Before he could say anything further, his phone chimed to signal them nearing the end of their lunch period. Standing, he reached into his pocket, pulling out the phone to dismiss the alarm. “Time to head back to my classroom and get ready for the next round of students.” He took her hand to press a quick kiss to it. “Later, beautiful.”
As Zach headed back to his own classroom, he prayed his earlier remark hadn’t undone all the progress he’d made. Although, he couldn’t deny the boost of confidence he got from the faintest sigh she’d released when he had kissed her hand.
It was the little things with Laney. Those baby steps, the little signs of progression that gave him hope.
Hope of what could be.
C
HAPTER
T
HIRTY
-S
IX
I
T WAS
S
ATURDAY AND TIME
for their usual karaoke night at Shenanigans with everyone. She and Zach had spent most of the day at the beach and he’d helped her with her surfing. She’d actually caught her first big wave or “big surf” as Zach had informed her it was referred to in surf lingo. Granted, she didn’t ride it in the most graceful manner, but it was still an accomplishment for her. The way his face had lit up when she’d ridden the wave to shore, he’d been so thrilled, happiness shining in his eyes. When she had run to him, squealing excitedly, Zach’s arms had wrapped around her, spinning her around.
“You did it, Laney!” he’d told her, a wide smile on his face.
“Thanks to you.” She had pressed her lips to his in a kiss that even she had to admit had a sweet tenderness to it.
That kiss had stayed with her throughout the day and she felt her lips turn up in a smile at the memory of it. Zach had brought a change of clothes with him and they had shared a shower because, well, it was environmentally friendly. Okay, so that was completely bogus since they had probably wasted a ton of water, having their fun with each other. What began as someone copping a quick feel had turned into something much hotter, more passionate. They had loved—Laney tried to shake off the inner cringe at that word—in the shower. But that was truly what it had felt like. Not that she was an expert or anything. Far from it.
Zach was already dressed and waiting on her as she finished her makeup and put on her favorite ankle length, halter-top sundress with bright purple hibiscus flowers printed on it. It was a satiny-like fabric that flowed over her body in a caress.
Tousling her hair in gentle waves, she noticed it had more golden highlights throughout the brown from the sun. Finally, she dusted her face with a touch of powder and went in search of Zach.
She found him out on her deck, talking on his phone, appearing agitated. She opened the door, watching him turn her way at the sound, and stepped out. He flashed an apologetic look before speaking into the phone.
“I know, Mother. I said I would make an appearance.” His voice had a steely undertone. “I have to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He ended the call abruptly and stared out at the ocean but she had a feeling he wasn’t actually seeing any of it, so lost in thought.
She laid a gentle hand on his arm. “Hey, you okay?”
Blowing out a long breath, head turning to face her, his lips twisted in a wry smile. “Any chance you’re free tomorrow to attend a ridiculously pretentious birthday party with me?”
Curious, she asked, “Whose birthday is it?”
“My mother’s,” he answered, nearly spitting out the words, his eyes returning to the ocean view.
Just as her lips parted to give her answer, he let out a loud sigh without looking at her.
“It’s no big deal, Laney. Honestly. I was mostly kidding. I wouldn’t make you come along because it’s basically the equivalent of undergoing major surgery minus the anesthesia.” He let out humorless laugh.
She reached out to link her fingers with his and gave a little squeeze. “Hey,” her tone was gentle as she waited for his eyes to return to hers, “I’ll go with you.”
Zach’s head tilted to the side and he studied her as if trying to determine why she had agreed. “Really?” If she didn’t know any better, she’d swear there was a strong hint of vulnerability to his tone.
She nodded slowly, giving him a reassuring smile. He stared at her in wonder for a moment before turning to face her, hands reaching to slide into her hair. Leaning his forehead on hers, he closed his eyes and whispered, “Thank you, Laney. Having you by my side means more than you can imagine.”
She whispered back saucily, “Just so you know, you’d better put out later on that night. And maybe beforehand, too.”
A small breath of a laugh escaped him and he smiled, brushing his lips against hers. “Consider it done.”
* * *
Laney and Zach entered Shenanigans and went directly to the karaoke room to meet their friends. As soon as they entered, she heard shouts.
“Laney!” Raine hollered her greeting.
“Yo! You’d better be less cobwebby downtown!” Lawson was going to suffer for that one.
“Seriously, Laws? Seriously?” She put her hands on her hips when she got to the table, staring him down.
He raised up both hands, his face a mask of mock innocence. “What? Inquiring minds want to know.”
“Speak for yourself, man. I don’t ever want to know that shit,” her brother muttered, making a disgusted face.
“Laney, will you sing an Echosmith song with me?” Tate asked her, pointing to the song book in front of her, her finger tapping against it.
She slid into the seat beside her friend and glanced down at the song listing. Recognizing it, she agreed. “Sure.”
Looking over at Raine, she asked, “Where’s Mac?”
Her friend gave a tight smile, eyes darting suggestively to where Tate sat, continuing to study the song book. “Um, he went with Miller and Kane to help them carry some of the drinks.” Laney couldn’t help but notice the way Tate’s body stiffened at the mention of Miller’s name.
Speak of the devil, here come the handsome men now
. As she watched them approach the table, there was no doubt as to why numerous women’s gazes followed them.
A napkin being waved in front of her face drew her from her musings and she saw Zach holding it up, a smirk upon his face. “Thought you might need this for the drool.”
She swatted it away, making a scoffing sound.
Because, well, he didn’t have to know that, though the three men were extremely easy on the eyes, there was only one man whom she was drawn to. One man could turn her on with just a heated look in his eyes, a man whose touch her body craved, whose touch made her come alive.
The one man who made her feel like he was seeping through the fine cracks in the wall she’d built around her heart.
* * *
Catching Laney watching three of the most notorious alpha males, he definitely felt the sting. The thought that Laney wanted that kind of guy definitely chafed. Because rather than being massively muscular, he was a tall, blond surfer with a leaner muscled body.
So lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice the body that slumped into the chair on the other side of him until a shoulder bumped—hard—into his. Zach’s head whipped around to see the guy who’d been all flirty with Laney last time. Kane smiled, leaning back casually in his chair.
The guy offered a large hand to him. “Name’s Kane.”
Zach reached out to shake his hand. “Zach.” He held the other man’s gaze for a long moment before Kane burst into a loud belly laugh. His brow wrinkled in confusion as he drew his hand back.
Once Kane’s laughter subsided, he fixed his gaze on Zach. “You reckon we’re done with the manly pissing contest? ’Cause I’d really like to talk to you about some surf lessons …” He leaned in closer. “Rather than about how I’m definitely not interested in poaching your woman.”
He felt a small laugh break free. This Kane guy was all right in his book.
Even if he did bruise his hand a little with that innocent handshake.
C
HAPTER
T
HIRTY
-S
EVEN
“A
RE YOU SURE
I
LOOK
all right?” Laney was a freaking nervous wreck. They were driving over to Zach’s mother’s birthday party and she was second guessing her attire for what felt like the five hundredth time. Because when he had shown up at her door looking like he had, she’d barely resisted the urge to look past him, searching for the real Zach.
The Zach who showed up at her door looked nothing like the one she knew. He was dressed in seersucker pants and a long-sleeved, white button-down shirt, paired with a seersucker bow tie. And those sleeves? They weren’t rolled up to show off his muscular forearms she secretly lusted over. Nope. They were buttoned at the wrist. And he had on loafers. Expensive loafers. The kind of shoes that easily cost more than a month’s worth of her teacher’s salary. Those nice leather flip flops of his were nowhere to be found.
The worst part was that his neat scruff was gone. The same scruff that she had loved to feel against her skin when he kissed her in … well, various places. The scruff that had made him even sexier, if that were possible.
“Laney, you look perfect,” he informed her as they made the drive to his mother’s home on Amelia Island.
Laney smoothed a hand over the dress—the nicest she owned—she’d thought would be both fancy and suitable enough for the occasion. It was a teal-colored, halter style dress with a diaphanous overlay. She paired it with low, strappy slingback heels and a matching purse. She had straightened her hair and put it up in a sleek twist.
I can do this
, she attempted to reassure herself, trying to soothe her nerves. The anxiety threatened to overwhelm her because she’d be seeing Zach’s mother, again, and meeting some new people.
Laney certainly couldn’t ignore the way Zach’s whole body grew tense the closer they got to Amelia Island and entered the neighborhood with the larger, more expensive homes. It wasn’t until he parked the car near the curb of the half-circle driveway that she felt her own body tense, bile rising in her throat.
Oh, no. Oh, holy shit, no
. There was no way in hell she could do this.
This wasn’t a home. This was a compound, for God’s sake. And his mother lived here? By herself? Her head whipped around to see Zach watching her carefully.
“Your mother lives here?” she asked, agape.
He nodded and his mouth twisted at the sight of the enormous home. “Yeah, she ‘downsized’ after my dad died.” The scorn was evident in his tone.
Downsized? Was she hallucinating? No, she couldn’t do this. She was just Laney Kavanaugh, daughter of a middle class mother who had worked multiple jobs to keep food on the table and clothe her kids. Laney Kavanaugh, who bought most of her dresses at Target or at some of the consignment stores on the island because rich people—like this—got rid of clothes never worn or barely worn because they were “out of style”.
Why did he never tell her his family was disgustingly rich? The one time she had met his mother when she’d stopped by their school after attending a fundraiser, Laney had noticed how nicely dressed the woman was, how she exuded wealth. But this? This was a whole different realm of wealthy.
“Laney, this isn’t me.” He nodded his head in the direction of the home. “It’s never been me.” He reached for her hand, taking it in his large grasp. His eyes were pleading, like he needed her by his side. Like this was just as foreign to him as it was to her.
She inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself before she gave his hand a squeeze. She attempted a smile but was certain it resulted in more of a grimace. “Let’s do this, Mayson.”
Relief flashed in his eyes and she saw his shoulders slightly relax, lips forming a subdued smile. “Let’s do this.” He winked. Turn, he went to let go of her hand to exit the vehicle but she held on. His head whipped back to her, eyebrows raised in question.
“I need something first. Please.” She released her seatbelt, leaning toward him. That was when she finally saw Zach’s lips form a real smile. His hand reached out to tenderly cup the side of her face. The way his thumb brushed against her cheek, how his eyes swept over her as if she were a priceless work of art, was enough to make her weak in the knees.
He leaned in, placing his lips to hers in the gentlest kiss, eliciting a tiny sigh from her. “When we get done with this dog and pony show, I’m going to do a whole hell of a lot more than that to you, Laney.” His voice was low, husky.
Her eyes fell closed on a smile. “God, I hope so.” Hearing him give a little laugh, she opened her eyes to find him looking at her with a mixture of awe and affection.
She gave him a wink with forced bravado as she turned to exit the car. Walking up to the home, hand in hand with Zach, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was walking to her own demise.
* * *
If his mother mentioned Katherine’s name once more, he was going to stab himself in the eye with a caviar fork. She just wouldn’t cease in bringing her up—and in front of Laney, no less—mentioning what a wonderful couple they would make. Blah, blah, blah.
“Did I mention that Laney is learning to surf? I’ve been teaching her,” he interrupted his mother’s rambling. “She’s doing great, too. Caught her first wave the other day,” he said with pride, taking notice of the tight smile Laney had kept in place.
His mother waved a hand in dismissal, fingers adorned with diamonds sparkling in the lighting. “Surfing is such nonsense. I wish you’d choose a better hobby. That’s so beneath you, Zachariah.” Her pursed lips looked as though she’d sucked a lemon.
His eyes narrowed. “Well, Mother, that nonsense has helped me pay my bills.”
“Oh, pish posh.” She waved her hand again. His mother actually said the words ‘pish posh’. Holy fucking pretentiousness. “I’m sure that Katherine will be here soon.” His mother continued, gaze focused on Laney, lowering her voice as if she were telling a secret. “You know, Zachariah and Katherine have always had a ‘thing’ for one another.” She patted Laney’s arm, pityingly.
“Oh, here’s Martha and Katherine, now!” She clasped her hands together happily as the mother and daughter approached. Katherine, always perfectly coifed, not one hair out of place, greeted his mother. The two did the stupid air-kiss crap before she spoke to him.