“And for what it’s worth, I think he’s just as crazy for you as you are for him.”
“Yeah, right.”My heart flutters, hopeful and contrasting my cynical tone.“Love you.”
“Love you, too,” Pippa says before I hit the end button.
Darkness and the oppressive humidity surround me.Hugging myself, my thoughts are chastising.I’ve done the very thing I said I wouldn’t do.I’ve gotteninvolvedwith another man—so much for taking a break—and worse yet, it wasn’t just any man.
Zach was meant to be safe.A charade.
Yet this doesn’t feel safe or make-believe.Being with Zach feels more real than any other man I’ve ever been with.And this is the last thing I need—to fall for the guy who isn’t mine and doesn’t want or intend to be.
27
Zach
“Put me down,” Paige hollers from the offices in the back of the foundation headquarters, laughter in her tone.“Put me down.”
I pass several committee members and each glance my way, more reproachful than the last.The men pretend disinterest in the fun times coming from the back and the women purse their wrinkled red-lipstick lips, ready to scold for whatever inappropriate thing is going on.
I’m used to those stares.The aged and wealthy like to act haughty and better than, despite some of the stories I’ve heard about them in their youth.In this case, I, too, am wary and eager to find out what all the laughter and noise means.
“Not unless you say I was right,” a smug male voice responds to Paige’s plea, and I pick up my pace.
There in the middle of the room is Tom—tall, blond, and with his hands all over Paige.He has her tossed over his shoulder, twirling her around, one hand at her waist and the other resting comfortably on the back of her thigh.They’re laughing and smiling, and I want to rip his arms from their sockets.
“I’m going to be sick.”
“Hey, man,” he says in greeting, totally missing my less than pleased glare.A few beats pass and then he stops circling and stumbles a step or two.I lunge toward the woman in his arms, prepared to catch her if he falls.
He doesn’t.
With his footing under him, he smiles, and I scowl.We’re only inches apart now and my hands are firmly planted around Paige’s waist, but he doesn’t let her go.He may have helped me out by keeping an eye out for Joel at her place but he’s getting too cozy with Paige for my liking.
She lifts her head at my touch, chocolate locks spilling around her.“Zach.”Her voice is breathy and light.“Tom, put me down.”
Her eyes flare with excitement at me, but it does nothing to ease the tightness in my chest or jaw.Tom relinquishes his hold and I scoop her into my arms for but a second before placing her feet on the ground.I don’t release my grasp.
“Hey, Zach.”The blond surfer dude, all laid-back and casual, runs a hand through his hair before extending it to me.“Good to see you.I’ve been Paige’s slave for the day.”His hip lightly bumps hers and she laughs, swaying into him.
“Hello.”My voice is tight, my tone more goodbye than greeting.
She crosses her arms and studies me while Tom, the smart guy he is, grabs his backpack from the table, slinging it over his shoulder.
“Okay, well, I’m gonna bounce.”He barely looks my way, halfway to the door.“Paige, I’m heading over to the lot to make sure the electrical is all set up.Call me if you need anything else.”He doesn’t wait for her response, slipping out the door.
“Bye.Thanks.”Her gaze flicks from the door to me and her expression tightens, crossing her arms over her chest.“That was rude.”
“Yes, it was.”I’m uncharacteristically sheepish.
“Why?”She winds her hair into a knot on the top of her head.
“I saw him…” I lace my fingers behind my neck and frown, grappling for the words to explain.“His hands on…” I pause, wading into uncharted territory.
“Tom is Pippa’s younger brother and a friend.A good friend, like a brother.”
“I overreacted and I’ll apologize the next time I see him.”
“Zach.”Her messy knot bobs back and forth as she shakes her head.“What are you doing here?”
