CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Renee stood there, clutching the thick file in her arms. She stopped worrying her lower lip when she saw him.
“Hi, Zack, here’s the file you wanted,” she said.
“Come in,” he said. Renee hesitated a beat, before stepping nervously into his penthouse apartment.
She was wavering, and she was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to resist him. The attraction and desire still burned like wildfire between them. Not being able to touch her and hold her was pure torture.
“Here’s your file,” Renee said, holding the file out like a shield.
Zack gestured towards the table. “I’m about to eat. Join me.”
“I don’t think...” she began.
“We can discuss the contract while we eat. I’d like to know what you think. You’ve been going through this contract with me for the past week. You know the terms as well as I do. And I think you agree that some terms definitely need to be changed.”
She nodded. “Yes. I...”
“Great. Sit down,” he said, pulling out a chair for her. “I hope you like pasta.”
“I love pasta.” She smiled.
Zack exhaled in relief. He hadn’t even realized that he’d been holding his breath.
Hurrying into the kitchen, Zack lifted the lid from the pot and took a whiff of the aromatic sauce. Dean was right. The sauce was perfect. He smothered the pasta with the thick, red sauce and took the plates to the table.
“Wow,” Renee said. “Did you make this?”
“Yeah.”
“You made the sauce? From scratch?” A teasing smile curved her lips.
“I did.” Zack grinned. “Tell me what you think.”
Renee took a mouthful and looked up at him with rounded eyes. “This is great!” she said. “You’re a great cook. Like your brother.” She took another mouthful and made a sound of appreciation. “Wait. Did Dean teach you how to make this?”
“Yeah, he did.” Zack laughed. “He’s a good teacher.”
“And you’re a good student.”
They chatted as they ate, and Zack saw that Renee was beginning to relax.
“I really have to thank Dean for sharing his secret recipe with me,” Zack said. “You want a second helping?”
“Yes, please.”
Zack had a spring in his step when he returned to the dining table with their plates. Everything was going well so far.
“How’s Dean?” Renee asked. “I haven’t seen him since...” She trailed off.
Zack kept the mood light and buoyant by telling her about the new dishes that Dean had come up with. “I was at his restaurant last Sunday. It was packed as usual. Business is really good. So good that Dean is finally thinking of expanding.”
“Please send Dean my regards,” Renee said softly.
Zack put down his fork. “I’ll be driving up to his restaurant tomorrow,” he said. “Dean asked about you. He would be so happy to see you.”
“I...” Zack saw that she wanted to say yes. She struggled with her answer and said finally, “I can’t...”
“Why not?”
“Please, Zack,” she whispered. “Don’t...don’t do this. It’s hard enough as it is.”
“Why does it have to be hard?” He took her hand. “Renee, why are you...”
She pulled her hand away. “I have to go.”
“No.” He blocked her way. “Why are you fighting me, fighting us?”
“There is no us!” She glared up at him. “You and Karina...”
“There’s nothing between us,” Zack said, shocked. “And that was before I met you, Renee. Why does it bother you so much?”
“You’re marrying her,” Renee said. “I heard your brother...”
“What? Did my brother tell you that?” He shook his head in disbelief.
“No. But I heard him say that he’s going to be your best man. You’re planning to get married...”
Zack barked out a laugh and pulled Renee to him. She beat furiously at his chest but he held her tight and kissed the top of her head. “You misunderstood. Dean was teasing me, about our wedding. I’m going to kill him,” he muttered under his breath.
“Our wedding?” Renee froze.
“Yeah. He knew that I was serious about you. That you’re the only one for me.” Zack quirked a smile. “Dean knows me like the back of his hand. But that brother of mine has a big mouth!”
“Dean thinks that you’re going to...marry me?” Renee stuttered.
“He knows that I’m going to marry you,” Zack said smugly. “He just wants to circle the date.”
When Renee didn’t respond, Zack stared at her and frowned. “Wait. You broke things off with me because you thought I was planning on marrying Karina?”
Renee sniffed. “She’s more your type. And she told me that she’s your fiancee.”
“I don’t have a type and I don’t have a fiancee,” Zack replied. “And Karina and I couldn’t be more different. Karina grew up in the lap of luxury. She never had to make any sacrifices or take care of anyone else. Dean and I achieved our successes through sheer hard work and tenacity. We hung on and wouldn’t quit. We would never take what we have and each other for granted.” Zack shook his head and said, “Karina and I have nothing in common at all.”
Renee bowed her head. “But you and I...we’re worlds apart...”
Zack tilted up her face and looked into her beautiful hazel eyes. “You know that’s not true. You’ve been by my side for a while now, and you can see how well we work together. We’re a team. We have the same values and goals. We’re both driven, disciplined, determined. We love our siblings, our family, and...” He winked. “We are very compatible, in every way. Our chemistry is off the charts.”
She gasped and swatted his arm.
“I’m serious, Renee. We’re perfect together.” Wrapping his arms around her waist, he whispered, “You’re mine, Renee. I found you, and I’m not letting you go.”