Page 60 of The Sweetness of Life

His brows raise. “Really?”

“Yep. Get it? Shel-bee. Not sure who first started calling me that, and maybe my parents always planned for it to be my nickname, but I dropped it when they got divorced.” My father was the one who called me Bee the most. Just thinking about him has my back straightening and my fingers curling into fists.

Zach tilts his head as he studies me. “Sorry to hear about your parents, but that’s a great nickname.” He gives me a lopsided smile, effectively melting away most of my tension.

“It happens.” I shrug.

“Still, divorce sucks.” He lets out a breath then runs his hand over his face and through his hair.

“Yes, it does.” Or maybe it doesn’t. Somewhere along the way, I started to believe the actual divorce wasn’t so much a big deal, just two people breaking up. It was everything that went along with it. Those things don’t just happen, they ruin and destroy.

Out of nowhere, the brightness in his eyes dulls and shadows dip into his skin under his eyes. He drops his head forward and rubs the back of his neck.

“You just got a headache?” It comes across as a question, but I meant it more as a statement.

“Yeah, that’s how quick they can set in.” He lets out a sigh, stands, and looks at me while shaking his head. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, but I need to go.”

I stand with him.

“I understand.” I don’t think there was anything in the food that could have triggered it; maybe he’s dehydrated after his run.

“Thank you for lunch, Shelby. It was delicious,” he says, pulling me against him before dropping his forehead into the crook of my neck. It’s the same position he put himself in when we were in Asheville, only this time, I don’t feel awkward.

“Should I drive you back up?”

“No, thanks though. I’ll be fine with the golf cart. It’s only a few minutes.” His arms slide fully around me, and warmth and sage wash over me as he hugs me tight.

“Dinner tomorrow night?” I ask him, suddenly sad I won’t see him until then.

“Yes, that sounds great. I’ll bring the wine,” he mumbles against my skin before shifting to brush his lips against to corner of my mouth. It’s silly how cherished that one little move makes me feel.

Returning his forehead to rest against mine, I feel him squeeze his eyes shut as the muscles in his face contract and there’s a slight shake to his head.

“All right, go. Get out of here.” I playfully push him toward the door, feeling the loss of him immediately. “Thank you for sharing the bees with me.”

He stops and turns to look at me. His eyes lock onto mine and an emotion passes through them. He blinks several times, nods his head, and then he’s gone.

Honey Apple Cider Vinaigrette

I’VE BEEN SITTING at my desk for hours catching up on work I’ve put off over the last week and a half. My eyes are starting to blur, and I think maybe I should take a break.

The intercom in my office buzzes, and I hit the button. “Yes, Michelle?”

She giggles at my tone. Between her and Kyle, I don’t know what I would do if one of them decided to move on. They are the best employees.

“Thought you’d like to know Shelby just left.”

Out the window I find her heading toward the golf carts, and just the sight of her does something to me. The headaches, the article, our sales, my parents coming home—so much of it has been piling on, and ever since I decided to give in to this crazy attraction to her, all this work seems like not so much. It feels manageable, and I really like that feeling.

“Thanks,” I mutter as I jump out of my chair and head for the private exit off my office.

“Shelby!” I yell as I jog toward her. She hears me, turns around, and a smile lights up her beautiful face.

Damn, gut-clenching.

“Hey.” In typical Shelby fashion, she has on little shorts and heels. Her hair is pulled into a ponytail, and her feet wobble as she walks across the circular drive. This time, I find it endearing instead of annoying, and I drink in every inch of her sexy-as-hell legs.

“You’d think you would’ve learned by now,” I say, pointing to her shoes.