“I’ll show you stamina.” He spun-tackled me onto the bed, lacing my laughter with kisses.
We undressed and slid under the covers to break in his bed. These weren’t silk or Egyptian cotton, but it was us in here, and that was all that mattered.
I hooked my leg around his waist and looked forward to enjoying many more private, rigorous training sessions.
50
Lunar New Year
For Lunar New Year, Zack’s family household was definitely the place to be. It was so busy, I had to park down the street. At least I wore nice, thick-heeled boots so I wouldn’t sink into the snow or slip on ice up the driveway. But the distance also meant I had to wear my jacket as opposed to leaving it in the car lest I freeze. My phone buzzed in my pocket.
I huffed out a misty breath and checked the ID. Cassandra? She never called, not even when she was late. Texting was a source of pride for her. Somehow, it proved she wasn’t an old lady.
I swiped my stiff fingers across the screen. “Hey, what’s up?”
“You will not believe what’s happening,” she whispered with excitement.
“What? Did that pregnant lady come back and demand a foot massage?” I chuckled, winding my way up the driveway.
“No. Andre’s leaving.”
I paused between two cars. “Leaving?”
“A leave of absence, maybe. The store manager just talked to me. She said he’ll be gone for four weeks. Well, twenty-eight days, which seems kinda specific, don’t you think?”
Rehab centers did twenty-eight day programs. “Hopefully, he uses the time wisely,” I said.
“I’m not sure if he went willingly or had a family emergency or who-knows-what. I just wanted to warn you that they may ask you to stay on a little extra. It’s the perfect time to negotiate our salaries.”
It’d have to be quite the bonus to convince me to stay on for another few weeks. “Thanks for the heads up, C. Have a good shift.”
“C? I like that nickname. Take care, Nini,” she said.
I pocketed my phone and peered through the screen door to the open house within. People milled about the hall and living room, though it was hard to make out if I knew any of them.
I knocked on the house siding. “Hello?”
“Come in,” Coral shouted.
I entered the humid room, a gust of cool air flattening my dress against my backside and billowing my hair out to frame my cheeks.
All eyes were on me.
Warmth tinged my cheeks.
Were these people staring because they liked what they saw or because I wasn’t part of their usual scene?
I delicately tapped my boots on the welcome mat and scanned the rest of the attendees’ feet. Thankfully, it seemed we could keep our shoes on for this party.
A broad figure tugged my hood. “Hey, Nic. Thanks for the breeze.”
“Are you overheating?” I grinned, cupping Zack’s sweaty cheek.
“Yes.” He sagged into my touch. “I might nap in the snow for a bit. Want to join me?”
“I need to thaw, actually. Here, take my cold fingers.” I clasped the back of his neck.
Shuddering, he hugged me and shifted so his back was to the screen. “Thanks.”
