“Yeah. A lot more romantic than the way it actually went down.”
Why hadn’t he called while she was still in her apartment? She wanted to say so many things, none of which were an option with Luke shamelessly eavesdropping. “I’m not complaining.”
Zane was quiet a half second too long. “You aren’t alone.”
“Nope. Luke and I are almost to my car.”
“Tell Luke to mind his own business.”
“Has Luke ever minded his own business?”
Luke paused by her car. “Go ahead. Talk trash about me. I know you love me.” He motioned for her to wait while he checked under the car. “You are bomb-free.”
“Good to know. Thank you.” Luke gave her a small bow and walked to his car that he’d parked two spaces down. “Zane, Luke has declared my car bomb-free. Give me a minute, and I’ll continue this conversation over the Bluetooth.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” There was humor and anticipation in his voice, all earlier hints of grumpiness evaporated.
She opened her door.
And screamed.
ZANE HAD NEVERHEARDanything like the terror in Tessa’s cry.
“Tessa! Baby, talk to me!”
“I’m okay.”
She was not okay. She was gasping for air, and her voice trembled. “Where’s Luke?” Wasn’t it in the best friend bro code that a man had to be there for his friend’s... whatever Tessa was to him? Why wasn’t he taking care of her?
“He’s...” She blew out a breath. Then another. “Sorry. I’m okay. He’s—Luke! Be careful. Stop!”
“Tessa! What is going on?” Zane had never put much thought into what superpower he would want to have, but in this moment he would give almost anything to have the ability to teleport to Tessa’s side.
“Snakes.”
“Snakes?”
“In my car.” A tiny scream came through the phone. “I have issues with snakes.”
So she’d said. Clearly, she hadn’t been kidding. “Tessa. Please concentrate. Have you been bitten?”
When she replied, her voice was stronger. “No. I’m fine. I wouldlike Luke to get away from my car until animal control can come get these vile creatures. Then we will have to burn my car.”
The words were so matter-of-fact that it took Zane a moment to capture the ridiculousness of her response. The only option he could see was to agree with her. “I’m sure Jacob will approve the ritual sacrifice of your sedan.”
“Good. I’m glad you see the wisdom of my plan.”
She wasn’t laughing, but if she was making wisecracks, she was going to be fine. That didn’t change the fact that Zane wanted—no, he needed—to be with her. “Tessa, do not leave. I’m coming to you.”
“Right. Okay. I’ll call you back in a few minutes.”
“Tessa?”
“Yes.”
“You decide what and when we share. Okay?”
“Okay.”
