Zack (Blue-Collar Billionaires 4)

“It’s no big deal. I’m just sensitive today. Hormonal.” She rolls her eyes. But the tension doesn’t leave her mouth and she can’t quite meet my eyes.

“Izzie, is everything okay?”

Under my scrutiny she straightens her shoulders. “Sure. Give me an hour and I’ll be ready to go. Nothing gets between me and a party.” She squeezes my hand and then gets up to put her coffee cup in the sink.

As she walks away, I wonder at the strange change in her demeanor. Maybe I’m not the only one keeping secrets lately.

chapter eleven

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ZACK

Later that evening, I stand naked in front of the mirror in my bathroom. What’s reflected back is mainly the same as what I’ve been staring at my whole life. Except for one critical difference.

This guy is clearly in love.

My clippers feel heavy in my hand. This is the longest I’ve gone without shaving my head in years. The new look doesn’t bother me as much as I would have thought it would. However, the reason I did it does.

I’ve been changing who I am for her and that’s not how I want to live. Pretending to fit in her world by compromising every aspect of my self. What will I have to change next? That’s what worries me the most. Not knowing where it ends.

I love Josie enough to give her the real me. And I have to trust her enough to want me exactly as I am.

The buzz of the clippers soothes me as I take all the hair off on both sides. Then I get out my razor. When I’m done, the lightning bolts tattooed on either side of my scalp are once again visible. I smile at the familiar image in the mirror.

I’m back.

“Zack, are you coming with me?”

I startle at Gabe’s loud voice right outside the door.

“No, I’ll meet you there,” I yell back.

Footsteps sound on the stairs and then the front door closes. Sasha left earlier in the day to supervise last minute details. Gabe told me that she had a bad experience on a reality show that almost put her off performing entirely. I rarely watch television so I had no idea. Apparently tonight she’ll be performing a new song. Her excitement is infectious and I’m happy to see her doing what she’s passionate about.

When I arrive at The Lounge, all the parking on both sides of the street is taken. I park a few streets over and walk back, raising the collar on my leather jacket to block the wind. Glancing around at the dark streets, I wonder if Josie has arrived yet. I hate thinking of her walking out here alone.

I give my name to the guy at the door and then enter the throng of dancing people. The decor is old-school speakeasy and gives me a decadent Prohibition-era vibe. My eyes skim over the people dancing around me until I locate Tank on the other side of the room. Our oldest brother is six foot five easily and hard to miss even in a crowded room.

When I reach him, I see that he’s standing with Finn and our youngest brother, Luke. I bump fists with the guys and I give Tank’s fiancée, Emma, a quick hug.

I look at Finn. “Where’s Rissa?”

He smiles at the sound of her name. “She had a job that she couldn’t get out of. But she’ll be here a little later.”

The crowd goes wild when Sasha steps on stage and performs her new song. I glance around again, looking for Josie. Where the hell is she? It’s already dark outside and the later it gets, the more deserted the streets will be. I glance at my phone. Maybe I should call and find out where she is. I could always go meet her outside and walk her in. I’m so busy thinking about Jo that I don’t even notice Sasha’s finished performing until the crowd goes crazy again.

I circle the room once, thinking maybe Jo is at the bar or on the dance floor. I’m getting frustrated when slim arms encircle me from behind. Then I hear a throaty voice I’d know anywhere.

“Hey sexy, can I get your number?”

I laugh and then turn around. She’s dressed in all black and wearing this red gloss that makes her lips look wet. My heart skips a beat when I take in the skintight black jeans and her skimpy black tank top. I’m supposed to pretend that I don’t want her and she dresses like this?

She’s trying to kill me.

“I was just about to call you. Did you drive?”

“No, I caught a ride with Isabelle. Know anyone who wouldn’t mind giving me a ride home?”