“How could you leave me like this?” she said quickly, not wanting anyone to know that she wasn’t who she proclaimed to be. “I’m sorry about our fight, Zack. I’ll do anything you want, just don’t go. Stay and we’ll work this out.”
His gaze narrowed on her, and his mouth twisted in a humorous grin. “You’ll doanything?”
She didn’t dare voice her hardened thoughts right now because of his reaction. “Anything.” She pressed her check against his – at least she tried to – and whispered, “we need to talk away from the crowd.”
Slowly, his arms wrapped around her waist as he brushed his lips over her ear. She wasn’t sure she liked how close their bodies were now... or the fact that he’d made goosebumps rise on her neck.
“Why are you doing this?” he asked in a low voice.
Whitney withdrew slightly. “Please, Zack. Tell me you’ll stay. I can’t live without you.” When she hugged him again, she said softly, “I don’t want to draw too much attention, so please do as I say. We need to talk.”
Once again, he lifted his head and peered down at her. This time, his gaze wandered over her face slowly as if he was trying to recognize her. There was a spark of interest in his teasing gaze, and she knew he’d figure out who she was eventually.
“Darling, you know I have to leave,” he said grinning widely.
She liked that he was following along, however, things were going the exact opposite of how she’d envisioned. This was not fun and games, so why was he playing like it was?
“Please, Zack...” The tone of her voice became edgier.
Tenderly, he cupped the side of her face. “Tell me you love me. Tell me I’m the only man for you.”
Whitney clenched her teeth.He’s got to be kidding!She wasn’t about to saythat!
Murmurs from the people behind her encouraged her to say those three magical words. What had she gotten herself into this time? As much as she detested what was happening, she reminded herself that she did this for the badge. She was a great FBI agent, and she wouldnotmess up another assignment.
Forcing herself to grin, she tried to get into character again. It was more difficult now that it had been a few moments ago. “I... love you, Zack. You are the only man for me.”
His expression relaxed, which made his brown eyes twinkle. “I love you too, darling.”
Before she knew what he was doing – or could stop him – he lowered his mouth to hers. The second their lips touched, the small crowd around them cheered.Good grief!Was this really happening?
Zack’s mouth moved slowly over her so gently, it took her breath away. Her heartbeat quickened and her legs suddenly grew weak. His strong arms tightened around her waist, holding her intimately against his body, and all she could do was let him kiss her. But she just couldn’t allow herself to get into the moment.
He broke the kiss, and she sighed with relief. But when his mouth moved to her ear, his warm breath on her neck made her shiver with delight.
“You started this, lady, so you’d better play along before our fans figure out the truth.”
Inwardly, she groaned. He couldn’t be serious... Yet, his mouth returned to hers and their kiss continued. Gads, he was really going to make her do this, wasn’t he?
This is for the job!She tightened her arms around his neck and kissed him. In her mind she tried to imagine the most desirable man she’d ever met, but all she could picture was Zack’s face and his dreamy, twinkling brown eyes.
His large hands slid over her back, caressing softly and bringing heat into her body until she relaxed. Against her better judgement, she participated in the bold kiss.
What had started out to be a simple kiss, turned urgent. The velvety heat from his tongue caressing hers in the most inappropriate way made her mind whirl. In fact, she felt as if she floated in his arms. The sounds of cheering slowly diminished, and all she could hear was the erratic rhythm of her heartbeat.
Just as she started to enjoy the kiss, Zack slowed down the urgency until only soft pecks were on her lips. He withdrew and stared deeply into her eyes. Dang, he was gorgeous. The phrasebaby-oh-baby, where have you been all my lifepopped into her head.
Snap out of it, Lawson!
Blinking herself to awareness, she glanced around, preparing to meet the curious gazes of the crowd. But... they were not in line any longer. They were against a side wall in the corner. How did they get here?
“Hey,” he said sweetly. “Have you returned from that cloud you were just floating on, yet?”
Anger grew inside of her, hot and unyielding. How she’d like to slap his arrogant face for making that comment.
She huffed and shoved him away. The warmth she’d experienced being so close to him had disappeared, making her feel empty. She calmed her breathing, silently counting to ten.
Zack continued to look at her wearing a slanted grin on his handsome face. He calmly folded his arms over his wide chest and tilted his head slightly.
