Chapter 9 CHAPTER 9: Interrupted Melody
Hazel
I was lying in bed still fuming with anger when my phone buzzed, pulling my attention away from my simmering rage.
"Hi Adam," I answered with a clipped voice and lay down.
"Hey Haze, how are you holding up?" His voice, warm and soothing, did little to soothe the storm brewing within me.
"Good, thanks," I lied, swallowing my anger.
Adams went on to apologize for the unpleasant event of the other day at his place and asked us to meet up so he could explain. The idea of leaving the house was a welcome thought, so I promised to meet him at our usual spot in the park.
After the call, I stood up to take a shower and prepare for the outing. I dressed up in comfortable clothes fit for the cold weather, boots, a black turtleneck sweater, a black puffer jacket, blue fitted jeans and a pair of blue ankle boot that went with my hand gloves, then I hailed an Uber to the park.
The park entrance loomed ahead, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting shadows on the path even though the weather was cold. My stomach did a funny flip-flop when I spotted Adam seated there, under our usual spot, looking unfairly handsome as always.
I quickened my pace, weaving between kids playing hide and seek and their mothers whispering among themselves. Even from a distance, I could see his smile which always made his warm brown eyes twinkle. After that day at his apartment, I felt like I was more attuned to his easy charm and how it affected me and I wondered if I had been attracted to Adam all this while and was suppressing the feeling.
He was everything a guy shouldn't be - impossibly broad shoulders straining against his worn leather jacket, thick messy dark hair that you just want to shove your hands inside and mess it up the more, tan skin that glitters in the sun and a smile that could light up the whole city and to crown it up, he loved me…he was mine if I wanted him - my best friend and confidant.
As I got closer, he straightened up, a grin splitting his face while his eyes roamed my body with a glint in his eyes that warmed me up.
“There she is! Fashionably late, as always." His voice was deep, a smooth rumble that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Hey," I retorted, trying to sound nonchalant, even though my cheeks were already warming. "Traffic. What can I say?" I retorted.
He raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Uh-huh. Sure. Blame the cars…come here." Then he pulled me into a hug. His scent of musk and something undeniably him sent shivers down my spine. I breathed him in, and I felt the tears well up. Then he pulled back, concern etched on his face.
"Hey, what's wrong?" His eyes scanned mine, searching for answers.
“I’m alright Adam, let’s just say today did not begin on a good note.”
“Did something happen?” He looked worried as he held me and guided me to sit down.
I launched into the story of the events that took place that morning, not leaving out even the tiniest details as he listened attentively, nodding along, and squeezing my hand when I choked on my emotions. When I was done ranting, he pulled me into his arms and hugged me again while smoothing my hair for comfort.
"Haze," he looked into my eyes. "I’m sorry you had to go through that…you do not deserve any of this, and you are very brave to put up with all this for your family.’
He tilted my face at him and then continued “Like I said before, I love you Haze, and I'm done keeping quiet about it. Now that I’ve found my voice I’ll keep drumming it in your ears till you believe it. You've always been the one and one of my biggest regrets is not stopping you from marrying him." His gaze met mine, holding it for a beat longer than necessary. A strange current danced between us, then he drew closer to me and held my cheeks in his palms while the electricity cackled between us.
"I can't lose you babe’. His eyes pleaded desperately.
He cupped my face, then looked into my eyes, his touch igniting a wildfire within me. I automatically shifted close and leaned into him. Then our lips met, a spark igniting an inferno within me while butterflies danced in my stomach. The surrounding park melted away and all I wanted was to press our bodies together. A moan escaped Adam, fueling my desire.
"Haze, I want you so much," he breathed against my lips, "and I know you feel the same.
"Let's go," I whispered, breathless and yearning.
His eyes burned with a mix of desire and something deeper. We left the park with hands tangled together in his car. As I settled in, he reached for my seat belt and his hand brushed my blouse. The jolt made him pause.
"Damn! Haze, you're making this hard," he murmured, tracing my lips. I captured his thumb and he moaned and crashed his lips on mine fiercely as our kiss turned urgent, fueled by stolen moments and forbidden love. His hands explored my face, sending shivers down my spine. Then he moved his lips to my ears and fondled my earlobe, which made me moan with want. Just as our desires threatened to consume us, my phone shattered the illusion. An unknown number flashed on the screen. I reached for it, but Adam's hand clamped down on mine.
"Ignore it, babe," he pleaded, voice husky.
“What if it’s important?” I argued.
He sighed, reluctantly pulling away. As I picked up, a feminine voice filled my ear.
“Hazel Williams? She rasped
“Yes, who is this?
“This is Premier Hospital; your husband was involved in a car accident, and we need you at the hospital as soon as possible. I am sending the address right away” the voice continued.
The world tilted. "What?"
“What!!! What happened?” my voice cracked. Before I could get another word, the line went dead.
Is everything OK? Adam asked, concern etched on his face.
“No, Williams was involved in a car accident” I whispered.
His eyes widened “What!!! Where? Is he okay?
I met his gaze, my voice hollow. "Premier Hospital. Take me there"