police report, headless roadkill, two attempted murders, and a thousand suspects. Man, you are so screwed.”
Silence followed his blunt statement and then laughter exploded, breaking the tension. Even Zach, who was too tired to even consider laughing, managed a smiling acknowledgment. Brody was right—he was screwed. That wouldn’t stop him, though. He’d been in difficult places before but none had ever been this important.
“You about finished?”
The soft, sexy voice in his ear caused his thoughts to go into a much more pleasant direction. Zach stood, then held out his hand to help her up. “I’ll take our plates to the kitchen. You get your clothes.”
“See you soon.”
He watched her walk away, admiring the grace and fluidity of her movements, along with the way her jeans molded her perfect ass.
“You’re good for her, you know.”
Sabrina had approached silently. He had spent almost no time with the sisters since their return, but he had noticed some incredible changes in both Samantha and Sabrina. They were both still beautiful women, but Samantha had a new edgy toughness, which no doubt she’d developed as a homicide detective. However, the change in Sabrina might be the most surprising of all. Oddly, she seemed softer, less damaged than she had years ago. Maybe time and maturity had allowed her to deal with her painful past. Too bad all of this was bringing it home to her again.
“Why do you say I’m good for Savannah?”
“She shines with you. Like she hasn’t in ten years.” And before he could even begin to appreciate the words, she added a warning: “Don’t fuck it up this time. She won’t forgive you again.”
He gave her a nod of acknowledgment, knowing full well she was right. He’d been given a second chance with the woman he loved. This time, he intended to get it right.
Duffel bag in one hand, hairbrush in the other, Savannah rushed around the room in a frenzied, unorganized manner. A full-blown panic attack was so not sexy. Yes, she wanted to tell Zach the truth. But accepting that and carrying it out were two entirely different things.
The cautious, rational side of her, her usual voice of reason, told her to wait. Not only was Zach exhausted from the events of the past several days, he had a hell of a lot on his plate right now. Adding to it could very well make it worse. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him again.
Her emotional, impulsive side, which had reemerged only recently, told her he deserved to know everything as soon as possible. Keeping things from the man she loved was wrong, especially this one thing in particular. How on earth did she expect to go forward in their relationship with this hanging over her head? She had to tell him tonight.
Stripping off her jeans and shirt, Savannah searched for something more fitting for the occasion. What was the appropriate attire to wear when you were going to tell the man you loved news that you knew full well would devastate him? Was she being selfish? Should she keep it to herself? No, he had a right to know.
Clothes flew left and right; her heart rate zoomed. In the midst of a full-on panic attack, she felt strong hands land on her shoulders and turn her around.
“What’s wrong?”
Shuddering out a breath, she looked up into the handsome face of the man she had loved forever. Solid, honorable, steady … a man she could rely on. Throwing her arms around him, Savannah held him tight. Big, callused hands roamed over her body and Savannah sighed her happiness. Being in Zach’s arms made her feel powerful, invincible. She knew he loved her and she loved him. Everything would be fine.
Her pulse rate now high for a different reason, Savannah pulled away and took his hand, leading him to her bed. First they would make love and then they would talk. Before she reached the bed, Zach stopped her and said softly, “Hey, talk to me.”
Swallowing hard, she shook her head. “I think I’m just frantic from everything that’s happened the last few days.”
Drawing her back into his arms, he whispered, “Everything will be okay. I’ll make it right, I promise.”
She pressed a kiss to the center of his chest. When she heard what sounded like a sigh of longing, she continued to kiss his chest, then moved up his neck, spreading soft kisses as she went. Reaching the solid, square chin she loved so much, she covered it