The Last Husband (Forever Love #2)(17)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“So you just left me?” For some reason I felt sad.

“I watched you like a hawk the whole night.” His voice was hard. “I wanted to punch Braydon so hard, but I didn’t want to do anything that would make him suspicious and think that I liked you. So I just watched to make sure nothing bad happened.”

“So you followed me home?” I already knew the answer.

“I wanted to make sure Braydon wasn’t following you.” He frowned. “I had no idea your car was going to break down. I was so angry at you. I kept thinking, what if Braydon had been there? What if it was him you had to depend on? I wanted to throttle you.”

“Yeah, I could tell you were pissed.” I laughed at him, and I saw him smile back at me.

“I was more than pissed.” He replied. “I was angry that you had spent the whole night dancing with Braydon and then you gave him your phone number. It should have been me.”

“But we were talking when I first got there, you had your chance.”

“But then your friend Leeza came and dragged you away.” He sighed. “And I had to play along so it didn’t look so obvious. I didn’t want you to know just what lengths I had gone to, to try and spend some time with you, outside of the diner.”

“And then you came to the room too late,” I continued understandingly.

“Exactly, my perfect plan was foiled.”

“What was the plan for?” I smiled at him, wondering what he had expected.

“I wanted us to talk and dance and get to know each other, outside of the diner.” He looked a little embarrassed.

“Why?” I continued.

“Because I liked you and wanted to get to know you better,” he muttered.

“You liked me?” I grinned.

“Yes, Lucky.” He pulled me towards him, and this time I didn’t protest. “I thought you were beautiful, engaging, delightful, and someone I very much wanted to get to know better.”

“So you really liked me, huh?” I couldn’t stop smiling and I felt his hands wrap around my waist and bring me in closer to him.

“Yes, I really liked you.” He grinned at me. “I guess I didn’t know how to approach you in the restaurant and not get shot down.”

“Why would I shoot you down?”

“Uh, let me think … because I was on a different date every week.”

“You could have asked me out.”

“And you would have said yes?” He looked at me in surprise.

“No.” I laughed. “I don’t think I would have. Well, I don’t know. You did have me intrigued.”

“Not as intrigued as you had me.” He smiled at me and bit my nose. “I used to live for Fridays and your smile and witty comments.”

“I used to live for Fridays so I could see you and make fun of you with Maria and Shayla.”

“I know.” He laughed.

“What?”

“I used to see the three of you peeking at my table from the kitchen.”

“Oops.” I laughed.

“I love your laugh.” His voice was emotional. “It makes me feel all warm and happy inside. Your smile and your laugh make me feel like life is worth living. All I want is to see you happy. You know that, right?” He looked at me and I nodded back at him silently. “Please be patient with me, Lucky. I’m rough around the edges when it comes to love and how to treat a lady. I know that sometimes I don’t give you what you need, but I’m trying. I’m really trying. I want to be worthy of your heart.”

“You are,” I protested, and he leaned forward and kissed me.

“I want to feel like I’m worthy of your love.” He smiled awkwardly. “You deserve the best. And sometimes I know it’s hard for me to let other people in. I don’t want you to ever feel like you can’t talk to me or come to me.”

“I feel the same, Zane. I want you to trust me and come to me as well.”

“I will.” His eyes flashed with an emotion I didn’t recognize and I was about to say something when he pulled me against him hard.

“Tell me you’re not aroused right now?”

I looked up at him in amazement as I felt his erection press against my belly.

“I’m always aroused when I am with you, Lucky.” He kissed my forehead and slid his hands to my ass, cupping my bu**ocks. “I want to make sweet love to you all day and night.”

“All day and night, huh?” I grinned and pushed my br**sts into his chest, relishing in his hardness against my body. “You smell so good.” I leaned my nose into his chest and breathed him in.

“How good?” I could hear the smile in his voice.

“Really good.” I sighed and lay my head against his chest, loving the warmth of his embrace.

“Good enough to eat?”

“I’d eat you in a second,” I giggled, running my hand down his chest to his pants and grabbing hold. “In fact, I’m feeling quite hungry right now.”

“Do I turn you on then?”

“Hmm, I’ll have to think about that.” I fiddled with the button at the top of his jeans and then yanked the zipper down before pushing my hand down his pants and grabbing a hold of him. I slid my fingers up and down the length of him, amazed at how hard he was already.

“I think you know you turn me on.”

“Isn’t that what all the stalkers say?” I giggled again and I felt Zane’s hand on my chin bringing my face up to his.

“I wasn’t stalking you, Lucky.” He looked at me seriously. “Stalking is a serious thing. I don’t want you to think I’m that crazy guy. I did do everything in my power to get you to that party, and I did follow you because I was scared of what Braydon may do, but I would never stalk you, or tap your phone, or anything like that.”

“Okay.” I nodded. “Good.”

“I’ll do everything I can to protect you, Lucky. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” I watched as he cringed and I pouted up at him.

“Why do you look like I’m the worst thing that’s ever happened to you then?”

“I just heard myself say those words and I wondered how I became the cliché king.” He laughed. “I never thought I’d say a statement like that.”

“You never thought you’d be in love?” I knew the answer but I wanted to hear him say the words that warmed my heart. I loved the fact that I was Zane’s first real love.