Page 3 of Zander & Zsanine

“Mr. St. Clair,” she sighed, shaking her head.

“Yes?” Zander smiled in response to just how embarrassed she was. When she stepped out of the hold he had on her and then ushered him in the direction of the restroom, Zander chuckled.

“I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

This time, it was Zsanine’s turn to watch Zander walk away. The view was amazing. She pivoted on her heels to keep herself from lusting completely.

It was good to be home. That’s how Zsanine felt every time she was away, as her home was a sanctuary. Most of the trips she took were for business, as that had been her singular focus for a very long time. It was a laborious focus, yet Zsanine was fueled by it. Her dreams were being made manifest, and she’d given her all to advance that manifestation. It was Zander who made all the difference during this last trip. It wasn’t for business. It was for absolute pleasure.

Even though Zsanine was desperately trying to focus on her business and to get back into the swing of things, that task proved increasingly difficult as she couldn’t stop thinking about Zander. He had been so unexpected in so many ways that she still hadn’t fully wrapped her head around. She had been very presumptuous of him upon first meeting but found herself quickly allowing him space and opportunity in her life. Zsanine had never done that before, never. There were men who approached her, lauding compliments and interest, saying all the right things, acting all the right ways, but still, she hadn’t taken them up on their offers. Zsanine wasn’t exactly sure why. She just hadn’t. This time with Zander, there hadn’t been that level of hesitation. It was like there was a pull, a draw to him that she still didn’t fully understand. Still, it was undeniably there.

Zsanine’s thoughts were interrupted by a ring from her doorbell. She wasn’t expecting anyone, so her brow furrowed slightly as she moved in that direction.

“Just a minute,” she called out before arriving at the door.

Once there, Zsanine lifted onto her tiptoes to peep through the peephole. Her brow remained furrowed as she opened the door.

“Delivery for Ms. Zsanine St. Laurent.”

“Thank you,” Zsanine said as she accepted two dozen black roses from him.

“Have a good day,” the delivery person called out as he descended the stairs.

“You, too,” Zsanine replied rather absentmindedly as she was already curious about the flowers and who her benefactor was. She made sure to close and lock the door behind her before spinning on her heels and going to the kitchen table. The flowers were aromatic, and their coloring was beautiful. She’d never received black roses before. After gently placing the bouquet on the table, Zsanine removed the card that was attached. She thought about the cards she recently read during her excursion with Zander and wondered if he was the sender.

Surprisingly, the note was handwritten.

You’ve invaded my thoughts as only you can. I’m reminded of your essence, your layers, your scent. Black roses, exquisite, uncommon, and incredibly beautiful, remind me of you.

Z

Zsanine sighed. Zander was so damn swoon-worthy, and she found herself fawning over him even in his absence. He didn’t just send flowers. He mindfully selected the flowers he sent, accentuated by a note that warmed her heart. Now it would be even harder not to think about Zander, but who said she had to? Zsanine picked up the flowers and lifted them to her nose to fully take in their scent. It was incredible, and knowing why Zander selected them for her made the fragrance even more potent. Zsanine found a vase to put the flowers in and then picked up her phone. She had to call and thank Zander for his thoughtfulness.

He answered on the second ring.

“How are you, beloved?” Zander’s smooth voice came cruising through the line.

“I am very well,” Zsanine replied. “I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time,” she offered.

“I always have time to speak with you,” Zander replied.

“The roses are stunning. Thank you.”

“They are a reflection of what I see when I look at you,” Zander surmised.

“Is it your goal to keep me blushing?” Zsanine asked, even as her cheeks flooded with color.

“If blushing is your response to the truth, then the answer is yes.”

Everything Zander said to Zsanine was without equivocation. He didn’t hesitate nor stutter. He didn’t beat around any bush. He spoke plainly, which proved to be entirely disarming. And she was disarmed. Zsanine had no witty comeback. She received what he said because Zander said what he meant.

“When will I see you again?”

She didn’t know for sure. She had so much to catch up on, so much she needed to do, but the idea of spending time with Zander always appealed to Zsanine.

“I hate to even suggest it, but can we play it by ear?” She asked, not wanting to commit to anything and then having to cancel. “I just need to get my business bearings.”

“Zsanine,” he said, breaking through her explanation. “Handle your business. I respect that,” Zander affirmed. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet of you to say,” Zsanine replied, immediately feeling better.

“It’s true. You’re a businesswoman. You have business to attend to. Do that.”

“Call you later?”

“Do that,” Zander replied.

“I will.”

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