“I used to question your taste in men until Zach.”This is true.The billionaire is leagues apart from the men I usually date.
“So spill, you guys have been living together for a bit now.It must be getting serious.”
“Pfft.I wouldn’t say that.”
“P, c’mon.”Pip places her hands on her hips and purses her lips in adon’t give me thatlook of hers.“You lived with Terry and at one time you thought it was serious.”
“Please don’t remind me.”I was delusional to think Terry and I had a future.I had no clue what a healthy relationship was, until…the past several weeks flitter through my mind.
As if someone’s just hit me upside the head, I flinch and grimace.Why did Zach pop into my head?We aren’t in a relationship, neither healthy nor real.
What the hell?
It is ironic though.Our fake relationship feels the most healthy and real that I’ve ever had, and what does that say about me and my past relationships?
“What’s wrong?”Pip reacts to my tense features and I tamp down the urge to tell her.She’ll only respond withI told you so.She isn’t smug but she’s been telling me for years that I needed to find a decent man.Damn, she was right.
“Uh, speaking of Terry, he texted me a few days ago.”
“What?No.”Her face twists.“What did he want?”
“To see me.”
“Why?”
“He sawa pic of me with Zach online.Don’t ask how or why he saw whatever image of us because Terry and Zach don’t have anything in common.”
“Well, except you,” Pip interrupts and I pause, letting her words sink in.
“Anyway, apparently he misses me and wants to meet.”
“Please tell me you don’t believe him.”I roll my eyes because her question is absurd.She never liked Terry and even protested when we moved in together, refusing to go near our place if he was there.At the time, it was a sore spot between us because we never let anything get between us.
I want to laugh now, thinking of all the arguments we had over Terry.What a waste.He’s a nice enough guy but only into anything for a good time.He wouldn’t know what commitment was if it bit him on the ass.
“I don’t believe him.”
“Are you going to see him?”She narrows her gaze, moving in closer to the screen as if able to influence me.
Another call comes in at that moment—Zach flashes across the screen—and just seeing his name sends shivers of excitement skipping along my spine.I can’t help myself and smile.
“Pip, I have to go.Zach’s trying to reach me.”I’m surprised it’s him at this time.He usually calls around six in the evening my time, which is early in the morning where he is.
“Oh.We’re not done talking about Terry, but I’ll let you go speak to your man.Say hi.Love your face.”She blows a kiss.
My man?
“Love you, too.Talk soon.”I end the call and hit the answer button.“Hi, Zach.”
Striking blue eyes pin me to the bed.Back straight, shoulders squared, his expensive and expertly tailored cobalt suit drapes his shoulders like a second skin.He’s sinfully handsome.
“Hello.”The corners of his mouth twitch and tease the promise of what will be one highly attractive grin.
“I’m surprised you’re calling at this time.Aren’t you usually on your third meeting by this time of day?”
“My fourth.”His droll reply doesn’t hide the hint of exhaustion in his tone and it’s then I notice the shadows under his eyes.“There was no time to call this morning.Meetings with North America started at six thirty, but I’ve got ten minutes between calls and I wanted to see your face.”
Being halfway around the world hasn’t afforded him any kind of downtime or escape from his responsibilities on this side of the globe.He’s working double time with meetings during Singapore business hours and then calls with North America early in the mornings and during his evenings given the twelve-hour time difference.
