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She didn’t miss the veiled question.“Yep.”
“Everything okay?”
“My Aunt Mel is still sick.”
Concern immediately clouded his eyes.He dropped his glasses and rounded the desk to crouch in front of her.“Baby, why didn’t you say something?”
She tried to keep a straight face but silent laughter shook her shoulders, escalating when she saw Zach’s puzzled look.“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t really laugh.”She explained the Aunt Mel situation and watched his eyes widen.
“Remind me never to cross your friend.”
Her laughter subsided.“Yeah, she can be a bit of a pit bull when the mood takes her.”
“I’m glad she’s been watching out for you.”His hand gripped her bare calves in a firm caress then moved up her legs to her knees.
Her breath caught.“You say that like it’s a thing of the past.”
His hands slid up her thighs and massaged gently.“I’d love to take an active role in watching out for you now.”
Again, emotion sucker-punched her.“It’s a two-way street, Zach.”
He nodded.“You want to level the playing field a bit.I understand that.And I’ll make every effort to reciprocate.”
Unable to resist touching him, since it felt like a lifetime since she’d last done so, she raised her hand and slowly slid her fingers through his hair.“I’m glad.”
They stayed like that for several minutes.Sure, expert hands slowly parted her thighs and stroked higher.“How do you feel?”
“Physically or emotionally?”
Wariness crept into his eyes, but he didn’t withdraw from her.“Either.You can tell me whatever you want, Bethany.You know that.”
“Okay.I was… upset when I woke and you weren’t there.”
“I told you?—”
“I know what you said, but that’s how I felt.And after what happened yesterday, I guess I’m a little… emotional about everything.”
“How can I make you feel better?”he asked.
Her fingers drifted over his ear and touched just beneath his earlobe.His tiny hiss gave an indication of his own state of mind.“Having you this close helps.”
“Then I’m not going anywhere, Peaches.”
“God, Zach.Is it wrong that I’m this greedy for you?”she whispered raggedly.
“Hell, no.If I wanted you any more than I do, I’d have to be carted off in a fucking straitjacket.”
His fingers glided higher and touched her outer sex.They both groaned as sensation of a different nature altered the mood.
“Is that my T-shirt you’re wearing, baby?”
She nodded jerkily.His thumb moving up and down her clit made forming words impossible.
“Hmm, I feel a sudden chill coming on.I think I want it back.”
Her pout drew his gaze to her mouth.Slowly, she licked her lip and watched his nostrils flare.“What about me?Surely you don’t want me to catch a chill?”
“I’ll keep you warm,” he promised.“Now give it back.”