Chapter Fifteen

· hilary ·

Those orgasms were long overdue. Holy hell, Zach was everything I needed and more. He was set on putting my pleasure first, a rare commodity in a male. The transformation in his body was incredible. He was so strong, his arms and chest wide. He crushed me against him with power, force, and dexterity that made the experience all the more worth it. I would go at it a million times over, and was convinced I could take on the world with exhilarated assurance flowing through me.

I stared out the window of Grace’s living room, rays of sunshine shooting through the cloudy, gray sky. Thunderstorms were on the horizon, but Texas weather was more finicky than a toddler, changing its mind by the minute. A camera would let me capture the beautiful skies, but taking a picture with my phone wasn’t what I had in mind.

I couldn’t believe Zach and I had gone at it all night long. He didn’t protest when I fell asleep in his arms and woke up in them. Instead of scampering away from me like before, I woke to find him gazing at me, his hands playing with my hair. Before I could say anything, he kissed me. A long, intense, toe-curling kiss.

How had I yielded to him? He was cocky, bossy, and methodical beyond belief, yet I got off on that. Friends and lovers. He seemed to make it a point to not use the term “fuck buddies,” when that was practically the same thing. However, this morning, I’d made it a point to say we weren’t dating.

“I’m not into the relationship thing, Zach. My mid-twenties were consumed with compromising for and submitting to a man. I’m not into it right now.”

“Oh, yeah? That’s good, then.” He sighed with relief, although his eyes held apprehension.

I didn’t know what I had wanted his response to be. I hadn’t expected him to come out and say he loved me or wanted me forever, but I didn’t like hearing him agree with me either.

“No messy stuff. We move on when it’s time to move on. No strings attached, and we stay friends. No matter what, nobody gets hurt. Promise?”

“Promise.” He nodded.

We’d made the rules, so why was I unsure?

“Well, don’t you look satisfied.” Grace smiled. She approached with two mimosas. “To celebrate.”

We clinked our champagne glasses together. “Celebrate what, exactly?”

She took a sip, then turned to her bookshelf and picked up a hardcover. “My memoir made New York Times!” The book had a simple graphic design with the title Before Now.

I cheered her on enthusiastically and asked for a signed copy. She gave me one and discussed the next steps of her promotions. Book signings were underway, along with a few meetings with Evan’s production company.

“Enough about that, though. That’s not all we’re celebrating,” she sang out. I looked at her inquisitively. “I heard you went out with Ben Taylor last night.” I choked on my drink. “Sorry, I don’t mean to pry, but totally do. Evan told me.”

“Uh…” I forced a grin. “Yeah, wow. My brother’s like all-knowing or something.”

Grace chuckled. “Zach mentioned it to him last night. Quite unhappily, I should add. Evan told him to lighten up. Despite what it might seem, they’re both glad you’re getting out there again. The boys want you happy, Hilary, so do I.” She lifted a brow. “Plus, Ben’s a total dreamboat and a nice guy.”

“He is. Ben’s very nice.”

Grace gaped as her eyes zoomed in on my neck. “Very! Did he give you that hickey?” My hand dashed to the love-mark Zach had left. The makeup didn’t seem to cover it as well as I’d hoped. My heart sped up, and I tried to come up with a valid excuse. My cheeks heated. Grace smiled. “Girl, you will be the envy of every woman in the world.”

“He’s…he’s dreamy.” I chuckled nervously. I wouldn’t confirm or deny. She assumed it was Ben, and I’d let her think it. I had to.

“Well, remind me to give you some of my concealer. You don’t want Evan spotting that thing. You may never see Ben again.”

I shrugged. “I wonder how he’ll react when I tell him that I’m engaged one day.”

Grace thought about it a moment. “He’d prefer that, I think. Reassurance and all.”

“Being engaged doesn’t mean he’ll stick around. Even marriage can’t give the guarantee that someone will stay committed.” I thought of my parents and how my dad had left my mom. She’d never dated after, didn’t even consider going out again.

“That’s true.” Grace sighed, looking at her feet.

My big mouth obviously made Grace anxious. “Are you scared? Of marriage?”

“A bit,” she said coyly.

“Why? My brother would never leave you. He worships you.” My protectiveness shot through. I didn’t want him hurt. When his ex-fiancée had broken his heart, I was sure he would remain a playboy forever. Thank God for Grace. But if she left him, he’d never recover.

Grace giggled. “He hasn’t asked me, and I haven’t said no.”

“So, you’d say yes…right?” I narrowed my eyes. “You’d better say yes.”

A belly laugh erupted from her. “God, you Matthewses are all the same. Fiercely protective and obstinate.” She paused. “I love your brother very much.”

“Don’t ever leave him,” I demanded. “The wedding would be amazing, by the way. Huge. An event!” I glared at her, sensing her unease. “You would say yes, right? You didn’t answer the question.”

“Why don’t you let it drop, and I won’t ask about how Ben gave you that hickey?” She smirked at me, her brown eyes shining with mischief.

I blinked, her response unexpected. “You’re good. No wonder Evan’s enamored.”

We chatted the rest of the time about work, discussing the process of finding someone who would eventually take over my job permanently. Stephen, the boss, needed someone stable, which meant that Grace would need to find another place to live or pay full rent. Zach would need to figure out what to do when his lease was up, too. Ben would be leaving soon, as well, and other tenants were lined up, waiting for an interview and confirmation.

A long day passed, and Grace sat back on the couch and sighed. “So, what do you want to do when this job is up? Will you head back to Boston?”

“I applied to get my doctorate, but I’m not sure that’s what I want to do.” I took a deep breath. I’d been putting off decisions for far too long. “I was thinking of taking up photography again. I need the equipment, and I want to start a business, so I guess I’d head back.” I stopped a moment. “I don’t even have a camera.”

“Well, get one soon because I already have several requests.”

I perked up. “Want me to photograph your wedding?”

Grace rolled her eyes. “No, not that. I want you to take my headshots. I need a new author photo.”

“Done. I’d love to.”

Grace continued. “I was also wondering if you’d consider doing photo shoots for potential book covers. I’m going to release a book separate from my publisher.”

“Sure. But aren’t your covers historical romances?” The delight coursed through me and was hard to contain. Creating something from scratch brought me life.

“No, I’m writing a contemporary romance. I’m about half done. I’d be faster at it, but your brother distracts me too much with trips to Disneyland.” She smirked. “And in other ways, of course.”

“If you tell me he diddled you on It’s a Small World I will never speak to either of you again.” I winced.

Her laughter filled the room. “You sound like Zach.” I froze, waiting for her to say more. “He hates hearing all that lovey-dovey stuff.”

I fumbled with my hands. “Zach’s never been into commitment.”

“The right girl will change that,” Grace said with confidence. “Marla wanted to set him up with her sister.”

A prickle of jealousy scraped its way through me. “Oh?”

“Zach needs someone strong, someone who can put him in his place. I’m sure Ally would be great at it.” Grace stood. “I want dinner. How does Chinese sound?”

“Um…good.” Grace moved to the kitchen and fumbled in a drawer for a takeout menu. “So, what’s this Ally like?” I drew the conversation back to the subject, even though it wasn’t my intention. “Do you think Zach would like her?”

“Yeah, he’d like her all right.”

I frowned, not wanting to acknowledge the jealousy that shouldn’t exist. Zach and I would only stay friends. “She’s pretty?”

“Gorgeous. She’s tall. You’re tall, too, but I’m talking like, Nicole Kidman tall. And she has long, pink hair.”

My eyebrows lifted. “Pink hair?”

Grace nodded, found the menu and set it on the counter. “Yeah, she’s really into fashion, very eclectic. She started attending a makeup school in San Francisco, though, so it’s highly unlikely they’d make it work.”

“Zach needs someone different,” I disputed.

“Well, Evan told me he seemed into that chef, but since they’re working together, he doesn’t want to run the risk of losing her.”

“I don’t like her for him.” Shit. I hadn’t meant for that to pop out, but my big mouth wouldn’t stop.

Grace looked up from the menu. “You met her?”

“Yeah, she dropped off his computer the other day. She seemed…not his type.”

“I don’t think he has a type.” Grace chuckled as I inwardly cringed.

The door opened, and Evan sauntered in carrying two bags. “Thought my best girls might be hungry. I brought burgers and fries.”

“My hero,” Grace said as he closed the distance and kissed her. He set down the bags and wrapped his arms around her, squeezed her tightly, then moved his mouth to her neck. He nuzzled into it and tickled her sides. She squealed and laughed, pushing him away.

My heart clutched, aching for that type of love. Every time they were together, they lit up each other’s worlds. My brother was good to her, and she was good to him. They were equals, and they valued one another.

“What up, sis? Have a productive day?”

I nodded and grabbed one of the bags, digging for my food. “Yeah, I’m starving. Thank God for burgers and fries.”

“It’s Grace’s favorite food,” he said, approaching to help me unpack the goods. He stopped and stared at me. “What the fuck is that?” He pointed to my neck.

I squinted my nose and touched the love bite. “Uh...birth mark?” He glared at me. “Spider bite? Perfume reaction. Injury from a sport? I got my head stuck in a door. A friend put a vacuum on my neck. Curling iron burn. No?” I popped a fry into my mouth. “Okay, I give up. It must be a hickey.”

Grace laughed, but my brother wasn’t happy. “Did Ben do that? You guys had one date,” Evan shouted, a vein popping out on his forehead.

“Evan, cool it.” Grace attempted to pacify my brother.

I rolled my eyes, holding in my laugh. My poor brother, so worried about me as if I were a child. “Get a grip, Evan.”

“Everyone’s telling me he’s a good guy, and he leaves a fucking hickey on my sister.” He pointed at me, his voice sanctimonious. “A good guy doesn’t do that. Not on the first date. You’re not seeing him again!”

Grace put her hands on his chest. “You need to stop, babe. Hilary is old enough to make her own decisions.”

“Exactly,” I conceded. “Thank you, Grace. What I do is not your business. Your job is to be there for me when I ask.”

Evan grumbled as he helped Grace take out the rest of the food from the bags. We sat to eat, but it took time before my brother stopped his sulking. I inhaled the burger within minutes. Whataburger was a Texas staple everyone raved about. I finally understood why. It was damn good.

“Zach was right.” Evan chuckled as I sat back, my stomach happy and full.

“About?”

“He told me to get you the double meat, double cheese and said you’d finish it before I could.”

I shrugged, while Grace gaped. “Can I please have your metabolism?”

“So, why didn’t he come over?” Crap. I made an internal note to stop asking about Zach. I wanted to make sure I didn’t give anything away by being too interested in his constant whereabouts.

Evan and Grace cleaned up. “He had some things to take care of at the restaurant. I finally convinced him to let me spend more money so he can open in July.”

“Whoa. That’s…really fast,” I said. “Like, really fast, Evan. What’s the rush? Is he going to Atlanta with you?”

He threw the trash away as Grace wiped the table. He turned toward me and leaned on the counter. “I don’t see why he couldn’t.”

“So, you’re making him open the restaurant early so he can go to Atlanta with you?” I tried to understand his reasoning as I crossed my arms. He wanted Zach at his beck and call. “What if he wants to stay in Austin? Run the joint himself?”

Evan shook his head. “He could hire someone.”

“Did you even ask him what he wants to do?”

“He hasn’t said anything.” Evan narrowed his gaze on me. “Has he said anything to you lately? He’s been distracted a hell of a lot. I thought it was issues with this Isabella chick.”

“He’s not with her,” I said, irritated. “God, what the hell is the deal with this woman?”

“Jesus, you’re hanging out with him too much. You are both having mood swings or something.”

“You haven’t experienced a full mood swing from me, but you’d better be careful,” I warned him.

“You know who’d better be careful? That damn boyfriend of yours.” My heart jumped in my throat. “Ben better watch himself.”

“Evan…” Grace warned.

I exhaled in relief. Zach had jumped to mind, even though he wasn’t my boyfriend. The automatic assumption plagued me. “Ben and I will be hanging out again, Evan. We made plans.”

“No hanging out crap. He’d better ask you out on real dates. I didn’t mess around with Grace. I let her know my intentions.”

Grace laughed. “Yeah, after tricking me into taking a bet playing poker and losing his hand on purpose,” she directed at me. “Very upfront and honest.”

The teasing continued for the evening, and I eventually walked back to the house. The lights were off, and part of my heart sank at the knowledge that Zach wasn’t home. One of us leaving soon would be best. I wasn’t sure how living in the same house for a long period of time would work. We needed to stay unattached.

I set down the keys and turned on the lights. A box on the kitchen counter caught my eye. I did a double take and gasped. A new Nikon camera sat on the bar. My breath caught as I ambled over. A note sat beside the box.