Page 100 of Here & Now

Twenty-two

Zane awoke the next morning with a hunk of strawberry-blonde hair stuck to his cheek. He gently peeled it off as the owner of said hair was still sleeping, her body spooned with his, and breathing softly and rhythmically.

After making love last night, he’d convinced her to stay over, something he rarely did, but he was doing a lot of things differently these days.

She stirred, and he tightened his hold around her waist. He loved the way her body molded to his and how natural it felt to have her nestled in his arms. Looking at her hair splayed on his spare pillow, he thought, I could get used to this.

Then he remembered what had led up to this moment. He was glad she wouldn’t be hiring Scott, but that didn’t mean she was staying on the island. She wriggled against him, causing a part of him to stir too.

Suddenly she spun around and met his gaze.

“Morning,” he said with a lazy smile.

“Already?”

He chuckled. “Afraid so.”

“How long have you been awake?”

“Just a few minutes.”

“Don’t you have to work today?”

“Um-hmm, but I have some time before I have to leave.”

She idly ran a finger down the middle of his chest. “I like this.”

“My chest?”

She smiled. “Yes, but I meant waking up with you.”

He gently brushed her hair off her shoulder. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Really?”

“Why do you sound surprised?”

She shrugged.

“I like everything about you, Bree.”

She gazed at him without blinking, almost like she wasn’t sure whether to believe him. How can I convince her?

She removed her hand from his chest and started to move away.

“Where are you going?”

“Home, and you need to get to work.”

He pulled her back in. “There’s no rush.”

“Zane…”

“Hmm?”

“Last night was—”

“Mind-blowing. I’m glad you agree.”