Chapter Twenty-Two

· zach ·

“Finally,” Hilary sighed as I closed the door and locked it. After long discussions about Evan’s trip to Japan, restaurant talk, and preparation discussions for Atlanta, he left. “Is he always this needy?”

“He has more time on his hands since the movie finished.” I walked back to the bar to go over more documents. “Grace is busy writing.”

Clicks went off, and I looked up from the computer screen to see Hilary with a camera in her hands. “What are you doing?”

“I need to take your portrait.” She moved around, and I refused to glance up, no matter how cute she looked. And she looked fucking cute. “I took Ben’s. I’m taking Evan’s tomorrow, and now I need yours.”

“I haven’t even showered, and I’m in yesterday’s clothes.”

She changed the angle of the camera. “You still look hot.”

“I knew it was a mistake to buy you that thing,” I said, multi-tasking. “I shouldn’t be in front of a camera.”

“Yes, you should. With your shirt off—or completely naked.”

I glanced up at her, and she giggled, taking one last photo. “You’re a pain in my ass.”

“It’s a very nice ass, Collins.” She winked.

I rested my chin in my hand and gazed at her. It only prompted her to take more pictures. “What was all that shit with your brother, huh? Maybe I should date Zach?”

She shrugged it off as no big deal. “I was just gauging Evan’s reaction.”

“Which would be a freaked out, huge no.” I received a text from my interior designer, Joanna, and texted her back.

Hilary lowered the camera. “It’s a good thing he’ll never find out, then. Except you with all your talk of feelings and crumbling walls...” She chuckled, and I felt a sting. I had been serious about having feelings for her. “Really, Zach, your inability to hold yourself together is astounding.”

I huffed, my eyes narrowed. She was teasing me. “Seriously? You were the one who said some random dude gave you a hickey at a club. Good one, genius.”

“Hey, that led him off your trail.”

“I don’t think he’d ever be on my trail.”

“He’d never suspect us,” she said. “But, sometimes, you make it extremely obvious that you’re hiding something, and he’s concerned.”

“Did he say something to you?” I put my phone down and studied her.

She set her camera on the bar. “Grace did. They said you’ve been acting weird since Thanksgiving. You need to get your act together, Zach.”

My eyes widened. “My act?” I snickered. She had no clue what she was talking about. I couldn’t help but answer back. “You think it’s fucking easy for me to lie to my best friend? Do you think it’s fun to live with the guilt I feel over what we’re doing? If so, then you’re more naïve than I thought.”

“Naïve? I’m the one saying this doesn’t have to be complicated, yet you’re the one constantly worried.”

“Because I have a lot more to lose!” I yelled.

Her jaw tightened, her cheeks flushed. “Well, then. Maybe if I’m nothing but a burden, we should stop what we’re doing.”

“Yeah, maybe,” I repeated. “Maybe you can find some guy at a club to screw now, a real fuck buddy to give you what you want.”

I hit a nerve, and her eyes glossed. “You’re an asshole,” she hissed and stormed up the stairs.

“Yeah, what else is new?” I shouted at her and heard a door slam.

I CAUGHT UP with most of my work, then attempted to unwind with a scalding shower. I chastised myself for what I said to Hilary. The weight of everything was too heavy to carry, and I refused to let it sit on my shoulders longer than necessary. I stood at Hilary’s door and heard music playing lightly. I tapped softly and waited for a response. When she gave me the cue, I entered to see her at the desk, typing on her laptop.

“Hey,” I whispered. She swiveled her chair toward me and said nothing. Pressed lips and crossed arms showed her demeanor. She was pissed off. I approached carefully and sat on the edge of the bed to face her. I clasped my hands as I rested my forearms on my knees and leaned forward.

“Hil, I owe you an apology.” I bowed my head and peeked up at her, hoping she wouldn’t take away the one good thing I had going for me.

She leaned back and uncrossed her arms, her defenses lowering. “Yeah. I’d say you do.” She paused. “Go on, then.”

“I’m sorry for what I said.”

Her eyebrow lifted. “That’s it? That’s your apology?”

This woman wouldn’t give me an easy out. I expected nothing less. “No, uh,”—I racked my brain for the perfect words—“I didn’t mean what I said about going to a club and getting a fuck buddy.”

She huffed. “Yeah, that was pretty low, Collins.” Her light brown eyes met mine again. It wasn’t enough. I had to give her more, admit more than I should, but not go so far that it would mess things up completely between us.

“I’m sorry that I made you feel like you’re a burden.” I leaned back and scratched at the scruff on my jaw, exhaling as I gathered my feelings. “You’re far from it, Hilary. You’re my breath of fresh air. You’re the best thing about my day. Every day.”

Her breath hitched, and her expression softened. I reached out and took her hand in mine. She looked at our tangled fingers and then spoke. “I didn’t mean to make light of what you’re going through, Zach.” Her voice trembled as she looked up at me through her dark lashes. “We’ll stop this. We can. Before it goes further; before anyone finds out.”

I shook my head and brought her hand to my lips. “No, no, I don’t want to stop, I don’t.” I swallowed back the confession of how much I wished she were mine. “I took the risk, and it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. I wouldn’t have taken it otherwise. You’re worth it.” Her smile grew, the radiance almost blinding. Before she could lean in to kiss me, I stopped her. “I’m also sorry about your Pop-Tart. I’m the reason it fell.”

Her brows furrowed. “How?”

“Well, I was staring at it, secretly wishing it was mine.” I shrugged.

She laughed, the weight of our troubles vanishing. “That’s unforgivable.”

“I miss sweets, I really do.” I shook my head. “What I wouldn’t do for some carbs right now.”

She rolled her eyes. “Okay, I guess I forgive you. Besides, it was salvageable, and quite delicious, despite the bits of dust on top.”

“Gross.” I paused. “You’re sick.”

“Shut up and kiss me, dork.” She sat on my lap, wrapped her arms around my neck, and tugged me close as her mouth met mine.

“Are we making out?” I asked, cradling her body.

She chuckled. “Yeah, I might even let you get to second base.” I hummed as my hand trailed up to grab her breast, but she slapped me away. “I said might, mister.”

“I’ll convince you.” I continued to kiss her neck when my text alert went off. I grumbled at the interruption.

“Check it. Might be important.” I lifted her off of me, and she sat at her desk turning toward her laptop to continue her work.

I read the text from Joanna, then put my phone away. “Hey, how’s the rest of your day looking?”

Hilary shrugged. “I’m almost done with this blog post, then I’m free.”

“Wanna run some errands with me?”

Hilary scrunched up her nose, mostly likely thinking the prospect sounded dull.

I chuckled. “It’ll be fun. Bring your camera.” I stood and walked to the door, turning back once more. “Wear some comfortable shoes.”

“Huh? Where are we going?”

“I’ll be in the car.”

HILARY HOPPED IN the Cherokee. She was dressed in jeans, a simple tee, and had her hair bunched up in a bun. Her camera hung around her neck, and she moved it carefully as she strapped on her seatbelt.

“Where are we going?” Her excitement couldn’t be contained. Did I have a shitload of work to do? Definitely. But this was more important. She was more important.

“I’m taking you out for the day, but first, I need to stop by the restaurant.” I put the car in reverse and glanced at her as I began the drive. She stared at me, her eyes bulged. “What? You’re taking me to the restaurant?”

“Yeah.”

“Has anyone else gone?”

I shook my head. “Everyone’s been busy. I’ve shown photos to Josh and Evan, but they’ve left it in my hands.” She gave me the most gorgeous smile.

We chatted easily as I made my way into the Waterloo Compound, a spot of commercial real estate in Downtown Austin. I parked in the back, and Hilary climbed out and gazed at the structure before us.

“It’s one of the oldest buildings left in the area,” I said as she approached me. Her hand shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked up at the two-story house. “The cedar posts, ceiling, and beams inside are all original. From the late eighteen hundreds.” I waited for her to say something as she eyed the greenery leading to the wrap-around patio. I led her forward. “I’m getting some old rocking chairs to put out here. Small tables to set drinks on will be beside each pair. That’ll be for people waiting for a table.”

“Will it be reservation only?” She clutched her camera to stop it from swinging around her neck.

“No, it’s first come, first served. This won’t be pretentious. It’s laid-back, comfortable, familiar.”

She looked at me and smiled. “Like family.”

I stuck my hands into my pockets and shrugged. “Roots.” I paused for a moment and let her take in the area. She lifted her camera to her eye and took photos. “I didn’t bring you here to work, Hil. You don’t have to do this now.”

“I want to.” She pointed the camera at me and clicked. She didn’t have to ask me to smile, I already was. “Show me more.”

I unlocked the doors and let her in. “Here’s the covered patio, twinkle lights hanging above. Buffet brunch with specials on mimosas will be offered on Sundays. Private events won’t be available for bookings on the weekends, but they’ll be available if needed throughout the week.” We sauntered inside the house. “Any and all improvements have been carefully done. The ground floor is for the dining area, the second floor is for staff or banquets. There’ll be live music playing in the evenings on the stage area.”

I watched as she took in the ambiance. “Zach…this is beautiful.” She walked to the bar and studied the bottles of liquor that sat against the wall on mirrored shelves. Her hands ran across the rich mahogany. “This bar is awesome. Everything’s almost done.” She looked at the tables and chairs that were in the main dining area.

“Yeah, Joanna, my decorator told me it was pretty much finished.” I grabbed her hand and led her toward a door in the far corner of the house. “Check this out,” I said, as we entered a dark, narrow room. “Watch your step.”

“What is this?”

My enthusiasm elevated as I switched on a light and led her down a steep set of wooden stairs. I turned toward her with my arms stretched out in front of wooden shelves that housed hundreds of bottles. “The wine cellar. It’s all original.”

She gasped as she approached. “This is incredible.” Her hand glided over the bottles. “Did you pick all these out?”

“I had help, but yeah. I took a trip to Fredericksburg after Evan suggested I see the place. Ordered a lot of local wines from wineries around here, but also got a lot of input for what would be best.”

“And how did you get the idea for the food? The name? Everything?” She turned to me with such intent and interest. She was showing appreciation for my passion, letting me know she actually cared.

“I saw this place and just had a feeling about it. Like it was speaking to me. Before, it was some restaurant trying to sell small, fancy burgers for big prices. People were leaving hungry, and I knew that wasn’t what it was supposed to be. It needed bigger portions, comfort food, family-style cuisine that people love. And the fact that this place has been around for as long as it has just reminded me of where we all come from. We all have our roots, right?”

She nodded. “Roots.” Her hand raised and cupped my jaw. I leaned into her touch, closed my eyes, and sighed. I was a lucky bastard to have her with me, touching me, wanting me, it was hard to believe. “I’m so proud of you, Zach.”

When the words exited her mouth, my heart stopped. I took in her gaze, filled with yearning. I entwined our fingers. “You are?”

“All this, what you put into it, it’s your baby. Your vision, your dream is happening. It’s almost here.” She stood on her toes to let our lips touch. It was tender, soft, sweet, but when her tongue brushed against mine, my jeans tightened, and I wanted inside her. She chuckled. “Okay, easy, big boy. I don’t think we should christen this room.”

“Why not? No harm in giving a little good luck to the place.” I nuzzled her neck, careful not to get tangled up with her camera. “You could even take some naughty photos if you want.” I grazed my nose up her neck and nipped her earlobe with my teeth.

“You’re making it sound tempting.” She half-groaned as I licked the shell of her ear. “I still want your shirt off in a photo.”

“Not a chance, honey,” I growled as she ran her hands around to my ass and pulled me closer to her body. “Fuck, you’re gonna make me come in my pants if you keep that up.”

“Then you might need a good blowjob to relieve you for now,” the temptress whispered.

I tugged her hair at the base of her neck and pulled her back only for a moment before I planted a rough kiss on her, letting my tongue dive into her mouth. Our breathing sped as we kissed frantically. We were caught up in each other, wild and needy, but I pulled away when a voice interrupted. “Hello?” Oh, fuck.