16
True Partners
Two weeks later, Zanderstrode into Dulles Airport, slowing to scan the arrivals board. Savannah’s flight had just landed and he couldn’t wait to see her.
While waiting at the security gate, his hands grew clammy. He didn’t get rattled easily, but today, he was putting it all out there. He was stepping out of his comfort zone by taking a risk in the romance department.Gotta man up.
Zander knew his way around a construction site. He was comfortable in a boardroom. Corporate meetings were a breeze. He could manage through most situations, save one.
Navigating matters of the heart were foreign to him. He didn’t know the first thing about the language of love. But hedidknow that he had fallen in love with Savannah, and he had to figure out a way to blend their individual lives so they could have a shot at something real and long-lasting.
Love meant being vulnerable. Love meant fifty-fifty. Love also could mean loss, abandonment, and heartache. Zander didn’t want to get it wrong like his father had, over and over again.
If he could build a small empire from nothing, he could muster up a few heartfelt words and the guts to speak them.
People hurried by, but no Savannah. Then, he spotted her, and his heart pounded out of his chest. She wore a fitted white shirt, black dress pants, and heels.Professional and gorgeous.He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Seeing her reconfirmed his feelings.I love her.
She glanced in his direction, then did a double take. A huge smile spread over her face as she hurried over to him. “I thought we were meeting in Starry Cove.” She set down her camera bags and hugged him. “What are you doing here?”
“Surprising you.” He pulled her close, fearing that if he let go, she would slip away. For someone who steered clear of commitment, holding her felt right…and freeing. “Welcome home.” He kissed her, relishing her soft lips pressed to his. “Let’s grab your bag and get out of here.”
While walking to baggage claim, she inspected him. “That’s a great look.”
He’d worn black jeans, a brown quarter-zip sweater, and a black sport coat, along with black dress boots.
“Glad you like. I dressed for you.” He squeezed her hand. “You look gorgeous.”
Locking gazes with him, she smiled. “Don’t we have an investor’s meeting today?”
“They rescheduled for tomorrow, pending your availability.”
“That’ll work.”
Having her by his side felt phenomenal. Video chatting and texting hadn’t been enough. He needed her in his life every single day. Blood whooshed through his veins and he shuddered in a breath. He wasn’t cut out for all this interpersonal stuff, but he had to tell her how he was feeling.
While luggage tumbled onto the carousel, he asked about her conversation with Heather, a prospective new agent.
“I was all ready to sign with her until Scott Brady, the guy—”
“I remember him. The artist who invited you to sleep…er, I mean,tourwith him.”
She laughed. “You’re not jealous, are you?”
“Jealous? No. Suspicious? Hell yeah.” He threaded his fingers through hers and caressed her skin with his thumb. Even their tender connection ratcheted up the heat.
“I’m not interested in him.” She leaned up, kissed his scruffy cheek. “He called me to tell me how stoked Heather was after we spoke.”
“I’m glad it worked out for you.”
“It did, but not in the way you think. She pretty much shared our entire conversation with him and he repeated it all back to me when he called me.”
Zander shook his head. “That’s unprofessional.”
“Sure was. I declined her offer for representation. But, Tilly came through for me. I’m glad I listened to you and didn’t just fire her. She introduced me to an agent friend who’s a great fit and I signed with her yesterday.”
“Congratulations. I’ve got your back, babe.”
“Babe. Mmm, I like that,” she said while caressing his back. Desire and comfort coursed through him.
