Zenith in Love (Zenith Series #5) - Leanne Davis Page 0,34

isn’t right for Kathy.”

“I know. But still…” She understood. It was a relief to know Eric wasn’t a jerk who tried to get between another couple. But right then, she was hungry for Jim or anything Jim-related.

“So you think he’s okay?”

“Yeah. He was too easygoing about Kathy and me. Made some jokes even. Yeah. I really do think he’s fine. And he promised to bring me some candy too.”

“You’ve got your own black market going.”

He laughed and ducked his head, looking a little chagrined. “I do like her. I mean, her discipline and stern rules about healing me. It’s very sweet.”

“Everything Kathy does is like that. She has the kindest heart and takes the most care of anyone I know.”

“I know. Isn’t she just… perfect?”

“No.” Kayla snorted bluntly, glad Eric thought that to start. “Oh, hell, no. But you’ll learn; I promise, and I think you’ll care all the more for her.”

They turned their attention to the TV until Kathy came back, grocery bags in hand. After they put them away, she hung with them, helping Kayla forget her awful day… week… and PTSD. She was glad they were all safe and alive, just watching stupid dating shows as the sunlight splashed into the room. She was glad for the company to take her mind off blood and human mortality. Eric or Rob or Jim almost died. It was just so hard to understand. Much nicer to share it while laughing at nothing and just being together.

What was Jim doing? Alone in his dingy, dark, quiet apartment with books and no one?

No. Not her problem. Ever.

No.

But it still worried her. A lot.

And oh, good lord, her sister was deeply in love with Eric and they were adorable. Not disgusting or annoying, but so cute, she enjoyed observing their affection and care. She fought the urge and almost informed Eric there was no way he and Kathy could wait another year to have sex. Nope. There was just no way.

Their chemistry was the opposite of rocks. Maybe be too much for even her perfect little sister. She smiled knowing how happy Kathy was, now that she was with the right person.

What did that feel like?

Chapter 6

IT HAPPENED THREE MORE times. Kayla ran into Jim three times in one capacity or another when he came over to visit Eric. Once, she walked into the kitchen and found him getting Eric a drink of water. He instantly froze, gave her a hollow nod and left without a word. She fought the urge to cry. The second time, she opened the front door, knowing it was him, and let him in with the same hollow, cold nod he gave to her. The third time, Kayla popped into Eric’s room just to hang and feed his sugar addiction only to find Jim already there. The stupid chess game was all set up. Eric asked her to stay and join them. She did for a while. Listening to their banter was kind of sweet. A bromance was developing over chess. Surprising. It almost made Jim seem human again.

The fourth time she ran into Jim was when she was coming from the hallway and Jim stepped out from the living room. Startled, she frowned at him. “Were you waiting for me?”

He put his finger on her lips, took her hand, and started walking up the staircase without a word. Stupid Kayla. She followed him.

He knew where her bedroom was, so he went inside with her and shut the door, locking it before pressing her against it.

Her heart exploded. She was shocked, confused, and totally filled with joy. Relief, actually. And raw excitement. He planted his lips on hers in a long, heartfelt kiss. He was coaxing her for more. He kissed and fondled her lips with his. His tongue gently outlined her lips and slowly slid deeper, tacitly asking for permission to enter her mouth. Soon as she gave it, his kiss went from soft and long, to gentle tugs of his teeth and lips in a warm, wet suction of mouths and tongues. His hands moved into her hair and massaged her scalp as she groaned at all the wonderful sensations he created with his long, slender fingers. He simply set her skin on fire.

The timid, apologetic, but sweet kiss exploded all at once. Releasing her lips, his mouth glided down her neck and his hand dropped to the curve of her waist, and over her butt, where he cupped it. Gripping both cheeks tightly, he