Page 103 of Help Wanted

Chapter 18

” You’re leaving already?” Wes said as Zane handed him the keys to his new boat. “I thought you were planning to stay for a few days.”

That had been the plan, but as soon as Zane arrived he’d been itching to get back to Kenley. It wasn’t just protectiveness anymore. It was something else. Something he needed to deal with. Soon.

“I’m sorry. I need to get back. Work stuff.”

Wes didn’t fall for it. Maybe because Zane couldn’t make eye contact.

“You’re ditching me for a girl.”

“Not just a girl. The girl.”

“Oh.” Wes’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“I think so. I just need to find a way to take that next step.”

“I’ve never taken that step, so I won’t be much help.” Instead of giving him crap, his friend drove him to the car rental office and wished him good luck.

“I just don’t want to end up like my parents, you know?”

“Trust me, I know. Neither one of us had very good role models in the happy marriage department. I still have to hope that means we’ll know how to do it better. If anything, we’ll be more selective in who we chose to spend our lives with.”

* * *

Zane invited her over to his house the next evening. He was going to make her dinner and tell her how he felt. Maybe.

As he cooked she wandered around his kitchen, taking in the photos on his fridge. She’d offered to help, but he wanted to take care of her needs. All of them.

Besides it was his turn. She’d made him a wonderful meal at her apartment the week before. One that ended with them in her bed.

He hoped this dinner turned out the same way. It was a warm June evening, and he was looking forward to sex on the deck.

“Are you going to your reunion?” she asked, pulling his attention away from cutting up basil and thoughts of her naked body. She was standing at his message board where the invitation was pinned.

“I haven’t decided.”

“It says you need to RSVP by tomorrow.”

“Other things came up.”

“It’s not too late.”

He shrugged and she came closer.

“You’re not going?” She sounded disappointed.

“I hate all those people, Kenley. I promised myself I’d never have to see them after I graduated.”

She nodded. “I don’t believe you hate all those people. You had to have had friends in high school. There had to be good memories too.”

“Let’s say I decided to go. Would I have a hot woman as my date?” He tilted his head.

She shrugged. “It’s kind of short notice, but you could probably put out an ad.”

“Very funny.” He dropped the knife so he could chase her around the island. He caught her easily and pinned her to the counter for a deep kiss. He’d already found the girl of his dreams by placing an ad. “Will you go with me?” he asked.

“Yeah.” Her face lit up before she pushed him away playfully. “Are you going to feed me or what?”