Page 30 of Tempt
“Uh, Zach and Millie...know each other, I guess.” Mason cocked his head. “So you met in a hotel bar?”
“Yes,” I replied, gaining some equilibrium back. “In New York City, while I was there for the wedding planner expo. Actually, it’s a funny story.” I laughed nervously, putting my hands behind my back as if everyone might see that one was flaming hot because Zach had just touched it. “There was this terrible jerk who wouldn’t leave me alone, and Zach was kind enough to come to my rescue.”
“Wow, really?” Lori smiled at us. “What a coincidence.”
“So then you introduced yourselves?” Mason still appeared off-balance.
“Yes,” I said, moving slightly away from Zach. I could sense his nearness as if his body was radiating heat. “I offered to buy him a drink to say thank you, but he wouldn’t let me.”
“No thanks were necessary,” Zach said with a shrug of those shoulders I’d seen naked. “I was just glad she wasn’t offended that I stepped in.”
“You probably couldn’t help it,” said Lori. “Being a Navy SEAL and a bodyguard and all. If you see someone that needs protection, you just jump in and do it. Gut reaction.”
“Right.” Zach glanced at me. “It was a gut reaction.”
“And then what?” asked Mason.
“We chatted for a moment and that was it,” I said, wishing I was a better liar. I wasn’t as awful as Winnie, but I wasn’t an expert either. “I had an early flight the next morning, so I went off to bed.”
Zach nodded shortly, as if he’d done the same.
“When was this again?” Mason’s eyes moved back and forth between us.
“Uh, early September?” I tried to play it off like I wasn’t sure, when I knew for a fact it had been four weeks and two days.
“And you never put it together? The connection?” Mason almost sounded suspicious. Or maybe that was my nerves.
“Nope,” I said, risking a glance at Zach. “I actually don’t even think we told each other where we lived.”
“It was a short conversation,” agreed Zach. “Just the one drink.”
“Wait, I thought you turned down the drink.” Mason looked at Zach. “Because no thanks were necessary.”
Zach and I exchanged another look. “He turned down my offer topayfor it,” I clarified. “He insisted on paying.”
“So you did have a drink together,” Mason said.
“Yes. Just one.” I felt heat in my cheeks and knew I looked like a kid who’d been caught stealing. “And then we said goodnight.”
“Too funny,” Lori said, her delighted grin in stark contrast to Mason’s uncertain expression. “Well, I think this is great. Zach thought he wouldn’t know anyone here, and now he already has a friend. Millie, you should join us for dinner.”
“Oh no, I really can’t,” I protested. “But thank you for asking. Is everyone here? Should we go over to the barn and walk through the ceremony?”
“Everyone’s here,” she confirmed. “But are you sure you can’t make it to dinner? Mason, tell her to come.”
“You should come,” Mason said, and maybe this was only in my head, but his tone lacked its usual warmth.
“Thanks, but I can’t tonight. I’m—I’m having dinner with my dad.” I gestured over my shoulder. “He’s already here waiting for me. I mean, he works here. He’s the CFO. He’s—he’s my dad.” My babbling made no sense whatsoever, but Zach’s eyes on me were too much to handle and Mason’s weirdness was making me sweat. “Okay, then, should we go?”
Without waiting for an answer, I turned and walked for the back door that led to the path toward the barn. As soon as my back was to them, I closed my eyes and concentrated on staying upright.
Knowing Zach was watching me from behind made my legs tremble.
CHAPTER8
ZACH
Goddamn, she was beautiful.
