Chapter 2

When Zach applied for and got a job at a new firm in Miami, I’d gone with him. It never occurred to either of us that it might be odd. Some of our friends jokingly called us Lucy and Ethel, and it didn’t occur to us to be offended. Of course it was more like Lucy and Ethel if Ethel had a thing for Lucy.

I e-mailed him about the death of my sister’s husband and that I’d be going back to California. Of course Zach knew about Joe. Zach knew everything. I didn’t know why I insisted on referring to him as my sister’s husband.

I hit Send and then started researching flights. Only fifteen minutes later my cell phone sprang to life with Zach’s picture. Zach was six-two and gorgeous, really, getting his looks from his mother’s Italian heritage with bushy brows over brown eyes and hair so dark it was nearly black. The pic I’d assigned to him on my phone was one of him drinking a cocktail, his dark gaze smoldering. My pulse raced as it always did when he called.

“Hey, Z.”

“You okay, Mick?”

“I don’t know. Is anyone ever okay getting that kind of call in the middle of the night?”

“Probably not. Want me to come over?”

I smirked a little, even though he couldn’t see me. “Aren’t you with Thad or Brad or Cad?”

“I can send him home. It’s no big deal.”

“Nah, I’m all right. Just trying to make the flight stuff.”

“Make it for two.”

“What? Zach, you don’t have to come with me.”

“I do, too. I can’t let you go to Cali by yourself. They might never let you leave. Besides, you’re gonna need a friendly face. I know how it is dealing with family.”

He was right, of course. Zach was always right.

“Are you sure?” I still asked. “Keller might not want to let both us have the time off.”

“Oh, Keller can bite my ass.” Zach snorted. “Besides, she will. She’s not heartless.”

“Okay, thanks.” I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Just the sound of his voice warmed me so that the ice in the bit of my stomach began to thaw.

“I’m coming over,” Zach announced.

“No, really—”

“I’m coming. I’ll make you breakfast. And make sure you have coffee. Lots of it.”

I didn’t have the strength to argue, and really I didn’t want to. I wanted him there. With me. Like always. “Thanks, Z.”

“What are friends for? Be there in a bit. Bye.”

* * * *

I had just finished typing Michael Lawlerinto the “passenger one” spot on the online airline-ticket form when there was a soft tapping on my front door. I rose from the sofa to open it for Zach.

He was dressed in gray sweats and a red T-shirt. He was unshaven with a prominent bit of very dark five-o’clock shadow. I tried to ignore how my heartbeat ticked up at the sight of him. He smiled, and I melted into his arms.

“It’s gonna be okay, Mick,” Zack said, patting my back affectionately. He only had two inches on me in height, but he had such a presence he always seemed to dwarf me. I stepped out of his arms with reluctance and opened the door wide for him to come inside. “Coffee on?”

“Of course. I was just buying the airline tickets. You still coming?”

He gave me a look like he thought I was nuts. “Have I changed my mind in the last forty minutes? No, you dolt. I’m coming. Keller will get over us both going at the same time.”

Zach headed into the kitchen, and I heard him opening cabinets.

I finished my information and then input Zach as the second passenger.

“Waffles or pancakes?” Zach called.

“Whatever’s easier.”

“Picking up McDonald’s is easier. Pick one.”

I sighed. “Pancakes.”

“You want waffles, don’t you?” He stood in the doorway of my kitchen, hands on his hips. I tried not to devour him with my eyes, but it was damn hard not to. I didn’t want him to know.

“That’s too much trouble, Z.”

Zach rolled his eyes. “You want that bacon you got in there?”

“That really is too much trouble.”

“I’ll put it in the oven. It’s not any trouble. Okay, bacon and waffles. You want eggs?”

“No. Yes. Kind of.” I laughed. Zach was a great cook, and it was hard to say no to anything he offered to make. I couldn’t deny I loved it when he took care of me. It was probably selfish.

He smiled. “Then that’s what you’ll get.”

“I love you, you know.” I made it sound like buddy love. Or I hoped so.