Lust and Bound by W. Lynn Chantale

was cheating on Trish and Zach tried to drop hints without being intrusive. Of course he had an ulterior motive for wanting Trisha to find out about her adulterous husband, but she didn’t need to know that. He needed to earn her trust and telling her that he knew about Gordy or that they were cousins would not help him do that.
    He stared at the empty corridor, waiting for her to reappear. When the top of her curly auburn hair came into view he relaxed. He had plans to continue seeing her after this weekend. He needed to see her and he hoped she felt the same.
    She stopped in front of the table and tilted her head to the side. Her hair flowed about her shoulders to curl just beneath her breasts.
    “Miss me?”
    He grinned. “More than you can imagine.” He stood and grasped her hand. “Did you get in touch with her?”
    “Didn’t need to, she left like six messages on my voicemail and there were a few from the county prosecutor’s crime advocate person.” She shook her head. “They’ve been calling since yesterday afternoon. Not once did my phone ring. They probably left messages for me at my shop too.” She blew out a breath. A burst of laughter surrounded them. Life revolved around her while it seemed her weekend got worse and worse.
    Zach cradled her cheek. “Hey. Don’t worry about him. I’m glad I’m with you and there’s nothing Gordy can do to scare me away from you, okay?” He held her gaze.
    Trisha studied him a long moment. Sincerity shone in his eyes as well as a hint of an emotion she’d seen before, but hadn’t deciphered. Knowing he was willing to stick by her settled some of her anxiety. She nodded.
    “Why don’t we get out of here? There are a couple of things I’d like to show you.”
     
     

Chapter Six
     
    The ride to the hotel was subdued. Trisha stared out the window, watching the lights from oncoming cars brighten and then fade into the darkness. Zach squeezed her hand. When she turned he stared straight ahead, yet his fingers moved restlessly. She laid a palm against his cheek. He faced her.
    “You seem worried,” she said.
    He shook his head. “No. Well, maybe a little bit.”
    Her heart thudded. “About?”
    The car halted at a red light.
    “I need some air,” Zach said. “You up for a walk?”
    “I suppose.”
    Zach reached up and pushed a button. The privacy shield whirred and lowered. “Jonas, make a stop at the beach please.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    A few moments later Trisha slipped from her shoes and ambled across the cement, still warm from the day. Zach kept pace beside her. They walked in silence. Cool air blew in from the water, bringing the scent of fried food and garlic to her nostrils. She shivered and he whisked off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
    “Thanks,” she murmured.
    They continued a little farther.
    “Are you sure you’re okay?”
    He stroked a lock of her hair before winding it around his finger. “The last couple of days have just been everything I imagined and so much more.”
    Pleasure stole through her at his words. “Despite having to deal with my ex and his crazy friend?”
    He chuckled. “We all have a past. I don’t want this to be the only time we’re together.”
    She held her breath. Did she even dare to think he wanted more than a few stolen days?
    “I care a lot about you, Trish.”
    “Zach.” Oh no. Don’t let this be a proposal . While she wanted a happily ever after, she didn’t want to totally relinquish her single state. She was open to the notion of shacking up.
    He faced her and the vivid desire in his eyes stole her breath. She stumbled a step back, but he was fast and pulled her close.
    “No. You need to know this. I do care. I have for a very long time and I believe you feel the same way, but however we decide to do this, I want a relationship with you.”
    She stared up at him, her heart constricting at his admission. She moistened her dry lips and noted how he followed the flick of her tongue.