AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The limo driver’s waiting for us as we escape the heat of the lobby. My cheeks feel flushed when he opens the door for us and even more when Zack insists on crowding my space. His thigh brushes up against mine as he raps on the security window, signaling the driver that we’re ready to leave.
Closing my eyes, I rest my head against the plush back seat. It envelops me like a hug and I let the motion of the limo lull me into a false sense of serenity.
Calm, cool and collected.
I’ll allow Zack to escort me to the party, we’ll have a few drinks and then I’ll leave. No biggie. Right?
“I get that you’re upset, Lili, I do. But are you going to ignore me for the whole evening?”
Contrary to what he thinks, he’s very hard to ignore. Zack’s cologne is rather alluring. Oh, did I happen to mention how hot he looks in his tux? Well, he does and I’m sure that’s why he’s a little peeved at me. I’m not falling all over him like his other clients.
Turning my head, I slowly open my eyes and drink him in. I really hate to admit it but he’s too much man for me to handle right now. In fact, any man would be too much for me. I’m still healing. When the time is right, Zack could be the kind of guy I’d give everything to. Even his dark, penetrating eyes arouse me. “I know I shouldn’t take my anger out on you, Zack. I just wish Natalie had been forthcoming. It would have been easier if I was informed.”
I don’t flinch when he suddenly reaches out and takes my hand. It’s odd, but I somehow find comfort in his touch. “Well, if it will set your mind at ease, I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous about going tonight. Someone I know is going to be there and he doesn’t like me very much. I’m depending on you to keep me in line. Would you be able to do that for me, Lili?”
“It would be my pleasure, Zack.” I can’t help smiling. This confident man just admitted he needs me just as much as I need him. Although I’m curious to know who doesn’t like him, I’m not bold enough to ask. I’m sure if he wanted me to know, he’d tell me. But, there’s one thing I do want to know. “How did you meet Natalie?”
Now it’s his turn to smile. “Natalie called the agency in desperate need of an escort late one evening. Unfortunately, no one was available at such short notice. My boss called me on my night off, asking if I’d be willing to work for triple my pay. At that time I needed the money, so I accepted. Natalie and I have been good friends ever since.”
“Are you doing Natalie a favor tonight?”
Zack squeezes my hand as he shakes his head. “No, it’s not like that at all. Natalie trusts me and that’s why she chose me to escort you tonight. She also considers you one of her dearest friends.”
Ah, now I have another reason to feel guilty.
“Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut. Right? How am I going to keep you in check if I can’t do the same for myself?” Zack throws his head back and laughter fills the space, which has me smiling from ear to ear.
“No, don’t you dare keep your mouth shut, Lili. I like you just the way you are.” I’m lost in his gaze when my door suddenly opens. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
CHAPTER 5
ZANE
The party’s in full swing and everything’s going according to plan. I’m about to go into the banquet room when I see Zack heading straight for the bar. I’m not sure what that’s all about because the wait staff would be more than happy to get him anything he needs. I’m not about to stick around to find out.
I push through the door, glance around and spot Janice talking to one of the organizers. Now’s my chance to go over and see if everything’s to her satisfaction. She spots me and starts making her way toward me. “Janice you look absolutely stunning tonight. How’s everything going?”
“Oh, Zane. You’re such a charmer. As you can see, everyone’s having a grand old time and I have you to thank.”
“Nonsense. All I did was get the room ready. Your staff did all of the hard work.” Here’s my opening to find out in a roundabout way what Zack’s up to. “Are my bartenders able to keep up with this size crowd or would you like someone else to help fill in?”
“Ariel and Drew are doing a fantastic job. There’s really no need to send anyone over from your side. They’re both very quick and professional. Please, grab yourself a drink and some hors d’oeuvres and mingle with the guests. There are tons of single women in the mix—I’m sure they’d love to meet a sexy eligible bachelor such as yourself.”
“You’re too kind, Janice. But the only woman I’m interested in now is Club Syn. She’s way too jealous and wouldn’t dream of sharing me with another woman. Besides, not too many of them would put up with the crazy hours I work. I guess you could say I’m married to my job.”
“Well, that’s a shame. Although, I suppose I wouldn’t be hosting this amazing event if not for all your hard work, Zane. You’ve won me over. I’ll highly recommend your club to all my clients when they need a venue. Now, I really must get going so I can mingle. Feel free to do the same.”
I’m not too surprised when Janice leans in and plants a gentle kiss on my cheek. I hadn’t lied when I told her she looked amazing. She’s hands-down the consummate cougar.
The whole time Janice and I were talking, I had one eye trained on the door. Zack never returned, which has me teetering on the edge of distrust. Before I go see what he’s been up to, I let my gaze wander around the room, in search for a dark-haired beauty who’s on a date with a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
I’m captivated when I see my target talking to a group of women. Pictures don’t do her justice at all. Her sensuality would stand out in any crowd. My brother’s a raving lunatic for leaving her alone for a split second. All the men are leering at her like she’s their next meal. If I happened to be her date, I’d never leave her side.
I quickly turn on my heel with that thought in mind and head towards the exit. And wouldn’t you know that Zack decides to stroll in at the exact same time I’m walking out. His shoulder crashes into mine the moment he walks through the door.
“Little brother. Fancy meeting you here.” I cringe when he chuckles, but I keep right on walking. “What? No ‘Hi, how ya doing’? Or ‘Long time no see’?”
