note.

Angel,

I had to leave you earlier than I wanted. I’m sorry that I didn’t wake you, but you’re so beautiful when you sleep and I didn’t have the heart. I kissed your lips and your eyes and your flush cheeks. The drive to Seattle is a few hours, and I promise to let you know when I arrive.

If I don’t have to stay the entire week, I will get in my car first thing and come back to you. I’m so sorry that I had to leave but know that it won’t be very long. Try not to forget about me while I’m away. You will be in my mind always as well as my heart.

Zeppelin

I wasn’t sure what time he had actually left, but I checked my phone with the note still clutched in my hand and a smile on my face. It was just after ten and I had no messages. I decided to make an effort to try keeping my mind off the fact that I wouldn’t see him or be able to feel his arms around me for a while.

I made my way out to the kitchen and saw Dixon sitting at the table eating a bowl of cereal and drinking coffee. It was Tuesday, so I figured he would be at the shop. He glanced up at me when I sat across from him.

“I’m running late this morning. I have to go to the shop and dad said he could use you if you’re interested.” Dixon said. I nodded. “Sounds good to me, I really have nothing else to do.” I replied. “When do you have to start registering for school and stuff?” He asked. “Not for a few more weeks.” I told him. “I’ll be moving before then.” Dixon raised a brow at me.

“Are you sure you want to leave this place and live on your own?” He asked. I narrowed my eyes at him and cocked my head to the side. “Are you going to miss me when I leave?” I joked. Dixon shrugged. “Maybe a little, you clean more than I do.” His lips twitched as he responded. I rolled my eyes. “Oh I’m just a maid to you, thanks cuz!” I said as I stood from the table and slapped his shoulder. Dixon chuckled.

“I think it’s great that you found a place. Everything is going according to your plans.” I was in the kitchen now, pouring myself a cup of coffee. I turned to look at my cousin. “Is my analytical personality that noticeable?” I asked. Dixon chewed on his bottom lip and nodded slowly. “Look, maybe it’s just because I know you so well. It’s actually kind of nice to see you with Zeppelin. He is the opposite of order and routine, it’s good for you.”

I grabbed the vanilla creamer and poured it in the mug. “Did he tell you why he was going to Seattle?” I wondered. Dixon looked down at his now empty bowl of cereal. “Not a thing. I don’t think he told anybody.” He replied quietly. I watched his face closely. His jaw muscle ticked as he stared into the bowl. I had a brief sense of uncertainty that Dixon might be lying to me. I reasoned that he was just likely nervous about his friend leaving too. Dixon wouldn’t lie to me…At least I didn’t think he would.

He grabbed his bowl off the table and walked toward the kitchen sink. You can just ride with me to the shop if you want.” He said as he rinsed the dish. I nodded. “Okay, I’ll just go get dressed and ready.” I said.

A half an hour later we were in Dixon’s truck on our way to the shop. He didn’t bring up Zeppelin again and neither did I. To be honest, I didn’t want to think too much about the fact that he was gone because then it made me wonder what he was doing and why he had seemed so vague. I would surely make myself sick with worry if I obsessed over it.

Just as we pulled in to the shop parking lot, my phone rang. I grabbed it out of my purse and saw Zeppelin’s name flash across the screen. My stomach did a series of flutters as I lifted the phone to my ear, answering the call.

“Hello?” “Good morning Angel.” His deep voice came through the phone and melted my heart. I smiled. “Hey you, did you make it to Seattle?” I asked. “Yeah, just got here twenty minutes ago I’m at my parent’s house.” He replied. “Nice, well I’m glad you’re safe and sound. I got your note this morning.” “Good. I miss you already babe. I know it sounds crazy, but I do.”

Dixon stepped out of the truck and headed in to the shop. “I miss you too.” I told Zeppelin. “I’ll be in touch as much as I can. I have to go now.” He replied. I nodded though he couldn’t see me. “Okay, I’ll talk to you later.” I said. “Bye Angel.” “Bye.” I ended the call and let out a sigh.

I felt a tiny weight lift off my shoulders after being able to talk to Zeppelin. Part of me wondered if I should try and be more guarded with him, but the thought of not being around him or talking to him hurt. I stepped out of the truck and made my way in to the office where Uncle Eddy was.

I spent the next three days helping out at the shop in the office and also on a few of the cars when Matt called in sick on Friday morning. It was nice keeping busy and focusing on something else besides my growing feelings for Zeppelin. He had called me Tuesday night to say goodnight. We also texted each other throughout the week and he sent me a picture of him at the Space Needle saying that he wanted to take me there one day. I found when I went to bed, I would dream of him.

It was now Saturday night and Dixon talked me into bringing my car out to the races again. He had me set up to race a guy who was fairly new to the scene. I was excited to race again and have the potential to earn a little bit of money. I had talked to Zeppelin earlier in the day but hadn’t heard from him since. I figured he was busy and I focused on making a good pass down the make shift track.

Hannah and Josh were here as well and she helped me prep my car before the race started. “I heard that the bets are pretty high tonight.” She said as I closed the hood and wandered over to the driver’s side. “Me too, have you seen this kid race before?” I asked her. Hannah shook her head. “No, but he’s straight out of high school and I’m not sure he really has any experience.” I smiled at her. “Well then I better win. If I do, then maybe I’ll take my best friend out on a date with my winnings.” I said. Hannah laughed. “I would love that! We could go to dinner and a movie or something.” She said. “Yeah, that would be fun.” I agreed. “Or you could take Zeppelin.” She winked at me.

I shrugged. “Maybe, but I don’t know when he will be back.” I admitted. “Josh talked to him yesterday. It’s weird that he won’t tell anyone why he had to leave.” She said. I nodded. “I think so too, but I guess we just have to assume he would tell us anything if it was important. Maybe he doesn’t want to air his dirty laundry.” I said. It was something that I had been thinking about every day since he left. I could only hope that maybe one day he would finally open up to me or anyone for that matter. I still had a suspicion that Dixon knew more than he let on.

Hannah and I talked for a few more minutes and then Matt hollered at me to head to the starting line. I got in my car and started it, the engine purring as I made my way to where I needed to be. I could feel my heart starting to pump faster like it always did before a race. I loved this feeling. I pressed the power button on my stereo and Hollywood Undead started playing. I closed my eyes and let the music fill my soul and amp me up. When I opened my eyes again, I looked at the girl who would signal us to go.

I glanced over at the guy I was racing in an old beaten up Nova. He was watching me and when he caught me looking at him, he smiled and winked. I rolled my eyes and let them land back on the girl in front of us, watching her carefully. I was gone the minute her arms came down. I flew down the track, tapping the brake as soon as I knew I was far enough ahead. It was an easy win and I was ecstatic about it. Circling around I brought my car back to where Dixon’s truck was and parked beside it.

“Awesome job as always, Lucky!” Dixon said as he high fived me. “Thanks.” I said with a smile. Hannah ran up to me and hugged me. “Great job chick, you were amazing!” I hugged her back. “So we have a date?” I asked with a laugh. Hannah giggled and shrugged. “I guess we do.” I had to wait until all the other races were done before I could collect any winnings so I chatted with Hannah some more and we made plans.

Later on, we were standing around Dixon’s truck and watching the next set of racers getting ready to make a pass when I heard the roar of an engine that had become quite familiar to me. My head shifted to the direction of the sound and I saw Zeppelin’s GTO pulling up beside my car. It had only been a few days since I had seen him and we had just talked a few hours ago, but knowing that he was back made me extraordinarily happy. I had no idea that he would be coming home today because he hadn’t mentioned it at all.

I began walking toward him before he even made it out of the car. I watched as he opened the door slowly and stepped out. His gaze landed on mine and a huge smile spread across his lips. I noticed a few days-worth of growth along his jaw and his hair was slightly disheveled like usual. He looked every bit of the bad boy I thought he was only a month or so ago.

His blue eyes sparkled as he shut the driver’s side door and began moving toward me. It didn’t take him long to reach me and his arms came out, gripping my waist as he lifted me against his body. I immediately wrapped my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. He held me tight, squeezing me.

“Well this is a nice welcome.” He chuckled and pulled his head back to look at me. One of his hands went to rest upon my cheek as he held me up with the other. “God Angel, I missed you so bad.” He growled as he pressed his lips against mine. My lips instantly moved against his, rapid and hungry for the taste of him again. “I missed you, so much.” I said in between our kisses.

I was totally enthralled in Zeppelin and forgot the fact that we were standing out in the open in front of a crowd of racers. I heard someone clear their throat and then Matt began speaking.

“You’d think they were separated for years and not days.” He said. “Get a room you horn-balls!” Zeppelin smiled against my lips and pulled back. I untangled my legs from him and slid down his body. “It felt like a lifetime.” Zeppelin said, gazing into my eyes and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. If it was possible, the smile I had grew wider.

“Glad to see you back buddy.” Dixon said as he walked up and slapped Zeppelin’s shoulder. “Thanks man. I’m glad to be back.” He replied. “Did everything go well in Seattle?” Josh asked as he approached us with Hannah beside him. Zeppelin nodded. “For now everything’s fine.” He turned his attention back to Dixon. “I’m really sorry I couldn’t help out this week at the shop.” He said. Dixon shook his head. “No worries man, Lucky was a huge help actually.” He told him with a smile as he lightly punched my arm.

Zeppelin cocked a brow at me. “You worked on the cars?” He asked. I nodded. “You know that I know what I’m doing.” I said. Zeppelin narrowed his eyes at me and chewed on his bottom lip. Before I had time to register anything, he grabbed my hand and began pulling me toward his car away from everyone else. He led me around to the back of it and grabbed my waist as he backed me against the trunk. I gasped and gave him a questioning look as I searched his face.

“What’s wrong?” I asked breathlessly. The way he was staring at me had my body heating all over. “I was thinking about you working on a car in the shop.” He said softly. His hand trailed up my arm to my cheek, cupping it as his thumb ran along my lower lip. “You wearing tight jeans and bending over the front under the hood with grease up to your elbows.” He added in a low tone. My heart hammered in my chest and Zeppelin pressed his body against mine.

I nearly moaned when I felt his hard length against me. Smirking, I brought my arms up to rest on his shoulders. “That’s exactly how it happened.” I told him. “I even did an oil change.” I added seductively. Zeppelin groaned. “That’s so hot Lucky.” I giggled and shook my head. “If you say so Zeppelin,” I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his. “I want you to myself. Are you racing?” He asked against my mouth. “Already did,” I mumbled back. Zeppelin pulled back from me and raised his brow.

“Did you win?” He asked. I nodded. He grinned at me and kissed my lips one more time. “Good job Angel. You want to get out of here?” “Yeah, but I’m going to have to get someone to take my car home.” I said. “Alright let’s go talk to Dixon and then you’re mine for the rest of the night.” Zeppelin said. I smiled at him. “Sounds good to me,”

Dixon agreed to take my car home for me and Josh would take his truck. I promised Hannah I would call her later on to continue planning our date night. Once Zeppelin and I were in his car and heading away from the track I asked him where we were going. “I’m taking you home to my bed where I can show you just how much I missed you.” He said as he stretched his arm across the console and placed his hand in mine. I smiled at him and lifted the hand that he was holding mine in to my lips. “That would be perfect.” I said.

Soon after that, we were in the elevator at Zeppelin’s building making out. He had me pressed against the wall as his hands roamed over my body and his mouth devoured mine. I moaned into his mouth and he pressed himself against me as he began to nibble on my neck. The faint ding of the elevator opening registered and then I heard a gasp and a throat clear. Zeppelin stepped away from me and we both turned to the open elevator doors.