I craned my neck and met his lips, my insides flooding with that familiar security only Zach seemed able to give me. As my tongue skimmed against his, I closed my eyes and pretended for just a moment that the world didn't exist.
Zach pulled away first. I could sense his reluctance, which made me a little giddy. If only Elliot weren't in the car, our bodies would be singing in seconds. Zach stripping me naked when I first got back had been the most intimate and erotic moment of my life. I knew it wasn't about lust, it was about care, but it still sparked something within me. I wanted Zach. I wanted him to care for me in every way he could. Just thinking about it ignited a fire in my belly. I ran my hand up his chest, my fingers itching to get under the fabric of his shirt. I'd never felt this way about a guy before. Every guy I'd kissed in the past had been a job. Zach was my choice and the more time I spent with him, the more I craved him.
I traced my finger across his collarbone and followed it with my lips, hoping Elliot wouldn't turn around and notice. Zach drew in a quiet breath, his chest muscles flinching beneath my touch. It took all my will power not to straddle him.
I leaned back before the temptation got too great. Zach wouldn't let me go far though, tucking my head against his chest. I could tell by the way his muscles quivered that I wasn't the only one on fire right now. I hooked my knee over his thighs, wanting to be as close to him as possible. His hand slid over my butt, pushing me into him, our bodies melding together as his hand glided over my bare thigh. I was so grateful I had thrown on my fitted jean shorts, I loved that he had easy access to my skin. The summer heat had never been more welcome.
I closed me eyes, swallowing back the blissful sigh that wanted to escape.
"I'll stay awake for now." He kissed the top of my head. "You get some rest."
"Thank you," I whispered, already lavishing the state of euphoria I was tucked in.
It took me ages to get to sleep. At first my brain was too filled with loved up images of Zach and I tangled together in a bed of crispy white sheets. Not being able to play out my fantasy soon became too much and I had to force my mind to other things. Unfortunately, the only other things invading my thinking space were terrifying, but once I hooked onto those thoughts, I couldn't seem to let go. My brain kept bouncing me awake with the terrifying reality of what we were actually doing. Thankfully, Zach's soft fingers running through my hair in a steady rhythm soothed my tremors and I was able to drift into a light sleep.
*****
"Okay, it's go time." Something sharp slapped my shoulder and I sat up with a jerk. My blurry eyes took a second to focus as I rubbed them. Light was shining in through the windows, illuminating Zach's sleepy face. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he groaned and slowly came too. He was so gorgeous, that square jawline did me in every time. It was an effort not to lean forward and kiss it as he sat up.
"What's happening?" he mumbled. Tugging his shirt straight as he swiveled around to look out the back window. "Where's Elliot?"
"Gone to pee." Alex pointed around the corner.
I wrinkled my nose as Alex kept talking, "There seems to be movement in the house now. I stayed up until nearly three and there was nothing. It's now seven and I saw the curtains open a few minutes ago. I wanted to get back to the car so we'd be ready to go if he comes out." Alex glanced at his watch. "He should be leaving for work soon."
"Where'd you hide?"
I looked out the back window, craning my neck to see down the road.
"There was a front yard back there with a pretty decent bush. I just tucked myself in there."
Peeking over the front seat, I took in his dirty appearance and nodded.
"I know, I know." Unbuttoning his shirt without a second thought, he whipped it off and threw it at our feet before scrambling under the passenger's seat for a new one.
I couldn't help noticing his toned body. No wonder he had so much sex. Not that I was overly surprised before. He was a real charmer, but nothing compared to my Zach.
My Zach.
I liked the way that sounded in spite of the thorn of sorrow that embedded itself in me every time reality hit. My Zach? Was that even possible?
Biting the inside of my lip, I squeezed the seatback in front of me. Elliot returned a second later, his fly still wide open. I closed my eyes against the flash of green underwear.
"Dude, flying low," Zach muttered, throwing me an apologetic look.
"Huh? Oh." Elliot arched back in his seat, doing up his fly as if it was the least embarrassing thing in the world.
I pressed my lips together, quelling the giggle that suddenly wanted to break free.
"So, there's definitely movement. I heard the garage door opening as I peed."
"You peed by his house?" I gaped.
"Two birds with one stone. I went around to his back yard. No one saw me."
My bulging eyes matched the army of nervous hacking at my stomach. These guys had no idea how lethal Tenner was. Had I not explained myself clearly enough? He'd probably shoot some kid for peeing in his yard. He was a—