Page 86 of Help Wanted

“Can’t.” Brady smiled. “I have a date on Friday night. I need to be back.”

Zane had never heard Brady refer to one of his hookups as a date before, nor had he ever seen that sparkle in his eye. That look of anticipation was new. Before he could question him, Brady was gone.

“I should get dressed. I’m late for work.”

It was the second shock in five minutes. Was she crazy?

“You’re not working today.” He could tell by the way her spine stiffened that he’d made a mistake.

“Really, I’m fine,” Kenley said sternly with her arms crossed over her chest. “I have work to do.”

“What if I asked you to take an extra day as a favor to me?” He tried a different tactic.

“Hmm. Maybe.” She walked closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m sorry Brady found out about us.”

“I’m not. I’m glad there is an us to find out about.” He brushed a strand of wet hair from her cheek.

“But he could tell everyone. I said I didn’t need any promises last night. I meant it. What happened doesn’t change things.”

“It doesn’t change how I feel about you at all. But I wanted to be with you since you left me at the hospital with the worst parents in all the world. I want to be with you, Ken.”

“I don’t expect anything from you.”

“You should.” Zane smiled down at her. “I don’t care who knows about us. You can’t back out now. Please don’t quit. And please, please say you’ll stay with me.”

“I will.”

He kissed her, feeling like his life might finally be on track.