Above and Beyond (Twist of Fate 4)

“Sheets should be clean,” I said, pointing stupidly at the double bed as if he didn’t know what or where sheets were. “The bathroom is just through there,” I said, nodding at the only other door in the room.

I heard the snick of the bedroom door closing and felt Zach’s strong arms move around my front. “What’s wrong?” he asked softly.

I turned around and buried my face in his neck, inhaling the familiar combination of woods and man. “I was hoping to sneak into your room tonight like a naughty teenager,” I admitted. “Instead, I’m being cockblocked by my dads.”

His hands cupped my face and pulled me back so he could meet my eyes. “You need to catch up on sleep anyway. Hell, we both do. You’ve worn me out, naughty teenager.”

I pinched him for the tease and then leaned in for a quick peck. “Fine. I’ll see you at dinner,” I said.

“Actually, I told your dads I’d be driving up to see Jake and Oz tonight. I’ll probably be back late.”

My heart fell. God, was he already starting the process of pulling away? I wanted to remind him about his promise not to leave without kissing me goodbye but before I could say anything, he was kissing me softly.

I barely managed to catch the strangled sob from escaping my throat. “Zach?” I whispered as I gripped his arms. Not surprisingly, he seemed to know what was going on with me because he put his arms around me and held me tight.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, I’ll be back. I promise.”

He brushed a kiss over my temple and held on to me until I was the one who finally stepped back. I turned my back on him so I could discreetly wipe at my face. “Say hi to Jake and Oz for me. I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess. Text me if you need anything, okay?” I forced myself to turn back around and smile.

Zach looked at me for a beat with a knowing, affectionate expression. My heart kicked up a notch. When he leaned in to kiss me again, it was soft and sweet, unexpected.

I pulled away quickly and mumbled something that probably made no sense. Within moments, I was racing down the hallway.

Lust, I could handle. Sex, I could handle. But affection? Gentle sweetness?

I blew out a heavy breath. How was I supposed to let him go after all this? I’d made him promise me that he’d always kiss me goodbye but now I was regretting it because every time his lips brushed over mine, I obsessed over it being the last time. I’d thought I’d be better off with memories of Zach to sustain me, but I wasn’t so sure I could do it. And the second Zach sensed my true feelings, he’d walk away for sure.

Instead of heading downstairs right away, I slipped into an upstairs bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face. I heard Zach leave the house and it was all I could do not rush back to the bedroom to see if his bag was still there. I gave myself another minute to collect myself and then went downstairs. I found Xander and Bennett in the kitchen sharing a bottle of white wine. Clean baby bottles were lined up neatly on a drying rack by the sink and there were colorful burp cloths here and there around the tidy room, replacing our old boring black kitchen towels. Our dog, Bear, scrambled up from his spot by the open window and threw himself at me.

“Hey, big guy,” I said, squatting to give him plenty of attention. “You been watching over everyone for me?” His dark fur was thick between my fingers as I scratched his back and sides.

“How did you hook up with Zach?” Bennett asked.

I glanced up at him, my heart skipping a beat before I realized he’d only meant hook up as in catching a ride from him.

“It’s a long story. Can I tell you in the morning? I’m kind of beat.”

Xander turned his chair around, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. His eyes pinned me in place like only a father’s could. “Does this story also explain why you have stitches in your forehead and a healing bruise on your cheek?”

Shit. I’d brought a baseball cap to wear for this exact reason, but then forgot to put it on before I got out of the truck.

“Yes.” I swallowed. “And I promise I’ll tell you everything, but I just…”

Bennett and Xander exchanged a look before Bennett smiled at me. “Get up to bed. You’re on baby duty at first light and those two aren’t going to go easy on you.”

I blew out a breath in relief. “Got it. G’night.” I stood and kissed each of them on the cheek, hugging Xander back when he stood and gripped me tightly.