Page 102 of Here & Now

At lunchtime, he finally got a reprieve when Marco strolled in. “Boy, am I glad to see you!”

“Shh! You’ve already ruined my reputation enough as it is.”

Zane gave him a questioning look.

“Last night at the restaurant,” said Marco. “The waiter.”

Zane laughed.

“Speaking of last night, did you talk to Bree?”

We did a lot more than talk! “Yeah, which reminds me, I need a favor.”

“If it involves spying on her again, I’m out.”

“It’s not that. I need you to cover the shop this weekend.”

“So you can be with Bree?”

Zane was way past the point of denying it. “This might be the last weekend I get to be with her.”

“Did she sign with Scott?”

“No, but she still plans on selling the house.”

Marco gave him a warning look. “You’re getting in deep, buddy.”

He didn’t argue.

“Is that your strategy, to wine and dine her all weekend so she won’t want to leave?”

Zane winced. “No good?”

Marco chuckled. “I think you need to up your game.”

“How so?”

“You could start by telling her how you feel. As I recall, you gave me the same advice.”

“About Tess.”

“You need to follow your own advice.”

“I’m working up to it.”

“Work faster, or the chance might pass you by.”

Zane didn’t need the reminder. By the end of the weekend, he hoped he’d be brave enough to share his feelings. It might not prevent her from leaving, but it was worth a shot.

“So, will you cover for me?”

“Sure. Who am I to stand in the way of love?”

Zane stared at him for a few beats. Love. No wonder he’d been acting so crazy. He was in love with the girl next door, only she was a woman, not a girl, and she wouldn’t be his neighbor for long.

“I’ll be happy to return the favor someday.”

“I’m not sure love is in the cards for me, but I made a date with Janice, the hot hostess, so there’s that.”