He liked Savannah, respected her, craved being near her. He’d flown to New Mexico to change her mind. In one day, she’d softened his hardened heart.
Does she realize the effect she’s having on me?
“I really like you,” she whispered.
“I like you, too.”
He nestled closer, grateful they had one more day together. His breathing fell in line with hers and, as he drifted off, he couldn’t remember ever having fallen asleep holding someone so close to his heart.
* * *
Early the following morning, Savannah rolled over to find the other half of the bed empty and her very hot “assistant” missing. Last night’s clothing lay neatly on the bureau. That small act of thoughtfulness made her smile, but, as she pushed out of bed, her chest tightened.
When she didn’t find Zander in the bathroom, she was grateful for a moment alone. After brushing her teeth, she stepped into the shower.
As she’d suspected, the sex had been phenomenal. Unlike her rule-abiding stepbrother, her issue didn’t revolve around their familial connection.They might have been a blended family at one point, but they weren’t blood-related.
Savannah’s real fear? Intimacy.
Hoping to relieve her anxiety, she stood beneath the hot spray and let the water pound her shoulders.
Had she hooked up with someone else, she wouldn’t have invited him to stick around long enough to cuddle. This time, however, she couldn’t duck out. The unresolved issues in Starry Cove had to be handled. Even if she did nothing about the undeveloped land, they still co-owned an inn and K-Dad’s home. And, so far, they’d agreed on nothing.
For the first time, she’d crossed the line and mixed business with pleasure.Just don’t do it again.
She toweled off and left the bathroom. Still, no Zander. She checked her phone.
“Grabbing us breakfast,” he’d texted.
Her heart bloomed at his kindness.
Beyond their intense physical attraction, she was drawn to his quiet strength. His vulnerability struck a chord with her, too. His company had run up against tough times, something she could relate to.
Having him with her made all the difference, logistically and personally. Going it alone these past several months had been more of a challenge than she’d realized.
They’d had one night—one fantastic night—but that was the beginning and the end of their fiery connection. Her heart squeezed. There was something special about Zander that tugged at her soul.
After pulling on jeans and a shirt, she reviewed the previous day’s test shots. Zander had made all the difference. The pictures were good, but her frame of mind was even better. Without his help, location hunting would have turned her into a frazzled wreck.
Knock-knock-knock.
Camera still in hand, she opened the door and her brain shorted.
“Oh, for goodness sakes, Vanna, don’t stand there gaping at me,” said her mother. “Invite me in.”
“Mom, what the—?”
A whoosh of vibrant pink, neon green, and bold orange barged through. Debby King’s jet-black hair had been teased into a poufed updo and she’d caked on a thick layer of makeup. As the door banged shut, Savannah sneezed from the heavy dose of perfume.
“Yes, yes, I know you’re surprised to see me.” Eyeing the room, her mother grimaced. “This is blasé, but never mind that. Your dim-witted manager explained how you’re running around the city half-cocked. I had to rearrange my mani-pedi, my girls’ luncheon, and a shopping excursion with my new honey pie. But your mama’s here to help.”
Backing away from the whirlwind of energy, Savannah clutched the camera to her chest. “If you talked to Tilly, you know I’m under a crazy deadline. What are youreallydoing here?”
“Helping you formulate a plan, of course.” Debby hitched her hands on her hips. “If Kyle King left you anything, we’ve got to sell it…and lickety-split. You’ll finally be able to quit all this silly picture-taking nonsense.” She sauntered close and Savannah whiffed the stench of cigarettes. “Your mama’s caught herself a deliciously adorable boy toy—oh, you’d love him, Vanna. He told me he’s going to win big at craps.”
Savannah felt like crapping. “Look, Mom, you’ve got to go.”
“I did not just drive all night for you to dismiss—”
