Center Stage
The following is a complete work of fiction.
Any resemblance between the characters and any real life person is completely coincidental. Please do not copy or distribute the story without the author's permission.
Disclaimer:
The following story may contain erotic situations between consenting adults. If it is illegal for you to read this please leave now.
Thank you to everyone that has written to me! I appreciate and love all the feedback I have received. I am trying to answer as much as I can.
If you enjoyed this story please check out my first story, City Of Dreams, listed under the Adult Friends Section or you can check out the yahoo group where all the chapters of City and Center Stage can be found. That address is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/City-Of-Dreams. Please feel free to send any feedback or comments through the group or you can send it directly to Gryffindor6698@aol.com. Please just remember to add something in the subject line so I know it's not Spam. Enjoy!
Previously:
"No. I do have a question for you though. I want you to answer it honestly."
I looked at him expectantly. He walked over and stood right in front of me.
"Did you...did you mean it when you said you hated me?"
Hearing those words come back to me was like being punched in the gut. Why don't I think sometimes before I talk?
"No Zack. I never hated you."
"Good. I never hated you either."
I reached out and gave him a hug. It just felt like the right thing to do. It must have been because he hugged me right back this time.
"I'm glad we are friends Cam."
"Me too Zack."
Chapter Four
"I really wish I had a camera! The look on Lucas' face was classic! You certainly put him in his place Cameron!"
Zack patted me on the back as he was laughing.
"Well sometimes people need to be knocked down a peg or two."
Zack looked at me with an eyebrow raised.
"Was that a back handed comment to me?"
I laughed.
"If the shoe fits buddy."
"Just remember who the boss is here Mr. Prince." He said with a grin.
"You never let me forget sir."
I smiled at him and headed back towards my desk. Ariel was sitting there flipping through a magazine. She looked up at me as I approached.
"Hey! What happened Cam? I need details!"
I laughed at her.
"I thought you had a department meeting?"
She got a very innocent look on her face.
"Did I say that? I don't know why I would have said that. My calendar is free the whole afternoon."
"You are so full of shit! You are lucky I like you thought!"
We both laughed. I gave her a run down of what happened in his office. She jumped up and gave me a hug.
"Thank you so much for this Cam. I think this is exactly what Zack needs. Hopefully now he will drop that evil boss routine for a bit."
"Don't be thanking me yet. We have no clue if he is going too change or not. That will be up to him. All we can do is wait and see."
The door the office opened and I turned to see who it was. It was the UPS guy, but it was not our normal guy. The guy coming into the office now was fucking HOT. I need to write a thank you letter to whoever in the company decided they should wear those brown shorts. This guy had to be about six foot three. The hair I could see from under his ball cap was a dark blonde. He had a body that just would not quit! I glanced at Ariel and she was practically drooling. I nudged her gently. We had to stay professional. Well, at least a little bit.
"Good afternoon. Can I help you?" I said with a smile.
This gorgeous man stood in front my desk and set down a package on my desk.
"He obviously has a package that he needs to deliver Cameron." Ariel said with a laugh.
Oh that dirty bitch! I should have expected Ariel to say something like that though. I would have done the same thing to her. Turnabout is fair play though.
"I know Ariel, but I doubt he is delivering the package you are referring to."
The man chuckled. It was a rich, deep sound that filled the room. Obviously the man had a good sense of humor.
"It's nice to see people in an office that aren't uptight. Usually I have to deal with a bunch of uptight suits."
The grin that lit up his face was enough to send my pulse racing. I could feel my breathing quicken. What is it about this man? I've never reacted to a guy like this before.
"If I could just get your signature right here Cameron?"
He held out the electronic pad and I signed my name. He scanned the package and handed me my receipt. He wrote something else on the pad and then handed me a slip of paper.
"I'm taking a big chance here, but my name is Aiden. That's my number. If you might be interested give me a call sometime. Okay?"
Aiden gave me another heart pumping smile. I gave him a smile of my own in return.
"You can definitely expect a call."
"Good. I'll be talking to you soon then. Nice to meet you as well Ariel."
He winked at me and headed out the door. Ariel turned to me almost immediately.
"You lucky son of a bitch. Why are all the sexy, gorgeous men gay?"
I laughed.
"Just to piss you off Ariel."
She swatted me with the folders that were in her hand.
"I expect a full detailed report on any activity that happens Mr. Prince. Otherwise I may have to report you to your superior."
"Yes ma'am." I said with a mock salute.
The rest of my day passed quickly and uneventfully. Thank God! I had enough on my mind to think about. The paper with Aiden's number on it was practically burning a whole in my pocket. I stopped in Zack's office on my way out to see if he needed anything before I left for the weekend. I stepped into his office. He had taken his tie off and his top button was undone. He was looking intensely at a profit report from CPS's last show. He didn't even look up as I entered the office.
"Hey boss." His head snapped up.
"Jesus Christ Cameron. You scared the fuck out of me. Do you always sneak up on people like that?"
I laughed.
"I opened the door and walked right in. I can't help it that you were so engrossed with that report Zack. You know what they say though. All work and no play..."
Zack gave me a mock glare.
"Means that Cameron doesn't have a enough work to do if he can harass his boss."
I stuck my tongue out at him. The look on his face was classic. I cracked up laughing.
"I'm heading out for the evening Zack. If you need anything done either leave it on my desk or email me. I will take care of it first thing Monday morning."
Zack nodded his head.
"Ok Cameron. I'll be out of here in a few hours."
I looked at my watch.
"Zack...its 6 p.m. on a Friday. The weekend started for everyone else an hour ago. Can't that wait until Monday? You're always here at 7 a.m. anyways."
"How do you know what time I get here in the mornings?"
"If you ever came out of this office you would know I get here a few minutes after you. Don't you ever wonder why the phones don't ring that long in the morning?"
He looked at me curiously.
"I thought voicemail picked them up."
I figured that is what he thought because he never said anything to me about being here early in the mornings. The man really didn't have any idea how hard people worked around here.
"You would." I mumbled under my breath.
"What was that Cam?"
His face was calm, but I could see something in his face. Actually you could only really tell by looking in his eyes. He looked hurt. Did I just hurt his feelings?
"Look Zack. People really bust their asses off here. I know you work just as hard as anyone. Actually you work harder than all of us, but you've got an amazing dedicated staff at your fingertips. If you would only come out of your office once and awhile you would see that. Maybe even show some appreciation for the work that gets put in around here."
He opened his mouth, but I raised my hand to cut him off. I walked over and stood next to him. I leaned against his desk.
"Just hear me out. You have created an amazing company. Do you know that you get at least 50 resumes a day from people who want to work here? You've done such an amazing job, but you've shut yourself off from everyone. You know everything there is to know about the running the business, but you have no clue about the people that help you do that. This place could take off even further if you just talked to people more. Let them know they are appreciated."
He glanced up at me.
"Is that way you talk to your boss?"
I smiled at him.
"I'm off the clock. This is how I talk to my friends."
I stood up and headed towards the office door. I looked back over my shoulder at him.
"Ariel is stopping over my place tonight for drinks Zack. You're more than welcome to join us. If you want to that is."
He looked at me thoughtfully.
"I don't even know your address."
I laughed.
"I thought you might say that. I emailed you my address. There are directions on how to get there from here or from your apartment. You might want to go home and change first. The function starts at 8 sharp. No suits at this function. Jeans will be fine."
I could hear his laughter echo through his office as I headed down the hallway. Even if he doesn't show up I was at least happy that he laughed when I threw his own words back at him. That had to be a good sign. Right?
"You have to call him Cam! If you don't I will call him for you!"
I gave Ariel a fake glare.
"I am quite capable of using the telephone. Thank you. I do use the phone for a living you know."
She shot me the middle finger. We both cracked up laughing. It was about 9 p.m. and we were having a great time.
"Ok I will call him right now, but you have to keep your mouth shut! You are not going to embarrass me!"
Ariel rolled her eyes at me.
"You can do that without my help Cam."
I was about to fire a nasty comment back at her but a knock on at the door cut me off.
I looked at Ariel.
"I bet one of my neighbors wants to complain about the noise. We have been a bit loud."
Ariel giggled as I got up and walked towards the door. I grabbed the knob and opened it. I was surprised to find Zack standing there. He was wearing a pair of black jeans and a hunter green shirt. His shirt was unbuttoned a bit and it showed off the top of his hairy chest.
"Zack! Why didn't the front desk call up?"
Zack just grinned at me.
"Are you going to invite me in Cameron or do I have to stand out here all night?"
I grinned at him and shut the door right in his face. I walked back over to couch and sat down next to Ariel. She was laughing her ass off.
"You are such a bitch."
"He'll get used to it."
There was another knock at the door.
"It's open!"
Zack opened the door, but didn't come into the apartment. Ariel looked at him questioningly.
"Zack are you going to come in or stand there are all night?
We both giggled. Zack raised an eyebrow at us.
"Didn't you know that a vampire has to be invited in? If I remember correctly Cameron you did call me a blood sucking bastard the other day at work."
I bit my lip to try and stop the grin that was threatening to show on my face.
"Would you like to come in Zack?"
He actually bowed first and then came in. He closed the door behind him.
"You realize all it took was that one invitation right? I can come and go as I please now."
I laughed at his joke.
"Let me warn you Zack I've seen every episode of Buffy. I could take you out in a minute."
Zack sat down in one of the chairs.
"So have I Cameron. So if you plan on playing the part of the slayer you should remember that she has a tendency to fall for vampires. So I might just get you in the end."
"That is true Zack, but only vampires with souls. That eliminates you now doesn't it?"
Zack's laugh filled the room. Ariel looked over at him with a smile on her face.
"It's good to hear you laugh again dear brother. I was beginning to think you had forgotten how."
Zack was about to say something back to her, but something next to the couch got his attention first.
"What is she doing here?"
I looked over to see Madison sitting there. She hadn't growled at him, but you could tell she was watching him like a hawk. I couldn't help the giggle that slipped from my lips.
"Baby girl here was a present from Dale and Sydney. It seems she wasn't fond of Dale so they had to find her a new home. Since she got along with me so well they asked me to take her. I couldn't resist that cute puppy face."
Zack actually looked fearful.
"You aren't going to send her after me again are you?"
I grinned at him.
"That depends on your behavior for the night."
Zack glared at me.
"Cam..."
Madison let out a low growl as he said my name.
"That's a good first step Zack by calling me Cam. Most of my friends do call me that."
"Among other things." Ariel whispered under her breath.
I grabbed a pillow off of the couch and threw it at her.
"Fuck you bitch!"
"Only in your wildest dreams homo!"
That started an impromptu pillow fight. Soon we were both out of breath, but we were still laughing our asses off. I glanced over at Zack and the laugher stopped immediately. Ariel glanced over to see what had captivated my attention. Shock was written over both of our faces. Zack was still sitting in the chair, but there was one difference. Madison was curled up in his lap and he was petting her back.
"What the hell did you do to my dog?" I said. "I thought she didn't like you? Did you drug her or something?"
Zack just shrugged his shoulders.
"I was just sitting here watching you two go at each other like a bunch of drunk sorority girls and then next thing I know she was sitting at my feet. She sniffed me for a few seconds and then hopped up on my lap. I figured I better start petting her. She is way too close to my crotch for me to be fucking with her."
Just as he said it Madison looked up at him and gave a single bark. I looked at her curiously. This was certainly a change of events. I wonder what Madison saw in Zack all of a sudden that made her like him. I would have to keep an eye on this situation. Maybe Zack really is trying to change. That could possibly be why Madison has decided to cut him some slack. Then again she could just be lulling him into a false sense of security. She is wicked enough to put him at ease and then take a chunk out of him.
Ariel punched me in my shoulder.
"What the hell are you doing Ariel?"
She laughed at me.
"I've been trying to get your attention for the last few minutes. You better give Aiden a call. You don't want to some other guy to snag him up before you even get a chance at him."
Zack looked at Ariel.
"Who is Aiden?"
I shot Ariel a look to shut her up, but she ignored me.
"Aiden is the UPS guy that stopped into the office today. He gave Cameron his number and suggested that he call him. So far though Cam has been a big chicken and won't call."
I thought Zack would be amused at my lack of self-confidence, but instead he looked very confused.
"You're gay Cameron?"
I looked at him and couldn't help the laugh the erupted from my mouth.
"Yes I am. Didn't you know? I mean you did invite to that party as your boyfriend."
Zack actually looked a bit embarrassed.
"Honestly I never even thought about it. I knew that I couldn't go to the party alone, and I needed someone I could trust. I don't really know much about you at all Cam."
I knew that it was a big deal for Zack to admit something like that. He was revealing something that was a weakness for him. I am actually surprised that he admitted that. It was definitely a step in the right direction.
"The night is young Zack. You've got plenty of time to try and figure out all of my secrets. Before you know it you will know everything about me."
Zack looked up at me and smiled. I leaned over the side of the couch and picked up the cordless phone. I grabbed the piece of paper that had Aiden's number off of the coffee table. I tucked one of my legs underneath me and tried to get comfortable.
"Are you really going to call him?" Zack asked.
"Why not? He seemed like a nice guy, and he was fucking hot. It's not like I have guys pounding down my door trying to sweep me off of my feet. When opportunity knocks you have to answer."
Zack looked thoughtful for a moment. He pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his shirt pocket and lit one up. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"You smoke? How do you even know it's ok to smoke in here?"
Zack let out another deep, mirthful laugh.
"Yes I smoke. You are not the only one who has secrets Cam. I figured it would be ok to smoke in here since there is an ashtray with butts in it on the table."
Zack blew a few smoke rings up towards the ceiling. He looked at me again.
"I would think Cam you would have lots of guys knocking down your door trying to get into bed with you. I can't believe that you don't get hundreds of offers."
I felt a slight blush flash across my face. It was weird hearing a compliment come from Zack. Even if it was a bit back handed.
"I do get offers to go to slumber parties Zack, but I'm looking for something a little more meaningful than that."
A sarcastic laugh echoed from his mouth.
"You think you are going to find a guy to live happily ever after with? Maybe that's why you are still looking Cam. I wish you all the luck in the world, but I wouldn't get your hopes up too high if I were you. There aren't many guys out there looking for Mr. Right. Most guys are happy with Mr. Right Now."
I couldn't help the chill tone that appeared in my voice.
"If you'll excuse me for a second. I have an important phone call to make."
I headed off down the small hallway and went into my bedroom. I can't believe the arrogance Zack has sometimes. Just because he wasn't lucky in love doesn't mean that other people will end up with the same fate. If he just wouldn't cut people off so much. If he actually let someone in then he might just be in for a surprise. I had a feeling there were as a man begging for love buried deep in the hard cynical man that was sitting in my living room. Only one question echoed through my mind. Would he ever give that man a chance to be free again?
Ariel glared at her brother. She understood that he was trying, but that still didn't excuse that attitude he still threw around. She leaned over and snagged one of his cigarettes and lit it up. Zack looked at her with eyebrow raised.
"Don't even ask me when I started smoking brother dear. I would rather know why you felt the need to lay into Cameron there? He hasn't done anything to you but be a friend. It wasn't your right to say what you did."
Zack glared at her.
"I was being honest Ariel. Cameron said he wanted us to be friends. Don't friends tell each other the truth?"
Ariel sighed and rolled her eyes.
"You just decided today you would try and be friends. You are supposed to tell your friends the truth, but you don't have to be so damn rude about it. You're very lucky he didn't rip back into you. You think you know what Cameron is verbally capable of when he is upset. Let me tell you something. You have no fucking clue. I've seen him rip apart a man that looked like a flippin pro wrestler. I give Cam a lot of credit for holding his tongue with you. I wouldn't have kept my mouth shut. I would have ripped you at least two new assholes. You are going to be friends with people then you need to be a little more compassionate. You're supposed to be there for your friends. They need to be able to depend on you for help."
"So am I just supposed to lie to people Ariel? Is that what you are saying? That even if I don't agree with what he says or does I have to act like I do just because we are friends?"
"I'm not saying that at all Zack. You should always be as honest as you can, but you really need to get some tact. If you don't shove your opinions down people's throats they might actually listen to you from time to time. And there are going to be times you are going to have to keep your opinion to yourself and just back up your friend. Just relax and try to go with the flow ok? I can't lead you step by step through this. You'll just have to learn as you go along. Just like the rest of us."
Zack took a drag off of his cigarette and smiled at Ariel.
"Thanks sis. I appreciate it. To be honest this all feels really weird for me. I haven't had to just be friends with people in a long time. I just hope Cam will be able to deal with me long enough so we can be friends."
Ariel smiled back at him.
"No reason to thank me. That's what family is for Zack. The main thing you have to do is at least try and keep other people's feelings in mind when you say or do something. I am sure Cam doesn't expect you to be the perfect friend because no one is perfect. So relax and just enjoying hanging out. You might actually have a good time for once in your life."
Zack nodded thoughtfully. He gently eased up out of the chair. This gave Madison the opportunity to jump off. He headed towards the kitchen to make himself a drink.
The phone call to Aiden was quick but I definitely had my hopes up. He sounded pretty excited to hear from me so soon. We planned on meeting up tomorrow night at a local club to have a few drinks. I headed off towards the kitchen to get something cold to drink. Zack was just pouring himself something as I entered the room. I grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice. I poured a liberal amount of rum in the glass and added some Pepsi. I was stirring the drink with a straw when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Zack was standing there.
I raised my eyebrow in question. I didn't say anything.
"Cam...I'm really sorry about what I said out there. Even though what I said was my opinion, I should have rephrased it a bit. I hope you aren't too pissed at me."
I walked past him without saying anything. Just as I passed by him I slapped him on the ass.
"No worries Zack. I need to remember that you are still new at this. It'll take us some time to get used to everything. So I am sorry too. Ok?"
Zack grinned at me.
"I didn't know being friends involved ass smacking. What else should I plan on getting?"
I laughed at him.
"Baby steps Zack. Baby steps."
We headed back into the living room. Ariel was on her hands and knees in front of the couch.
"You can't stay under there forever! I will wait as long as I need to! Your furry little ass will be mine!!!"
It seems that Madison was up to her old tricks again. I wonder what she did this time? I walked around the couch and stood in front of Ariel. She looked up at me.
"Cam I don't mind playing hide and go seek with your puppy, but NOT when the object to hide is one of my brand new sneakers. I happened to lean over to get my drink from the table and I saw her furry muzzle pop out from under the couch. The next thing I know my shoe is gone."
Madison certainly wasn't your average dog. She played the normal puppy games, but she seemed to prefer to play hide and seek. It took me about twenty-five minutes to find my keys the other day. As Ariel was going off though I saw Madison come around the other side of the couch behind her. The shoe was hanging out of her mouth. That's one other thing I give the dog credit for. She doesn't destroy anything that she knows isn't hers. She sat down behind Ariel and just watched her. I couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out of me.
"She's right behind me isn't she?" Ariel said with mock anger.
Even Zack was laughing at this point. Ariel spun around and looked at Madison. Madison cocked her head to the side and looked back at Ariel. She let out a little puppy woof and then took off.
"Get back here you little bitch!"
Ariel took off after her like a bat out of hell. For the next five minutes Zack and I watched Ariel chase Madison around the living room. You think Ariel would have just given up, but she was a woman on a mission. Zack looked at me and grinned.
"Do you think we should help her?"
I gave Zack a crazy look.
"Are you fucking kidding? This is too classic."
A few minutes later Ariel stopped behind me and leaned on the couch to catch her breath. You would have sworn the girl just ran a marathon. Ariel glanced around the room.
"Where did she go?"
A quiet bark came from behind Zack's chair. I pointed as his chair and giggled. I heard that specific bark and knew what was coming. I didn't say a word though. Zack looked at his sister and was obviously trying not to laugh.
"Sis...why don't you just stop?"
You could hear the laughter in his voice.
"I'll be a mother fucker."
I heard an OOMPH over my shoulder. I looked back and Ariel was gone. Zack looked at me curiously. I started laughing my ass off.
"I've heard Madison use that bark before...right before she tries to tackle me. I think she just clipped Ariel in the back of legs."
Zack jumped up and came over to the couch. We both leaned over the back of the couch and looked down. Ariel was sprawled out on the floor on her back. Madison was sitting on top of her. She dropped the shoe right on Ariel's chest. Ariel had started giggling and she was petting Madison.
"This is the greatest dog Cam!"
Madison let out a bark and leaned down to lick her face.
It was probably close to midnight and we were all trashed out of our minds. Luckily it was a Friday night though! There is no way I can party like this on a work night. Zack had really started to unwind and we were all having a great time. Madison took turns lying in each of our laps. She loved the constant attention. Ariel stood up and swayed back and forth a bit.
"Cam.... there is no way I am driving home tonight. Can I crash?"
I nodded my head.
"You know where to go Hun."
Ariel headed around the coffee table and planted a big kiss right on my cheek. She staggered down the hallway into the guest bedroom. Zack leaned back against the couch and Madison hopped down off of his lap. She headed back into my bedroom.
"Where is the pup going?" "She is probably turning in for the night as well."
Zack looked over at me.
"Where does she sleep Cam?"
I grinned at him.
"She sleeps right in the bed with me."
He laughed.
"You are totally going to spoil her. She doesn't hog the covers does she?"
I shook my head.
"Actually she doesn't. Madison's a really good cuddler. She waits for me to lie down and she will push back right up against my chest. Most of the time she is out before I am."
Zack stood up and grabbed his glass off the table.
"I'm getting another one. You want another vodka dew?"
I nodded my head and grabbed my glass as well.
"Thanks Zack."
I relaxed back against the couch and lit up a cigarette. A few moments later Zack came back in with fresh drinks.
"Personally I never understood the big deal about cuddling. If you want physical contact with someone then why not just fuck?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Haven't you ever wanted to be close to someone Zack?"
He looked over at me.
"What do you mean?" I butted out my cigarette and took a swig of my drink. Sweet Jesus he made a strong one. I cleared my throat a little.
"The whole point of cuddling is just to be close with someone. It doesn't have to be a boyfriend. You can cuddle with anyone you care about. It's just nice to feel someone against you. You feel safe...loved."
He looked at me in disbelief. I can't believe this gorgeous man has never cuddled with anyone before.
"Zack...have you ever cuddled with anyone?"
He looked away from me. I could barely hear his voice.
"No Cameron I haven't."
It was my turn to feel disbelief.
"Why not Zack?"
I heard a large sigh from his side of the couch.
"I'm not good with the whole touchy feely stuff. Besides it has never really been an issue."
I turned my body on the couch so I faced him. I put my right leg against the back of the couch. He turned to look at me. I patted my chest. Confusion was written all over his face.
"What?"
"Come here Zack."
His tongue darted out and licked his lips.
"That's ok Cameron. I'm fine really."
Fuck this! I leaned over and grabbed his left arm and tugged on him.
"Bullshit Zack. Get your ass over here. I'm making sure you experience this at least once in your damn life." He stood up and stood next to me. He looked really nervous.
"Cam I really appreciate what you are trying to do, but I don't think..."
"That's right," I interrupted him. "You don't think. Now sit the fuck down. Just lean your back against my chest."
He stood there for another few moments. Zack was obviously debating on what to do. Just as I opened my mouth to say something to him though he sat down. Zack didn't lean back though. He stayed sitting straight up. I reached out and gently pulled him backwards. His back was pressed right up against my chest, but his body was as stiff as a board though. I leaned my head down and whispered in his ear.
"Just relax Zack. I'm not going to bite you."
I reached up with my right hand and ran it through this thick hair. His head drifted back slowly until it rested against my shoulder. After a few moments I felt his body finally relax and he melted against me. My right leg was bent at the knee and it was pressed between the back of the couch and Zack's body. I felt his hand touch my leg. He rubbed small circles back and forth over my thigh. For someone who never cuddled before the guy was a quick learner! My left arm had a mind of its own as it snaked around Zack's waist. It wasn't long before I realized what a huge fucking mistake I was making. Don't get me wrong though. This felt good. If I was going to be honest with myself it was better than good. It was fucking unbelievable, but I had now put myself in a very awkward position.
The past few weeks at work I couldn't understand why I was putting up with the bullshit Zack kept throwing on my plate. I couldn't stand the son of a bitch. Right? In this moment sitting on the couch with him I realized I wasn't right. I was so far off of being right I was fucking left. I put up with his shit because I wanted to. I wanted to be close to him. Even if meant he was never going to acknowledge me. Things were different now. Zack and I were actually becoming friends. Was there a possibility something more could happen between us? I had no fucking clue. I knew I wasn't going to be the one to stop this moment though. It might be the only chance I had at holding him like this. Zack's head moved a bit and he nuzzled the back of his head against me face. As I felt him rub against me I felt something else. I could feel it deep in my soul. It was in that one moment he stole my heart. The complete innocence of it tugged on my heartstrings. This moment was definitely like a dream. Unfortunately it was too much like a dream because it was over so fast.
Zack suddenly shot up off of me and stood up.
"Zack are you..."
He interrupted me.
"I have to go."
He grabbed his cigarettes and headed towards the door. I jumped up and followed him. As he reached the door I was able to reach out and grab his shoulder.
"Zack..."
He shrugged my hand off of his shoulder, but wouldn't look at me.
"Thanks for the drinks."
Before I could say another word he was out the door and gone. What the fuck was that about? Cameron I think you just fucked up royally.
"Are you fucking nuts?"
I looked at Ariel and sighed.
"Can you please lower your voice? I don't think the people across the street really want to be part of our conversation."
Ariel looked at me with a glare that could stop rush hour traffic.
"I can't believe you broke off your date with Aiden just because you think you might be in love with..."
I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk to look at her. It was a hectic Monday and we were on our way back to office after having lunch at a nearby deli.
"Ariel I really don't want to go over all this again. Okay? Please understand. Trust me I know how fucked up all of this is. I don't even know what is going on. He hasn't talked to me all day. In fact there was enough work on my desk this morning that I haven't even had the chance to go back and talk to him about it. Do you really think I am stupid enough to tell him that I might be falling in...that I care about him?"
Ariel reached over and put her hands on my shoulders.
"Cameron he is not worth this. He is my brother and I love him, but you are too good for him. I don't want to stand by and watch him break your heart. I wish I could say that he wouldn't do that honey, but we both know his track record. And look at the way he freaked out Friday night. Zack obviously has a lot of issues to deal with. I don't know if he'll ever be able to love anyone. You deserve someone that can love you as much as you love them Cameron. I just don't think Zack is capable of that right now. I don't think he ever will be."
I hugged her right there on the sidewalk. Why do things in life always have to be so damn complicated? We turned and started back to the office.
"So what exactly did you tell Aiden?"
I sighed and looked at her.
"I told him the truth Ariel. I didn't have the energy to make up a lie. Besides, Aiden seems like a really good guy. He deserved the truth."
I felt her arm wrap around my waist and she squeezed.
"How did he take it?"
"He was actually really understanding. It turns out he isn't really looking for anything serious right now anyways. He just got out of a bad relationship and just wanted some new friends to hang out with. We might go out drinking sometime. It could be fun."
We headed into CSP's building and rode the elevator up to my floor. Ariel walked me to my office. We walked in to find Aiden there with a shit load of UPS boxes. He grinned when he saw us.
"Hey you two. I was hoping you would be back soon."
He walked over and shook both of our hands.
"What the fuck is all of this Aiden?"
Aiden shot Ariel an amused glance.
"I don't know what's in the packages. I just deliver them."
I laughed as he handed me the clipboard to sign. He put a hand on my shoulder.
"How are things going Cameron?"
I couldn't help the sigh that escaped my lips.
"Not that great Aiden. Today has been the worst..."
The office door opening cut me off. I turned around to greet the person, but my face turned to stone.
"I thought you were advised to never show your ugly face around here again Lucas."
He looked at me and laughed.
"You're not the boss around here Cammy. I have an appointment. A good assistant would know that."
I could feel my blood begin to boil.
"Look here asshole..."
"Lucas!"
The sound of Zack's voice cut me off. My head snapped in his direction. He must have never left his office for lunch.
"I was wondering when you were going to show up. I've been waiting. Let's go back to my office." Without even a glance at me Zack turned around and headed back towards his office. Lucas passed by me with an evil grin. He stopped though and looked at Aiden.
"You must be Aiden. You're a lucky guy. I heard that Cammy here just loves to cuddle."
My body reacted instantly. I shot out to grab the pig and bash him into the wall, but Aiden and Ariel held me back.
"Tsk tsk tsk. You really need to keep that temper of yours in check. If you don't you might not have a job much longer."
Lucas shot me another evil smile and headed off back towards Zack's office.
"What the fuck is the low life piece of shit doing here?"
Aiden and I looked at Ariel. I never heard her this upset the entire time I've known her. She glanced down at her watch.
"SHIT! I'm late for a fucking meeting. Aiden it was nice to see you again. Cameron I will be back as soon as this meeting is done. Don't do anything stupid."
Ariel stormed out of the office and slammed the door behind her. If I weren't so pissed off I would have been humming the wicked witch's theme song as she left.
"I wish I could stay too Cameron, but I've got a shit load of deliveries that need done. Call me later though ok?"
I nodded my head and watched Aiden leave as well. I stalked over to my desk and sat down in my chair. I didn't know how long their meeting was going to last, but I figured I had enough time to think of way to kill Lucas before he left the building. It seems though that fate had other plans. I was stuck in the middle of a phone call as Lucas left. The mother fucker stopped on his way out the door to smile at me and blow me a kiss. I slammed the phone down so hard when the call was done I think I may have broken it. Before I even had a chance to get up the intercom on my desk sounded.
"Yes?"
"My office. Now."
Before I could say anything else he hung up on me. I stormed back into his office and slammed the door behind me.
"What the fuck is going on Zack? You owe me an explanation."
Zack was sitting behind his desk and calmly looking at me.
"You are the one that needs to do the explaining Mr. Prince. What is this I hear about you trying to attack a visitor?"
I tried to take a calming breath, but I was about to go through the roof. Mount Saint Cameron was about to erupt all over the fucking place.
"Visitor? What the fuck are you talking about? You are the one that hated that piece of shit! You were the one the told me it was a good idea to keep him out of the building! What the fuck is your problem?"
Zack stood up and came around the other side of desk. He leaned back against it and crossed him over his chest.
"You will NOT speak to me in that tone of voice. Is that understood Mr. Prince?"
That was the last straw.
"I will speak to you any god damn way I want. And what is the fucking 'Mr. Prince' shit all of a sudden? What is going on Zack..."
He cut me off.
"Do not call me Zack. I am your boss. I'm not your friend."
His eyes were ice cold. I felt like I had been slapped across the face.
"Well I'll be a mother fucker. They were right about you. I can't believe how utterly fucking stupid I've been. You had me fooled. I'll at least give you that."
I could see the fire that started to burn in his eyes. Fuck him! Let him be angry.
"Who was right?"
I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Don't play stupid with me. You may be a lot of things, but you aren't stupid. You know exactly what I am talking about. Everyone in this whole damn building."
He rolled his eyes at me.
"Like I care about what people say about me? I don't..."
I cut him off.
"Of course you don't care. How could you? That would mean that you would have to feelings. To have feelings you need a heart. You've made it completely obvious that you don't have that. You're an egotistical, self-absorbed, high handed..."
His quiet voice interrupted me.
"That's enough."
"FUCK YOU! You can't tell me shit anymore! I am so fucking tired of dealing with your bullshit! You fucking push everyone away. You are pathetic. You are nothing. I hope you enjoy being alone. You will be for the rest of your life mother fucker."
I spun around and headed towards the door. I can't believe he is being like this. What the fuck happened to the Zack that was at my place just 3 days ago? I couldn't help the tears that threatened to spill down my cheeks. Tears of anger? No. Tears of sadness? Yes. Tears over a lost love? Definitely. I had finally come to grips with the fact that somewhere along the way I fell in love with Zack. None of that mattered now though. It will never happen. Just as I reached the door the sound of Zack's voice echoed through the room.
"Fuck you Cameron!"
I spun around to face him. Before I could open my mouth to respond he continued. "What the fuck do you know about anything? You talk about feelings, having a heart, and all that other bullshit. Well if you are so fucking wonderful then why are you alone? Since you're so wise and knowledgeable please explain it to me. You act like you are so much better than me, but you're just like me. You are as alone as I am. So get off your fucking cross Cameron. We need the wood."
I took a step towards him. Our eyes locked. The tears that threatened me before were now falling down my face.
"Why don't you let anyone in? What are you so afraid of? Are you afraid that might actually fall in love with someone?"
Zack let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Love is a joke Cameron. Do you expect me to profess me love for you? Is this where the big evil boss finally breaks down and admits he's fallen in love? This isn't the fucking movies. Get a life."
I crossed the space in between us in only two steps. My hands shot out and grabbed him. I slammed his body back against his desk. My lips crashed against his. His mouth opened in shock. I took the opportunity and my tongue darted out into his mouth. If I was going to walk out of this office and never come back I had to do this. I had to at least try. I could feel him start to respond to me, but he roughly pushed me back.
"What the fuck are you..."
I cut him off again.
"Tell me that the night on my couch meant nothing to you. Tell me you didn't feel something that night. Fuck! Tell me you didn't feel something when I kissed you."
He was in shock. Tears continued to stream down my face.
"What?"
I slammed my hand down on the desk next to him.
"God damn it Zack! If you can tell me that you didn't feel anything that night, or even now, I will walk out this office and I'll never come back. I will fucking turn around and walk out of your life forever, but you need to tell me to right now. Has any of this meant anything?"
His mouth moved but no sounds came out. I took a step back from him. The sound of my voice filled the room.
"Did you feel anything at all?"
Our eyes locked. This was the moment of truth.
He shook his head no. My eyes closed and somehow I held back the sob the threatened to tear through my body.
"Then I guess this is good bye."
He wouldn't even look at me. I slowly turned around and headed towards the office door. I opened it and turned back to look at Zack. His arms were folded across his chest and he was looking at the floor.
"Zack..."
His head snapped up to look at me.
"I know this doesn't matter to you but..."
My voice trailed off. I took a deep breath. I can do this.
"I love you Zack."
I didn't wait to see his reaction. I turned and took off down the hallway. I needed to pack up my shit and get the hell out of Dodge. I hadn't taken more than two steps before I felt a pair of arms grab me from behind. The next thing I knew I was flat up against the wall and Zack was staring me at me.
"Zack..."
He interrupted me.
"What the fuck did you say before?"
I tried to move, but he held me against the wall. "Zack let me go."
His eyes blazed.
"No. First you tell me what you just said back there."
I could feel his hands start to tighten around my shirt. I can't do this.
"Cameron..."
I could hear the pain in his voice. I gazed up at him. I was barely able to find my voice.
"I love you."
His hands let go of me and my body slumped against the wall. I looked away from him, but his hand reached out and turned my gaze back to him.
"That's what I thought you said."
He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. It was nothing like the kiss in the office. It was a soft, passionate kiss. I couldn't help it when my body responded. My arms wrapped around him and I pulled him against me. I could feel myself falling deeper and deeper. I managed to regain my senses and I pulled back.
"Zack..."
"Cameron I'm sorry. I've been so afraid. I don't know what is happening to me. You've been driving me crazy since the day I hired you. I didn't think this could happen to me. I never expected it...."
I ran my hand down his back.
"You never expected what Zack?'
His eyes were still burning inside, but it was different this time.
"I never expected to fall in love with you. I was so afraid that things would turn out like it did with..."
I didn't let him finish the sentence. I leaned up and kissed him again. His body pushed me against the wall and I could feel every inch of him against me. Is this even happening? Am I fucking dreaming? Please God I hope not.
Ok...that is it for chapter four!! I hope you all liked this one. Please feel free to send me your thoughts about the story. If you want check out my Yahoo group where Center Stage, and my first story City Of Dreams is at here is the address. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/City-Of-Dreams or you could email me at Gryffindor6698@aol.com Remember to include something about the story in the subject so I don't think it's Spam. Until next time everyone!!!
Michael
Copyright - Gryffindor 2003