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jekyll and hyde 6
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(7/23/06 1:01 am)
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It Had To Be You--NC-17 (Zach & Kendall)
A/N: This fic begins after the Montgomery/Kane Thanksgiving Dinner at The Valley Inn. Anything that happened on the show after Greenlee "outed" Kendall as the mother of Ryan's child has no bearing on this story. From that moment on, AMC and I parted ways. This is my version of how Zach & Kendall got together.
FYI. This is a long one. LOL! 31 chapters and an epilogue. I hope you enjoy it. - Liz
Chapter 1
Kendall’s Condo
“How could you, Kendall?” The words kept repeating themselves over and over in her head. First Greenlee’s voice, then Ryan’s, getting louder and louder until she thought her head would explode. Her eyes burned again as she remembered the looks that accompanied them.
She had tried to explain. Why couldn’t they see that she didn’t have a choice? Greenlee had needed this baby in order to survive. For once, Kendall put someone else first and it blew up in her face. That’ll teach me, Kendall thought and wiped the tear that had slipped down her cheek. Zach was right.
Oh, God, Zach.
Kendall turned and quickly sat down on the sofa. Greenlee hadn’t stopped with the revelation that Kendall was the baby’s mother. She then proceeded to announce to the entire table that Kendall was still in love with Ryan and that she did this on purpose to get back at her for taking Ryan away from her. You lied to me, Kendall! You told me you loved Zach.
Her heart pounded as she continued to re-live the most humiliating moment of her life. Kendall’s face had drained of what little color was left. The silence had been deafening. In her head she saw the varied reactions to Greenlee’s revelation. Ethan and Simone’s faces had registered surprise. Jack’s face had registered horror. Only Erica’s face had registered sympathy. Kendall couldn’t bear to look at Zach standing beside her, and see the reproach on his face or the disgust in his eyes. She had pushed back her chair and ran out of the dining room.
Kendall opened her eyes as the phone began to ring. Taking a look at the caller ID, she let the machine pick it up. She couldn’t talk to Erica now. I’ve got to get out of here before Mother decides to come here. I can’t do this now. She stood up, took a deep breath and headed to her bedroom to pack.
**************
The Valley Inn
Zach watched as Kendall ran from the dining room, his mind reeling. As much as he wanted to follow her, he needed to address things here.
He turned to Greenlee. “You spoiled little bitch! Kendall wanted to give you the world and you just threw it back in her face.”
‘She deserved it! That baby was supposed to be Ryan’s and mine. MINE! Not hers. She knew exactly what she was doing that night. She’s – She’s always loved Ryan and this was her chance – ‘
Zach cut her off. “You’ve got to be kidding me. After you lost Ryan, who was there helping you pick up the pieces? Kendall was. After you lost the baby, who was it that gave you something to live for by offering you the ultimate gift of a child? Oh, right. That was Kendall too. Kendall loves you. She only wanted you to be happy, and if that meant giving you her child, she would.”
“Give it up, Zach. Greenlee’s right. Kendall knew exactly what she was doing. She still loves –“. Ryan tried to support his wife.
Zach’s eyes flashed. “Loves you? Is that what you were going to say? God your ego is unbelievable! What exactly should she love about you, Ryan? Let’s see. The fact that she loved you and you left her and married Greenlee? Or maybe it’s the way you always think the worst of her that inspires blind adoration.”
Zach watched as color flooded Ryan’s face. He then turned to look at the rest of the group.
“Do any of you have an idea of what you've done to Kendall? She doesn’t trust love. She doesn’t believe herself worthy of it and she goes out of her way to protect herself from it. How can you not see that Kendall is an amazing woman? She loves and gives of herself until she hurts, and deserves nothing less than to be loved unconditionally in return.”
Zach turned back to Greenlee. “Ever since Ryan came back, Kendall has been telling you to forgive him and take him back. She wanted you and Ryan together to raise the baby. How do you not see the selfless act and sacrifice Kendall was willing to make, all out of love for you?”
With that, Zach left the room in search of Kendall.
**************
Pine Valley Airport
Kendall fastened her seatbelt and closed her eyes. Only a few more minutes and she’d be out of Pine Valley. She couldn’t believe she was lucky enough to catch the last plane bound for Paris on Thanksgiving. She could finally begin to relax, knowing that no one would be able to find her right away.
As the plane began to taxi down the runway, Kendall grabbed the arm of her seat in a death grip. God, I hate take-offs. They made her palms sweat and her stomach flip, much the same way Zach’s smile did lately. In her mind, she pictured a smiling Zach. His eyes were so warm…- Kendall opened her eyes to dispel the image. After today, she was sure that the next time she saw Zach would be when he told her the divorce was final.
Chapter 2
Kendall’s Condo
“Kendall?” Zach knocked again when no one answered. He moved to the window and peered in, noting the stillness. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys, searching for the spare Kendall had given him after they were married. In case of an emergency, she had said, besides, it’s the wifely thing to do.
He had never had to use it, preferring to keep boundaries on their personal space. Yet here he was, about to blatantly disregard her wish to be alone. He inserted the key in the lock and turned the knob, noticing the eerie silence when he stepped into the living room.
“Kendall? Where are you? We need to talk.” He continued to walk through the condo, calling her name. He checked the kitchen, the bathroom, and then headed back to Kendall’s bedroom.
He knocked and receiving no answer, opened the door. The first thing he noticed was the scent that was uniquely Kendall. He traced the fragrance to a little bottle on her bureau. He uncapped the bottle and inhaled deeply, acutely aware of the sense of warmth that rapidly spread through his body.
Zach capped the bottle and put it back, noticing for the first time that Kendall’s drawers weren’t completely closed. A sense of unease came over him and he walked over to her closet. Several hangers were askew as if Kendall had yanked the clothes from their frames in a hurry. He also noticed that the pilot’s case of her luggage set was missing, the one that she had packed when going to stay with Greenlee. He ran his fingers through his already tousled hair. Kendall, where did you go?
His eyes did a quick scan of the room and landed on a photograph kept on Kendall’s bedside table. It was a recent picture of Bianca and Miranda, and in that second he knew exactly where his wife had gone. Zach pulled out his cell phone and dialed the airport.
**************
Zach’s Condo
Zach opened his front door, cell phone to his ear. “What do you mean there isn’t another flight? I need to get to Paris tonight.” He closed his eyes and rubbed them. “When’s the next flight? Fine, get me on that one.” He gave his credit card information and hung up the phone.
He walked over to the bar and poured himself a scotch. He drank it down like a shot and poured himself another one that he took with him to the sofa. He loosened his tie and stared at the amber liquor in his glass. Putting his feet up on the coffee table, he let his thoughts drift back to that afternoon.
**************
Zach knew that Kendall was surprised to see him at the Valley Inn. She was even more surprised when he told her that Greenlee invited him. She made a comment that she thought he’d be in Haiti by now securing his freedom and walked away. He couldn’t help but feel confused. Wasn’t that what she wanted? Women, he shook his head and followed her to the dining room.
Although Zach sat next to her at dinner, Kendall barely said a word to him the entire time. She also avoided looking at him. It drove him crazy. Halfway through dinner, she had dropped her napkin on the floor. Both of them immediately reached for it, Kendall flinching when his hand touched hers. He tried to catch her eye, but she quickly looked away again. What was her problem?
He should’ve known something was wrong when he was invited to the Montgomery/Kane Thanksgiving in the first place. No one had really wanted him there, although he had to admit that at least Ethan had made an effort. When Greenlee dropped her bombshell about Kendall being the baby’s biological mother, everything fell into place. Greenlee wanted to embarrass Kendall and expected him, like everyone else, to turn on Kendall. How little she knew him.
Instead, he had stood up and moved to stand next to Kendall, ready to support her if she needed him. He had listened in silence as she defended her actions to Greenlee, in awe again of just how big her heart really was and a little envious of the depth of Kendall’s capacity of love for her friend. When Greenlee accused Kendall of still wanting Ryan, Zach had ignored the initial flash of pain the truth caused. He had known Kendall had never gotten over Ryan, but to think she had done this on purpose to get back at Greenlee? Ridiculous.
However, nothing could’ve prepared Zach for Greenlee’s second outburst. Kendall had told Greenlee she loved him? He ruthlessly squashed the feeling of hope that rose to the surface and quickly turned to look at Kendall for an explanation. He was sure that Kendall would tell him that Greenlee was lying and just trying to stir up more trouble. Instead, he had watched the color drain from Kendall’s face as she pushed back her chair and ran from the room.
**************
His head began to pound, and he took another drink. Oh God, what if I was wrong? His self-analysis was cut short by frantic knocking on his front door.
“Zach, open up! I need to see Kendall, make sure she’s all right.” Erica’s voice carried through the door, making Zach’s headache worse.
Zach got off the sofa and went and opened the door. “She’s not here.” He left Erica in the doorway, turned and headed back to the sofa.
Erica took in Zach’s appearance and the glass of scotch in his hand and followed him inside, closing the door behind her.
“Where is she, Zach? I checked the condo and Fusion. She’s not there.” Erica sat down next to Zach on the sofa, placing her clutch beside her.
“She’s on her way to Paris to see Bianca.” He finished the scotch and put the empty glass down on the coffee table.
”What did you say to her, Zach? Please tell me you didn’t tell her you wanted a divorce!”
**************
Paris
Kendall gave herself one more cursory glance in the mirrored compact and swore softly. Her eyes were still red and puffy. Binks is going to know something’s wrong the minute she sees me. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, wishing for the millionth time that she hadn’t made such a mess out of her life. She opened her eyes, plastered a smile on her face and rang the doorbell.
The door opened quickly. “Kendall! What are you doing here?” Bianca took one look at her sister’s red eyes and fake smile and opened her arms. Kendall fell into them, crying.
Bianca held her sister, stroking her hair softly. When Kendall’s sobs had quieted, she grabbed Kendall’s suitcase and dragged them both into the apartment and closed the door.
Chapter 3
Zach’s Condo
Zach got up and began to pace. “Zach, you didn’t!” Erica looked horrified. “After the day she’s had you throw that at her? How can you be so insensitive?”
He turned to look at his mother-in-law. “I thought you’d be happy. You never wanted Kendall and me to get married in the first place.”
Erica had the grace to hang her head. “OK, I’ll admit I didn’t want you two to get married. I wanted my daughter to wake up and realize that she had made the biggest mistake of her life. But that was before.” Her eyes pleaded with Zach to understand.
“Before what? What changed? Did I suddenly sprout wings? Or was it because today you realized that you’d rather her be tied to me than be available to go after Ryan?” Zach smiled when Erica’s mouth opened and closed without any words escaping. “That’s it, isn’t it, Mom? It’s all about the lesser of two evils. The devil you know.”
“I guess I deserve that. But that’s not it. Do I want Kendall to fall back in love with Ryan? Absolutely not.” Erica’s shoulders actually shook like the idea repulsed her. Zach’s smile grew. Maybe we have something in common after all.
“Kendall is different because of you. She’s stronger. More sure of herself. She’s finally grown up.” She hated to admit it, but it was true. Kendall had finally blossomed into the amazing woman Erica had always known she could be. “With Ryan, Kendall was always trying to be what he wanted her to be. She always needed his approval. It was hard to watch her fire being squashed.”
“Zach, you are the first man my daughter has been involved with that doesn’t want to change her. You let her be Kendall, in all of her forms. You don’t judge her. You accept her for who she is. And she loves you because of it.”
God, this was painful. Erica kept reminding herself that she wanted her daughter to be happy, and it Zach made her happy, so be it. “Kendall is going to need you to stand by her, now more than ever. You promised her.”
“I did, but I also promised her that if she wanted to end this marriage I wouldn’t stand in her way. She deserves to be happy.” Zach couldn’t meet Erica’s eyes, knowing she would see how much those words had cost him. Hell, he couldn’t look Kendall in the eye when he said it either.
“Zach, how can you be so blind? I know my daughter, and trust me - a divorce is the last thing that she wants.” Men, she thought, they can be so stupid.
**************
Paris
Bianca poured the hot cocoa into two cups and carried them over to the sofa where Kendall sat staring off into space.
“Hey. Earth to Kendall.” Bianca smiled as Kendall turned and reached for the hot cocoa.
“Binks, how did you know I needed chocolate?” Kendall took a sip of the cocoa and closed her eyes in bliss. “This is heaven. Thanks.”
“Are you ready to tell me what’s going on? I haven’t spoken to you in weeks and you show up at my door looking like you lost your best friend.” Bianca placed her hand on Kendall’s in concern.
“Where are Maggie and Mimo? I can’t wait to see them both.” Kendall’s eyes darted around the room as if she was looking for them.
“They’re at a play date. I had some errands to run so I stayed behind.” Bianca caught Kendall’s gaze. “Don’t change the subject. What’s really going on with you?”
Kendall took another sip of her cocoa. “I did it again, Binks.” She began to play with her wedding rings. “Good old Kendall screwed everything up.” Her eyes began to water and she reached for the box of tissues next to her. She hastily blotted her eyes and returned to paying with her rings.
Bianca glanced at Kendall’s fingers. “Is it Zach?”
Kendall gave a watery laugh. “Zach…yeah. But this was much more than that. There’s so much you don’t know.” She looked away.
“Kendall, tell me. I want to help you but I need to understand.” Bianca couldn’t stand to see her sister so defeated. “You’ll feel better if you let it out.” She reached out and took hold of Kendall’s hand, squeezing it gently.
Kendall looked at Bianca, and seeing only love and acceptance in her gaze, took a deep breath and began her story.
**************
Pine Valley Airport
Zach checked his watch against the departure screen. The damn plane was still delayed. He turned away from the board and pulled out his cell phone. He hit the speed dial button for the casino.
“Edie, I’m at the airport…..Paris….Hopefully just a few days…Yes, I know you can take care of things….No, Mrs. Slater won’t be coming in today…She’s the reason for Paris…I’ll tell her…I’ll be in touch.” He shut the phone shaking his head. Kendall had definitely made an impression on his assistant. This could be bad.
“Flight 639 to Paris is now boarding at Gate 22.” Zach let out the breath he had been holding. “Finally!” He grabbed the handle of his carry-on and took off in the direction of Gate 22.
Chapter 4
Paris
Kendall released Bianca’s hand and reached for her cocoa. It was cold now, but she didn’t care. She needed the chocolate fix too much. “…So I just threw a bunch of clothes in my suitcase and came here.” She drained her cup and put it back on the table. She glanced over at Bianca, waiting for her reaction.
Bianca leaned back into the cushions of her sofa and tried to process Kendall’s story. She shook her head and looked at her sister with new respect. Kendall had done something so selfless, so generous, that Bianca was speechless. She immediately moved to Kendall’s side and pulled her sister into a hug. “Kendall, you’re amazing.”
Kendall let out the breath she had been holding and held on tightly to her sister.
As Bianca returned Kendall’s hug, she couldn’t help but wonder how Greenlee and Ryan had totally misunderstood her sister’s intentions. Granted, Kendall’s actions hadn’t always been so noble in the past, but she had changed so much since then. She’d grown up. She was able to bury the past with Greenlee and they’d become friends. She’d married Zach – Bianca stopped her train of thought. That’s what was missing. Kendall never mentioned Zach.
Bianca pulled back so she could look her sister in the eye. “What about Zach?”
Kendall shrugged. “What about Zach?” She avoided Bianca’s gaze and glanced down at the huge diamond on her finger. Leave it to Binks to zero in on the one piece I left out. “We’re getting divorced.” She reached for the magazine on the end table.
Bianca shook her head. “Oh, no you don’t.” She reached over and took the magazine out of Kendall’s grasp. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing.” Bianca’s raised an eyebrow and Kendall rolled her eyes. “You want to know what I left out? Fine. Not only did Greenlee out me as the mommy, she also outed my feelings for Zach.” Kendall jumped up off the sofa, taking her empty cup with her and headed to the kitchen.
Bianca picked up her cup and followed Kendall to the kitchen. “What exactly are your feelings for Zach?”
“Never mind my feelings for Zach. I made a mistake.” She placed her cup in the sink and placed the stopper over the drain. “He wants a divorce.” She turned on the hot water and added some detergent to fill up the sink.
“Kendall, come on. It’s me you’re talking to. I know you too well.” She added her cup to Kendall’s in the sink. She reached out and turned off the water. “What’s going on?”
Kendall turned around and leaned back against the sink. She glanced at her sister, trying to see if she could get away with a flip remark. If she said it, there was no going back. At least with Greenlee I could blame it on smoke inhalation. Bianca returned her gaze squarely and Kendall noticed the determined glint in her eyes. “Well?”
Dear God, Bianca wasn’t going to stop until she got the truth. “Alright already! I’m in love with him.” God, I think I’m going to be sick.
.
Bianca laughed as Kendall’s face seemed to turn an odd shade of green. “You say that like it’s a bad thing. Now what’s so bad about falling in love with your husband?”
“Binks, you don’t understand. We got married in order to reopen Zach’s casinos and to protect each other from love. Zach was still in love with Maria, I still had feelings for Ethan. It was a business deal. It wasn’t supposed to change.”
“But it did.” She watched in fascination as Kendall’s face softened.
“Zach is…complicated. Every time I think I have him figured out, he surprises me. First he did everything he could to stop me from having Ryan and Greenlee’s baby. Then he did a 180 and swore to protect me and this baby with his life.” Kendall placed a protective hand on her stomach. “For once I felt so safe, you know? For once, I wasn’t alone.”
“Suddenly the man who was constantly trying to control my personal life and threatening me to stay out of his became the man who promised to satisfy my cravings for fried pickles in the middle of the night and promised to hold my hair back when I heave them up the next morning.” Her voice lowered. “He even promised to tell me I was beautiful when I was bigger than a house. What woman could resist that?”
“Not many. Just be glad he didn’t offer to rub your feet. No woman can resist a foot rub.” Bianca watched her sister’s cheeks flood with color. “Oh, my God, Kendall, he didn’t!”
“He did. And it was good, Binks…really, really good.” Kendall headed back to the living room, suddenly needing to move. “Then I find out that he lied. That he knew Ryan was alive and watched Greenlee and I grieve for months and did nothing.” She bit her lip. “And he said he did it because he cared about me and wanted to protect me.”
“Does he?” Bianca’s simple question seemed to send Kendall off into orbit.
Kendall’s eyes began to flash. “Please explain to me how was that caring? How exactly was he protecting me?” The fire in her eyes dies as quickly as it ignited, but not before Bianca glimpsed the pain behind it.
“…So, in typical Kendall fashion, I ranted and raved. I told him that I hated him, that I didn’t want his kind of caring, his kind of protection. I told him to get out of my life, and that I wanted a divorce.”
“I thought you said he wanted the divorce?” Bianca was confused.
“I did…and he does. But last week, I began to wonder. Zach came to see me at the hospital. Twice. The first time I was asleep, but I somehow knew that he was there.” Kendall walked to the window, using the glass to check her reflection. “I heard his voice. I thought I heard him tell me …well, never mind what I thought he told me.”
She turned away from the window and resumed her pacing. “Anyway, I wanted to be sure, so I called him when I woke up and asked him to come back.” Kendall finally stopped pacing and perched on the arm of the sofa.
“I kept pushing to get a reaction…I gave him opening after opening…and when he wouldn’t admit anything, I stopped and backed off.” I’ve never seen a woman with stars in her eyes…One day you’re going to open those beautiful green eyes and crave passion and love… Kendall closed her eyes as she remembered the feel of his hand on her face, his lips on her forehead. “Then he tells me that he’s not going to stand in the way of my happiness and that he’s giving me my divorce. Then he left, and I didn’t see him again until Thanksgiving.”
“So you didn’t wait to see his reaction to Greenlee’s bombshell?”
“Are you kidding me? Do I look like an idiot? I couldn’t even look at him. I already knew exactly what I would see.”
“Did you ever think that maybe his feelings have changed? Maybe – Bianca’s analysis of Zach came to a halt as Maggie came through the front door with Miranda.
“Kendall, hi! What are you doing in Paris?” Maggie removed her coat and hung it on the coat rack in the corner. She then started unbuttoning Miranda’s coat.
Bianca caught Maggie’s eye and shook her head lightly in warning.
“Maggie, hi yourself! I just felt the need to visit Binks and Mimo. You know, with the holidays and all…” Kendall stopped short when she saw Miranda started to walk towards her on unsteady feet. “Binks. she’s walking! You didn’t tell me that.” She turned to Miranda. “Come see your Auntie Kendall, sweetie!”
Kendall extended her arms in invitation to the little girl that stole her heart. Miranda giggled and tried to walk faster, squealing when Kendall wrapped her arms around her, lifted and spun her around. She placed a gentle kiss on her cheek and closed her eyes to inhale the sweet smell of baby powder and shampoo.
Oh God, if Greenlee and Ryan can’t get past this, I’m going to be a mother. She suddenly couldn’t breathe. Kendall thrust Miranda at Bianca and headed to the coat rack to get her coat.
“I just need some air. I’m going to take a walk.” She slipped into her coat and with an apologetic glance, opened the door to escape.
Chapter 5
Paris – Bianca’s Apartment
Maggie closed the door to Miranda’s room and headed towards the kitchen. “I was surprised to find Kendall here.” She opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of water.
Bianca looked out her front window and watched her sister head towards the park. “So was I.” She turned to look at Maggie. “She’s hurting, and I can’t fix it.”
“Bianca, you can’t solve everyone’s problems. What’s Kendall’s drama this time?” Maggie headed towards the overstuffed chair and flopped down on it, curling her legs beneath her.
“Where do I begin? She’s pregnant with Ryan’s baby…” And in love with her husband. Bianca allowed a small smile to escape. Finally. Kendall was in love.
The mouthful of water Maggie had attempted to swallow went down the wrong way. “Pregnant? Your sister is pregnant?”
Bianca quickly turned away from the window. “Maggie, are you okay?” At Maggie’s nod, she continued. “Come on, it’s not that hard to believe.”
Maggie raised an eyebrow. “Bianca, Kendall is all about Kendall, all the time. She’s expensive clothes and fabulous shoes. She’s not 3am feedings and diaper changes.”
“People change. You’ve seen Kendall with Miranda. She’s wonderful with her. She’s going to make a good mother. She just doesn’t know it yet.”
“Wait, wait. Back up a second. With Ryan’s baby?” The water was forgotten as Maggie tried to catch up. “What happened to Greenlee?”
“She –“ Bianca’s explanation was cut short by the loud pounding on her door.
Maggie uncurled her legs and got up to answer the door. She peered through the peephole and turned to Bianca. “It’s Zach.” She opened the door and stood back to let him in.
Zach didn’t wait to be invited inside. His eyes zeroed in on Bianca and he headed straight for her. “Where is she? Is she alright?”
“Well, hello to you too, Zach.” She watched as Zach’s face flushed a dull red. Interesting. Bianca took the opportunity to study her sister’s husband. Unless she missed her guess, it looked like Zach hadn’t gotten much sleep. His hair was tousled, his face unshaven. He looked…well he looked frazzled. His manners had also seemed to have momentarily deserted him.
“I’m sorry. I just need to see Kendall, make sure she’s all right. Where is she?“ His eyes darted from one side of the apartment to the other looking for his wife.
“She’s not here, Zach.” Bianca cringed when she saw the flash of panic that appeared in his eyes. Oh God, I think I could’ve worded that a bit better.
“What do you mean she’s not here? Of course, she’s here.” He walked away from Bianca and began to pace. “She has to be here. She’s not anywhere else, her clothes and her suitcase were gone, she was upset and –“ He stopped long enough to take a deep breath and catch Bianca’s eye. “…she needed you.”
Maggie thought it best to leave him and Bianca alone to talk. “If you’ll both excuse me, I’m going to check on Miranda.” Bianca sent her a grateful smile and turned back to Zach.
“Zach, sit down.” She indicated the couch.
“I don’t want to sit down. I need to find your sister. Did she call you? Tell you anything?” His eyes searched Bianca’s for answers. “Do you have any idea where she might have gone? I was so sure she was here –“
Bianca couldn’t stand it anymore. “Zach, sit!” Feeling like a chastised child, Zach slowly lowered his frame onto Bianca’s couch. Bianca sat down beside him. “Zach, she’s fine. She’s here. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. She went out for a walk to clear her head.”
“You let her go by herself?” Zach asked incredulously. “Where did she go?” He went to get up and Bianca put her hand on his arm.
“She’s a big girl, Zach. She’ll be fine. She has a lot to think about, a lot of decisions to make. That’s why she’s here. She couldn’t do it in Pine Valley.” Bianca felt the muscles in his forearm tense under her hand.
Zach let the breath he didn’t realize he was holding out slowly. In his mind, he could hear what she wasn’t saying. She needed to get away from you.
**************
Paris – The Park (early evening)
Kendall had finally run out of steam. After practically running out on Bianca, she had kept up her brisk pace, trying to outrun the feelings that were stirring inside of her. As the sensation of the walls closing in finally began to recede, she slowed her pace and took in her surroundings.
She had managed to walk all the way to the opposite end of the park, landing her in the children’s playground. To her left, a seesaw sat deserted. To her right, several slides and set of monkey bars. In front of her, the biggest swing set she had ever seen.
Kendall headed to the swing set and sat in one of the swings. She held on tightly to the chains that supported the seat, digging her pointed toe shoes into the dirt. Now that her adrenaline had dissipated, she could feel her feet throbbing. What was I thinking wearing heels?
She gave the playground another glance. She could picture her sister and niece playing here. She could imagine Mimo’s laughter as she slid down the slide into Binks’ waiting arms. All of a sudden the picture of Bianca and Miranda was replaced with a picture of Kendall and a beautiful boy with wavy brown hair and green eyes.
“Mommy! Mommy! Slide!” The little boy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he slid down the slide and into Kendall’s arms. She kissed his little cheek and wrapped her arms around him, her heart so full that it felt like it was going to burst. “More!” The little boy laughed and headed back towards the slide, stopping only to grab his father’s hand, trying to drag him as well. “Kendall, would you explain to our son that I don’t do slides? It wrinkles the suit.” Kendall just laughed. “Who are you trying to convince, me or you? Do it for me?” His eyes narrowed and he made his way over to his wife. “That’s not fair. You know I’d do anything for you.” He bent his head and captured her lips with his. He pulled back, kissed the tip of her nose, and shaking his head, headed to the slide….
Kendall blinked furiously to remove the moisture that was building in her eyes. It was a fantasy, that’s all it was - a fantasy. He wanted a divorce. He didn’t want another child, let alone someone else’s. But it seemed so real, so… right. But where did it come from? Since when did she want to be a mother and have a family? Since you realized that Greenlee and Ryan don’t want your baby now, that’s when. She placed a hand protectively over her stomach. Kendall knew what it was like to feel unwanted, and there was no way she was going to inflict that pain on her own child.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the cool autumn air. It was so quiet here, so peaceful. She didn’t have to think. She didn’t have to feel. She kept her eyes closed and using her feet to guide her, began to twist the swing, twisting and twisting until the chains were tight. She then picked up her feet and let the swing’s chains unwind, the speed almost making her dizzy.
Chapter 6
Paris – Bianca’s Apartment
The silence continued to grow, and Bianca watched Zach with fascination. He was giving every impression of finding the rug beneath his feet fascinating. She broke the awkward silence. “I wasn’t sure if I liked it either, but there was something about the color …”
Zach’s pulled his gave away from the rug. “What?” His eyes struggled to focus on Bianca. She was staring again, and it made him uncomfortable. His body shifted on the couch.
She changed her tactic. “I know.” She reached out to touch him but he avoided her hand and stood up.
She knew what? “What did she tell you?” God, what a loaded question. He needed to put some distance between them before she answered.
“Everything, Zach. Did you think she wouldn’t?” Bianca watched as his shoulders fell. She stood, wanting to go to him, make him understand. “She’s hurting, Zach.”
He spun around, his coat swirling behind him. “You think I don’t know that? I was there!” He headed back to Bianca, not stopping until he was toe to toe with her, his eyes locked onto hers.
“Did she tell you how Greenlee attacked her in a room full of family and strangers? Did she tell you how ready everyone was to believe the worst of her and her intentions? Did she tell you how her own mother never opened her mouth to defend her? Did she –“ He stopped abruptly when he realized that he was invading Bianca’s space and took a step back. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and apologized.
“I’m sorry.” He flung himself down on the sofa and loosened the tie around his neck that was threatening to choke him. “Bianca, the look on her face, in her eyes–“ She had looked like she was going to shatter into a million little pieces. He shook his head to clear the picture from his mind. “Then she was gone…”
“You let her go.”
Bianca watched the muscles in Zach’s jaw tighten. “I had to. I needed to do something, set things straight. I couldn’t just stand there and let them tear her apart. Then I went to find her…and I was too late.” God, what I’d give for a drink.
“You love her.”
How the hell did she do that? “I care about her.”
“Zach, admit it. You are in love with my sister.”
“We’re getting a divorce.” When that comment didn’t seem to faze Bianca, he took it a step further. When all else failed, Zach Slater did what he did best. He lied. “I promised to protect her, stand between her and the world if she needed me to. That’s all. I just don’t want her to get hurt.”
A low rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance and Bianca’s eyes went involuntarily to the clock on the wall. Kendall had been gone for several hours now and she was beginning to worry.
Zach’s eyes followed her gaze. “How long?”
She didn’t pretend to misunderstand. “Two and a half hours.”
“Where?”
“The park, I think. That’s the direction she headed in anyway. One minute she was holding Miranda, the next she was out the door.” She opened her mouth again but Zach shook his head.
“You don’t have to ask.” He stood and made his way to the door, turned the knob and went in search of his wife.
**************
Zach punched the buttons of the elevator repeatedly, cursing when the floor indicator above the doors repeatedly paused at different floors. He turned around, his eyes scanning the length of the hall, finally locating the sign for the stairs. After giving the elevator one more chance to redeem itself, he turned and headed for the stairs.
It started to rain the second he opened the door to the street. The temperature had dropped since he had arrived earlier, and now there was a chill in the air. He pulled his coat tighter, swearing. Knowing Kendall, she probably had one of those thin coats that were only for show.
He crossed the street, narrowly missing the taxi that had just rounded the corner. The sound of its horn blaring was his only clue. Upon entrance to the park he noticed the walking path, and silently thanked the person responsible for illuminating it. Pine Valley could learn a few things. He started down the walk, his eyes scanning back and forth looking for Kendall. His gaze zeroed in on every bench, picnic table, and seating area – all of them empty.
Kendall, where are you? He pushed a lock of hair that had been weighted by the rain out of his eyes and picked up his pace.
**************
Kendall heard the thunder, but it didn’t register until the first drop of rain hit her face. If only the rain could wash everything away, make her pure and clean again. It felt so good. She closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sky. Using her feet to push her, she began to swing.
**************
Zach glanced at his watch for the fourth time in the past half hour. Where the hell was she? So far he had found a policeman, a woman walking her dog, and a jogger - none of which had seen Kendall. If that wasn’t bad enough, the path he was on, as well as the lights that accompanied it, suddenly ended, leaving him standing in darkness in front of a playground of sorts. He was about to turn around when he heard a faint sound, something was squeaking. Blinking the rain out of his eyes, he identified its source. Someone was swinging.
He continued to walk towards the figure and stopped short. It was her. He watched in silence as she lifted her face so that the rain could continue bathe her skin. Her eyes were closed, her face devoid of makeup, her hair curling against her cheek. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Her legs pumped back and forth to keep her moving, her small hands wrapped so tightly around the chains of the swing that he could see the blood had receded from her hands.
“You shouldn’t be out in the rain.”
Chapter 7
If she didn’t know any better, she’d swear she heard Zach’s voice. Get a grip, Kendall. She shook her head briefly and continued to swing.
“Kendall.”
She lowered her legs to the ground slowly, dragging her heels to stop. Zach watched as her left heel separated itself from the rest of her shoe. She didn’t seem to notice. Her eyes remained closed, and if anything they were closed tighter than before.
Kendall heard her name repeated again, and this time it sounded like he was right in front of her. Great, I’m hallucinating now. Another hormonal bonus. As the wind picked up, the scent of rain mixed with Zach’s cologne reached her nose.
Oh God, he’s here.
Her already pale face suddenly seemed to lose whatever color it had left, causing Zach to curse and reach out to touch her cheek. Her soft skin was like ice. He took in her clothing, swearing again as he realized he was right about her coat. The coat, if you could call it that, was little more than a long scrap of silk with buttons. And at the moment it was soaking wet and clinging to Kendall’s slight frame.
He attempted to pry her ice-cold hands off the swing’s chains. “Come on. Kendall. Work with me, here.” Her eyes opened at once, and she pulled her hands away from his. He sighed in relief as she made the effort to stand. “I promised Bianca I’d bring you home.”
His relief was short-lived as she immediately sat back down in the swing. “I can’t go back there yet.” Just the thought of the evening ahead spent with Maggie, Binks and Miranda made her stomach turn…I can’t.
The fear in her eyes confused Zach. Why wouldn’t she want to see her sister? “O….K, you don’t have to. But I need to get you out of the cold. You’re freezing.”
Kendall opened her mouth to argue and promptly closed it again. She needed to think. She didn’t exactly want to be alone with Zach either. Pick your battles, Kendall. After all, you can handle Zach. She finally nodded and stood up.
Zach shrugged out of his overcoat, and placed it around her shoulders, absurdly pleased when she seemed to snuggle into its warmth. He put his arm around her and directed her towards the path. He felt Kendall stumble immediately, losing what was left of her defective shoe. He had forgotten about the damn shoe.
“Zach…my shoe…”
“Forget the shoe. I’ll buy you new ones.”
She stopped short and looked down at her slender foot and painted pink toes. Her toes were cold. He felt like the biggest heel when Kendall’s eyes filled with tears.
“Oh for Pete’s sake.” He stopped walking, turned around and went back for the ruined shoe. After mentally apologizing to his dry cleaners, he stuffed the mud-covered shoe into his jacket pocket. He wiped his hands on the sides of his jacket and looked into Kendall’s eyes for approval. “Happy?”
She nodded. Kendall held out her hand for her shoe and Zach pointedly ignored it. Instead, he bent down, put one arm around her, another under her legs, and lifted her into his arms. He then began to quickly proceed to the park’s exit.
“Hey!” Kendall struggled briefly, but when his arms only tightened, she just closed her eyes and fought the temptation to relax into his arms.
**************
Paris – St Regents Hotel, Room 1286
“Here you are, Mr. Slater. This is the living area, the kitchen and full bar to your right, the master bedroom and bath through the doors on your left…”
Zach only half-listened, his concentration focused on the woman leaning against, and trying to disappear into, the wall behind her. “And my request?”
The bellhop smiled. “It’s being taken care of as we speak, sir. Your luggage should be here within the hour. Please let me know if you or your wife needs anything else.” Zach reached into his pocket and pulled out his money clip. He removed a few bills and pressed them into the younger man’s hands. “Thank you, Sir!” He handed Zach the room key and backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.
As soon as the door closed, Zach headed straight to the phone. “Hi, this is Slater in 1286. I need some chicken soup, some tea…” and after a brief look at Kendall, he continued with “and some hot chocolate sent up…Thank you.”
He disconnected the call and dialed another number. “Bianca, I found her…She’ll be okay…I just wanted to let you know where we were…the St Regents, room 1286…No, not tonight… I promise…Before I forget, the hotel’s sending someone over to get Kendall’s suitcase…Well, I thought she’d be more comfortable in her own things…” His eyes strayed back to Kendall, who was eyeing the door. “I need to go…I will.” He hung up the phone and headed towards Kendall.
**************
This was a bad idea. Kendall tried to gauge the distance between her and the door, and whether or not she could get there before Zach stopped her. She hesitated a second too long and he now he effectively blocked her escape.
“You need to warm up.” He removed the now damp coat from her shoulders and tossed it over the bar. The absence of even a little warmth caused Kendall’s body to shake. Her clothes were stuck like glue to her frame, causing Zach to hastily avoid his eyes and try to stop his body’s normal reaction to Kendall’s nearness. He closed his eyes, prayed for strength, and pushed Kendall towards the master bathroom.
Chapter 8
Zach opened the door to the master bath and flipped the light switch.
He heard Kendall’s sigh and allowed himself a small-satisfied smile. Maybe this wouldn’t be as difficult as he’d expected it to be. He took a quick look around. This room was decorated in shades of green and cream, with antique gold fixturing. It was all right. He really didn't think it warranted Kendall's sigh. To him, it looked like any other luxury hotel bathroom...at least that’s what he thought until his gaze happened upon the oversized claw foot tub in the corner of the room.
Zach had been going to suggest that Kendall take a shower before dinner to warm up, but after seeing that tub, he was almost sure that his wife was a bubble bath kind of girl. Zach suddenly had visions of his wife covered in nothing but warm water and bubbles. He closed his eyes to dispel the image, but its replacement had him sitting behind Kendall in the tub, her back against his chest…His lips were traveling down the side of her neck, his hands sinking beneath the bubbles to touch…Zach’s eyes snapped open and he swallowed hard…twice.
I'm going to need a cold shower.
He headed straight to the marble sinks, his eyes fixed on the hotel’s complimentary basket of toiletries. He dug through the basket, reading labels, uncapping several bottles and sniffing them, until he found what he was looking for. He took the small bottle and headed over to the tub to draw Kendall a bath.
Kendall watched silently as her husband removed his suit jacket and tie, and then proceeded to unbutton the top button of his shirt and roll up his shirtsleeves. He knelt by the tub and adjusted the temperature dial several times, using his hand frequently to check the water’s heat. When he was satisfied with the temperature of the water, he closed the drain to let the water rise. He opened the small bottle of bubble bath and poured a generous amount in the tub, and in seconds, the heady fragrance of vanilla was wafting through the air.
He stood up and quickly made his way back to Kendall, slowing down when her eyes widened in apprehension. He swore softly. The woman before him bore no resemblance to the brave and spirited woman he had married. “Hey. It’s going to be okay.” She didn’t respond, she just lowered her head to avoid his gaze.
His hand reached out to capture her chin and raised it, trying to force her attention back to him. “Kendall, look at me…Look at me.” Once her green eyes met his, he continued. “I promise you…everything will be okay.” Zach lowered his head until his forehead rested against hers. He was so close…so very close to making a mistake.
He backed away and cleared his throat. “Go take your bath. I’ll be back with something for you to put on when you’re finished.”
“Zach?”
He turned around.
“Thank you.”
He nodded and closed the door.
Chapter 9
Kendall leaned back against the wall of the tub and sighed as the water’s warmth invaded her body. Her eyes traveled around the room, appreciating the calming spa-like décor and the sensual vanilla scent that was slowly beginning to work its magic. Breathing slow and deep, she could almost pretend that the rest of the word didn’t exist.
Almost…but not quite. And the man on the other side of the bathroom door was one of the reasons Kendall needed to pull herself together. She sat up straight and picked up the oversized washcloth, moving it back and forth gently over her skin. She studiously ignored the voice in her head wishing it were Zach and not the cloth touching her skin. She needed to be able to let him go.
**************
Zach hesitated at the door, one hand poised to knock, the other holding a plush white robe with the hotel’s monogram. “Kendall?” Receiving no response, he continued. “I’m coming in.”
He opened the door, noticing that Kendall had turned off the large overhead bathroom lights in favor of the two small wall lamps that flanked the tub. The second thing he noticed was that she was seemed to be missing. He dropped the robe to the floor and moved to the tub, not breathing until he saw her head emerge from underneath the water. Zach hastily averted his eyes when the bubbles shifted, giving him an unobstructed view of one perfectly shaped breast. Ok, maybe this was a bad idea.
She kept her eyes closed until her hands had removed the excess water from her face and hair. She opened her eyes to find her husband next to her. “Zach!” Her startled eyes met his, causing her gaze to drop to the water, her hands trying to redistribute the rapidly disintegrating bubbles. “Have you ever heard of knocking?” Her hands stilled once she was satisfied that she was covered.
“I did. You didn’t answer. I came in.” He walked back to pick up the robe he had dropped and hung it on the hook by the tub. He resisted an urge to smile at the tone of her voice. She was annoyed. His wife was definitely feeling better.
“Maybe you should’ve just knocked again?’
“I told you I would be back. It’s not my fault you were playing mermaid.”
“Mermaid? I was not playing mermaid! You are–“ She stopped short when she saw the amusement in his eyes and felt her face begin to heat. She closed her eyes and immediately began to count. 1...2...3. By the time she reached 10, the urge to throw something at him had passed. “Whatever. I just wanted to wash my hair.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so?” He reached past her to pick up the small bottle of vanilla scented shampoo.
She watched in confusion as he opened the bottle and poured a small amount of the shampoo into his hand. “What do you think you’re doing?”
He raised an eyebrow. “What does it look like I’m doing?”
“You’re going to wash my hair?”
“That was the plan.”
“I can do it myself.” Just the thought of his hands in her hair, massaging her scalp, was sending up red flags and causing jealous revolts in other areas of her body.
“I’m sure you can.” He rubbed his hands together to wake up the shampoo. “But not today.”
She opened her mouth to argue.
“Kendall, close your mouth, turn around and let me do this for you.”
With one last look of annoyance, she turned slightly and presented her back to him. “Don’t forget to condition it afterwards. Otherwise I won’t be able to get a comb through it.”
“Yes, Dear.”
**************
As much as she was determined not to enjoy Zach’s ministrations, Kendall couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her lips. This was just as good as her husband’s foot rubs. Who knew the man had such hidden talents?
His hands were firm yet gentle, now working to rinse the conditioner out of each and every one of her curls. She swallowed slowly. If he was this thorough washing her hair, she could only imagine what making love with him would be like. It was a good thing it would never happen. She was sure she’d never survive it.
Zach felt her tense for a moment before she relaxed again, causing him to wonder what thoughts were running through her head.
“What are you thinking?” He ran his thumb over the outside shell of her ear.
Kendall inhaled sharply, her body shifting, making waves in the tub that caused water to splash onto the front of Zach’s shirt.
“Nothing!” She righted herself quickly, her face flushed. She turned her head, but not before Zach had seen the look in her eyes.
Zach’s eyes darkened, his heart pounding in his chest. She felt it too.
“Kendall.” He shut off the faucet and turned his attention to the woman in front of him. He touched her cheek softly. “Look at me.”
Her green eyes met his brown ones, and she was rendered speechless by the naked emotion in his gaze. Oh God. Oh God. Oh God. She had nowhere to run...and suddenly she couldn't look away.
Zach stood up and pulled the robe off the hook, holding it out for Kendall. She stood slowly, and slipped her arms into the robe he held for her. She wrapped the belt around her slim waist and attempted to tie it, her hands shaking.
Zach moved her hands aside and tied it himself, knowing it wasn’t going to remain that way for long. There was no going back now.
He lifted her out of the tub, swinging her into his arms and headed straight to the bedroom.
Chapter 10 (NC-17)
Zach pushed the bedroom door open with his shoulder, not caring that it crashed loudly into the wall behind it. He needed to touch her. Now.
“Zach?” she whispered.
“Later.” He set her down in front of him, groaning softly as her body slid along his.
The minute her feet hit the floor, Kendall began to back away. “I think…”
“Don’t.” He followed her, step for step, until he had her backed her up against the wall.
Kendall was finding it hard to breathe. He was too close. She placed her hands on his chest, feeling the heady combination of a wet shirt and the heat of his skin. What was she doing?
“But Zach-" Any protest she had been about to make was effectively silenced when his lips came crashing down on hers.
Zach wasn’t sure what he expected when he kissed Kendall, but it sure as hell wasn’t this. And when her mouth opened under his, he dove in and was lost.
**************
After several minutes, only Kendall’s lack of oxygen made her separate her lips from her husbands. Her chest was heaving, her entire body tingling. His lips moved to her ear, his warm breath making her tremble. “Kendall, I need you.” He bit down on her earlobe and then soothed it gently with his tongue, feeling a sense of satisfaction when she gasped and her knees began to shake. “Let me love you.” His hands went to the tie of her robe, slowly releasing the bow that hid her from him.
Love her. She closed her eyes tightly against the sudden rush of tears, refusing to let them fall. She knew it was only an expression for him, but for this brief moment she wanted to believe he meant it. She felt his hands on her skin, caressing her slowly, his dark eyes watching her body’s every reaction to his touch. When he followed the path of his hands with his lips and tongue, Kendall and her sanity parted ways. And at that moment, all that she wanted was her husband inside her.
“Make love to me, Zach.”
He had wanted to go slow the first time, but it seemed his wife had other ideas. Her hands pulled at his shirt, causing the buttons to pop off in her haste to touch him. Soon the shirt was on the floor and her hands were busy removing his belt and working on his pants.
Minutes later they were skin to skin, Zach’s body hard beneath her hands. She made a sexy little sound in her throat as she rubbed herself against him. She stood on her toes and whispered in his ear, “Now, Zach. I need you now.” Her words caused what little self-control he had left to snap. He picked her up and Kendall wrapped her long legs around his waist. He pushed her back against the wall and with his eyes locked on hers, he thrust himself deep inside her.
Zach groaned. God she felt so good. She was so hot, so wet…and so unbelievably tight. His body stilled as he tried to temper his reaction, trying to get some semblance of control before this was over before it began. When her hips began to move impatiently, any thoughts he had of trying to slow down and savor the moment were forgotten. And after seeing the wild look in her eyes, he picked up the pace.
Their bodies strained together for completion, coming together harder and faster, until the world exploded around them, Kendall screaming Zach’s name. Her body collapsed against his, her breathing fast, her body shaking.
**************
She allowed herself a few minutes to enjoy the warmth of Zach’s arms before she let reality back in and attempted to pull herself together. And as hard as she tried, she couldn’t fight the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She attempted to remove her hand from his, blinking hard when he brought it to his lips instead. He pressed a soft kiss into her palm before letting her have it back.
He could see it. The fear in her eyes was back. He tightened his arms around her, refusing to let her withdraw from him again, and watched helplessly when the first tear made its way down her cheek. His voice was hoarse when he tried to speak. “Kendall, don’t…please…”
It was the naked pain in his voice that got to her. Her heart just wouldn’t let her ignore it. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Maybe she was wrong about him. Maybe this time would be different... Never had Kendall wanted anything to be true so badly in all of her life.
Her green eyes opened to search his, and once she found what she was looking for, she whispered the four words that would change everything.
“I love you, too.”
(Continued below)
Edited by: jekyll and hyde 6 at: 7/24/06 11:22 pm
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jekyll and hyde 6
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Posts: 6
(7/23/06 1:07 am)
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It Had To Be You - Chapters 11-20
Chapter 11
“Again.” Zach rolled over onto his side to face Kendall, using his elbow to prop his head up so he could look down at his wife’s face.
Kendall deliberately misunderstood. “Zach, we’ve already done it three times.” Three heart pounding, mind-blowing, earth shattering times.
“I didn’t hear you complaining.” He leaned down and placed an open mouthed kiss on her shoulder, his tongue briefly caressing her skin.
Kendall resisted the urge to groan. What woman in her right mind would complain? It was all she could do not to initiate time number four. But she needed to think, and Zach wasn’t helping.
Zach wouldn’t be distracted. “Well? Say it again.”
“Say what?” She busied herself with the sheet, securing it tightly under her arms.
“Don’t be difficult.” His lips traveled up her neck.
“Isn’t that another one of my endearing qualities?” She tried to shift the focus away from what was suddenly looking like one of the biggest mistakes of her life.
“Kendall…” The warning tone in his voice finally registered.
She lifted her hand and touched a finger to his lips, closing her eyes for a second when Zach began to suck on it gently. She rolled over on her side to face him and sighed. “Zach, please…” Why did he have to push?
Kendall looked at the man that had turned her world upside down and inside out. He was looking at her expectantly, waiting for her to admit her feelings. Instead, here she was, wishing she had never voiced them in the first place.
“Kendall, is something wrong?” He was getting pretty good at reading her but the look in her eyes was a new one.
She forced a smile to her face. “Nothing! How could anything be wrong when I am exactly where I want to be?” She was surprised at how easily the lie passed her lips. She watched him smile in return and lower his head to hers. She shouldn’t let it continue, but she was selfish enough to want him in her arms…at least for one night.
******************
She stood by the door, watching him sleep, his chest rising and falling peacefully with each breath. God, this was harder than she’d thought. She didn’t want to hurt him, but it really was better this way.
She knew that Zach cared about her in his own way, but she knew he didn’t love her, not like he loved Maria. He was just being…Zach, protecting the current damsel in distress. Now that the mess with Julia was over, he had focused on her. And now it was time to let him off the hook.
Besides, his life had no place for a baby. Her baby. Her small hands instinctually moved to her stomach, curling protectively over the barely noticeable bump. Her baby deserved better than two parents that were together out of a sense of necessity, trying to assuage their own guilt.
She blinked back the tears in her eyes. She was doing the right thing. She walked over to the bed slowly, trying not to wake him. She stood there in silence, memorizing each and every feature of Zach’s relaxed face. Kendall took one last look at the rings on her left hand before removing them and placing them on the nightstand by the bed.
She jumped when Zach moved slightly, his arm reaching out to where she had lain minutes before. “Kendall…”
She let the tears fall. She reached out and smoothed away the furrow that had appeared on his forehead. “I’m right here. Go back to sleep.” She watched as he quieted immediately and gathered her pillow to his chest.
When she was sure that he was asleep, she backed away from the bed, the words “I’m so sorry” hanging heavily in the air. She closed the bedroom door and didn’t look back.
Chapter 12
Zach awoke to the sounds of a phone ringing. 9:00 A.M. He reached out to grab the phone before it woke Kendall. “Slater”, he mumbled.
“Zach? Is everything okay?” Bianca’s anxious voice was in his ear. “I hadn’t heard from you or Kendall, so I thought I’d call you and check in.”
“Bianca…” He tried to clear the fog from his head. “For once everything is…perfect.” Zach couldn’t contain the smile that spread across his face.
“Oh, Zach, I’m so happy for you and my sister.”
“Thank you. Did you want to talk to her?” He rolled over to find Kendall’s side of the bed empty. “Hmm..She’s not here. She’s probably looking for something to eat. We never had dinner last night.”
“Way to go, Zach!” Bianca laughed in his ear. The dead air was almost as amusing as the color she was sure was flooding Zach’s face. “Kendall has to be starving by now then. Let her eat and then have her call me.”
“I will.”
“Thank you, Zach. For taking care of her.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Bianca.”
“Yes, I do. You’re a good man.”
“I’ll have her give you a call as soon as we’re done with breakfast.”
“Bye.” Bianca hung up the phone.
Zach shook his head as he hung up the phone. He would never live that phone call down. He got out of bed, pulled on his boxers, and went in search of his wife.
******************
“Kendall?” He stuck his head into the master bath only to find it empty. She’s probably in the kitchen. Zach made his way through the living room and into the kitchen, only to find it empty.
He was beginning to get a bad feeling. He headed back into the living room, moving quickly towards the closet. Late last night he had put Kendall’s suitcase and his overnight bag there. Opening the door, Zach cursed. Her suitcase was gone. Again. God, this was beginning to become a habit. Damn it, Kendall! Why are you running? His eyes searched the room looking for a note. Not finding one, he headed back to check the bedroom.
Zach mentally reviewed the conversations they’d had over the past twenty-four hours. . He could hear Kendall’s voice ringing through his head. “How could anything be wrong when I am exactly where I want to be?” But she wasn’t, and he should’ve known.
He turned to look at the rumpled bed, flashes of him and Kendall making love running through his mind’s eye. He closed his eyes as the feelings came rushing back, making it hard for him to breathe. He sat on her side of the bed, his hand reaching out to touch the pillow where her head had rested. The faint smell of vanilla still hung in the air.
Zach took a deep breath and turned his head away from the bed, his eyes landing on the nightstand. There in the corner were Kendall’s wedding rings. He felt like he was just punched in the gut. Kendall’s latest flight was more than her running scared. His wife had left him.
******************
Airport
Kendall looked down at her naked left hand and flexed her fingers. They felt so strange without the weight and security of Zach’s rings. She shook her head and forced herself to pay attention to the phone call.
“…Livia, that’s what I want…I don’t care about the pre-nup…Just take my name off the licenses…How long will it take?...Good…No, I’m taking care of the divorce…I’ll call you when I get back. We’ll need to discuss the baby…Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Kendall hung up the phone. Evidently her husband had made an impression on Livia. So much of one that Kendall felt that her lawyer was more concerned with her soon to be ex-husband than her own client. She looked at the ticket in her hand. Haiti. It would all be over soon.
******************
Bianca’s Apartment
Bianca jumped as the pounding on her door threatened to wake up Miranda. She rushed to the door, barely missing being hit as it swung open forcefully under Zach’s strength.
“Zach, what is it?” Bianca looked at the furious man in front of her. Oh God, what did her sister do now?
“Your sister is going to be the death of me!’ Zach’s eyes were blazing fire and Bianca was very glad she hadn’t been the one to set him off.
“What happened, Zach? Things were fine…” Bianca checked her watch. “…an hour ago when I called.”
“That was before I realized your sister had left in the middle of the night.”
Bianca’s eyes widened. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
Zach reached into his coat pocket and pulled out Kendall’s wedding rings, holding them out for Bianca to see. “Does this look like I’m joking?”
She sat down on the sofa. Oh, Kendall, what are you doing? For once Bianca actually wanted to shake her sister until she smartened up.
“I didn’t see it coming. How could I have not seen it coming?” He looked at her, the fire dying abruptly in his eyes. He sat down next to Bianca and lowered his head into his hands.
She reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Tell me what happened.”
Zach found it easier to speak without meeting Bianca’s eyes. “I found her in the park, at the playground. She was drenched from the rain, in a swing set swinging…She was so cold…” He stared straight ahead. “She didn’t want to come back here so I took her to the hotel…She needed to warm up, you know?...So I drew her a bath…washed her hair…”
Washed her hair? Bianca’s appreciation for the man in front of her continued to grow.
“One thing led…well, you know where they led…” He suddenly turned to face her. “She said she loved me.”
Bianca looked at Zach in surprise. “Kendall told you?”
“You knew?” One look into her eyes and he shook his head. “Of course you knew.”
“What did she say when you told her you love her too?”
Zach was silent.
“Zach, please tell me you didn’t let Kendall bare her soul and not return her feelings?” Bianca couldn’t believe what she was, or rather wasn’t, hearing.
Zach’s mind was racing over the past 24 hours. After Kendall’s whispered declaration, they had made love again. And then he had tried to push her to repeat her words. No wonder she’d left. “I’m an idiot.”
Bianca stood up quickly and put some distance between her and her sister’s husband. The urge to smack him upside his head was proving too hard for her to suppress. “Zach, you’ve moved way beyond being an idiot. How could you be so stupid? You know that Kendall doesn’t “do” love well. She’s worked so hard to avoid it, protect herself from it – for God’s sake, Zach that was one of the main reasons she married you in the first place! Do you have any idea what it took for her to admit that she loved you? She flew here to avoid her feelings for you. How could you not see that?”
Zach shook his head. “You can’t do that. Kendall came here because of Greenlee and Ryan…and the rest of your non-supportive family’s reactions to the circumstances of her surrogacy. She didn’t come here because of me.”
“Sometimes I wonder if either of you have a brain in your head! Think, Zach. What happened right before Kendall left the inn?” Bianca tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for the light bulb to appear over his head.
He thought back to Thanksgiving. “Greenlee accused her of still wanting Ryan…She blasted her for lying…she said Kendall had told her that…” His face blanched. “that she was in love with me.”
“Give the man a cigar. You need to fix this, Zach, or so help me…I’ll never forgive you.”
Chapter 13
It had taken him two days, but Zach had finally tracked down his wife. Instead of returning to Pine Valley as he’d expected, Kendall had hopped a plane to Haiti to get a divorce.
His first clue came when he received revised gaming licenses from the gaming commission; Kendall’s name and signature were conspicuously absent from the new forms. A call to Livia had confirmed his suspicions. Kendall was removing herself from his life, one connection at a time.
******************
Haïti
Relais De L’empereur
Zach stood in the lobby of the beachfront hotel, his carry-on bag at his feet. He blinked several times, his eyes trying to adjust to the sudden change from late afternoon sunlight to bright artificial lighting. Leave it to Kendall to find a four star hotel to hide out in. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. After checking his voicemail, he turned the phone off. As of right now, he was officially unavailable.
“Mr. Slater?”
Zach turned to find a small man standing behind him. “Yes?”
“I’m Gerard. We spoke on the phone?” Gerard’s excitement was almost palpable.
“Ah, Gerard, of course!” Zach smiled for the first time in days and extended his hand. “I just want to thank you for your assistance this afternoon.”
“Not a problem, Mr. Slater. It was my pleasure. If I may say so, Sir, Ms. Hart is quite beautiful.”
Ms. Hart. Zach’s jaw tightened. They weren’t divorced yet, and if he had his way, they never would be. “Were you able to accommodate my requests?”
“Yes, Sir. They’re working on it now. It should only take a couple of hours.”
“Excellent. Now, I need to find my wife. Where is she now?”
“In her room, number 872. She just returned from our spa. I’ve arranged for you to have room 874 next door.”
“Thank you.” Zach turned to go, but stopped short and turned back to Gerard. “Gerard, I need one last favor. I need to make sure that there are no interruptions while we’re here.” Zach was determined that they would have complete privacy. “No phone calls, no unwanted visitors.”
‘I will personally make sure of it.” Gerard smiled as Zach pressed some bills into his hand. Zach nodded his thanks, picked up his bag and headed to his room to shower and change.
Gerard watched Zach walk away and shook is head. Ah, there was nothing he loved more than romance.
******************
Kendall entered the bedroom slowly and tossed her purse on the bureau. She let her head fall first to one side and then the other, trying to release the tension that seemed to be permanently lodged in her neck. God, I have a headache. Even after her visit to the spa, she still felt tense. She looked in the mirror, noticing that the wariness in her green eyes contrasted sharply with her new rosy complexion. Her eyes shifted to focus on the reflection of the pen and papers lying on the bed. Her divorce papers.
She turned away from the mirror and walked to the bed. Her hand shook as she reached out to pick up the papers. Damn it. She sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes filling with tears as her eyes scanned the documents for the fourth time that day. Pull yourself together, Kendall. It’s for the best. Let go. Her eyes were fixated on the blank line next to her name. Kendall Hart Slater. All she had to do was sign. Why was it so hard?
She blinked away the tears and took a deep breath. A divorce was the best thing for everyone - for Zach, for her, and for the baby. I can do this. She picked up the pen and hastily scrawled her name. There. It was over.
Kendall dropped the pen as if it were poison and fell backwards onto the bed. She placed one hand on her stomach and closed her eyes. ‘Ok, Kiddo. From here on in, it’s going to be you and me.” She rubbed her belly in small comforting circles. “I’m sorry it took me so long to love you.” Hot tears escaped from under her closed eyelids. “I know I’m not what you deserve. Hell, I’m not even close. But I can promise you that I will love you and take care of you. You’ll never feel unwanted or unloved.” Like I did. Those three words came unbidden as old memories threatened to surface. She angrily wiped the tears from her cheeks. She would not give in to those old feelings. She was going to do better than her mother…starting right now.
Kendall sat up quickly, her resolution stiffening her spine. She picked up the divorce papers and pen and carried them both to the living room. After locating an envelope in the desk, she folded the divorce papers, placed them in the envelope, and addressed it to Zach. She then propped the envelope up against the phone, knowing that one of the hotel’s housekeeping staff would take it and mail it for her. She ignored the voice in her head that was screaming “Coward!”.
******************
It took Zach all of 20 minutes to shower and change. The cream-colored linen shirt and khakis he had put on were a welcome change from the suits and ties he had been living in over the past several months. The air was still warm, so he unbuttoned the first couple of buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves. He picked up his room key and slid it into his back pocket. He exited the room, closing the door softly behind him, and took the few steps that brought him to Kendall’s door.
Standing in front of room 872, Zach raised his hand to knock - and promptly lowered his hand back to his side. He took a deep breath. For the first time in his life, he knew exactly what he wanted. Now if only he could convince his wife.
He raised his hand again, and this time his hand connected with the door.
Chapter 14
Kendall stood on the balcony of her room watching the sun set on the water and sighed softly. It almost seemed symbolic. The day was ending…and so was her marriage.
Kendall rubbed her naked arms, trying to dispel the sudden chill that had come over her. It was the beginning of the rest of her life. She really needed to stop second-guessing her decisions.
She closed her eyes as she felt the soft breeze caress her face, the movement of air causing the turquoise silk of her wrap dress to gently move against her skin. She listened intently to the rhythmic sounds of the waves crashing against the shore, feeling the stress of the past week finally begin to dissipate.
I could stay here forever.
Kendall opened her eyes and directed her gaze to the private beach below. It was deserted, except for the hotel staff lighting tiki torches along the beach perimeter. A perfect time for a walk. She looked down at her stomach. “Alright, Baby of Mine, I’m going to introduce you to one of my favorite things - walks on the beach.” She turned and walked back into her hotel room, picking up her sandals and room key on her way to the door.
Knock. Knock.
Kendall stopped short a few feet from the door. Come on, not now. It seemed that every time she wanted to do something there was some stupid interruption. She hadn’t ordered room service and it was too early for the nightly turndown service, so who the hell was bothering her now? She took a deep breath and reminded herself that no one knew she was here. She squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe she could just wait until they go away.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Okay, so they weren’t going to go away. “Don’t worry, Baby, I’ll make this quick. Momma’s feet will be in the surf in no time.” She took the last few steps to the door and peered through the peephole.
It was Zach.
Thud. Kendall dropped her sandals. Oh no, no, no, no! The stress she had felt leaving her just moments before returned with a vengeance.
Zach heard the muffled thud. “Kendall, I know you’re in there. Open the door.”
Kendall backed away from the door, her heart pounding. Her panicked gaze searched for an alternate way out of her room. Finding only the balcony, she realized that unless she sprouted wings in the next thirty seconds, she was good and stuck. Damn it!
“I’m not going to go away. Open the door.” Zach allowed himself a small smile. He was sure she was looking for another way out.
“Go away, Zach.” There was no way she was opening that door.
He turned around and leaned his back against her door, crossing his arms across his chest. “The balcony didn’t work for you, huh? You may as well make it easy on yourself. Open up.”
“No way! I came here to be alone.”
“We need to talk.”
“No we do not! The only thing we need to do is finalize our divorce. Now leave, Zach, before I call hotel security!” She walked over to the phone, ready to pick it up if he didn’t go away.
“Kendall, let me in.” He didn’t know why he’d thought that this would be relatively easy. His wife would try the patience of a saint. Good thing he wasn’t one.
“I’m calling now, Zach.” Kendall lifted the handset off of the cradle. Now, what was the name of that nice man she met yesterday? Gerry? Gerald? Gerard? Gerard! He’ll help her. She’ll ask for him.
******************
Zach counted to 10 before he turned and began to pound on the door. “Kendall, I’m warning you…” The rest of his sentence was cut off when he realized that he had acquired an audience.
“Ahem.”
Zach turned to find a little round woman with silver hair standing across the hall, her eyes wide with interest. Great. Just great. He shrugged and addressed the older woman who evidently occupied room 873.
“My wife…well, she’s pregnant.” He ran a hand through his hair. “We – We had a fight and …well…she won’t let me in.”
The older woman hurried to his side. “Oh, you poor Dear! Now, you have to know it’s just the hormones talking. She doesn’t mean a thing of what she’s saying.” She smiled and extended her small hand. “I’m Ella, by the way.” Her blue eyes twinkled.
“Zach.” He bent and kissed the hand she offered. “And the lovely voice on the other side of that door,” he gestured behind him, “belongs to my wife, Kendall.”
Ella laughed softly. “You’re a charmer.”
“Evidently not a good enough one tonight.” Zach turned to look back at Kendall’s door.
“Your Kendall…she sounds…” Ella searched for the right word. “…spirited.”
Zach raised an eyebrow. “You have no idea. I just…I really need to talk to her.” He walked back to the door and knocked again.
“Kendall, we’re causing a scene. Please open the door and let me in.” Zach waited for a response but all he heard was silence.
“Zach?” Ella waited for him to turn around. “You remind me of my late husband. He was a charmer too.”
Zach watched in amusement as Ella’s cheeks turned pink.
“How I miss him.” Her eyes clouded for a second before she blinked them away. “Your eyes have the same warmth, the same kindness in them, as Jack’s did.”
Zach shifted his stance, suddenly uncomfortable, and dropped his gaze to the floor.
“You love her very much. Surely Kendall can see that.”
Zach shook his head. “No, she can’t.” Not yet. Because I didn’t tell her.
“Let me tell you something. I gave my Jack more trouble when I was pregnant with our boy Charlie. I drove him crazy. We fought all the time. But, it didn’t mean I didn’t love him. You remember that.”
Zach bent and kissed her soft, wrinkled cheek. “Thank you.”
Ella tapped his cheek gently. “You wait right here. I’ll get you some help.” She crossed the hall and opened her door, leaving Zach standing alone again in the hall.
******************
Kendall hung up the handset, cursing. The phone had no dial tone. It was dead. Oh, this is perfect. I could be dying in here and wouldn’t be able to call for help! She headed back over to the door, wary because she couldn’t hear any sound from the hallway.
She looked out the peephole and saw her husband talking to a silver-haired woman. She watched as he kissed the older woman’s hand. Kendall rolled her eyes. Leave it to her husband to make friends while she was stuck alone in her room. Kendall strained against the door, trying desperately to hear their conversation, but their voices were too low. Finally the older woman went back to her room and left Zach alone in the hallway. She watched as Zach began to walk away.
Finally! She headed back to her bedroom, thinking she’d rest for a few minutes before she headed down to the beach. She didn’t want to run into Zach.
******************
“Mr. Slater!” Gerard was rushing towards him, his hand waving.
“Gerard. Is something wrong?” He began walking towards the older man.
“No, Sir. Miss Ella said you needed some help.” Gerard stopped in front of Zach and tried to catch his breath. “I have something for you.” He held out his hand.
Zach closed his eyes briefly. Ella, I think I love you. For in Gerard’s hand was a room key for room 872.
Chapter 15
Kendall sank down wearily on the bed. The concept of resting was lost as she tried to figure out what to do. He wasn’t supposed to be here. She wasn’t ready to see him; she hadn’t perfected her indifference to him and to what they’d shared in Paris. And if he could see that, well, it would give him control – and she’d lose what was left of her heart.
Although it looked like Zach had left, Kendall knew it was only a matter of time before he came back. Her husband never took no for an answer, and if she stayed there, she was little more than a sitting duck. The suite began to feel more like a prison than a haven. She needed to be out in the night air.
“Ok, Kiddo. We’re going to try this again. Wish your Momma luck.” She headed back to the living room to pick up her sandals and room key. She had almost made it to the door when she heard the quiet “click”, and she watched in silence as the door opened slowly. Her husband had found a way in.
“Going somewhere?” Zach slid Kendall’s room key into his pocket and closed the door behind him. He took a cautious step into the suite and toward his wife.
Kendall fought her instinct to retreat and stood her ground. She could do this. She had to do this. It was over, she had made sure of it. Now all she needed was to convince her husband to let her go. “Yes, as a matter of fact I was. I was going to go for a walk.”
“We need to talk, you and I.” He put his hands in his pockets, trying to appear relaxed.
She swallowed. Here was her chance. She turned and walked to the desk, picking up the envelope addressed to Zach. “Here.” She handed him the envelope. “This should put an end to that. Sorry you wasted a trip.”
Zach’s eyes registered confusion. He opened the envelope and pulled out the papers, unfolding them and began to read. “What the …?” Divorce papers. He immediately went to the last page, his eyes searching for, and finding, Kendall’s familiar signature. He ignored the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. “I thought…”
Kendall knew exactly what he’d thought. She’d entertained the same thoughts until she realized it would be a mistake. He needed to realize that and accept it. She straightened her spine, her stomach sick at what she was about to do to the man in front of her.
“You thought what? After we slept together we’d live happily ever after?”
He moved closer. “I don’t recall much sleeping.” His eyes met hers, the heat in his eyes unmistakable.
Ok. Focus. Keep going. She met his gaze unflinchingly. “We had sex, end of story.” He was so close that she could feel the heat of his body.
“It was more than that and you know it.” He reached out and slid his hand up and down her arm.
“Zach, get real here. We’re both adults. There’s no need to try to make it into something it wasn’t.” Kendall allowed herself to feel a small measure of satisfaction when he didn’t respond. “I needed someone that night and you were there. End of story.” She removed his hand from her arm.
“Why are you lying to yourself and to me?” He had felt her tremble when he touched her.
“I had just been through some of the worst days of my life.” Kendall’s eyes pleaded for him to understand. “I needed to forget…” She took a deep breath and continued on, her voice quiet and steady. “And although I am not proud of it, I used you to do it.” Kendall was amazed she didn’t choke on the lie.
Zach felt like he had the rug ripped out from under him. “What are you saying? Anybody would’ve sufficed?” He couldn’t believe the words he was hearing.
And with a calm she didn’t know she possessed, she drove the final nail in her coffin. “Yes.”
“I don’t believe you.” She couldn’t mean that. She couldn’t be saying that the most incredible night of his life was nothing more to her than a means to an end, an itch being scratched.
She was almost there, almost free. Just a little bit more and he would be gone. She pressed on. “Come on, Zach. It had been a long time. Greenlee had forbidden it, remember?” She laughed softly. “Rest assured, your performance was… top notch.”
The emotion in Zach’s eyes turned to anger. “You lying, heartless bitch.” He grabbed her arm and jerked her against him. “Tell me you don’t feel this.” He slid a hand into her hair to hold her steady and bent his head to hers. This time there was no gentleness, no giving in his kiss. It was all taking. He tongue didn’t request entry into her mouth, it took it. Each stroke of his tongue, each sweeping caress, was designed to overwhelm, not entice. His heart was pounding, his body hard and aching against hers.
Kendall wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of Zach’s kiss. It was nothing like any he had given her in Paris. This kiss was rough, almost primal in its urgency. She gasped as she felt his hands slide down her back to cup her bottom and hold her against him. His lips moved to her neck, placing openmouthed kisses along its length, occasionally nipping and sucking on her skin. Oh God, it felt so good. It would be so easy to give in. No, she had to be strong. Instead, she locked her knees and held herself stiff and unresponsive in his arms.
It took Zach a few seconds before he noticed there was a problem. When he realized that she wasn’t responding to his kiss, he doubled his efforts, zeroing in on the sweet spot of her neck. He tried to move them both to the sofa but Kendall wouldn’t budge. “Kendall, please…” When she didn’t acknowledge him, he pulled back to look in her eyes.
She almost didn’t recognize the man in front of her. Gone was the self-assured, confident man she had fallen in love with. In his place was a man desperate and unsure. She had done this to him. Feelings of guilt threatened to surface, but she knew she had done the right thing. She had accomplished what she had set out to do. There was no turning back.
Kendall stepped out of his embrace. The look in his eyes was killing her slowly, and she knew it would haunt her dreams. She walked around him and headed to the door, picking up her sandals and key along the way. She turned back to answer his question. With each of the four words she uttered, she died a little more inside. “I’m sorry…I don’t.”
Chapter 16
Room 873
Ella watched from her doorway in silence as Kendall hurried down the hallway. She looked on helplessly as Kendall stumbled on her way to the elevator, her hand on the wall to help steady her. Ella’s heart broke when she heard the younger woman’s sobs. She looked back at the door across the hall, expecting it to open any second and for Zach to follow his wife. Minutes passed and the door remained closed.
******************
Lobby
The chime of the elevator signaled its arrival in the lobby. Kendall hastily wiped her eyes and exited the elevator, avoiding the interested gazes of the other hotel guests as she passed them by.
“Ms. Hart?” Gerard called to the distraught woman passing by the front desk. “Ms. Hart?” He could tell that something was wrong. He came out from behind the desk and headed after her.
Kendall ignored Gerard and focused on the exit door of the hotel that lead to the beach. She was almost there when she felt a hand on her arm.
“Ms. Hart, are you alright? Is there anything I can do?” Gerard’s voice was laced with concern. When she turned to him, he was alarmed by the emptiness in her eyes. “Do you want me to call Mr. Slater? I’m sure he can…” His voice faded away as her eyes filled with tears.
She shook her head emphatically, her curls bouncing. “No. No he can’t.” Not anymore.
“Ms. Hart, please. Let me…”
“No, Gerard! I know you mean well, but I – I can’t handle anymore right now.” Kendall turned away, blinking several times to clear the film of tears from her eyes. She headed out the door, leaving a worried Gerard behind.
******************
Kendall’s Suite, Room 872
Zach sat on the sofa, his head in his hands, his fingers running through his hair. How could things have gotten so out of control? It had taken a while, but the anger and desperation he had felt had begun to fade away, only to be replaced with doubt and confusion.
“I needed someone that night and you were there.” The sound of her voice when she said it…it was calm, controlled, and precise - none of the adjectives he’d ever choose to describe his wife. He didn’t believe her…or did he? He thoughts turned back to that night in Paris. She had been so lost, so lonely, so cold. Maybe she was being honest.
“I needed to forget…And although I am not proud of it, I used you to do it.” That didn’t make any sense. Maybe the old Kendall would’ve done that, but not his wife. Even though the past few days had been painful for her, she had done nothing wrong. Deep down she knew that. She had just given too much of herself to people who didn’t appreciate it.
He shook his head. The Kendall he knew didn’t care what other people thought. Sure, it may have hurt her initially, but she’d get past it. She was strong. Take their marriage. No one, especially her family, was in favor of it. But she didn’t care. And she didn’t make any apologies for it.
His head pounded. Zach stood up and headed over to the bar, using the miniature key provided to open the liquor cabinet. If ever he needed a drink, it was now. He located the small bottle of scotch and a glass, and headed to the freezer for some ice. Once he made his drink, he headed to the balcony for some air.
“Tell me you don’t feel this.” Zach took a much-needed drink. The feelings that memory inspired were enough to raise his temperature a few degrees. He’d pushed too hard, trying to force her to be honest with herself and with him. He took another mouthful of the amber liquid, feeling it burn its way down his throat. Why was he surprised that she pushed back the only way she knew how? She was trying to inflict as much pain on him as she felt.
He knew she felt something for him. The “I love you” she’d whispered after they had made love was honest. They both knew it. So why was doing everything in her power to push him away? He took another drink, and upon finishing it, he closed his eyes and rubbed the condensation on the empty glass across his forehead to cool off.
He opened his eyes and looked out at the water. The moonlight seemed to be dancing on the waves, the sparkle reminding him of the stars he saw in Kendall’s eyes. Shifting his gaze away from the water, he looked down at the private beach. A lone figure was standing in the surf. Kendall. As he watched, she fell to her knees, her arms wrapped tightly around her slight frame.
He put the glass down on the table and headed for the door. She needed him.
Chapter 17
Private beach
Kendall felt her legs give way beneath her and fell to her knees in the surf. The water rose to meet her, absorbing quickly into the turquoise silk of her dress, but she didn’t notice, didn’t care. Her sobs had lessened, but the hot tears continued to fall.
I wish I were dead.
She wrapped her arms around her midsection, feeling guilty for voicing that thought – even if it was only in her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that, not really.” She wiped her eyes, wishing for the third time in the past five minutes that she had thought to bring Kleenex.
Well, she’d managed what she set out to do. She had set Zach free. She was so sure it was what was best for everyone. If it was, then why did she feel like she had made the biggest mistake of her life? She shifted in the sand, sitting back and moving her legs out in front of her. She pulled her knees to her chest and rested her forehead on her arms.
She needed to focus, remind herself why she knowingly hurt the man she loved more than anything else in the world. She took a deep breath. She couldn’t stick Zach with a wife he didn’t love and a baby he didn’t want. She knew that he would stay with her out of obligation, even guilt for not being a father to Ethan, but she couldn’t allow him to sacrifice his life for hers. It wouldn’t be fair. They got married for business reasons and revenge. Love wasn’t an option and she had no business complicating things.
Then why did it feel like she had cut her heart out with a very dull knife?
******************
Zach approached her slowly from behind. He could see her shoulders shaking and hear her crying. All he wanted was to take her pain away, but he didn’t know where to begin or how to fix this. He walked to her side and sat down beside her in the sand. He sat beside her in silence, watching the surf approach and recede. He reached down and removed his shoes, placing them beside him, and buried his toes in the wet sand.
******************
Kendall finally ran out of tears. Instead of crying, now her eyes just burned. She lifted her head, noticing for the first time that she wasn’t alone. Beside her sat her soon-to-be ex-husband. She studied him in the moonlight from the corner of her eye. He was staring out at the water, his face serious. He had adopted her style of sitting, his legs out in front of him, bent at the knees. His arms were crossed across the top.
Zach felt her eyes on him and couldn’t stand the silence any longer. “Are you okay?” He continued to stare straight ahead.
Kendall didn’t answer right away, and when she did, it was with a question of her own. “Why are you here?” It came out sounding horrible and she knew it. “I’m sorry. I’m just…surprised after...” Her voice faded away.
“I promised you that I’d be there as long as you needed me. I saw you from the balcony. You needed me…here I am.”
“I’m…” she looked for a word “fine, Zach. There’s no need to bother yourself with me anymore.”
“You’re no more a bother than you are fine.”
Kendall closed her eyes feeling the stinging sensation begin again. She couldn’t handle it if he was going to be kind, not after what she just put him through.
He turned to look at her, his eyes focused on her face. “Why are you trying so hard to push me away?”
She bit her lip. Any other man would’ve been long gone by now, and here he was, wanting to understand. Why was he making this so hard? She wondered what he’d say if she was honest.
“Hey…don’t.” Zach’s reached out his hand, his finger touching her lower lip. At his touch, her teeth let go of her lip, but not before they had made a small cut. He wiped the drop of blood away with his finger, bringing it to his lips to wash it away.
Kendall’s eyes were wide, her breathing shallow. She didn’t even felt the pain the cut in her lip should’ve caused. “Zach, I…It’s better this way.”
He shook his head. “Better for whom? You? Because it sure as hell isn’t better for me. You’re going to have to do better than that.”
She looked away and racked her brain, trying to come up with another reason. “You - you told me that when we got divorced was up to me.”
Zach sighed in exasperation. He knew that would come back to bite him in the ass. Being a gentleman definitely had its drawbacks, so he decided to be honest. “I lied.”
She looked up at the sky and rolled her eyes. He was going to make this difficult. Good thing she had several valid reasons. She rattled off another one. “I’m pregnant with Ryan’s baby, Zach. Have you forgotten that?”
He laughed quietly. Was she serious? “So how is that different now? You’ve been pregnant for months. I’ve known all along that it was Ryan’s child”
Her eyes flew to his. “But Zach, it’s my child with Ryan. Not Greenlee’s.”
He watched in fascination as Kendall moved a hand to her midsection, absently rubbing her belly in small circles. Kendall had already begun to bond with her child. Interesting. He held her gaze. “So?”
She looked at him incredulously. “So? …So? …Zach, thanks to Greenlee, I am going to be a mother.”
“You’ll adjust…you always do.”
“And – And you didn’t sign on for this. You don’t want another child.” Aha! She had him. ‘I don’t want you obligated to my baby out of necessity and I don’t want you obligated to my baby because of any guilt you’re harboring about Ethan’s childhood. My baby deserves better.” And so do I.
Zach felt like he had been slapped. She actually thought that of him? He counted to 10…twice…and blamed it on her hormones. “I may not have signed on for it…If I’m going to be honest, I’ll have to admit I never really thought about it, But that’s not how I feel. Any other reasons?”
Kendall stood up and distanced herself from him. I have the best reason of all. You don’t love me.
Chapter 18
He watched her as she moved away, the stiffness in her body unmistakable. She was rubbing her arms like she was trying to get warm. Apparently it didn’t seem to work, for she wrapped her arms around herself instead.
Zach stood up quickly and closed the distance between them. He moved to stand behind her, his body against hers. He rubbed her arms gently and closed his arms around her, ignoring the fact that her body tensed at his touch.
“Relax.” His voice was warm in her ear.
She tried to move away but he only tightened his hold. I should’ve done this that night. Maybe if I had, we wouldn’t be here now.
Kendall closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Zach’s body surrounding her. His arms were loose enough so that she could breathe, but tight enough so that she couldn’t move away. Didn’t he know that she couldn’t think clearly when he was that close? And she needed to think…her husband was annihilating each and every reason she had for pushing him away. If he kept it up, she wasn’t going to be able to walk away.
She turned her head to give him a dirty look. “You’re being a Neanderthal.” She promptly turned her head back around.
Zach smiled to himself and kissed the top of her head. “It’s your own fault, you know. If you would stay in one place, I wouldn’t have to resort to my “Me Tarzan, You Jane” act.”
Without thinking, she said the first thing that popped into her mind. “You’re a little overdressed.”
“That can be taken care of. Care to help?” Zach smiled. Flirty Kendall. Hmmm… They were definitely making progress.
Kendall groaned softly. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. When was she going to learn to think before she opened her mouth? She tried in vain to separate her body from his.
“Hey…Stop. I thought we already addressed this. I’m not letting you go.” He pulled her back against his chest.
“You addressed it. I had no choice in the matter.” She reluctantly allowed herself to relax against him. She turned to look him in the eye. “You do know that this wasn’t what they meant when they joined us in the bonds of matrimony, right?
“Of course. They were talking about handcuffs and silk scarves.” The twinkle was back in his eyes.
She couldn’t help it. The thought of Zach being kinky was too much for her to take. She laughed.
“What?” Zach felt her body lean into his. He shifted his stance to take on her weight and moved the circle of his arms down to around her waist. God she was beautiful. This was the first time she had smiled, let alone laughed, in what seemed like forever. He smiled back.
“Oh please! Be serious.” Kendall laughed again.
Zach pretended to be offended. “Hey! I’ll have you know that there’s something to be said for staying still.” The teasing look in his eyes disappeared. “One day I’ll prove it to you.”
She could feel the sudden heat in his eyes all the way down to her toes. Kendall lowered her eyes and turned her head back towards the water, trying to slow her racing heart.
They remained standing together, watching the evening stars appear in the blue-black sky, each lost in their own thoughts.
******************
Zach looked down at the woman in his arms. This was exactly where she was supposed to be…with him. He made the conscious decision to relax his arms. Although he still wanted to give her his warmth and keep her safe, he knew he needed to give her back her ability to make her own choices. They had made some progress, and he was pretty confident that Kendall wouldn’t run away again. He bent his head to kiss her shoulder and whispered in her ear. “Are we okay?”
Not yet. Kendall took a deep breath and turned herself around in his arms. She needed to explain. Keeping her eyes on his, she took a small step back, effectively stepping out of his arms. She watched as he lowered his arms slowly back to his sides.
Zach felt an acute sense of loss the second she backed away and had to stop himself from reaching back out to her. His eyes took an inventory of her body language; she was tense, her hands clasping and unclasping in front of her. Her eyes had lost their earlier sparkle. Her smile had also disappeared. That could only mean one thing - she had made her choice. And it wasn’t him.
She caught the quick flash of pain and confusion in his eyes before he blinked it away, and his face settled into a mask of resigned acceptance. In that moment she knew exactly what he was thinking. She reached out and quickly grabbed his arm, her fingers digging into the linen of his shirt. “No!…No, Zach…You don’t understand…It isn’t…” Kendall couldn’t seem find the right words much less speak them. With every ineffective word, she watched her husband pull further away.
Zach removed her hand from his arm, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles before he let it go. His voice was rough. “I do understand. I gave you a choice and you made it.”
“But I – “ Her eyes pleaded for him to let her finish.
“Shh. You made it, and it’s okay.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “Be happy.” He turned to pick up his shoes and began to walk away.
“Zach, wait!”
Zach continued walking.
“Damn it, Zach! Stop!” Kendall looked at the ground and saw her sandals lying on the sand. She bent to pick them up. Taking careful aim, she hurled the first one with all of her might – directly at the middle of her husband’s back.
Chapter 19
Thud.
“What the–“ Zach turned around only to be hit squarely in the chest with another strappy sandal. “Hey!” He rubbed his chest to get rid if the sting. His eyes focused on his wife.
Kendall stood with her hands on her hips, looking on with satisfaction as adrenaline pulsated throughout her body. She had accomplished her goal. She had gotten him to stop walking away and managed to wipe that resigned look of acceptance off of his face.
Zach bent and picked up one of her sandals to examine it, relieved that today she had opted for flats as opposed to the heels she always wore. It could’ve been much worse.
Kendall’s triumph was short-lived. He didn’t speak and he was turning the shoe over in his hand. She suddenly had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. He wouldn’t... She started to walk towards him, just in case.
Zach tested the weight of the shoe in his hand. It reminded him of her. It weighed next to nothing, but packed one hell of a punch when aimed at a heart. And today, his heart couldn’t take anymore. Avoiding her gaze, he took her sandal and threw it into the surf.
“Hey! What – What are you doing?”
“What does it look like? I’m retaliating.” Zach calmly reached down to pick up the second offending shoe and sent it the way of the first.
“No!” Kendall screamed in frustration as the mate of her favorite pair of sandals sailed over her head and landed in the water.
Zach smiled to himself when he heard the satisfying splash. That’ll teach her to throw a tantrum.
She turned back to look at her husband. She was furious.
“Don’t look at me like that. You brought this on yourself.”
“Excuse me? It’s my fault you ruined my favorite pair of sandals? They were bought specifically to match this dress!” Her hands slid over her silk-covered hips.
“Maybe you should’ve thought of that before you threw them at me.” Zach shrugged and slid his hands into the pockets of his khakis.
“How else was I going to get you to stop and listen to me?”
“Just a suggestion. You might want to rethink the whole violence thing. It comes off as a little desperate.” He regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. This wasn’t helping.
“But you didn’t let me finish, let me explain...”
“Kendall, stop making this harder than it already is.” He closed his eyes for a minute and let out a tired sigh. “Stop... Just stop. I can’t do this anymore with you. You can have your divorce.”
“My divorce. But I thought…” She shook her head in confusion. “I mean…I just wanted…” Just minutes ago he was shooting holes in her reasons for pushing him away. Now he was the one doing the pushing? How did they get to here?
“You wanted to what?”
Tell you that I was wrong. Tell you that I’m sorry I hurt you. Tell you that I love you. But the words stuck in her throat. Kendall looked at her husband, noticing for the first time just how exhausted he looked. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them if she spoke any of those things. He would just feel even guiltier than he did already. She took a deep breath and forced out an apology. “I just wanted to tell you that I was sorry. I am, Zach…for everything.” She turned away before he’d see the tears in her eyes and walked towards the water.
Zach stood there in silence, her apology repeating itself over and over in his mind. “Me too.” His words were whispered and never intended for her ears. He watched as she went in search of her shoes.
Kendall walked into the surf, the water swirling around her ankles. Her eyes scanned the shallow water in the darkness but her sandals were nowhere to be found. She kept walking, feeling the cool water on her calves. She repeatedly plunged her hands and arms into the water, feeling along the bottom for her shoes and she came up empty each time.
“Kendall, forget about the shoes. You won’t find them in the dark.”
She ignored him and continued walking, the water steadily climbing further and further up her legs. She reached back down into the water, her arms straining to reach the bottom while trying to keep her head above water. Her fingers finally felt the edge of a sandal strap but it was just out of her reach. She leaned a little further and promptly fell into the water.
“Kendall!” He started towards the water, stopping when he saw her stand, albeit shakily, clutching a shoe in her hand. He watched as she wiped the water from her face and pushed back the hair that had fallen into her eyes. She seemed to look at him for a second before turning back to look for the second shoe.
She found one, she could find the other. Kendall walked a little further before reaching in again. She didn’t even feel the cold water although her body shivered.
Zach shook his head. She was crazy. “Kendall, this is insane. The water’s freezing, you’re shivering for God’s sake. Come out of the water.” He stood at the edge of the surf.
She didn’t even spare him a glance. “Not until I find my other shoe.”
“The cold water isn’t good for the baby. Come on. You can always buy another pair of shoes.” When she didn’t respond, he headed in after her.
Kendall kept searching. No matter where she looked, the shoe seemed to have disappeared. The tears were flowing freely now, her chest rising and falling as she tried to breathe. She didn’t realize that she wasn’t alone until she felt an arm encircle her from behind.
“Let it go, Kendall.” Zach pulled her back to his chest and began to pull her back to the shore.
“No!” She flailed her arms and legs; Her hand with the sandal connected strongly with his body, the surprise of it causing him to let her go. She made it about two feet before he grabbed her again.
“Kendall! Stop it!” He shook her gently. “It’s not worth it.”
She looked up at him, her tears obstructing her view of his face. “It’s all your fault!” She began to pummel his chest with her small hands.
Zach sighed. What was it about a woman and her shoes? He wrested the sandal out of her hand and put it in his pocket. “Christ, Kendall, I’m sorry I ruined your shoes okay?”
She continued to hit him until she ran out of steam and collapsed against his chest, her body wracked with sobs. “I loved…” How could he just throw something she loved away? “They…never going to be able…hate…..” Her words were barely intelligible as they were mumbled into his shirt.
Zach closed his eyes. Hate. She hated him. He knew she was upset and didn’t mean it, but it didn’t make it any easier for him to hear. He whispered in her ear. “Shh. It’s going to be okay. I promise.” He bent his knees and swung her body into his arms and headed back to shore.
Chapter 20
Kendall’s Room 872
“Zach, you can put me down now. I am capable of walking.”
“I’ll put you down when we’re inside. Besides, you don’t have any shoes on.” He pointedly ignored the look that Kendall shot his way and shifted her in his arms so he could open her door. Kicking it shut behind him, he walked to the sofa and set her down. He reached for the throw on the back of the sofa and draped it over her body, tucking the edges snugly around her legs. “How about something warm to drink?”
Kendall stopped him with a hand on his arm. ‘Later. We need to talk.”
Zach looked down at her hand and back up at her face before he quickly moved away. “You need to warm up.”
She watched as he headed to the kitchen. “Zach, come back here.”
He ignored her and began checking cabinets for tea bags. “Chamomile or Mint?”
Kendall rolled her eyes. The man was determined to drive her crazy. “Neither. I’m not going to fall apart again.”
“Good.” Because I couldn’t take it if you did. He spared her a quick glance before he turned back to hunt for the teakettle.
“Zach, the hormones have shifted back into balance and all is right with the world. You’re safe.” If he kept this up, she was going to scream in frustration.
“I’m glad. I’m sure the world is too.” He filled up the kettle and placed it on the stove, turning the dial to high. Now that the tea was on its way, he headed back to the sofa.
Finally. Kendall hastily repositioned herself, swinging her legs to the floor and moving closer to Zach. She watched in annoyance as he seemed to look everywhere else but at her. “Oh for God’s sake! She got up from the sofa and moved to sit on the edge of the coffee table, putting herself directly across from her husband. “I’m trying to talk to you. The least you can do is make an effort to listen.”
Sure the hormones were balanced. Now how was he supposed to respond? Oh, yeah. His voice was soft. “Yes, Dear. You’re right and I’m sorry.” Their eyes met and they shared a smile.
Kendall tried to swallow the lump that had suddenly appeared in her throat. Taking a deep breath, she looked him in the eye and began her apology. “I’ve needed to say this for a while now. I need you to know how very sorry I am about what happened in Paris.”
The anguish he felt that morning when he woke up to find her gone suddenly came flooding back, so much so that he got up from the sofa and put some much needed distance between them. He couldn’t look at her. “What exactly are you sorry for Kendall?”
Kendall looked at him in confusion, her voice quiet. “What do you mean?”
”Are you sorry we slept together?” He bent down and picked up the divorce papers he had thrown on the floor. “Are you sorry you told me you loved me?” Zach headed to the desk to pick up another envelope and placed the papers inside, leaning the envelope against the phone. He turned back to her, finally meeting her eyes. “Or are you sorry for telling me you were exactly where you wanted to be that night when in reality you wanted to be anywhere else but?”
Kendall was struck to the core by the depth of his pain in his eyes. “Zach…no…” She stood slowly, her legs shaking. She was walking towards him, her hand outstretched, when the sound of a whistle pierced the air.
He shook his head, making her stop short. “It’s over and it’s done. End of story. We can both move on.” Zach headed to the kitchen, his attention on the whistling kettle. Turning off the stove, he reached for a mug. “Now, you didn’t answer my question. Chamomile or mint?” When she didn’t answer, he made his own choice. “Chamomile it is.”
Kendall fumed. How could he be so damn cavalier? She was trying to pour her heart out and he was more interested in pouring tea? She was seething when he walked back to her and extended the mug.
“Here, this will warm you up…and calm you down.”
That did it. Whack! She knocked the mug of tea right out of his hand.
Zach’s startled eyes followed the mug’s flight as it sailed through the air and crashed into the wall, the hot tea running down and staining the wallpaper. “What the hell was that for?”
She began to advance towards him, her green eyes flashing. “I don’t want the God damn tea, Zach! I am NOT cold, and I AM PERFECTLY CALM!” Her breathing was fast, her chest heaving.
Zach began to back away slowly, forced to stop when the back of his legs hit the sofa.
“And for your information, the only thing I was sorry about was that I had hurt you!” She poked him in the chest with her finger to emphasize her point. “No, I take that back. You know what else I’m sorry for? I’m sorry that I love you and you don’t love me! I’m sorry that I ever pushed for a divorce because it’s the last thing I want!” Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. “I’m sorry for EVERYTHING and all you’re worried about is the stupid tea! - Oomph” Her tirade was cut short as Zach grabbed her with both hands, pulled her against him, and crushed his lips to hers.
(Continued below)
Edited by: jekyll and hyde 6 at: 7/23/06 10:51 pm
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jekyll and hyde 6
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(7/23/06 1:16 am)
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It Had To Be You - Chapters 21 - Epilogue
Chapter 21
Zach slid both hands into her hair, using them to anchor her head exactly where he wanted it. He slanted his mouth over hers, taking advantage of her indrawn breath to thrust his tongue past her lips.
His tongue dueled with hers, each of them trying to dominate, alternating between forceful advances and seductive caresses. Kendall moaned and slid her hands up his chest, feeling his heart pound beneath her fingertips. She shifted closer, fisting her hands in his shirt.
Zach groaned as her body rubbed against his, causing his hands to leave the confines of her hair to slide slowly down her body. The damp silk of her dress accentuated each and every curve of her body but it didn’t mask the heat of her skin. His mouth moved to her neck, nibbling and sucking only to soothe her skin gently afterwards with his tongue. He inhaled her scent…vanilla…and exhaled softly into her ear. He felt her tremble as his tongue circled the shell of her ear. He caught her earlobe between his teeth and bit gently, hearing her gasp and feeling her body jerk in reaction. His hand moved to her breast, his thumb rubbing the hardened nipple through the soft silk. Bending his head, his open mouth trailed down her soft neck and into the deep V of her dress.
Kendall leaned back to give Zach better access to her overheated skin, prompting him to pull back slightly to turn and ease her down onto the sofa. He followed closely behind her, holding himself above her to unfasten the tie of the wrap dress she was wearing and move the silk aside before slowly lowering himself on top of her. She moaned as the weight of his body settled against her and pressed her deeper into the cushions. Moving her arms to encircle his waist, her wandering hands slid underneath his shirt and up his back, feeling the tight, taut muscles. With excruciating slowness, she scraped her nails down his back, feeling a sense of feminine satisfaction when she felt him harden against her.
“Kendall…” Zach’s voice was rough, his breathing shallow. “God…Kendall…”
“Shh…” She reached up to pull his head back down to hers, needing to feel his lips on hers again. She felt Zach reach down and pull her leg up higher against his side and begin to rock his hips gently against her. She countered each movement with one of her own; a roll of her hips, a low moan in the back of her throat, a breathy sigh in his ear. All that Kendall could see was him. All she could feel was the heat emanating from his body – and she couldn’t get close enough. She wanted…no needed…to burn.
Zach felt himself rapidly beginning to lose control. His body was clamoring for release, and in a few more minutes he wouldn’t be able to think, let alone stop. Zach pulled back, his forehead resting against hers as he tried to catch his breath. He couldn’t do this, not yet. Not before he told her. He slowly lifted himself off of her, placing a soft kiss on her lips before leaning back against the sofa. “Kendall…” He watched her attempt to focus on his face, her passion-filled eyes cloudy. “Before things go any further…I need you to know something…” He knew the second her mind cleared because her eyes became wary. He hated that look. She should never be wary of him.
“Know – know what?” She struggled to sit up, her hand grasping the edges of the front of her dress to hold it together. The look in his eyes was unreadable, causing the warmth that she had felt just moments ago to fade.
He reached out and took her hand away from her dress and pulled it to his chest, his thumb caressing her knuckles. “You don’t ever need to hide yourself from me.” He held her gaze as he lifted her hand to his lips. “I need you to know that I’m sorry too.” He put a finger on her lips when she opened her mouth to respond. ”Please. I need to say this. I’ve been carrying it around with me and I can’t be silent anymore.” He reached out with his other hand to caress her cheek. “I’m sorry that I hurt you.” His voice was soft. “I’m sorry that I made you feel like you had to run away from me.” He looked down at their joined hands, again noticing the absence of his rings. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t honest with you about not wanting the divorce.”
Kendall reached out to touch his face, a look of wonder and hope appearing in her green eyes.
Zach’s gaze returned to hers, the naked emotion in his eyes displayed openly for her to see. He captured her hand and used it to pull her towards him. “But more than anything else, I’m sorry for not admitting that I was in love with you, too.”
Kendall went to him slowly, her eyes searching his, desperately wanting to believe him.
He saw the insecurity in her eyes and silently damned everyone who had a hand in destroying her ability to trust without question to hell. He met her gaze unflinchingly. “Believe it, Kendall. I love you. And you can trust that.”
Tears filled her eyes. This strong yet tender man in front of her just gave her the most precious gift she had ever received. His heart. She closed her eyes as he lowered his head to hers. She reopened them when Zach’s lips hovered just above hers, his eyes on hers. It was as if he too realized the significance of that moment. This kiss would be the most important kiss they would ever share. She felt a tear make its way down her cheek only to be wiped away gently by his finger. “I love you, Zach...So much.” Her words were whispered against his lips. This time their kiss was different. It was achingly tender…and full of love.
Chapter 22 NC-17
Kendall patted the sofa cushion next to her and Zach sighed and sat back down. He had no longer leaned back into the sofa when Kendall stood up, turned, and lowered herself onto his lap, her legs straddling his. She kissed him softly, her lips barely touching his, pulling back when he tried to increase the contact. “You love me…” she breathed.
Zach reached out and caressed her cheek. “Very much.”
“And you want me…” Her eyes met his and she slowly began to unbutton his shirt. She could feel his heart pounding as she bent her head and placed openmouthed kisses on the newly revealed skin. She rotated her hips against him slowly, causing him to groan and harden beneath her.
“Yes…Oh God yes…” Zach’s lips met hers in a hard, deep kiss, letting his body set the pace before he remembered. The surprise. He pulled away, leaving Kendall dazed. He gently smacked her butt and lifted her off of him, placing her on the sofa next to him so that he could stand. “But we have things to do, places to be.”
“What? Where?” Kendall blinked several times, trying to clear the fog from her head and figure out what just happened. Her body was still humming and he was too far away.
“It’s a surprise.” Zach tried not to smile as he watched her frown and wrinkle her nose. Sometimes she was almost too predictable. Here it comes.
“I don’t like surprises.” Kendall narrowed her eyes in suspicion and folded her arms across her chest.
“You’ll like this one.” When she didn’t appear convinced, he lowered his voice, the sexy gravel of it rolling over her in waves. “I promise.” He watched as she settled back into the sofa and crossed her legs, intentionally providing Zach with an enticing view of her thigh. He squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. Patience. He could handle this. Opening his eyes, he met her gaze and extended his hand. “Come with me.”
“No. I’m not moving until you tell me what’s going on.”
“If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it? Trust me, Kendall. Come here.” Trust me. His words had her uncrossing her legs, standing up, and walking over to her husband. “Now kiss me.”
He didn’t have to ask twice... and Kendall didn’t disappoint. Her lips ate at his, her tongue begging for entrance to the warm wet heat of his mouth. He opened his mouth, groaning as her tongue began to mate with his in long, slow, wet strokes. His hands slid down her body, over her hips, to rest on the back of her thighs. She felt him bend slightly and lift her up against him, wrapping her legs around his waist.
He navigated smoothly around the sofa and made his way to the bathroom, and upon entering, set Kendall down on the oversized vanity. He turned to walk away, stopping when he heard her call his name. Zach turned briefly, putting his finger to his lips. He whispered a soft and sexy “Stay”, before leaving her alone in the dark.
Kendall tried to calm her racing heart, the only light in the room coming from the doorway. Minutes later, Zach returned, carrying several white candles. He headed back to her and arranged the candles on the vanity around her. Bending his head, he kissed her slowly, almost as an apology for leaving her alone in the dark.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small book of matches. He struck the match against the flint, causing a sudden spark and flame in the darkness. Reaching for a candle, he touched its wick with the match, watching it come to life. Kendall watched as the light of the flame played over his face and was reflected in his eyes. He placed the candle back on the vanity carefully, his eyes never leaving hers. Bringing the match to his lips, he blew softly. Zach watched in fascination as her eyes seem to widen, her breath catching. He repeated his actions with the second candle, the candlelight reflecting in the mirror behind her casting soft shadows on her skin. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, her breath coming in soft pants. He picked up and lit the third and final candle, only this time he brought the lit match to her lips. Holding her gaze, his voice was hoarse when he spoke. “Blow.”
With her eyes locked on his, Kendall wet her lips, pursed them and blew out the match. The look in Zach’s eyes, the combination of love and lust, was a heady one. He looked like he was about to devour her, inch by delicious inch. And she couldn’t wait. She raised her lips to his, moaning deep in her throat when Zach accepted her silent invitation.
Zach picked her up from the counter and lowered her to the floor, her body sliding along his. He placed a kiss on her lips and turned her around to face the mirror. He stood behind her, his lips against her neck.
“Zach?” Her eyes were filled with confusion.
His dark eyes met hers in the mirror. “Shh. I want you to see yourself as I see you.” He watched as she immediately closed her eyes.
“Kendall. Open your eyes.” His voice was warm in her ear, causing little jolts of electricity to run through her body. When her eyes remained shut, he ran his hands up and down her arms, trying to reassure her. His hands moved to her shoulders, crossing down in front of her to the V of her dress, his fingers separating the silk. The candlelight cast a warm glow on her pale skin.
Kendall shook her head and shivered, the combination of the cool air on her skin as well as the feather light touch of Zach’s fingers as they skimmed slowly over her skin causing her body to tingle. Her mouth suddenly dry, she attempted to swallow.
Zach slid the dress off her shoulders, the silk sliding down her arms to land in a puddle at her feet. His eyes were focused on her reflection in the oval mirror, his eyes roaming hungrily over her scantily clad body. Underneath the silk she was wearing nothing but scraps of black lace.
“You are so beautiful.”
The depth of feeling in his voice caused Kendall to open her eyes and lock them on his, her cheeks infusing with color. Zach’s gaze was dark with emotion, the candlelight unable to completely mask the hunger in his eyes. This was a different side of her husband…and she wasn’t sure if she could handle it.
You look into my eyes, I go out of my mind
I can't see anything cuz this love's got me blind
I can't help myself, I can't break the spell
I can't even try
Zach slid a finger under her right bra strap, lifting it away from her skin, moving it up and down her shoulder. He bent his head and placed a soft kiss in the hollow of her neck. “You asked me if I wanted you.” He paused until she met his eyes in the mirror. “Feel how much.” He put his hands on her hips, holding her immobile as he pressed his lower body against hers, his hardness evident even through the fabric of his slacks. Looking into her eyes, he bent his head to whisper in her ear. “But I want to feel you.”
Well you whispered to me / And I shiver inside
You undo me and move me / In ways undefined
And you're all I see / And you're all I need
Help me baby (help me baby) / Help me baby (help me now)
He felt her tremble against him. His hands moved her hair aside so that his lips could trail across the sensitive skin at the back of her neck. Zach watched as her eyes fluttered closed, hiding her reaction, and she leaned forward to give him better access to her neck. He wanted her with him every step of the way. “Kendall, look at me.” Her eyes opened slowly and met his in the glass, her cheeks flushed with color. His lips moved towards her other ear to whisper again. “I want you to watch.”
Zach took a step back and reached for the clasp of her bra, unhooking it slowly. His hands moved to her shoulders to slide the straps down her arms, peeling the lace away and letting it fall to the floor. She tried to cover herself with her arms only to see Zach shake his head and move her arms to around his neck, leaving her completely exposed to his eyes. He stood still for a minute, struck by the beauty before him. Kendall watched him as he slid his hands up her torso to cup her breasts, first kneading them gently and then rubbing her sensitive nipples with his fingers, watching them harden.
Baby, I'm too lost in you / Caught in you
Lost in everything about you
So deep, I can't sleep / I can't think
I just think about the things that you do (you do)
I'm too lost in you / (Too lost in you)
His hands moved down her body, stopping to caress the barely noticeable bump where her child lay. He watched as her eyes softened and pressed a kiss into her hair. His hands moved to her hips, his fingers hooking themselves in the lace of her panties. He lowered himself to the floor, pulling the inconsequential scrap of lace along with him, lifting one foot and then the other to remove it and toss it aside. He stood slowly, his right hand running up her leg and slowly sliding between her thighs. He smiled as she gasped, her knees weakening as he began to caress her softly. She was ready, more than ready, the scent of her arousal heavy in the air. His fingers moved gently across her folds before thrusting two long fingers deep inside her, and it was enough to send her right over the edge. Kendall let out a small scream as her orgasm slammed into her body.
Any intention Zach had of stopping after Kendall had been satisfied was shot to hell the minute he saw the look in her eyes as she watched herself climax. It was the most erotic thing he had ever seen, causing him to become more determined than ever to have her. Right then. And right there.
Zach spun her around and placed her back on the vanity, his hands going to his belt. Kendall pushed his hands aside, quickly undoing his belt and zipper, and slid his khakis and boxers down over his hips, freeing his hardness into her waiting hands. She caressed him slowly, rubbing her hands along his shaft. Zach reached down and stopped her, wanting to be inside her when he lost control. Kendall pulled him into a deep, wet kiss as she wrapped her legs around him. Zach put his hands on her hips and pulled her to the edge of the vanity, opening her legs wider to accommodate him. Trying to gain some control over his body, he paused at her entrance, his shaft teasing her with the promise of fulfillment. Kendall rubbed herself against him, groaning as the ache deep inside her intensified. “Zach…now….oh God, now …please!” He waited until her eyes met his, needing to voice the emotion he felt for the incredible woman in his arms. He whispered “I love you, Kendall” before angling her hips and driving himself into her.
Chapter 23
Kendall’s Room, 872
Kendall stood in front of the mirror, her body dwarfed in an oversized white terrycloth robe, staring at her reflection. The woman that looked back at her was different. There was a sparkle in her eye, color in her cheeks, and a smile on her face. She looked happy. She was loved.
The smile on her face grew as her mind replayed the evening’s events. After making love, Zach had ushered her into the shower with a gentle kiss, promising to return in an hour for her surprise. Kendall laughed softly. Who would ever put the words Zach Slater and surprise in the same sentence? Zach. The man she had married to avoid love was the man she had fallen in love with. Funny how things come full circle. She exited the bathroom and headed to the kitchen for some ginger ale.
Knock. Knock.
Kendall glanced at the clock. Ten thirty. Zach wasn’t due back until eleven. She headed over to the door and peered through the peephole. Seeing Gerard standing there in the hallway, she smoothed her hands over her hips and opened the door.
“Ah, Ms. Hart. I have a delivery for you.” Bowing slightly, Gerard presented her with a white box wrapped in a big red bow.
“Gerard, what’s this?”
“I believe it is a surprise, Ms. Hart.” Gerard beamed at her, his smile bright. “Enjoy.” He turned to walk away.
“Gerard – about before…I…” She tried unsuccessfully to apologize, her hand outstretched.
“Ms. Hart, there’s no need. It was perfectly understandable.” He smiled as he took her hand and kissed it. “I hope you and Mr. Slater enjoy your evening.” He turned and began to walk away.
“Wait! You know about Zach’s surprise?” Her mind raced furiously to figure out how she could get Gerard to let her in on the secret.
Gerard just smiled and shook his head. “Patience, Ms. Hart.” He gave her a knowing wink, adding a “Goodnight.” as he walked away.
Kendall closed her door and carried the box to the bedroom. Her eyes scanned the box for a card, finding it tucked away under the bow. Sitting down on the bed, she opened the small envelope and pulled out the card, instantly recognizing Zach’s handwriting. Wear me. Kendall held the card to her lips. If she closed her eyes, she could hear his voice speaking the request. She placed the card on the bed next to her and picked up the box, her hand pulling the tail of the red bow until it collapsed. Moving the ribbon aside, she opened the box and carefully lifted the tissue paper. Dropping the box on the bed, Kendall lifted the dress out of the box, its coordinating silk scarf falling unnoticed to the floor, unable to contain the gasp that escaped her lips. She rushed to the mirror, holding the dress in front of her. It was beautiful. It was silk, blush pink in color, a halter style dress with spaghetti straps. The skirt was fitted at the hips before flaring slightly below the knee, the zipper hidden in the back. Zach, you have great taste. Kendall laid the dress on the bed, noticing the scarf for the first time. She picked it up from the floor and gently pulled it through her hands, feeling the caress of the silk. She felt the heat rush to her cheeks as her mind recalled her conversation with Zach on the beach regarding the bonds of matrimony…handcuffs and silk scarves. An unbidden visual of her husband tied to a bedpost sent her scurrying off to the bathroom to finish getting ready.
***********************
Zach’s Room, 874
Ring. Ring.
Zach exited the shower, hurriedly wrapping a towel around his hips and padded to the phone. He picked up the handset and put it to his ear. “Slater…Excellent….and the other arrangements?...No, sparkling cider…” He checked the clock on the wall. “We should be there in about 45 minutes…Thanks again, Gerard.” Zach laughed softly. “We will, thank you.” He hung up the phone, shaking his head. To think that only a few hours ago he had been ready to cancel his plans. What a difference a few hours made. He felt the smile on his face grow. He was happy. And he was loved. With a spring in his step, he headed to the bedroom to get dressed.
***********************
Kendall’s Room, 872
10:59. Kendall gave herself a final once over in the long mirror hanging in the hall, adjusting the spaghetti straps on her shoulders. There. Perfect. She smiled at the excited woman in the mirror. She was looking forward to her first real date with her husband. First date. Kendall shook her head at how ridiculous that sounded, although, if she were honest with herself, she did feel a bit like a teenager. Regardless of how close she and Zach had gotten in the past few weeks, the butterflies in her stomach were very real. When she heard a knock on her door, she placed her hand on her belly. “Well, baby of mine, it looks like we just might not be alone after all.” Kendall grabbed her scarf, looping it around her neck and draping it down her back before walking to the door. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she peered through the peephole, opening the door quickly to reveal her ruggedly handsome husband.
“Hi.” Zach’s voice was low, the one word causing shivers up and down Kendall’s spine. He had a sexy smile on his face that reached his eyes that was doing things to the butterflies in her stomach. He was leaning against the doorframe wearing a black suit and tie with a crisp white shirt. His hair was tousled and still damp at the ends from the shower. “Miss me?”
Kendall couldn’t even speak; her heart was pounding so loudly in her chest that she was sure he could hear it. Meeting his eyes, she just nodded her head slowly. Zach smiled and reached for the wisp of silk around her neck. He gently slid his fingers between the silk and her skin, caressing her throat, feeling her pulse jump against his fingers. He pulled ever so gently, causing Kendall to lean towards him and the scarf to come off in his hands. He bent his head and pulled her into a deep wet kiss that she felt all the way down to her toes. “I’ll take that as a “yes”.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Are you ready for your surprise?” She managed a whispered “yes” before she cleared her throat, trying to find her voice.
“Close your eyes and turn around.” He watched in amazement as she actually followed his directions and turned her back to him. Taking her scarf, he folded it in half and lifted it against the light. It would work. Zach lifted the scarf above her head and lowered it in front of her eyes, pulling it gently against her face and tying it behind her.
“Zach? What are you doing?” Her hands reached up to pull at the makeshift blindfold.
“Trust me.” He caught her hands and lowered them back to her side, bending his head to place a soft kiss on the nape of her neck. “Are you all set?”
“My- My purse… It’s on the table.”
Zach moved her gently to the side and entered her room to get her purse. Picking it up, he glanced at the floor. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
Kendall tilted her head to the side, her nose wrinkling as she tried to think. “I don’t think so. Why?”
Zach picked up her strappy heels and carried them over, crouching down in front of her. He tapped the top of her foot, before running his fingers over her pale pink painted toes. He watched in amusement as the color flood her cheeks. Her “Oh” was barely audible. He took her left hand and placed it on his shoulder. “Just hang on to me. We’ll start with this one.” He lifted her left foot, his fingers running slowly over the sole of her foot. He felt her hands tighten on his jacket as her knees trembled with his caress. He slid the shoe onto her foot slowly, his hands caressing her ankle as he fastened the sexy little strap. He repeated the same process with her right foot, but after fastening the strap he let his hands slide a little further up her leg to the back of her knee. He caressed it slowly with his fingertips before returning them back to her ankle. Taking a look at his handiwork, he nodded satisfied. Who knew shoes could be sexy? Standing up, he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her back towards the door, gently pushing her into the hallway so he could close her door. Once the door was shut, he bent slightly and lifted her into his arms.
“Zach, I can walk-”
“Shh. It would ruin the surprise.” He pulled her closer against his chest, and smiling, he made his way to the elevator.
Chapter 24
Kendall’s left foot bobbed up and down with each step that Zach took. She was confident that she could figure out where they were going. After all, she had been at the hotel for several days now and had explored every inch of it. How hard could it be to navigate blindfolded? Kendall shifted in Zach’s arms to get comfortable, her right arm around his neck, her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. She smirked. I can so do this. She felt him stop a few minutes later and shift her to one side. Right...Elevator. After a few seconds, she heard the door open and Zach began to move. She felt him take a few steps before he turned around and shifted her again in his arms. Another elevator button. She smiled. This really was pretty easy.
Kendall felt the elevator move, the descent causing her stomach to flip flop and her arm to tighten around Zach’s neck. She felt him laugh as he pulled her closer, the rumble in his chest causing it to rise and fall beneath of her. She took advantage and leaned her head against his chest, her face in his neck, breathing him in. She began planting soft kisses on his neck, feeling the pulse in his neck quicken. His arms tightened around her. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me where we’re going?” When he swallowed but didn’t answer her, she pressed on, moving her lips slowly up to his ear. “Not even a little hint?” He growled low in his throat, sending all kinds of tingles through her body. “Are you sure?” She felt Zach stiffen as she whispered in his ear, her tongue darting out and quickly swirling, causing him to almost drop her. He recovered quickly and whispered, “You’re going to pay for that.” She just laughed.
Hearing the ding of the elevator doors opening, she attempted to focus on the noise around her as opposed to her husband’s knee-weakening cologne. She raised her head, and listening closely, she could hear other people about. Lobby! God, this really was too easy. I hope he’s going to do better than this. She settled her head back down, a smirk on her face.
Zach glanced down at the woman in his arms, pleasantly surprised that she seemed to be taking the evening’s events in stride. Kendall wasn’t exactly the patient type and he had been half afraid that he would’ve had to throw her over his shoulder and carry her kicking and screaming to their destination. A closer look revealed the smirk on her lips. So, she thought she knew where they were going, huh? Let’s just see about that. He headed to the front door, the attendant opening it so that Zach could walk out to the waiting black limousine.
Ok, so her surprise wasn’t at the hotel. Kendall wrinkled her nose in concentration. Where the hell was he taking her?
Zach stopped so that the driver he had hired could open the car door. He bent slightly and slid her into the back seat, removing her arm from around his neck and placing her hand in her lap. He leaned further in and placed her purse next to her. He double-checked the blindfold before placing a soft kiss on her lips, pulling back when she tried to deepen it. He lifted her legs, placed them in the car, and closed the door. He caught the driver’s eye and smiled, handing him a few bills before the driver circled the car to get in the drivers seat. Once the driver was in place, he struck the roof of the car twice, hearing the door locks engage as the limo began to pull away from the curb. Smiling, he rubbed his hands together. This was going to make her crazy.
“Mr. Slater?” Gerard stood in the hotel doorway, his eyes fixed on the moving limousine. “Are you sure you should’ve done that, sir?”
Zach’s eyes followed the limo as it moved slowly down the street, a broad smile on his face. “Oh, yes, Gerard. Very sure.” He turned to face Gerard and smiled. “Everything’s in place?”
Gerard nodded slowly, allowing the smile he normally wore to return to his lips. Well, Mr. Slater should know Ms. Hart better than he did. He indicated the Mercedes parked at the curb. “It’s all set. If you take the back roads, you should get there well before she arrives.” He handed Zach a set of keys. “Good luck.”
Zach shook Gerard’s hand and headed to the Mercedes. He unlocked the door and slid behind the wheel. Starting the car, he adjusted the radio, stopping when he found Harry Connick Jr.’s rendition of “It Had To Be You”. He let his mind wander as he listened to the lyrics, fingers tapping on the steering wheel.
It had to be you, it had to be you;
I wandered around, and finally found - the somebody who
Could make me be true, could make me be blue;
And even be glad, just to be sad, thinking of you.
Some others I've seen, might never be mean;
Might never be cross, or try to be boss,
But they wouldn't do.
For nobody else, gave me a thrill - with all your faults, I love you still.
It had to be you, wonderful you;
It had to be you.
He shook his head in amazement. Could a song be more perfect? He took a look at his watch. In a few short minutes his wife was going to implode. He couldn’t stop smiling. Predictable was he? He released the brake and pulled away from the curb, heading towards his destination.
***********************
Limousine
Kendall heard the car door open and close, the car shifting slightly as someone got in. Zach. She angled her body towards the other side of the car, waiting for him to speak or move towards her.
She had opened her mouth to break the silence when she heard two bangs on the roof. Kendall tilted her head trying to figure out who was hitting the car. She turned sideways to reach for Zach’s hand, sliding her hand across the leather seat, finding a…flower?
She picked up the flower and raised it to her nose. A rose. She inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance wash over her. A smile played on her face. Her husband was just full of surprises. She never told him that roses were her favorite. In the back of her mind she registered the doors locking and the movement of the limo. They were on their way.
“Zach?” When he didn’t answer, she slid to the other side of the limo, only to find the rest of the bench seat empty. Maybe he was sitting across from her. “Ok, Zach, I get it, the whole silence thing. You’re paying me back for the elevator.” She smiled, recalling his reaction to her touch. “Which would be fine if I was sorry, but of course, I’m not...and I’m sure if you’re honest with yourself, you enjoyed it.” There was still no response from her husband. Kendall made a sound of exasperation. “Oh, for God’s sake, say something already!”
The longer she waited, the worse the feeling in her gut became. Kendall reached up to untie her makeshift blindfold, careful not to ruin her hair and makeup. She took a deep breath to calm down. Relax, Kendall. When she removed the silk, she was sure that Zach would be sitting across from her, his trademark sexy smirk on his lips. Wouldn’t he? Unbidden, another thought made its way into her head. Oh, no, he wouldn’t...Oh dear God, yes he would. She peeled the silk away from her eyes, blinking to adjust them to the darkness of the limo’s interior. After taking a quick inventory of the limo, her suspicions were confirmed. She was alone. “What the hell?!” She picked up the long stemmed pink rose that she had placed next to her and threw it at the partition separating her from the driver. She was going to kill him.
***********************
Zach parked the Mercedes and reached for his cell phone. Time for a little fun. He dialed the number for the phone in the back of the limo and waited for Kendall to pick up.
***********************
Kendall closed her eyes and started counting to ten….1….2….By the time she reached 10 and opened her eyes, she realized that none of the edge had been taken off. She was still planning the slow and painful death of her husband. She closed her eyes again and continued counting, reaching 35 before she registered the sound of a ringing phone.
Ring. Ring.
Her eyes opened, her gaze scanning the area around her for a phone. She finally located it on the side wall of the limo. Sliding along the seat she reached out and picked it up, taking a deep breath before she put it to her ear. “Hello?”
“Put the blindfold back on.” He heard a decisive click as she severed the connection.
Kendall slammed the phone back into its cradle. What an arrogant…wait, how did he know she had taken off the blindfold? Her eyes did a quick search, looking for any type of camera. She briefly entertained the thought of the limo driver providing her husband with information, but the partition was up and unable to be seen through. The phone rang again, and letting her curiosity get the better of her, she picked it up.
“How did you know?”
Trust Kendall to get right to the point. He smiled. “I know you.”
“No one “knows” me, least of all you.” She ignored the fact that the rose on the floor by her feet was a blatant contradiction of her statement. Her shoulders stiffened as he laughed softly in her ear.
“Besides, you needed to be taught a lesson. I am NOT predictable.”
“I never said you were.” He actually sounded offended? She was glad he couldn’t see her face. The look of wide-eyed innocence she was shooting for wasn’t quite working.
“Liar…Let’s start over.” He leaned back into his seat to get comfortable. “Hi, Honey. Are you enjoying your little ride?”
Kendall couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, Dear, but I would be enjoying it more if you were here.” She swung her legs up onto the seat and stretched out, leaning against the side of the limo.
“Ah, that couldn’t be helped. You know, plans and all that. Besides, we both know that we’d end up late to your surprise.” He slid a finger inside his collar in an attempt to loosen it as the idea of making love to Kendall in the limo crossed his mind.
Kendall closed her eyes and smiled at the image his words invoked. “Mmmm….Raincheck?”
“Promise.” Zach watched from the car as the limo pulled up in front of the beach house. “Close your eyes.”
Kendall felt the limo come to a slow stop. “They’re already closed.”
“Put the blindfold back on. I’ll be right there.” He ended the call and slid the phone into the inside pocket of his jacket. Opening the car door, he exited the Mercedes, pocketing his keys as he headed for the limo.
She mentally kicked herself for not paying attention to the outside view once she had removed the stupid scrap of silk. Now she wasn’t going to be able to see anything until he let her. Placing the phone back in its cradle, she blindly went in search of the scarf. Damn it, Kendall, you’re losing your touch. She reached out, feeling along the seat and floor for her scarf. She located it and attempted to fold it before encircling her head with the silk. Well, it’s not neat, but he can’t complain. I can’t see a damn thing. She heard a soft knock on the window. There he was. She heard the driver release the locks and her door open. She extended her hand, feeling him grasp it in his.
“My Lady…” He gently pulled her from the limo and wrapped her arm around his. “Your surprise awaits…”
Chapter 25
Zach walked Kendall to the beach house door. Releasing her arm, he moved to stand behind her and reached up to untie the silk. “Almost there. I’m going to take this off, but you need to keep your eyes closed.”
Kendall sighed. “Hurry up, Zach. This is making me crazy, you know that.”
Zach took the scarf and moved back in front of her, putting it back around her neck and looping it once, letting the tails fall behind her. “Perfect.” He bent his head and kissed her softly. “Welcome to your night.” He opened the beach house door and gently pushed her through it. “Open your eyes.”
Kendall opened her eyes slowly, her indrawn breath the only sound she made. Zach remained in the doorway behind her as she walked forward slowly, her eyes scanning her surroundings.
Candles. There were candles of all sizes everywhere, basking the room in a soft warm glow. Pink roses were scattered throughout, lending their heady fragrance to the room. Zach smiled as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a soft smile on her lips. Opening her eyes again, she noticed a small table set for two. She turned to her husband with tears in her eyes. “Zach, it’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.” He needed to hold her. “Dance with me?” He extended his hand.
She placed her hand in his, shaking her head as he pulled her close. “But Zach, there’s no music.”
He placed her hand over his heart. “You don’t hear it?” Zach’s eyes caught and held hers, watching as her eyes darkened and she nodded slowly, moving closer and placing her head on his shoulder. They began to sway slowly, his hand traveling up and down her back before settling at her small waist. She felt so good in his arms. He lifted his hand from her waist briefly and snapped once. Suddenly the strains of violins flooded the room.
Kendall raised her head from Zach’s shoulder and pulled back, her eyes wide. She turned her head to find a trio of violinists playing on the deck outside. Her eyes flew back to look at her husband, and watched as he tilted his head and shrugged his shoulders. She reached up to caress his cheek, the tears she had been trying to hold back finally making their way down her cheek. What did she ever do to deserve this man?
“Hey.” He wiped her tears away with his fingers and gathered her close, moving them to the music. He placed his mouth next to her ear, whispering the words of the music playing. “Have I told you lately that I love you?” He kissed her hair. “I do, Kendall. So very much.”
Kendall pulled back to look into Zach’s eyes, her eyes shining with tears. She pulled his head down to hers, her lips finding his, trying to convey all of the love she felt. She ended the kiss, only managing to get out the words “I love-“ before Zach kissed her again, this time long, slow, and deep. When the need for oxygen couldn’t be ignored, Zach ended the kiss and buried his face in her hair, his heart racing. He tightened his arms around her and continued to dance.
***********************
Kendall continued swaying in Zach’s arms, snuggling into his chest, her face in his neck, her mind cataloging the songs they danced to…Have I Told You Lately…When a Man Loves a Woman…The Way You Look Tonight…Who knew her husband was a closet romantic? She sighed softly. This was perfect.
The mood was shattered when her stomach growled. Zach chuckled. “Hungry, are we?” He pushed her away slightly and placed his hand on her stomach. “I guess I better feed you then. Can‘t have you and the baby starving, can I?” He rubbed her stomach softly, tenderly.
She placed her hand over his after seeing the emotion that her baby evoked in his eyes. “Well then, bring it on. After all, I’ve worked up quite an appetite this evening.” She ran her eyes up and down his body, giving him a saucy smile. “And the night is young. Trust me. Something tells me we’re both going to need our strength tonight.” She turned around and headed to the table, leaving him staring after her. “Aren’t you coming?” she asked over her shoulder, catching him checking her out. She waved her hand back and forth at him. “Hey! Up here, Buddy.” She laughed as he looked up and grinned, a look of innocence on his face. “What?” She just shook her head.
Zach followed Kendall to the table, holding her chair out so that she could sit down. She lowered herself gingerly as Zach pushed the chair in, his hands caressing her arms before leaving her side. He walked to the ice bucket sitting on the mini bar. Reaching into the cabinet above it, he pulled out two crystal champagne flutes and set them down on the bar. He lifted the bottle of cider from the ice bucket and opened it, pouring it into the two glasses. He heard Kendall laugh as the bubbles rose and overflowed over the rims of both flutes. “Smooth, Slater, very smooth” he muttered to himself. He took a deep breath and grabbed a cloth napkin to dry off the glasses. He turned around smiling, and walking towards her, handed Kendall a flute. He sat down and placed his flute on the table, leaning over to halt the progression of Kendall’s flute to her lips. “Not yet.”
Kendall lowered her drink, her eyes filled with questions. Zach raised his flute, his eyes connecting with hers. “I want to make a toast.” He cleared his throat and waited for her to raise her glass. “To the most beautiful, most amazing woman I have ever met. You’re heart…your capacity for love…well, it humbles me. And I am honored that you have chosen to share yourself with me. To you, Kendall.” He clinked his glass with hers and raised it to his lips. “To us.” she countered, and holding his gaze, brought her glass to her lips.
The look in her eyes caused him to drop his gaze and reach for his napkin, coughing softly. If she kept this up, his plans were going to derail faster than a train wreck. He reached for his glass and took another drink, letting out a sigh of thanks when the door to the kitchen opened and a waiter came out carrying their dinner. The waiter placed a covered plate in front of Kendall, another in front of Zach, before removing both covers with a flourish. “Is there anything else you need, Mr. Slater?”
Zach looked down at the skewers of grilled marinated steak and chicken, grilled vegetables and Tuscan potatoes. It smelled wonderful. He looked at Kendall and raised an eyebrow. She smiled and shook her head. Zach turned his attention back to the waiter. “No, thank you. We’re fine.” The waiter nodded. “Have a good evening, Mr. Slater...Ma’am.”
He watched as Kendall picked up her napkin and laid it across her lap. He did the same and watched in amusement as she tried to figure out the best way to attack the skewers. He picked up his fork and stabbed a potato.
Kendall tried to pick up a skewer, deciding against it when she felt the heat of the metal against her fingers. Dropping the skewer, she reached for her fork. Much better. Zach watched in silence as she stabbed a piece of steak and tried unsuccessfully to slide it off the metal. Using her left hand to secure the skewer, she forcefully tried to pry the steak off with her fork in her right hand, only managing to send the piece of meat flying over her right shoulder. Zach quickly lowered his gaze and began to eat. Kendall felt her face flush with heat as she glanced at Zach, hoping that he missed that little slip. He was looking down at his plate, so she let out a small sigh of relief. “Slippery little suckers.” she muttered to herself. She thought she heard the sound of muffled laughter, but when she looked up, Zach’s eyes were still lowered and focused on his own dinner. She picked up her fork and tried it again, this time gently, and the steak came off easily.
Zach bit the inside of his cheek so he wouldn’t laugh. God, she was cute when she was flustered. He waited until she took a bite of the steak before he started a conversation. “So, how is the little sucker?” Kendall swallowed quickly and began to cough, reaching for her cider. Shit. “Kendall, are you alright?” He made as if to stand and she waved him back, continuing to drink down the rest of her cider. “I’m fine. The steak just went down the wrong way.” She gave him a look that would’ve withered a lesser man. He just smiled and got up anyway and headed to the bar to get the bottle of cider. He brought it back to the table and refilled both of their glasses.
Kendall took another sip of cider before picking up her napkin and pressing it against her lips. When Zach didn’t say anything else, she tossed the napkin on the table and picked up her empty skewer and pointed it at him. “Laugh and I’ll stab you with this!” She watched as the amusement in his eyes faded and was replaced with something seductive and warm. “I surrender. Completely.” She lowered her eyes as she felt the color rush to her cheeks and whispered “Careful. I just might hold you to that.” Kendall returned the empty skewer to her plate, picked up her fork and continued to eat. Zach smiled in return and went back to his dinner.
***********************
Zach wiped his mouth with his napkin and laid it on the table. He leaned back in his chair and looked over at Kendall. “Are you interested in dessert?” She smiled. “Maybe later…Zach, this has been wonderful…all of it.”
“What makes you think it’s over?” He stood up, walked to her side, and held out his hand. She placed her hand in his and let him pull her to her feet. “It’s a beautiful night. Are you up for a walk on the beach?”
She smiled. “With you? Absolutely.”
Zach bent down and kissed the tip of her nose. “May I make a suggestion?” Kendall nodded. “Can we leave your shoes here?” He laughed and had to step back when she attempted to hit him. “I’m just saying…you’re wearing heels and after last time, I’d really like to make sure you don’t leave a mark.”
Kendall laughed. “And you think removing my shoes is the only way to accomplish that? Okay, fine. You put them on, you take them off.” She reached out to the chair next to her to steady herself and held out her left foot.
You put them on, you take them off? Zach closed his eyes. Maybe he should’ve dressed her too. He crouched down and picked up her left foot, once again admiring the sexiness of the shoe, before unfastening the strap and sliding the shoe off her foot. Kendall lowered her left foot and extended her right one. Once Zach removed its mate, he tossed them over by the couch. He quickly tossed his shoes and socks into the pile. “Ready?” He extended his arm.
Kendall nodded. She took one last sip of her cider and wrapped her arm through his, and headed towards the open slider. As they stepped out onto the deck, Zach dismissed the violinists, thanking them for their service.
Kendall reached out past Zach and caught one of the violinists by the arm. “The music was beautiful. Thank you all for making tonight even more special.” He thanked her for the kind words and began to pack up. Zach marveled at the woman beside him. He didn’t think it was possible to love her any more. He was wrong. He eyed the stairs to the beach, and for the first time noticed their unevenness. He stopped their progression to the steps and swiftly lifted her into his arms to carry her down the stairs, not lowering her to her feet until they were on the cool, smooth sand. He reached for her hand, threaded his fingers through hers, and led her towards the water.
Chapter 26
Kendall turned her head to look at her husband’s profile. They had been walking for a while now and he hadn’t said a word. She looked down at their joined hands and squeezed his hand with hers. “Zach?” He turned his head to look at her. “Hmm?” She couldn’t help but notice how distracted he looked. Her eyes narrowed in confusion. What happened in the past few minutes to change his demeanor so drastically? She stopped short forcing him to stop as well. “Is something wrong?”
Zach shook his head, avoiding her eyes. “No, of course not. I’m sorry.” He pulled her into his arms, bending his head and kissing her gently. When she tried to deepen the kiss, she felt him pull away. If Kendall wasn’t sure if something was wrong before, she was sure of it now. She felt him remove his arms and watched helplessly as he turned away. She wrapped her arms around herself, silent as he walked into the surf, the water lapping unnoticed at the hem of his pants.
“Zach? Talk to me.” Kendall was starting to worry.
“Look at the water. It should be calm now, with the moon reflecting on waves. Instead it’s rough, the waves crashing upon the shore.” What was he babbling about? God, this wasn’t supposed to be this hard. He was a grown man. He had planned this, right down to the last little detail. What the hell was the matter with him? He ran his fingers through his hair.
“I need…I need to tell you some things.” Oh, now that sounded romantic, now didn’t it? Zach closed his eyes and almost wished the ground would open up and swallow him. “You and I…we started this marriage for all the wrong reasons. You wanted to avoid all the trappings of love, and I wanted to teach my son a lesson.” Zach rubbed his chin and turned to look at Kendall, noticing the uneasiness entering her eyes. “I used you to get my casinos re-opened, and you used me to stick it to Ethan.”
Kendall watched as different emotions played across Zach’s face, each one making her more and more unsure of where he was going with this conversation.
“But something happened along the way. We became friends, friends that could count on each other, support each other…at least I thought so until Thanksgiving.” He caught her eye. “And then you ran…you ran away from me.” Her eyes filled with tears. “But…I told you I was sorry…you forgave me…” She felt the tears start to fall. What was he doing?
“It was at that moment that I knew I wanted things to change.” He walked over to her, his hands reaching out to wipe the tears away from her cheeks. “I needed things to change.” He looked deeply into her eyes. “It wasn’t enough anymore to just be your friend, your confidante. I wanted to be your husband…I wanted to be your lover…” He heard Kendall’s breath catch and watched her struggle to breathe. “When I left the Valley Inn and went to your condo only to find that you had left, I felt like I had lost a part of me. The best part of me.”
“Zach–“ Kendall tried to interrupt. “No, let me finish. This has been coming for a long time now.” He reached down and took a hold of her hands, noticing that they were shaking. “I followed you to Paris for a reason. I needed you to know.” He rubbed her hands, trying to warm them. “Then I found you in the park, on that swing, cold and alone in the rain. I wanted to take all of the pain you were feeling away, but you wouldn’t let me.” He watched her lower her eyes. “Kendall, look at me.” She slowly raised her eyes back to his. “I understood why you felt you needed to keep it to yourself. But that night…that night you let me in. For a brief moment you let me love you. And that was the most amazing gift of all.”
Kendall couldn’t speak, her tears falling like rain down her cheeks. “And I ran away from you…again” Zach released one of her hands to place a finger over her lips. “I’m not going to lie to you. It hurt. But once I stopped to think about it, I knew you were scared. I knew you thought I didn’t love you – and that was my fault. I was so overwhelmed when you told me that you loved me that I didn’t even realize I hadn’t voiced it to you. I’d been voicing it in my head for what seemed like forever. Then, when you came here for a divorce, I wanted to shake you until you believed I loved you.” He smiled briefly into her eyes. “The hardest thing I’ve ever done was promise myself that I would honor your wishes and let you go – if that was really what you wanted. I was prepared. I even walked away.” Kendall managed a small smile. “I threw my shoe at you.” He smiled back. “Yes you did, but I got even.” Kendall’s eyes narrowed. She hadn’t quite forgiven him for that yet. “You ruined my shoes.” He nodded matter-of-factly. “But I promised to buy you new ones.” She took a step backwards. “Then you wanted to make me tea. Tea, Zach!”
Zach followed her. “Well, you were overwrought.” He reached out to take her hand but she swatted it away. “I was hormonal, Zach. There’s a difference.” He reached out again and this time managed to catch her hand and use it to pull her close to him. “And then you said it. You admitted you loved me.” Kendall reached up and cupped his cheek, the awe in his voice touching her deeply. “I do love you, Zach. I love you so much.” He bent his head and kissed her gently. “And here we are, full circle. I want to start over. Forget everything that’s happened and go forward.”
Kendall shook her head, uncomfortable with his wishes. “No, I can’t forget. I don’t want to forget.” She watched the confusion register on his face as he tried to understand her words, and when he didn’t, she felt him try to pull away. “No, Zach. Listen to me.” The warmth that had been in his eyes moments before had faded away, but she held his gaze. “I don’t want to forget. Everything that has happened, good or bad, has brought us here, to this place, to this moment. And I wouldn’t change a minute of it because it brought me to you. I love you, Zach,”
The warmth slowly returned to Zach’s eyes as he reached out and pulled her into his arms. “I love you. Never doubt that.” She shook her head, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I won’t, I promise.” He smiled and lowered his head, slanting his lips over hers, his tongue teasing her lips. With a moan, she welcomed him inside, her tongue mating with his. She felt his hands slide down her back, to her hips, pulling her against him. She wrapped her arms around him, trying to meld her body into his. Her hands slid into his hair, one stray finger making its way to his ear and circling slowly.
Oh God, what was he doing? In another second he would have Kendall in the sand. He ended the kiss, moving his mouth to her ear, trying to get her attention. “Kendall…”
“Mmmm?” She began planting soft, wet, openmouthed kisses on his neck. He groaned softly. Oh, this wasn’t fair. “Kendall, we have to stop.” He tried to remove her hands from around his neck. Kendall opened her passion-filled eyes and looked around. “No we don’t, Zach. There’s no one here but us.” She tried unsuccessfully to pull his head back down to hers. “Zaaaach…” It was the way she said his name that nearly pushed him right over the edge. “Kendall, stop!” He pushed her away, trying to catch his breath. “Kendall, please….I need to….” His voice faded away as she began to back away from him.
"No!" she said "I can't take this anymore, Zach. You keep changing your mind. First you forgive me for running away, now you don’t. Then you want me and now you don’t. I can't take this anymore.” Kendall said, letting her insecurities surround her heart. Turning she started to run back to the beach house. Zach stood still, stunned by the speed in which this evening was turning into a disaster. “Don’t you dare run from me again!” Kendall didn’t even slow down. Needing to stop her, he closed his eyes and mentally threw away all of his plans for the remainder of the evening. Taking a deep breath, he yelled “Marry me!” at her retreating back, watching in satisfaction as she came to a screeching halt.
She turned around slowly and began to walk back towards him, a dazed look on her face. “What did you just say?”
He ran his hand through his hair. “You heard me. I said don’t you dare run from me again.” Kendall shook her head, coming to a stop in front of him. “No, after that.”
Zach pointedly ignored her question. “This wasn’t where I planned to do this. I’ve had this all planned out…..” In the back of his mind he thought of the blanket further up the beach, the candles, the cider…all waiting for them and this moment. And here he was, yelling out his proposal in the dark.
“Zach, repeat what you said.”
He looked at her face and shook his head. “No. You’re not going to ruin this.” Her eyes widened. “Ruin this? Excuse me?” The fire was back in her eyes. He rubbed his forehead, trying to relieve the tension. She was going to drive him crazy. He made a decision - he was going to do this his way. Bending slightly, he lifter her into his arms and tossed her over his shoulder. “Hey! Put me down!” Zach closed his eyes and counted to ten, muttering under his breath. She began to pummel her fists against his back and kicked her feet. He stopped short and smacked her on her ass. “Knock it off.” It didn’t take long for the shock to wear off and for Kendall to find her voice. “Beast!” He began walking in the direction of his destination. He repeated his earlier words. “You’re not ruining this, Kendall.”
Oh the ego of this man! “Me ruin this? All I did was ask you to repeat what you said. You’re the one who snapped and regressed into a Neanderthal.” He shook his head and continued walking. “Kendall, I’m not discussing this with you here.”
Kendall bounced up and down on Zach’s shoulder with each step he took. “If you keep this up, I’m going to be sick!” He didn’t respond, but after a few minutes, Kendall noticed that he was slowing down. The beach also seemed to be getting…brighter? She felt Zach’s hands on her waist as he lifted her off his shoulder and set her down on the beach in front of him, turning her around. Her eyes widened. Before her was an oversized blanket and several cushions surrounded by candles. In the corner of the blanket sat an ice bucket with a bottle of sparkling cider and a wicker basket. She turned to look at Zach, her mouth opening and closing without a sound. She was finally speechless.
He gently pushed her backwards until she reached the middle of the blanket. “Now, where was I?” He smiled. “Ah yes!” He sank down before her on one knee, smiling as he watched Kendall’s eyes widen and fill with tears. Zach reached into his pocket and pulled out a little blue box. Her voice was little more than a whisper. “Oh my God, Zach…You weren’t kidding.” He shook his head, holding her eyes with his. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.” Zach reached out and took Kendall’s left hand and squeezed it gently.
“Kendall Hart, I love you. You make me laugh, you make me cry, and God knows you make me crazy.” He smiled at Kendall’s watery laugh. “You make me feel. You’ve showed me that I can love.” He placed her hand over his heart. “I want to do this the right way this time. I want marry you, the love of my life. I want to give you everything you‘ve ever dreamed of.” He raised her hand to his lips, turning it over to kiss her palm, before entwining their fingers and placing their hands on her stomach. “I want to be the father to this baby you’re carrying.” Kendall couldn’t stop the sob that escaped her lips. “I want to give you both the family that you deserve. And I can promise you that I will love your little boy as if he were my very own. Neither you nor our son will ever want for anything.” Zach’s eyes were filled with tears. “Kendall, I want to grow old with you. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much I love you.” Zach opened the small box, the candlelight around them reflecting off of the two carat princess cut diamond ring nestled on a bed of velvet. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me? For the right reasons this time?”
Chapter 27 - NC17
“Will you do me the honor of marrying me? For the right reasons this time?”
Kendall looked at the man down on his knee before her, tears blurring her vision. For the first time in her life, she didn’t know what to say. Any words that came to mind seemed woefully inadequate for expressing the emotions swirling inside of her. The intensity in Zach’s eyes caused her to turn away from him and shift her eyes to the moonlit sky in an attempt to blink away her tears. If she couldn’t put her feelings into words, how was she ever going to make him understand?
Zach tried to swallow the lump that had suddenly developed in his throat. Ok, this wasn’t what was supposed to happen. He slowly lowered the small blue box in his hand down to the blanket beside him. She wasn’t looking at him, wasn’t saying a word. He watched as she wrapped her arms around herself, her hands moving up and down her arms as if she was cold. He made a move to get up. “Kendall?” It seemed as though it took her forever to turn around and face him, and once she did and he saw her face, he wished he had never voiced her name.
Kendall was crying, tears streaming unchecked down her cheeks. He could have dealt with the tears, but that wasn’t all. She was shaking her head “no”.
Zach felt his heart stop for a second until his mind replayed the last few hours. This didn’t make sense. He reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her forcefully down to her knees. He steadied her with his other hand before leaning into her, his face close to hers. “What do you mean ‘No’?” He watched her eyes widen as she shook her head again, this time more emphatically, her mouth opening to speak. He removed the hand he had used to steady her and placed a finger over her lips. “Kendall, I swear…think about what you’re about to say because I am this close…” he held two fingers millimeters apart to demonstrate “to taking the stupid ring I bought you and chucking it into the water behind me like I did with your god damn shoes.”
Her green eyes widened. She nodded, at first slowly, and then with increasing speed as the tears continued to fall. “Yes.” Her first word was nothing more than a whisper, muffled against his finger. He lifted his finger slowly, his eyes locked on hers. “What did you say?” She cleared her throat and tried again. “Yes.” This time it reached his ears, and she watched in fascination as his eyes began to glow. Now that she started, she couldn’t seem to stop. She repeated it again. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you, yes I will be–“ The rest of her declaration was cut off when Zach’s hands came up to frame her face and his lips came crashing down on hers.
Zach ended the kiss and pulled Kendall tight against his chest, closing his eyes against the tears that were suddenly burning behind his eyes. He wrapped his arms around her slender frame, his quiet voice sounding raw in her ear. “You scared me to death. For a moment I thought…”
Kendall pulled back to look in his eyes. “I wasn’t saying no. You need to believe that. You started talking and I needed to be the one to say…to tell you how I felt.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “I couldn’t put what I was feeling into words, and if I couldn’t do that, how was I going to be able to tell you how I felt?” Kendall took a deep breath. God, this was hard. Needing a little distance, she leaned back and upon feeling Zach’s arms release her; she sat back on her heels.
“In my life people have attached strings to their love - never has it been unconditional – at least not until Bianca. She was the first to show me that kind of love.” Kendall allowed a small smile to cross her face at the mention of her sister. “She’s never judged me; she always stood by me regardless of what disaster I made of my life. Everyone else either wanted to run my life or tell me how wrong I was when the decisions I made crashed and burned. My mother. Jackson. Ryan. Greenlee.” She lowered her eyes to her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap, and watched as Zach placed a hand over hers to still their movement. Kendall raised her eyes to his, her gratitude shining from their depths. “You were the first person to accept me for me. You may not have agreed with my choices, but you let me make them and didn’t berate me for them afterwards. You promised to support me.” Kendall pulled one of her hands out from under his, sandwiching his hand between hers and bringing it to her stomach. “And on top of that, you’ve given me and this baby the gift of your love.” Kendall closed the distance between them. “I’m so sorry that it took me so long to accept it and to trust you.” Her eyes were moist. “Thank you for not giving up on me.” Zach leaned forward and kissed her softly. “I’ll never give up on you.” He wrapped his arms around her, moved beyond words at her honesty. Kendall laid her head on his shoulder and he felt her arms tighten around him. “I love you, Zach.”
They stayed that way, in each other’s arms, listening to the sound of the surf crash against the shore. Kendall was the first to break the silence, pulling out of his arms to sit back on the blanket. The look on her face was expectant and Zach wasn’t making any move towards her. “What?” He watched as Kendall’s eyes shifted to the small blue box beside him and back to his face. “Is there something you want?” Kendall nodded and pointed to the little blue box. “Can I have that now?” Zach picked the box up and opened it, his fingers pulling the diamond ring from its velvet bed. He lifted an eyebrow. “This?” As her eyes lit up he shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He turned his body away from her and towards the water, his arm reaching back as if he were going to throw the ring.
“NO!” The next thing he knew he was hit from behind, the force sending him face first into the sand. He felt his arm being yanked and fingers trying to open his fist. “Zach Slater, you give me my ring this instant!” Zach stifled his laughter and turned over quickly, rolling Kendall back onto the blanket beneath him. “I don’t think you’re in any position to be making demands.” She squirmed a little beneath him. “Oh no?” She reached up and pulled his head down to hers. She smiled and closed her eyes, her lips slowly rubbing themselves against his. She ran the tip of her tongue along his upper lip, feeling him tense as she nibbled softly. When that elicited a groan, she slid her tongue home. She started slowly, stroking his tongue with hers, the sensations she was creating almost making her forget her goal. Focusing, she redoubled her efforts, alternating the sweeping caresses with sucking gently on his tongue. She slid her hands down his back to his hips, pulling him closer, feeling him harden against her. She felt his hands move up to gently grasp her face before he took control of the kiss.
Gone were the soft, wet, drugging kisses. In their place were hungry, desperate, all-consuming ones, the kind that made Kendall’s body ache and hum with need. In the back of her mind she registered that Zach’s formerly clenched fist was now loosened, his hand partially flattened against her cheek. Raising her hand to his, she slid her fingers underneath his, effectively palming the ring in his grasp and lowering her hand to her side. Mentally congratulating herself on a job well done, she didn’t notice Zach’s hand sliding down her body until he grasped her wrist and yanked it above her head, pinning it to the blanket. Her eyes shot open only to be met by his laughing ones. "You're good…Very good…but…” Zach pried opened her clenched fist and retrieved the ring, “I'm better." he said, holding it up in the candlelight. “I’m the only one who’s going to be putting this ring on your finger. And once I put it on, it’s never coming off.”
Zach lifted himself off of her and sat back on his heels before reaching down to pull Kendall up into a sitting position. He watched as she shifted, lifting herself up and folding her legs beneath her. He took her left hand in his and slid the ring onto her finger, stopping at her first knuckle. He looked into her eyes. “I.” He slid the ring down to her second knuckle. “Love.” He slid the ring home. “You.”
Kendall watched in silence as Zach lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the skin above her ring. Turning her hand over, he closed his eyes and placed an openmouthed kiss on her palm, his tongue teasing her skin. She moved her hand to his cheek, stroking the rough stubble gently, the diamond twinkling in the candlelight. “I love you,” she whispered, and pressed her lips to his.
Zach pulled Kendall to her knees, his hands reaching for the scarf wrapped around her neck. He loosened it, his fingers sliding against the delicate skin of her throat to grasp the looped silk and pull it off of her ever so gently, the sensation both teasing and arousing at the same time, causing her heart to race. He let the scarf go, and unnoticed, it swirled slowly before floating down to the blanket. Bending his head, he nuzzled her neck, planting soft kisses up and down her throat, as his strong hands moved to the hidden zipper in the back of her dress. He deftly unzipped the silk, his hands moving up and down her spine, causing little jolts of electricity to ricochet throughout her body. Kendall gasped softly in his ear. Moving his hands to her shoulders, Zach slid his fingers underneath the spaghetti straps, making lazy circles on her skin before sliding the straps off her shoulders. He gently pulled the dress downward and watched as it pooled around her knees, leaving her in nothing but cream-colored lace.
Kendall’s hands reached up to slide themselves up his chest and underneath his jacket, pushing it off his shoulders. Her hands moved to his tie, trying unsuccessfully to undo the knot. She groaned in frustration, her hands tightening on the offending accessory, causing Zach to reach for her hands before she cut off his air supply. His eyes were warm as they locked on hers, his smile soft as he competently loosened the knot himself. He reached for her hands and returned them back to his tie, silently encouraging her to finish what she started. The look in his eyes caused her to pull on the tie, bringing him close for a deep kiss. As her tongue stroked his, she managed to slide the tie from around his neck and toss it aside, her hands moving to the front of his shirt.
Her trembling fingers managed to undo the top three buttons before she became impatient to feel his skin against hers. She gave a sharp tug, and the sound of buttons popping could be heard. Her hands delved into the now open shirt, her fingers moving upwards slowly over his hard muscled chest. She bent her head and flicked her tongue over his nipple, nipping it with her teeth. Her hands continued their trek up to his shoulders, pushing the shirt down over his arms. She yanked on the shirt twice to remove it but it wouldn’t budge. “Kendall…” Zach tried to concentrate and form a sentence, but her lips and tongue were doing distracting things to his collarbone. He groaned and lifted his arms, his hands reaching up to cup her face. He managed to utter one word…..”Cufflinks….”
Kendall sighed in annoyance and pulled back to examine his sleeves, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Why are you doing this to me?” she muttered. It took her three attempts before she managed to unfasten the first stubborn cufflink. She hastily reached for the second cufflink, this one cooperating and releasing the shirt from its grasp. Dropping the gold links to the blanket, her hands returned to her original task and finished peeling away his shirt, tossing it aside. She slid her hands slowly over his chest, stopping to place a hand over his heart. She could feel his heart pounding, his chest rising and falling beneath her. Her heart was pounding in her ears, its rhythm beating in time with his. She needed to be closer. Looking up into his eyes, she licked her lips slowly. She watched as his eyes followed the path of her tongue. “Make love to me, Zach.” She had her answer the moment the fire appeared in his eyes. She leaned back on the blanket, her elbows supporting her, waiting for him to make a move.
Zach stood up quickly, his eyes locked on hers. He reached down to unbuckle his belt and lower the zipper on his pants, pushing both the pants and boxers down his hips and onto the sand. He stepped out of them, using his foot to kick them away. He stood there like an Adonis, each sculptured plane of his body highlighted by the flickering flames of the candles around them. Kendall swallowed with difficulty. Although they had made love before, she had never had the opportunity to study the perfection that was Zach. Her eyes slid over each and every inch of his body, watching in fascination as his body reacted to the heat in her gaze. He sank down to his knees and moved towards her, reaching for the dress that was still pooled around her legs. Lifting her feet, he slid the dress off of her, adding it to the rapidly growing pile of eveningwear.
He slid a hand behind her neck and pulled her to him, the heat of his flesh burning her through the lace. His eyes searched hers, memorizing the softness, the love in her eyes. He whispered her name, the hoarseness of his voice turning her on even more. His hands moved down her back until he reached the hook of her strapless bra. Releasing its clasp slowly, he peeled the lace away, revealing her flushed skin to his heated gaze. He kissed her again, working magic with his tongue while pushing her back to lie on the blanket. He broke the kiss, his lips beginning to travel south. He cupped a breast with his hand, his thumb flicking over her nipple, watching as she jumped, her nipple hardening under his ministrations. He smiled lazily at her before bending down and taking her nipple in his mouth. He sucked on it quickly before gently nipping it with his teeth. Kendall gasped, her arms reaching up to hold his head to her breast, her hands fisting in his hair. He moved to shower the same attention on its mate before continuing down her torso, his lips stopping at the slight bulge of her stomach. She tried to pull his head up, a little self-conscious. She wanted him inside her and he was worshipping her belly. He was placing soft kisses along her stomach, murmuring words of love to her baby. The tears that she had thought were spent returned in full force. This man was just too much, and her heart felt like it was going to burst in her chest.
She ran her trembling fingers through his hair, succeeding in drawing his attention back to her face. She mouthed the words “I love you” through her tears. He moved back up to place a tender kiss on her lips, allowing her to deepen the kiss, the emotion almost too much to bear.
Zach broke the kiss, moving back to sit on his heels, his hands reaching for the wisp of lace that separated her from him. He kept his eyes on hers as he slid the lace down her legs, removing the last barrier. He gently nudged her legs apart and insinuated himself between them, feeling her heat. He slowly slid himself inside her, groaning as he felt her surround him. She wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to take him deeper. He resisted her, instead just rocking his hips slowly, sliding just barely inside before withdrawing, the excruciating slowness driving her crazy.
He clenched his jaw, the control he was exercising almost too much. He watched as she closed her eyes, moaning deep in her throat, turning her head from side to side. “Zach, please…it’s too much…” Kendall felt the flames licking, needing him to send her over the edge. “I can’t take it…I need you…I need more…” He stopped moving and waited for her to open her eyes. Kendall opened her eyes, her body taut as the string on a bow. Looking into her eyes, he pulled back and thrust himself deep inside her. Her scream as her body exploded shattered any remaining control he had left, her body’s convulsions sending him right over the edge with her. He collapsed on top of her, spent, his body still inside hers. Rolling onto his side, he pulled her onto his chest and held her tight. He was home.
Chapter 28
Private Beach
Kendall shifted slightly against her husband, her eyes closed, murmuring against Zach’s shoulder. “Mmm…love you…” She felt him place a kiss on her temple and his arms tighten around her. “Love you.” Zach looked down at the woman in his arms, a soft smile on his lips as he watched her succumb to sleep. Reaching out, he grabbed the wicker basket and pulled it to his side. He flipped the lid open and reached in, pulling out a folded cotton tablecloth. It wasn’t a sheet, but at least it would cover them both. So much for planning. He hadn’t envisioned them making love on the beach, but he had to admit to himself that he hadn’t really thought much beyond hoping to convince her to say “yes” to his proposal.
Zach threw the piece of cotton over their bodies, watching as her luminous skin was hidden from his eyes. He ran his fingers down her arm, unable to stop touching her even for a second, continuing until his fingers stopped at the ring on her finger. Threading his fingers with hers, he lifted her hand to place it on his chest. His. She was his. He closed his eyes and finally allowed himself to sleep.
***********************
I don’t want to wake up. Kendall kept her eyes closed, trying to hang onto her dream. It had been her best one yet. Zach had asked her to marry him again and they had made exquisite love on the beach. She could still feel his arm around her, the heat of his skin, the beat of his heart…and she refused to let reality back in and let it take it away. Just a few more minutes…
She shivered as she felt a breeze on her skin. She must’ve left the slider open. She reached down to pull up the sheet, and felt her hand catch on the fabric. She opened her eyes slowly, blinking several times, attempting to focus on her hand. As her vision cleared, she saw it. A diamond ring. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. It wasn’t a dream. She moved slightly and felt an arm tighten around her. Almost of their own volition, Kendall’s eyes began to travel upwards, not stopping until they rested on the face of the man beside her. Zach. He was sleeping, his face relaxed, a slight smile on his lips. Her eyes traveled over each feature, trying to memorize each line that creased his handsome face. In repose, the years seemed to fade away from his face and she could almost see the boy he used to be. Kendall leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his lips before trying to gently lift his arm from around her waist. She managed to slide out from underneath his arm, making sure to readjust the…tablecloth? She shook her head. She didn’t want to know.
Naked, Kendall walked over to the pile of discarded eveningwear and pulled out Zach’s shirt. She slipped it on and buttoned the shirt over her breasts, hugging herself and breathing in the heady scent of Zach and his cologne. Sparing one last glance at her husband, she turned and walked towards the water. The sky was beginning to brighten. She watched the play of the moon on the water, amazed at the beauty in front of her. It seemed so long ago that she almost used it to escape her life. The depth of despair she had felt back then…for a while she never thought she’d never get past it. And now, thanks to the amazing man sleeping peacefully behind her, she felt like she could take on the world with him by her side.
***********************
Zach reached for Kendall, his eyes opening when he realized she was no longer next to him. Raising himself up on one arm, he scanned the beach, his eyes finding her standing in the surf. Standing up and wrapping the tablecloth around his waist, he headed to his discarded clothing. Dropping the tablecloth, he pulled on his boxers and headed towards his wife. Coming up behind her, he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I missed you” he whispered in her ear.
Kendall smiled and placed her arms over his, leaning back against his chest. Her voice was quiet. “I was cold.” Zach turned her around, his eyebrow raised. “So you decided to go stand in the water? I could’ve warmed you up, you know.” He watched her cheeks turn pink.
“I got up to borrow your shirt. Someone didn’t think to bring another blanket. I was getting cold under that tablecloth.” She laughed. “Why did you bring a tablecloth?”
Zach bent his head and placed a quick kiss on her lips. “I didn’t exactly plan…” Words failed him as he gestured to their state of undress. “I planned a toast and a late night dessert. This…” he gestured again at their lack of clothes, “was entirely your fault.”
Kendall’s eyes were sparkling at the mention of dessert. She grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards the blanket. She flopped down on one of the cushions and reached for the basket only to have Zach pull it away. Shaking his head at her, he reached inside and removed two glasses. “First things first. I’m following the plan.” He handed them to her and reached for the sparkling cider chilling in the ice bucket. He popped the cork and filled the glasses, returning the bottle to the bucket. Kendall handed him his glass. He raised it to her. “At dinner, I toasted you and the amazing woman you are. This time, I’m going to toast our family…you, me, and our baby. I love you and that little boy. And I promise that there will never be a day where either of you will doubt my love for you.”
Kendall felt the moisture building in her eyes. “To our family.” She raised her glass in return, holding Zach’s gaze as they took a drink to seal their toast. Kendall leaned over to Zach and kissed him softly. “Zach, I love you. Our son is going to be so lucky to have you for a father.” She felt Zach’s arm go around her, pulling her in close for another kiss. When he tried to deepen the kiss, she broke it, her mouth moving to his ear. She nibbled on his ear and whispered softly. “Now hubby, where’s my dessert?”
Zach laughed as he tried to get his body back under control. Heaven forbid he stand between Kendall and food. He reached for the basket, pulling out two small plates and a white cardboard box, the hotel’s name inscribed in gold across the top. He opened the box and cursed. What else could go wrong? Kendall watched the look of annoyance cross his face. “Zach, what is it?” He reached inside the box with his fingers and pulled out what used to be a chocolate covered strawberry. Well, it still was, but the chocolate had begun to melt, staining his fingers. So much for elegance. Kendall pulled his hand towards her, leaning down and biting into the fruit. She moaned softly as the sweetness of the strawberry and the bitterness of the dark chocolate hit her tongue. Oh God, they were amazing. She watched as Zach took the remainder of her strawberry and ate it. He moved to lick his fingers, only to have Kendall stop him. “I love chocolate.” She pulled his hand to her lips. Separating his fingers, she slid the first chocolate covered finger into her mouth. Gently sucking on it, she swirled her tongue from the base to the tip, removing every trace of the chocolate. She continued until she had removed all traces of chocolate from his hand.
Zach couldn’t move. His breathing had been labored ever since she moaned, the erotic sound traveling throughout his body, reminding him of all sorts of other activities. But any breath he had left was suspended when she began sucking his fingers. He cleared his throat twice and tried to find his voice, but Kendall beat him to it. “Want another one?” She reached into the box and pulled out another strawberry, this time bringing it to his lips. Zach bit the strawberry, chewing slowly as he watched her finish it of. He caught her eye. Two could play at this game. He pulled her hand to his lips and began to clean the chocolate off with his tongue. His rough tongue licked and nibbled at her fingers, culminating in sucking them slowly. When her breathing, or lack thereof, matched his he smiled and sat back. Your move.
Kendall recognized the challenge in his eyes. Oh yeah, watch this. She reached for another strawberry. This time she made the effort to drag the strawberry across her lips, effectively covering them in melted chocolate. After making sure he was watching, she nibbled her way around the strawberry before sucking it into her mouth and biting it at the stem. She barely had time to toss the stem before Zach pounced on her, his soft lips and warm tongue making short work of the chocolate she’d left behind. Kendall opened her mouth to welcome him inside, moaning as she tasted the chocolate on his tongue. She pulled him closer. The last coherent thought that crossed her mind was that there was nothing better than making love with her husband, although chocolate did come a close second.
Chapter 29 NC-17
“Do you have something against plans?”
Kendall turned her head and smiled at her husband, raising an eyebrow. “No. Why do you ask?” She turned back to her task of gathering up her clothes. Zach came up behind her, his arms snaking their way around her waist. He bent his head to kiss the side of her neck. “Do you have any idea how much of what happened tonight was wrong?”
Kendall dropped the clothes in her hands and turned in his arms, all traces of her smile gone. “What do you mean, wrong?” He felt her stiffen and he cursed his choice of words. He did it again. He’d managed to put the wariness back in her eyes. Pulling her close, he leaned his forehead against hers. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.” When she didn’t respond, he sighed. “Why is it that I can’t seem to say the right thing around you?” He pulled back to look into her eyes. “I just meant that…well, nothing seemed to happen the way I planned it…” With just those few words, the wariness in her eyes began to fade. Encouraged, he continued. “You just don’t act like a normal…” He searched for the right word. As soon as the words were out of his mouth he knew he’d be paying for that comment for the rest of the night. Shit.
Kendall jerked herself out of his arms. So, she wasn’t normal, was she? Did he miss the fact that she was pregnant and hormonal? The jerk. “A normal woman? Is that what you were going to say? In case you missed it, Zach, I’m not a normal woman. I’m a pregnant woman. There’s a difference. If you want normal, maybe you need to find yourself another girl. And maybe, if you’re lucky, she’ll be willing to marry you.” She lifted her hand and tried to remove her ring, cursing when the damn ring wouldn’t budge.
Zach knew he should be apologizing and reassuring her, but he couldn’t stop himself from throwing out one last comment. “I told you, once I put it on your finger, it wasn’t coming off.” If anything the fire in her eyes blazed hotter. “You….You…..” She was so angry that the words wouldn’t come. His ego was unbelievable. She lifted her hand, the urge to hit him overpowering. Zach grabbed it instead, using it to jerk her into his arms, and lowered his lips to hers. He worked quickly, using every technique he knew to overload her senses. It didn’t take long for Kendall to cave, and before long she had wrapped her arms around his neck, and was kissing him for all she was worth.
He ended the kiss, noticing with satisfaction that her eyes remained shut…as did her lips. He had about thirty seconds. “Kendall, what I meant was that you constantly surprise me.” Her eyes opened, and she blinked to clear them. “You’re unpredictable. I love that about you – it just makes planning surprises difficult.” He watched as her mouth began to open and he bent down and kissed her again to buy himself a little more time. Ending the kiss, he continued. “I actually had a plan for tonight, and thanks to you, it totally went out the window.” His hands slid down her back to rest on her hips. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you. The end result was everything I’d hoped it would be.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I don’t want normal. I don’t want predictable. And I don’t want anyone else. Just you.”
Kendall searched his eyes. He meant every word. She closed her eyes, mortified. Of course he did. The man just gave you the most amazing night of your life and you…. Oh God, she felt like an idiot - an overly hormonal pregnant idiot. She sank against him, leaning her forehead against his chest, and sighed. “I’m sorry...I don’t…” Once again the right words wouldn’t come and she felt the tears building. It would serve you right if he did walk away. You’re a mess.
Zach tightened his arms around her, smiling as he heard her mutter “Damn hormones” as she laid her head against his chest. After the past few minutes, there was no way he was going to tell her she exhibited these same mood swings long before she was pregnant. He kissed the top of her head. “I love your hormones. I love all of you…rational, irrational - it makes no difference to me.” He removed his arms from around her and stepped back, his hands reaching for hers. “So, tell me when.”
“When what?” Kendall was lost.
“When you’re going to remarry me.” Zach rubbed his thumb over her ring and the soft skin above it. “Well? What do you want? We could have a big wedding this time around.” He lowered his eyes to their clasped hands. “You didn’t get to have that the last time.” Zach thought back to the cold, impersonal ceremony that joined them together back in Florida. She deserved so much better.
Kendall briefly considered a big wedding, the kind every woman dreams of ever since she was a girl. The old Kendall would’ve wanted to get married in front of her family and friends, be the center of attention, showing them all once and for all that she was lovable and wanted. But that wasn’t who she was anymore. She tightened her grip on his hands and shook her head. “I don’t want a big wedding.” She watched as his eyebrows rose. “Zach, this is for us. Just us. I don’t need anything or anyone else. All I need is you.”
Just when he thought he knew her, she surprised him. Still, he couldn’t believe that she didn’t harbor any girlish dreams for the perfect wedding. He let go of her hands to put his arms around her and pull her to him. “No special requests?” He watched Kendall shake her head slowly. “Come on. I can’t believe there isn’t something you want.”
“Well…” Her voice faded away.
The mere suggestion that she had a wish was all it took for him to pounce on it. “Tell me. Tell me and I’ll make it happen.” Zach swore to himself that he’d deliver on anything she wanted.
“Zach, this is silly. I don’t need anything special.” She laughed as he glared at her. “Oh, fine. I’d like a sunset. Happy?” Zach nodded quickly. “Done. What else?”
Her smile dimmed. Bianca. The thought crossed her mind, causing a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. She blinked it away before Zach saw it, unaware that it was already too late. “Kendall?” Zach’s voice cut through her reverie. She put the smile back on her face. “Zach, really, that’s it…” Her mind raced to come up with something else. “Water. I’d like it by the water.”
His eyes narrowed, knowing that the water was an afterthought. She wanted something else and she wasn’t going to share it with him. Well, he had the rest of the day to figure it out. “Water. I can do that. Anything else?”
Kendall shook her head. “That’s it. Just make sure you’re there.” She laid her head on his chest and listened to the beat of his heart. Strong. Steady. She closed her eyes and sighed. He was more than enough.
Zach placed a kiss on her hair. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
***********************
Beach House
Zach closed the door behind him, dropping the wicker basket on the floor. Walking over to Kendall, he pulled her into his arms for a brief kiss. “Mmmm….I’m going to take a shower. Care to join me?” Kendall smiled at the playful look in his eyes and leaned in for another kiss before pulling away. “I would, but I need to take care of a few things. You go ahead.”
Zach watched as she glanced towards the phone. “Ok, I won’t be long.” He kissed her cheek and headed to the bedroom to get a clean pair of boxers. He yelled to her from the bedroom. “By the way, I had our stuff brought over while we were…” he finished his sentence as he walked back into the living room “out.”
Kendall shook her head. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“It’s part of my charm.” With a kiss on her forehead, he headed towards the bathroom.
Kendall waited for the bathroom door to close before moving to the sofa and waited until she could hear the water running before picking up the phone. She curled up in the corner of the sofa, her legs beneath her, pulling Zach’s shirt over her knees. She dialed the series of numbers from memory and leaned her head against the back of the sofa.
“Binks, it’s me.”
“Kendall! Are you okay? I’ve been so worried.” The tone in her voice made Kendall feel even worse for not calling sooner. “Binks, stop! I’m fine.”
“Where are you? I’ve been trying to call both you and Zach for days now. Both your cells have been going straight to voicemail.”
“I’m in Haiti.” The silence at the other end of the phone was deafening, making Kendall uncomfortable. “Binks?”
“You’re where? Oh my God, you did it. You actually did it.” Bianca’s voice was flat.
“What? Did what? Binks, you’re not making sense here.” Kendall sat up straight, having trouble keeping up.
“Kendall, he loves you!”
Kendall smiled and glanced down at her new ring. “Yes, he does, Binks. He really does.”
“If you know that, then how could you divorce him?”
It took a few seconds for Bianca’s words to register. How could you divorce him? “Wait a minute. I didn’t divorce Zach.”
“But you’re in Haiti. Why else would you go to Haiti?” Bianca sounded lost.
“It’s why I came. I actually filed. All that was left was for Zach to sign the papers. But,” Kendall thought back over the past 24 hours “that was before.” Kendall stood up and headed towards the slider to the deck, watching the sun rise over the water.
“Before what?” Bianca noticed the inflection in her sister’s voice.
Kendall wrapped her arms around herself. “Before he made my dreams come true.”
***********************
Zach stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his lean hips. Heading over to the vanity, his eyes searched for his shaving kit. He’d forgotten it in his haste to get to the shower. He opened the bathroom door and headed towards the bedroom, stopping when he saw Kendall. She was standing at the slider to the deck, her back to him. He opened his mouth to say something to her, but closed it when he realized that she was on the phone.
“We’re going to renew our vows here, just the two of us…yes, it’s very romantic…” Kendall sighed softly. “Oh, Binks, I wish you could be here too…Yes, I will…I promise…Love you, too. Give Mimo a kiss for me…Bye.”
Zach reversed his direction and headed back to the bathroom, just managing to close the door before Kendall turned away from the slider and headed back to the sofa. He walked over to the sink to check his reflection in the mirror and ran his fingers through his damp hair. He rubbed his jaw, feeling the roughness of the stubble. So much for shaving. He’d shave later. Right now he needed some sleep.
***********************
Kendall replaced the phone in its cradle and sat back down on the sofa, waiting for Zach to get out of the bathroom. Suddenly the idea of a hot shower was a welcome one. She rubbed the back of her neck, trying to alleviate the knot that seemed to have developed over the last hour. She managed only two quick rubs before her hands were removed and replaced with strong yet tender fingers. Zach started by rubbing her shoulders with his hands, before sliding them inwards, his long fingers moving in slow, firm circles. Kendall’s head fell forward, a low moan escaping her lips. Oh God, what the man could do with his hands… She felt him move her hair, his fingers working their way up her neck, kneading the knot. After several minutes, she felt it dissipate. Zach bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her neck. “Better?”
“Mmm hmm.” She turned around to face him, kneeling on the sofa. She captured his lips with hers, conveying her thanks. She deepened the kiss, her gratitude turning quickly into something else. Zach ended the kiss, smiling when Kendall remained exactly where she was, eyes closed and lips pursed. He laughed and placed a quick kiss on her lips. “Come on. Go take your shower. You’ll feel better afterwards.”
“I’d feel better now if you came down here with me.” She tried to pull him towards her, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he lifted her over the back of the sofa and placed her on the floor in front of him. “Shower. Now.” He pushed her towards the bathroom. He kissed her again before pushing her through the doorway and pulling the door closed. He rolled his eyes when she immediately opened the door back up and stuck out her head. “Don’t go to sleep. I’ll be out in a few minutes. We can pick up where we left off.” She felt the heat in her cheeks as she closed the door.
Zach shook his head. The hormones were definitely wreaking havoc on her libido. Once he heard the water start, he headed off to bed.
***********************
Kendall found herself humming as she stepped out of the shower. She couldn’t remember ever being this happy. She dried off her body with a plush white towel and reached for the basket of little bottles on the vanity. She pulled out one marked ‘lotion”, and unscrewed the cap and held it to her nose. The heady scent of vanilla washed over her senses. It took her right back to that night in Paris with Zach. She poured some of the lotion into her hands, and after rubbing her hands together, she smoothed it into her skin.
Grabbing the robe on the back of the door, she slipped it on, suddenly in a hurry to get back to Zach. She exited the bathroom and headed to the bedroom, giving Zach advance warning. “Zach, I hope you’re…” Her voice faded away. For there on the bed was her husband, sound asleep.
Zach was snoring softly, his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. He was lying on top of the sheet in his boxers, his arm behind his head. It looked like he had tried to stay awake, but didn’t succeed. She walked over to the bed, her hand reaching out to caress the waves of his hair. His hair was soft and damp from the shower, softly curling against his forehead.
Kendall’s eyes traveled his body, her gaze moving slowly over each inch of exposed skin. She smiled. This was her husband, the man joined to her through the bonds of matrimony. Bonds of matrimony. Kendall’s mind drifted back to the conversation she and Zach had at the beach. He jokingly equated the bonds of matrimony with silk scarves and handcuffs. Hmm…that gave her an idea.
She glanced around the room, her eyes falling on the pile of eveningwear that Zach had tossed onto a chair. Walking over to the chair, she removed her scarf and his tie. Ok, that’s a beginning. She walked back over to the bed, trying to figure out how she was going to do this. She looked at his right arm first. The way his arm was angled on the pillow behind his head caused a dent in the pillow. Definitely enough room to slip the tie underneath. She gently slid the tie underneath his wrist, pulling gently until she had enough of the silk to knot. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to picture Zach’s reaction when he realized she had ruined his tie. She was going to definitely have to make this worth his while. She tied the silk around his wrist. It was tight enough that he wouldn’t be able to undo it, but loose enough that he wouldn’t feel it right away. She took the other end of his tie and pulled it towards the wooden bedpost. She was able to loop it around twice and knot it securely. He would be able to move slightly, but not be able to touch her. Perfect.
She looked at his left arm. This one was extended out to her side of the bed. She’d have to be very careful. She walked around to the other side of the bed. She laid the scarf out parallel to his arm, holding it taught. Biting her lip, she slowly tried to slide the scarf underneath his arm. Back and forth, back and forth, she moved it. Suddenly his arm lifted. Kendall eyes were wide as she watched him bring his hand to his face to scratch his nose. She quickly moved the scarf, positioning it where she needed it, and watched in amazement as his arm lowered back to the same spot on the bed. And he was still sound asleep. She worked quickly, knotting one end around his wrist and anchoring the other end to the bedpost. Not too bad, not bad at all. She looked around the room. She needed one more thing. Sending up a quick prayer that he wouldn’t wake up until she got back, she headed to the living room. She needed one of the vases of long stemmed pink roses.
***********************
Zach shifted slowly, his senses registering the scent of vanilla. “Mmm…” His mind took him back to the night in Paris. Kendall. He remembered that night vividly, the memories causing involuntary reactions throughout his body. Groaning softly, he reached for her with his left arm and came up short, unable to move his arm more than an inch or two. What the… He opened his eyes, blinking several times in an attempt to focus. He tried to rub his eyes with his right arm and cursed when he couldn’t move that arm either. Kendall. He glanced around the room only to find his wife missing.
“Kendall!” Her name was no longer out of his mouth when she re-entered the bedroom with a vase of roses. She smiled innocently. “You’re awake.” She moved to the side of the bed, placing the vase on the nightstand. She reached down and placed a finger on his lips. “You weren’t supposed to be awake. That wasn’t how I planned this.” Zach said the first thing that popped into his head. “Now you know how I felt.” He lifted his head and pulled on his restraints. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “Care to explain this?”
Kendall smiled innocently. “I believe it was you who said that silk scarves were the bonds of matrimony. Since we’re going to be entering those bonds again and we never even tested them the first time, it seemed like a good idea.” She moved away from him to stop at the foot of the bed. “I also seem to remember you saying something about the benefits of “remaining still”. I wasn’t sure if I believed you, so I wanted to try it myself. Purely for research purposes. Besides, if nothing else, this is payback for the limo ride.”
“Kendall, all I did was blindfold you. I didn’t tie you up...” His voice faded away as he watched her untie the sash of her robe and let it fall to the floor. “Zach, the blindfold can still be arranged. I just thought you might want to…“watch”.” He closed his eyes and tried to swallow. All he could hear was his own words coming back to bite him. She was going to kill him. He felt the mattress shift slightly as she knelt on the bed, and shift again as she straddled his legs, working her way up his body until she was straddling his thighs.
“You were supposed to wait up for me, not go to sleep.” She leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his lips, pulling back when he tried to deepen it. “No, not yet.” She sat back on her heels. “You were snoring, Zach. Snoring.” Kendall shifted her hips, causing him to groan and harden against her. “How would you feel if you wanted to make love and I fell asleep?” She leaned forward to whisper in his ear. “How would you feel if you ached, Zach?” She placed an openmouthed kiss on his neck, her tongue emerging to taste his skin before she continued, “Because I ache, Zach. And I’m going to make you ache just as much.” She backed away and watched as he strained to touch her.
Zach pulled on the scarves, cursing when the only thing it resulted in was cutting the circulation off in his hands. She was talking about aching? He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. She had no idea what she was doing to him. The only thing that was making it slightly bearable was the sight of his wife naked on top of him. “Kendall, come on. You’ve had your fun.” He lifted his arms slightly. “Trust me; this will be so much better for you if I can use my hands.”
“I think it will be even better for you if I don’t use mine.” She leaned in to kiss him, her mouth opening over his to give him a warm, wet, kiss. She felt him try to control it, his tongue attempting to seduce hers. She immediately broke the kiss, her lips hovering just above his. Zach’s breathing was labored, his body hard beneath hers. “If you’re good, I might set you free.” She watched as his eyes widened, trying to process her words, and figure out whether the sexual innuendo he thought he heard was real or a figment of his imagination. “Kendall…” Her name was rough on his lips. She placed a finger on his lips, indicating that she wanted silence, only to have him open his mouth and try to suck her finger inside. He managed to stroke the tip of her finger with his tongue before she pulled her finger away.
She reached out and pulled a pink rose from the vase. She brought it to her nose, closing her eyes as she inhaled its scent. Tilting her head back, she trailed the rose over her lips and down her neck, feeling the silk of the petals caress her skin. She sighed softly before sliding the flower down her torso, feeling her nipples tighten in anticipation. She opened her eyes to find Zach’s eyes watching her every move. She tossed the rose aside and leaned into him, her eyes locked on his. “I’d rather have your mouth on me.” She reached out, her hands attaching themselves to the headboard behind him. She slowly lowered the top half of her body towards him, her breasts conveniently suspended above his lips. Zach groaned, lifting his head off of the pillow to capture a taut nipple between his teeth. He nipped it gently, and once he heard her gasp his name, he began to suckle in earnest. After a few minutes he moved to its twin, lavishing the same attention on it, until he released it with a final flick of his tongue across her nipple. “Kendall….” She opened her eyes slowly at the sound of his voice, her eyes glazed with passion. “Kiss me.”
She released her death grip on the headboard and placed her hands on the mattress, one hand on either side of his head. She lowered her head slowly, her eyes closing as her mouth met his. He nibbled at her lips, gently opening them to his tongue. He began to slowly entice her, with a series of very creative deep, wet kisses, his tongue gently thrusting against hers. “Hmm…” Once he felt her press herself against him, her hips restless against his, Zach tried again to convince her to untie him. “Kendall…Come on…” He planted whisper soft kisses on her neck, his stubble rubbing against her soft skin. “I want to make love to you,” he whispered. Zach could feel her damp heat through his silk boxers. “You know you want to…” He thrust his hips upward, allowing her to feel him, what she did to him. “Mmm…what I would do.”
Kendall closed her eyes and groaned softly…she knew exactly what he would do…but he wasn’t going to be doing anything until she was good and ready. She moved quickly, her lips capturing his in a passionate kiss before she began to move down his body, her hair brushing his skin. She began by placing butterfly kisses on his neck before moving down to his muscled chest. “Kendall?” She raised her eyes to his briefly and smiled before she bent her head and placed a kiss above his heart. She continued lower, her pink tongue flicking against his pebbling male nipple. She nipped it with her teeth, and felt him inhale sharply. Smiling to herself, she continued lower, her open, warm mouth moving slowly down his torso. She could feel him trembling beneath her, and when she swirled her tongue around his belly button, his hips came up off the mattress. “God, Woman!” he groaned. Thinking quickly, Kendall slid her long fingers in the waistband of his boxers and slid them over his hips, effectively releasing him from the silk. She moved off of him so that she could drag the boxers down his legs, removing them and tossing them on the floor.
Standing at the foot of the bed, she let her eyes roam over his glorious body, inch by beautiful inch. Putting her knee on the edge of the bed, she started to slink up slowly between his legs, never taking her eyes from his. The sight of his wife crawling up hand over hand, rubbing her body along his had Zach yanking on the restraints. Kendall bent her head and ran her tongue along the inside of his thighs. ‘Kendall, what are you doing?’ he rasped, his voice catching as her tongue continued it’s journey up his thigh and over to his hip, finally coming to place a light kiss on his ribs.
Looking up she smiled at the heat she saw smoldering in his eyes. ‘You don’t know?’ she said, sitting up and tilting her head at him, letting her eyes glance at his hands which were flexing open and closed, trying to touch her. She smiled wickedly at him and slipped her finger into her mouth. Zach’s head came off the pillow and his eyes widened at the sight of those perfect lips closing over it, his breath starting to come in pants. ‘If you have to ask, then I must not be doing it right. Let’s see if I can correct that.’ she said and started to slide back down him. Zach groaned, his head falling back onto the pillow.
Her tongue traced the outline of his pelvis, nipping softly and continuing it downward path. Kendall’s hands were running over his chest, her nails skimming over his nipples. He could feel her hot breath as it tickled across the tip of him. ‘Kendall’ he moaned. Her hands were wrapped around him and he could barely breathe, much less think. He tugged on the restraints even harder. He wanted to feel her hot damp skin pressed flush against his. Her mouth surrounded him, sending his hips off the sheets. ‘Am I doing it right Zach, am I making you ache?’ she purred, looking up at him. Zach’s head came off the pillow and his eyes locked with hers. ‘Yes, God…I ache!’ he growled through clenched teeth.
‘I want you to ache more, like I ache every time you look at me, every time you touch me.’ Kendall whispered, bending her head to surround him again. Kendall increased the intensity of her strokes, pushing him closer to the edge. He could feel the orgasm building and building, hard, hot and unstoppable. With one final tug, the scarf ripped under the pressure of his left wrist. He reached down and grabbed Kendall by the neck and dragged her up his body, flipping her under him. Kendall gasped at the heat she saw in his eyes. ‘You ruined my scarf’ she whispered. ‘I’ll buy you a new one when I get your shoes.’ he growled. “But I wanted you to ache.’ she said tilting her hips up to his. ‘Let’s ache together.’ he rasped, his mouth crashing down on hers as his body sank to the hilt in hers.
Chapter 30
Yacht
Kendall smoothed her hands over her silk-clad hips and stood looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Her wary green eyes gave her wedding dress the final once over. She offered a silent prayer of thanks that she had been able to find the perfect dress in less than twenty-four hours. The ivory gown was beautiful. It had a V-neck as well as spaghetti straps and a beaded empire waist. If she were going to be honest, she would have to admit that her husband figured prominently in her reasons for picking out this particular dress. This was definitely a “Zach” dress, the style feeding into his need to touch her. She adjusted the strap on her right shoulder and smiled. Her husband had this fascination for spaghetti straps and flirty sleeves, anything that his hands could play with when he was close to her. She turned slightly to check the back view of the dress. It was an added bonus that the back of the dress was almost non-existent. It was cut in a deep V, exposing almost all of her back, guaranteeing her that she’d be able to feel him on her skin when he held her.
Her right hand went to the diamond pendant around her neck, her fingers unconsciously sliding the diamond back and forth on the chain. She was getting married. Again. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her head spinning. Oh God, she was going to be sick. Kendall took a deep breath. How could she possibly be nervous? She was already married to the man for goodness sake. As irrational as it was, her stomach continued to flip, the nerves in her stomach unsettling her more than she’d care to admit. God, she needed Binks. She was the only one who could help calm her down. She reached for her purse and pulled out her cell phone, dialing her sister’s number with shaking fingers. As soon as the ringing stopped and she heard a click, Kendall launched into her spiel only to have her voice die away when she realized that she had gotten Bianca’s voicemail. Great, just great. Shaking her head, she ended the call without leaving a message.
Come on, Kendall. You’re a big girl. She put the phone back in her purse and headed back to the mirror. You don’t need Binks to tell you how lucky you are. You already know. She stood up straight, pushing her shoulders back. I can do this.
Knock. Knock.
Kendall turned away from the mirror and headed to the door. She opened it slowly to find Gerard. Gerard was beaming. “Good evening, Ms. Hart. This is for you, from Mr. Slater.” Gerard extended his hand, holding out a bouquet of three long-stemmed pink roses. He watched as color flooded her cheeks. “Are you ready? Mr. Slater is waiting.” Kendall nodded. When Gerard extended his arm, she wrapped hers around it and closed the door to the cabin behind her. Gerard led her up the stairs to the deck. “Ok, Ms. Hart. If you will wait here, I will be right back. I just need to inform Mr. Slater you are here and to cue the music.” Kendall nodded as she watched Gerard begin his walk to the opposite end of the yacht. It was really happening. She walked over to the railing and looked out at the water, smiling as she saw the sun was setting. Zach really did have an impeccable sense of timing.
“I hear you’re in need of a bridal party. Will we do?” Kendall spun around to find Bianca standing a few feet behind her. “Binks!” Kendall ran to her sister, enveloping her in her arms. “But how? I mean…I thought…” Bianca laughed and returned Kendall’s hug. “Let’s just say you have an amazing husband. Besides, you know I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Zach. Kendall’s eyes filled with tears. How did he know? I never said… Bianca reached out to wipe the stray tear that had escaped and slid down Kendall’s cheek. “Hey, no crying. You’re supposed to be happy. You don’t want to ruin your makeup.” Kendall nodded, taking a deep breath, noticing for the first time that Maggie and Miranda were standing off to the side. All three girls were dressed in the same shade of pink. “You’re all…” she waved her hand indicating the pink dresses. Bianca’s laugh cut her off. “Kendall, this is Zach that we’re talking about, remember? He wanted this to be perfect for you: one maid-of-honor, one bridesmaid, and one flower girl - if you’ll have us.”
Kendall closed her eyes. Just when she thought she couldn’t love him anymore than she already did, he again proved her wrong. “Of course, I’ll have you.” She smiled through her tears and hugged her sister again before walking over to Maggie. “Congratulations, Kendall.” Kendall gave her a hug. “Thanks, Maggie.” Kendall knelt down in front of Miranda. “Hey, Mimo. Are you going to be Auntie Kendall’s flower girl?” Miranda smiled and nodded, lifting up a little white basket filled with pink rose petals. “Pretty!” she exclaimed, as she swung her arm causing some of the petals to float to the wooden deck. Kendall laughed and pulled the little girl into her arms for a hug. “Yes, you are, Miranda. Yes, you are.”
The sound of violins suddenly filled the air. “I hate to interrupt, but we have a ceremony to get to.” Bianca helped Kendall stand up and straightened her dress. She grabbed her bouquet and pulled out a pink rose, adding it to Kendall’s hair. “Perfect.” Maggie reached down to pick up Miranda’s basket and took her hand, walking her towards the opposite deck.
“Are you ready?” Bianca asked. Kendall nodded, her voice nothing more than a whisper. “I really am. I love him, Binks.” She pulled her sister into a quick hug. “Thank you for being here.” Bianca kissed her cheek. “I love you, Kendall. Be happy.” She walked over to Maggie and Miranda. She whispered into Miranda’s ear and gave her a little push, sending her in the direction of the music. Maggie followed shortly behind. Bianca turned back to Kendall and smiled. “Count to 20 and start walking. He’s waiting for you.” She turned back and started walking, leaving Kendall alone in the dusk.
***********************
Zach shifted again, his eyes darting from his watch to the walkway on the side of the ship. Where was she? She should’ve been there by now. Gerard had confirmed her arrival almost fifteen minutes ago. He inserted his finger inside the collar of his shirt and slid it back and forth, suddenly feeling like he couldn’t breathe. Damn it. He wasn’t this nervous the first time they got married. The voice in his head came unbidden. You didn’t love her then. He shook his head, took a deep breath, and tried to relax.
He heard the violins begin to play, and he finally began to breathe. His eyes alighted on Miranda. She was taking her time walking down the aisle of fabric, her small fingers pinching the rose petals and dropping them to the ground. Halfway up the aisle, she evidently became frustrated at the time it took to drop them so she took her little basket in both hands and tipped it over, the petals landing in a mountain at her small feet. She walked the rest of the way up the aisle towards Zach, and handed him the empty basket.
Maggie was next, smiling at him as she watched Miranda’s little display. She shrugged her shoulders, silently mouthing “I’m sorry!” before moving to Miranda’s side. Zach laughed softly. Finally, Bianca began her walk towards him. He caught her eye, his eyebrow raised in question. Bianca smiled and nodded, her eyes bright with the sheen of tears. Zach whispered a heartfelt “Thank you.” as she passed, reaching out and squeezing her hand. Then the tempo of the music changed, indicating the arrival of the bride.
***********************
18…19…20. Kendall took a deep breath and headed towards the music. Her eyes taking in the strands of white lights on the railings as she passed, as well as small bunches of pink roses entwined every few feet. She continued walking until she reached the open deck, her eyes searching for and finding her husband. And she smiled.
There he was, her handsome rogue of a husband, dressed to the nines in a tux. Her eyes traveled over his frame, from his broad shoulders all the way down to his lean legs. It should be illegal for a man to look that good. Her eyes caught his and for a moment she couldn’t breathe. The warmth and love in his eyes took her breath away. She continued towards him, her eyes locked on his, her walk changing quickly into a run. She saw his eyes widen as she launched herself into his arms. He caught her quickly, bracing himself as she pulled his head down towards hers and kissed him for all she was worth. Bianca and Maggie exchanged glances and quickly stifled their laughter. Leaning towards Maggie, Bianca whispered, “I think someone’s saying thank you.”
Kendall was a woman possessed. She poured every single drop of feeling she had for Zach into her kiss. His mouth opened under the onslaught of hers, his tongue scrambling to hold its own in this battle of wills. Each sweeping caress, each low moan causing heat to course through his body. His hands slid down her back, not stopping until they rested on her silk-clad hips. Forgetting where they were, he pulled her lower body against his, letting her feel his arousal.
“Ahem.” The sound of the minister clearing his throat finally penetrated Zach’s subconscious. He ended the kiss slowly; loathe to tear himself away from her lips. She resisted, cupping his face with her hands, and for the first time he noticed the sheen of tears in her eyes. She smiled through her tears and whispered “Thank you.” The minister cleared his throat a second time and lowered the frame of his glasses on his nose. “Mr. and Mrs. Slater, please! We haven’t gotten to that part of the ceremony yet.”
Zach smiled indulgently at his wife, trying to get his body and his breathing back under control. “I’m sorry. My wife seems to have something against the natural order of things.” He kissed the tip of her nose when she opened her mouth to make a comment. “Please carry on.” He reached for her hand and threaded his fingers through hers.
“Hmph….” The minister pushed his glasses back up his nose and opened his book. “We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Kendall and Zach in marriage. Kendall and Zach, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to use by our family or by our friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of the greatest challenges of life - and is the shared goal of a married life.”
“Now, we will begin the renewal of the vows.” The minister opened his mouth to speak only to be interrupted. “Wait!” Zach turned his head to Kendall in surprise. He watched as her cheeks flooded with color. She looked at him shyly. “I’d like to say my own vows.” Of course you would. The minister closed his eyes and prayed for patience. What else was this woman going to change? Pasting a benevolent smile on his lips he turned to the woman before him. “Fine, Kendall, we’ll start with you.”
Kendall took a deep breath and squeezed Zach’s hands. “Zach, if anyone had told me a year ago it was possible for me to be this happy, I would’ve told them they were crazy. But here I am. Here we are. I’m happier than I’ve ever been…and it’s all because of you. You made me believe in love again. You saw into my heart when no one else could and you believed in me.” The tears that had been threatening to fall began to silently make their way down her cheek. “I feel so proud to be your wife. You have given me so much. I love your quietness. I love your stillness. I love your smile. I love the way you love me. Just the way I've always wanted to be loved. You encourage me. You listen and support me as no one else can. With all your tenderness, support and strength, knowing I can lean on you if I need to makes my fears less. And today, the “real” first day of the rest of our lives, I commit myself to you.” She hastily wiped her tears away. “I love you.”
Zach couldn’t speak for the lump that had manifested itself in the back of his throat, Kendall’s words ringing in his ears. He lifted her shaking hands to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He began to speak, only managing to say her name before having to stop to clear his throat, the emotions he was feeling at that moment making words difficult. Looking into her eyes, he began again. “Kendall, I never thought I’d find love at this point of my life. I stopped searching for it years ago. But then I met you. Suddenly I found myself seeing past the woman you thought everyone wanted you to be and saw the real you. And before long I didn’t have any choice but to love you. I will take you in my arms when you need to be held. I will listen when you need to talk. I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sadness. He blinked away the moisture in his eyes. “I can’t express in words how much I love you, and it would take me a lifetime to show you just how much you mean to me. And that is what I want to do: spend my life with you, demonstrating my respect, my admiration, and my love.” He watched as she tried valiantly to hold back her tears. “Kendall, I love who you were. I love who you are. And I love who you are going to be. He repeated her final words back to her. “And today, the “real” first day of the rest of our lives, I commit myself to you. I love you.”
Involuntarily they leaned towards each other, their lips meeting softly in a slow, deep, perfect kiss. They were jarred out of their own little world by the sound of a throat being cleared. When they didn’t immediately separate, Kendall and Zach felt something being pushed between them. A book.
“Can you two please make an effort to follow along?” The minister turned the page, his gaze roaming over the couple before him before looking towards the wedding party. “Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace and the unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this man and this woman in marriage. Who has the rings?” His eyes traveled back and forth from Kendall to Zach, sighing in relief when Zach extended his hand, in his palm two rings. The minister took them both in his hand, taking and presenting Kendall’s diamond anniversary band to Zach. “Zach, repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow.”
Zach lifted Kendall’s left hand. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow…” He slid the sparkling ring halfway down Kendall’s finger. He turned to look back at the minister.
“And with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.”
Zach turned back to Kendall, and holding her gaze he continued “and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.” He slid the ring home.
“Kendall, repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow.”
Kendall lifted Zach’s left hand. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow…” She slid the band halfway down Zach’s finger. She turned to look back at the minister.
“And with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.”
Kendall turned back to Zach, her eyes finding his as she continued “and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.” She slid the ring home.
“Kendall and Zach, as you this day renew your marriage vows which united you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together - as you shall remain each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.
A marriage ceremony represents one of life’s greatest commitments. But it also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians. I believe it is a true model of love and it is a model of love I hope you pursue in your marriage:
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud. Love is never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable or touchy. Love does not hold grudges and will hardly notice when others do it wrong. Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to them no matter what the costs. You will always believe in them, always expect the best in them, and will always stand your ground in defending them.
Dear Heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with great happiness as Kendall and Zach renew their marriage vows and today reaffirm their faith and love for one another. Grant that they may ever be true and loving, living together in such a way as to never bring shame or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding; rid them of all pretense or jealousy. Help them to remember to be each other’s sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, so that together they may meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. And with the passage of time, may they find great contentment in the rich joy of senior companionship. May the home they are reaffirming today truly be a place of love and harmony, where Your Spirit is always present. Bless this marriage we pray and walk beside Kendall and Zach throughout all of their lives together. We ask these things in Jesus name; Amen.”
The minister looked over at Bianca and motioned to her. Bianca stood up and brought over two long-stemmed pink roses. She handed the first to Kendall. She smiled at Kendall’s look of confusion and whispered, “Trust me.” Bianca met Zach’s eyes smiling as she handed him the second rose. When Zach had explained the rose ceremony and his reasons for wanting to include it in the wedding, Bianca had been moved to tears by the depth of his love for her sister. He really understood Kendall, just as well as - if not better than - she did. She couldn’t have asked for anyone better for her sister.
"Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings - which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other. You now have what remains the most honorable title that may exist between a man and a woman - the title of "husband" and "wife." For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose. In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing - it meant the words "I love you." So it is appropriate that for your first gift - as husband and wife - that gift would be a single rose. Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife.”
Kendall and Zach exchanged roses, each bringing the bud to their nose to inhale its scent.
“In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose - and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life - one I hope you always remember - the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage. Kendall and Zach, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future - whether it be a large and elegant home - or a small and graceful one - that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage - and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.
In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult sometimes to find the words to say, "I am sorry" or "I forgive you"; "I need you" or "I am hurting". If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected - for that rose then says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words. That rose says the words: "I still love you." The other should accept this rose for the words that cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today. Kendall and Zach, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure.”
Kendall felt the tears in her eyes begin to fall. That Zach had included this meant more than she could say. Both she and Zach were two people who sometimes found words – at least the right ones – difficult. She felt his fingers on her cheek, attempting to wipe away her tears. She smiled through her tears, whispering, “I love you so much.” Zach leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips, whispering, “I love you. You’ll never have a reason to doubt that.”
“They’ll need a florist on speed dial.” Maggie attempt at whispering fell short as both Zach and Kendall turned towards her, Zach laughing, Kendall glaring. Maggie blushed furiously, muttering “Well, you know I’m right.” as Bianca attempted to stifle a laugh. The minister shook his head. Once again they throw off the flow of the ceremony. He recited a quick Psalm in his head to re-focus himself and continued.
“Kendall and Zach, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Holy Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands and the giving of these rings, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife. Whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder. Congratulations, you may…” Zach didn’t wait for the minister to finish, pulling Kendall into his arms and crushing her lips beneath his. “…kiss your bride.” The minister closed his book and tucked it under his arm. Finally. It was over. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and blotted his sweating forehead. His gaze traveled the deck. “It is my honor to present to you Mr. & Mrs. Zach Slater.
Chapter 31 NC-17
[color=red]"Warning: will cause increased heart rate and decreased respirations of all who read. Also possible hot flashes and needs for cold showers!" [/color] [color=blue](Thanks to Sarah_Zen22 for penning this disclaimer and allowing me to use it, although after the last one she said the warning wasn’t enough! LOL!)[/color]
Kendall didn’t hear anything past the word “Congratulations”. The look in Zach’s eyes as he reached for her was enough to reduce her entire world down to him and the way he made her feel. She gasped as his lips met hers, the urgency in his kiss making her stomach flutter anew. Her hands slid up his chest to grasp the lapels of his tux jacket, trying to hang on as he deepened the kiss. This kiss was different; she could feel it. She tried to put a name to it. Possession. That was it. She felt branded. Property of Zach Slater. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She was truly his now…and for always.
It seemed that Zach felt the same way, for when he ended the kiss he growled softly and whispered “Mine” against her lips. It was the growl that made her knees weak. She pulled him close to whisper “Only yours” in his ear, before nipping his lobe with her teeth and releasing him, smiling when the heat flared in his eyes. Kendall reached for his hand, threading her fingers through his before turning to their guests.
Bianca was the first to reach them, pulling both of them into a hug. “Oh, I am so happy for both of you. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful.” Bianca released them and blinked away the tears in her eyes. “Yes, it was.” Kendall said, as she turned her head towards her husband. Thank you, she mouthed silently. Kendall felt a tug on her dress and looked down to see Miranda, her arms extended upwards. “Me, too.” They laughed as Kendall lifted her niece into her arms. Zach watched in silence, his face softening as he watched Kendall with Miranda. She really was going to make a wonderful mother. His eyes met his wife’s over Miranda’s shoulder and he smiled, reaching out to brush his hand over Miranda’s hair.
Maggie watched the family dynamic with interest. It was all coming together just like Bianca had said it would, and from what she could see, Zach was more than able to handle Kendall as well as a child. She offered her congratulations. Seeing a waiter approaching with a tray of glasses, Maggie reached out to take Miranda. Making sure that Bianca and Maggie had their glasses, Zach picked up a glass of sparkling cider and handed it to Kendall and picked up another for himself. “I want to make a toast.” Taking a deep breath, he turned to look at his wife.
“Someone once said that ‘To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.’ Kendall, you’ve given me the strength and the courage to open my heart and take a risk. And that risk has paid off in ways I could never imagine. It’s given me the world.” He picked up her left hand and kissed the skin above her wedding ring before placing it on her stomach. “I promise that I will spend every day of my life making sure you and our baby know just how much you are loved.” Blinking back the tears he felt behind his eyes, he brought their intertwined hands to his chest and placed them over his heart. Taking a deep breath he continued. 'Thank you. Thank you for knowing me....and loving me, just the same.' Taking his glass he gently touched it to hers. 'I love you.' he said, holding her gaze as they lifted them to their lips.
The intimacy of the moment was broken when Miranda began to wave excitedly at Gerard, who was wheeling a cart towards Zach and Kendall. “Cake!” Gerard chuckled softly, taking in the happiness on each of their faces and smiled. Ah, this is how it should be. “If I may, Mr. Slater, Mrs. Slater, I’d like to offer you my congratulations. May your joys be as deep as the Ocean and your troubles as light as its foam.” Zach extended his hand. “Gerard, I wouldn’t have been able to do all of this without you. Thank you.” Gerard shook his hand. “I was happy to do it. Anything for love.” He turned to Kendall. “You have a good man here.” Kendall smiled and turned to look at her husband and squeezed his hand. “Yes, I do, Gerard. And I won’t forget it.” Gerard nodded, satisfied, and handed her the knife to cut the cake.
Kendall took a minute to look at the dessert. It was three-layer cake, covered in butter cream frosting with pink rosettes decorating the edges. She inserted the tip of the knife into the bottom tier and turned to Zach, saying “Well?” Zach raised an eyebrow. “Well, what?” Kendall sighed in exasperation. “Have you never been to a wedding? The bride AND the groom are supposed to cut the cake.” She released the handle of the knife and waited expectantly. “Sorry. I was distracted…” His eyes took another leisurely tour down her body causing Kendall to blush. Zach immediately moved behind her, his arm encircling her waist. He took her hand, placing it on the knife, and covered her hand with his. Under the gentle pressure, the knife slipped into the cake. He lifted the knife up and out of the cake only to return to it and make another slice. Zach removed Kendall’s hand from the knife and moved her aside, reaching for a plate and lifting the slice of cake onto it. He turned to face her, a smirk on his face. “I do remember this part, though.”
Kendall’s eyes traveled from the smirk on Zach’s face to the cake and back again, watching warily as his fingers picked up a chunk of the cake. Her eyes widened. He wouldn’t…would he? Needing to be prepared, her fingers reached for a chunk of cake as well…just in case. “Be nice”, she whispered, as he lifted the cake to her lips. Zach smiled in return, saying, “I’m always nice.” Kendall laughed. “I’m not sure if nice is an adjective I’d use to describe you.” Zach shook his head and pulled his cake-filled hand away from her lips. “Keep that up and you’ll be wearing this in a second”, he promised. Kendall slowly opened her mouth and keeping her eyes locked with Zach’s, wrapped her lips around his fingers as they deposited the cake in her mouth. Zach’s eyes darkened as he took in the movement of his wife’s lips on his fingers. Slowly licking her lips, Kendall leaned towards him and said, “I can think of some better words to describe you.” Lowering his head, Zach leaned in as she started whispering in his ear. When she was finished, she backed away slowly, noting that her words had produced the desired effect.
Zach’s eyes were smoldering and they were focused on her lips. With the look on her husband’s face, she didn’t think he’d be describing her as "nice" right now either. Zach attempted to clear his throat while trying to erase the memories that her words and the feel of her lips had evoked. He had almost succeeded until he caught her seductive smile, which caused whatever air he had left in his lungs to dissipate. She wasn’t playing fair. He couldn’t retaliate the way he wanted to with an audience, although he did have the advantage of having his back to their guests. Watching as she extended her hand to his lips, offering her cake to him, Zach quickly reached out and wrapped his large hand around her wrist effectively holding her captive. Moving in slowly, he began to nibble the cake from her fingers, his teeth nipping gently. Once the cake was gone, she tried to pull her hand away but couldn’t break his hold. She watched mesmerized as he pressed two of her fingers together and slid them into his mouth, sucking them gently to remove any remaining frosting. Slowly he ran his tongue up and down the seam between her fingers before slowly parting them, licking and caressing the soft flesh in between, continuing until her breathing was unsteady and her eyes dark. When she began to sway on her feet he stopped, releasing her fingers with a flourish, placing a brief kiss on their tips. He turned around to their guests. “Cake, anyone?”
It took Kendall a few minutes before she could snap out of the fog that Zach had put her in. Her knees were still shaky, but her breathing had returned back to normal. She cleared her throat and cursed her husband, muttering to herself when her first word came out as a squeak. She narrowed her eyes when he chuckled and handed her a piece of wedding cake, saying, “Don’t give me that look, you deserved it and you know it.” When that didn’t seem to endear him to her, he whispered, “I’ll make it up to you later, I promise.” and leaned in to kiss her gently. Kendall slid her hand down his body, skimming over the front of his trousers. “Oh, trust me, you will.” she said as she pulled back, her finger lightly rubbing him through the fabric, causing Zach to suck in his breath. She took her cake and headed towards Bianca leaving him standing there stunned.
Click. Click. Click. Bianca heard Kendall’s footsteps and turned around to face her sister, her eyes seeing past her shoulder to her brother-in-law. “What’s wrong with your husband?” Kendall turned to look at Zach and smiled sweetly. “He’s just a little choked up over the ceremony.” Zach’s eyes narrowed at her comment. Turning, he put down his cake and licked the frosting off of his thumb before walking towards her. Waving his hands, the sound of violins began again.
“Excuse me, I need my wife.” Taking Kendall’s hand, he pulled her into his arms. ‘You had better start behaving or all bets are off.’ he growled in her ear. Kendall pulled back to look into her husband’s eyes and seeing the passion burning in them she sighed, pulling him closer. “And here I thought, I’d married a gambling man who liked to take risks.” she murmured into his chest. Groaning, Zach stroked his right hand up her arm to her shoulder, his fingers seeking out the delicate spaghetti strap of her dress. Zach slid his finger underneath, caressing her smooth skin before lifting the strap off of her shoulder. Bending his head, he placed a warm openmouthed kiss on her shoulder before sliding the strap back into place. Kendall felt Zach's arms tighten around her when his hand slid down her back and encountered her warm skin. 'Zach, I need you.” she whispered as she buried her face in his neck, her breath soft on his skin. He pulled back to look into her eyes, his gaze full of heat, need and want. “I’m aching, Kendall,” he rasped. “I ache for my wife.” Kendall’s green eyes darkened with passion, her senses overwhelmed by the man in front of her. She pressed herself tightly against him, trying to ignore the voice in her head that was telling her to stop before this went any further. Suddenly she remembered why this wasn’t a good idea. “Zach…our guests…”
“Are just leaving.” Bianca said, as she shifted a fussing Miranda in her arms. “We have an early flight in the morning and Miranda should already be in bed. Zach, would you mind?” She handed her daughter to Zach and pulled Kendall aside. “Oh, Kendall, I’m so happy for you,” she said as she pulled her sister into a hug. “Be happy and promise me you’ll call me when you get back from your honeymoon.” Kendall blinked away the tears in her eyes and smiled. “I will. Thank you for being here, Binks. You helped to make tonight perfect,” she said as her arms tightened around Bianca. “I love you.” Bianca pulled back and smiled. “I love you, too.”
Walking back over to Zach, Kendall took Miranda from him so she could say goodbye and left Bianca standing with him. “Take care of her, Zach,” Bianca said. Zach looked over at his wife and niece before answering. “You know I will, Bianca. Rest assured that she and the baby will never want for anything. I promise.” He opened his arms and Bianca moved in for a hug. “Love her, even when she makes you crazy.” Pulling away, she watched his face. Zach reached out and lovingly touched her cheek. “I think I love her even more when she’s crazy.” Bianca laughed. Her sister was in good hands.
Maggie appeared behind Bianca, smiling, and again offered her congratulations to the happy couple. She gave both Kendall and Zach a hug and followed Bianca off the yacht. As they headed down the platform to the dock, Bianca turned to Maggie, saying “Well?” Maggie groaned softly. “Fine. You were right. They didn’t make it past their first dance.” Bianca laughed, enjoying Maggie’s discomfiture. “And?” she prompted, holding out her hand. Maggie reached into her dress, between her breasts, and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. “You don’t have to be so smug about it,” she grumbled, and followed Bianca to the car.
***********************
Zach watched as the Gerard, the waiter, and the violinists headed down the platform towards the dock. The only crewmember left was the Captain who was going to sail the yacht, and he was too far away for him to care. Pulling Kendall back into his arms, he closed his eyes and breathed in her scent. “Alone at last.” Wrapping his arms around her, he moved his hands to the warm, soft skin of her back. “Have I told you how much I love your dress?” he said as his fingers began drawing lazy circles on her skin.
Kendall moaned softly. “Mmm…I’m glad since your little obsession factored into my decision. After all, it did have the straps you enjoy so much.” As she snuggled into his neck, Zach smiled and asked, “What else factored into your decision?” Kendall lifted her head to look into his eyes. “The fact that I would be able to feel you on my skin when you hold me.” Zach growled low in his chest as he pulled her body flush against his, his fingers gliding over her exposed back to slide underneath the material of her dress. Holding her hips against his, he whispered hoarsely. “Then feel me…feel all of me.” He bent his head and captured her mouth with his, taking advantage when she gasped against his lips to deepen the kiss.
All Kendall could hear was the sound of her heart beating in her ears, and it kept getting louder and louder with every sweep of his tongue, every touch of his hands. She was drowning, sinking deeper and deeper into the feelings Zach was evoking in her and she didn’t want to be saved. She reached up, her arms wrapping themselves around his neck, her fingers sliding into his hair to anchor him to her. Zach squeezed his eyes shut tighter and groaned, his hands clenching in the material of her skirt. He broke the kiss, his lips moving to her ear, his voice rough. “You make me ache. Only you.” He felt her tremble as his lips moved down her neck, his warm tongue tracing a slow path over her smooth skin and finding her wildly racing pulse. As Kendall tilted her head to the side to allow him greater access, Zach began to move slowly, pushing her backwards until she was pressed up against the yacht’s railings. Adjusting his stance, he positioned her between his legs, effectively holding her in place and freeing up his hands.
Kendall’s passion-filled eyes opened when she felt the railings against her lower back. “Zach?” Her breathless voice faded away when she looked at him, the soft white lights lining the railings casting seductive shadows over the planes of his face. “Shh…trust me” he whispered against her lips, as he covered her mouth with his. He seduced her with his kiss, his tongue gently stroking and caressing hers, until she relaxed against him, her body pliant in his arms. He slid his arms around her, his hands strong and warm on her back as they moved to the zipper of her dress.
In the back of her mind, Kendall heard the hiss of her zipper sliding open and the felt the bodice of her dress loosen. Zach’s hands came up to hook his thumbs underneath the spaghetti straps of her dress and slowly slid them off her shoulders. Zach tugged gently and her bodice slowly fell to her waist, baring her breasts to his gaze. “Beautiful”, he breathed. Kendall arched her back, offering herself to him. When nothing happened, she opened her eyes to look into his and shivered, suddenly feeling exposed, as if he could not only see her body but he could see into her soul. She reached for his hand and placed it on her breast. “Touch me, Zach.” Removing her hand from the top of his, she reached up to cup his face. Pulling him towards her, she whispered against his lips. “Please, Zach, I need you to touch me.”
It was her plea that sent him over the edge. He bent down and scooped her up into his arms and started towards the cabin.
***********************
After a few steps, it became readily apparent to Zach that they would never make it to the room below deck, at least not this first time. Kendall was whispering in his ear, using her tongue to illustrate what she wanted, and this time it was his knees that shook. He looked around for the nearest doorway in the moonlight, and finding it, quickly moved towards it. He lowered Kendall to the deck, sucking in his breath as her body slid slowly along his length as he fumbled for the doorknob. Grasping the knob, he turned it and pushed the door open, his lips fusing hotly to hers, pushing her backwards into the darkness.
It was the galley. His ended the kiss, his breathing uneven. His eyes scanned their surroundings, taking in the industrial look, the overabundance of stainless steel, specifically the empty island in the center of the room. The moonlight from the doorway behind him shone on the cool, hard steel, illuminating it, almost making it glow like molten silver. He backed her up against the steel, his hands spanning her waist. “You’ve got thirty seconds,” Zach growled in her ear. Kendall pulled back to look up at him in confusion, saying “For what?” Zach’s hands moved to her hips, his fingers bunching the delicate silk. “To decide whether or not you want to keep this dress, because in exactly thirty seconds I’m going to rip it off of you.”
Kendall gasped at the vision his words created, feeling the potent liquid shot of desire that filled her core. She swallowed with difficulty, looking down at her dress and looking back up at him. “But, Zach, I love this dress…” Her eyes returned to the dress, her hands smoothing the soft silk, before looking back up to him. It was the look in his eyes that made the decision for her. “You'll buy me - I'll buy you a new one." they spoke simultaneously, passion overtaking both of them. He grasped the silk in his hands and felt it rip along the seams, the fabric surrendering to his persistent tugging. She closed her eyes as she felt the silk slide to the floor, leaving her clad in her ivory silk panties.
He closed his eyes, willing his body to slow down, knowing she deserved to be taken slowly…especially tonight. He took a few deep breaths before he spanned her waist with his hands and lifted her out of the circle of silk pooled at her feet. Kendall didn’t waste any time, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling his mouth to hers, flicking her tongue against his lips, and delving inside when he gasped for breath. She moaned softly as her breasts came in contact with his tuxedo jacket, causing her nipples to harden with the friction. Zach tried to pull back, only succeeding in ending the kiss as Kendall’s arms were wrapped tightly around his neck, her fingers splayed into his hair. He could feel her warm breath on his cheek, moving upwards towards his ear as she whispered, “Don’t make me wait, Zach”, her tongue slipping briefly inside his ear, her voice strained as she continued. “I can’t.”
And with those last two words, all of Zach’s good intentions were shot to hell. “Ah, hell. Kendall…” He moved to his right, pushing her roughly up against the oversized stainless steel refrigerator, her gasp of surprise as her overheated flesh met the cold steel reverberating in the empty galley, the sensation causing her to shiver. He crushed his lips to hers, his tongue jockeying for position in her mouth as she squirmed against him, pushing at his jacket, trying to slide it off his shoulders. Zach backed up and let her slide down his body, groaning as she grazed his arousal. “I want your skin against mine,” she said, finally succeeding in pushing his jacket off and onto the floor and began to unbutton his shirt in earnest, resisting the urge to just yank it open, slowing down as she bent her head to kiss each inch of newly exposed skin. “Later,” he whispered as he lifted her head with his hand and pulled away, his shirt hanging open. Covering her mouth with his, his hands reached for her breasts and kneaded them gently.
Growling against her neck, he rasped “I need to be inside you…NOW”, and began to walk backwards, pulling her with him and heading back towards the empty island. He turned her around so that she faced the steel, his body pressing against her from behind, and moved her hair aside to place soft, wet kisses on her neck. Kendall gasped and leaned her head back against his shoulder, shivering as she felt his hand slide down her right hip to her thigh, before moving inwards, his fingers dancing along the inside of her thigh. His fingers moved higher, feeling her damp heat through the silk, stroking her softly. Kendall’s knees buckled, causing her to lean against Zach for support, his hands adjusting her stance to allow him greater liberties. She closed her eyes, unable to focus on anything but his fingers, as they slipped past the silk to stroke her swollen flesh. “Zach!” she gasped as he slowly slid a long finger inside her, her inner walls clenching, grasping futilely to hold him inside, but it wasn’t enough. Kendall shifted her hips, bearing down, trying to capture the elusive feeling of fullness, moaning in frustration when she failed.
“More, Zach…please…” she begged as she rolled her hips against him, whimpering when he caressed her with a second finger. He nipped the side of her neck with his teeth before teasing her further, his second finger barely sliding inside her before withdrawing and returning to circle her aroused flesh. “What do you want, Kendall?” he asked, as he listened to her breathing change and watched her face flush with color, “This?” He thrust his second finger deep inside her, allowing himself a satisfied smile when he heard her cry out. He could feel her tighten around his fingers. He moved his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Or this?” as he began to rhythmically pump his fingers in and out. Kendall began to shake, the little shocks of her orgasm beginning, her voice breaking when she tried to speak his name. “Za – ach…” He slowly removed his fingers, knowing she was already gone and reached down to grasp her silk panties. One good tug and the seams separated in his hands, and he discarded them onto the floor.
He grappled with his pants, managing to unzip them and lower them with his boxers past his hips. As he pressed himself against her, he took her hands and placed them on the cool steel of the island, stretching her out so that he could cover her with his body. 'Can you feel me Kendall?' he rasped as he rubbed himself against her buttocks. Kendall groaned as she tried to squirm closer to him. “Can you?” he repeated dipping his head to nip at her shoulder. 'Yes, God....yes Zach...' she groaned, the feel of his teeth resonating into her womb. Zach's fingers intertwined with hers as he bent to position himself at her entrance, thrusting home with a low groan in his chest. He felt her fingers clasp his, and heard her scream his name as her release crashed over her.
He didn’t give her time to regroup before continuing thrusting inside her, feeling her surround him, her body involuntarily tightening on his. “Again…” he groaned. Kendall couldn’t fight it, letting out another scream as she climaxed again. She tried to catch her breath, her heart pounding. Still rock-hard, Zach pulled out quickly and spun her around, positioning himself at the entrance to her body, his eyes locked on hers. He watched as her eyes sparked with desire. She pulled his head down to hers and whispered “Again” against his lips. He grasped her hips and buried himself deep inside her, groaning at the feel of her sensitized flesh surrounding him. His eyes never wavering from hers, he moved faster and faster, not stopping until he reached his release.
Kendall followed right behind him, closing her eyes as her body fell forward against his, her shaking legs too weak to support her. Tightening his arms around her, Zach absorbed her slight weight into himself and leaned his forehead against hers, attempting to draw air into his lungs. Raising her hand to his face, she cupped his cheek and pulled his mouth to hers. The kiss was lazy, slow and seductive; subtly reawakening the passion that they had both thought was spent. Bracing her against the island, he pulled away to re-fasten his pants, managing to zip the zipper, but leaving the button undone, the belt dangling. Bending slightly, he lifted her into his arms and headed to the door. “Zach?” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck, “my clothes…”, her words cut off by his lips. In between kisses he spoke, his voice low and deep. “Trust me. You won’t need them.” Shifting her against him, he walked out of the galley and carried her below deck.
***********************
Kendall stretched unhurriedly with her eyes closed, her body filled with pleasant aches, smiling as she replayed the few hours in her head. I’ll never think of a kitchen the same way again. Reaching for her husband, her hand came in contact with empty space. The sheets were still warm, his pillow still indented from where his head had lain. “Zach?” she asked as she pushed herself up, wrapping the sheet tightly around her breasts. Her eyes searched the room to find him conspicuously absent. Clutching the sheet tighter, she slid one leg out from underneath the sheet and tentatively placed it on the floor, preparing to get up and search for her missing husband as the bedroom door opened quietly.
“Oh good, you’re awake.” Zach said with a smile, moving towards the bed, a silver tray in his arms. Setting the tray down beside her, he leaned over to kiss her, chuckling as Kendall threaded her fingers through his hair and yanked his mouth down to hers, her lips opening beneath his. She swirled her tongue inside his mouth, moaning low in her throat before ending the kiss and running her tongue over his lips to taste him, before murmuring “Morning, Husband.” She let her eyes roam over him, taking in his naked, muscled chest and the lean hips currently encased in black pants. Running her fingers down the center of his chest, she didn’t stop until she reached the waistband of his pants, sliding her finger inside and stroking it slowly against his skin. Her eyes were warm as she whispered, “You’re overdressed.”
Zach inhaled sharply at her touch, the muscles in his abdomen tightening under her finger. He grabbed her hand and threaded his fingers through hers, taking her arm and moving it behind her back, using it to pull her towards him. “I could say the same thing about you” he replied, his eyes traveling to her breasts covered by the soft sheet. He bent her backwards slowly, watching as the sheet slipped, her breasts springing free. Bending his head, he captured a nipple in his mouth, teasing it with his tongue until it hardened, the fingers of his free hand rubbing its twin. Hearing Kendall moan, he began to suck lightly, knowing that the pregnancy had made her nipples extra-sensitive. After several minutes, he gently bit down with his teeth, resulting in his wife shuddering to completion in his arms. He released her captive nipple, pulling her up to give her a warm, wet kiss and whispered “Morning, Wife” against her lips.
Adjusting the pillow behind her so that it stood it up against the headboard, Zach moved Kendall so that she sat back against it. Lifting the sheet to cover her breasts, he tucked it under her arms, smirking as he answered the question in her eyes saying, “I’m removing temptation”. Kendall flushed at the heat banked in his eyes, still trying to regulate her breathing and temper her body’s reaction to his nearness. She lowered her eyes, looking for a distraction, her gaze landing on the tray beside her. On it was a covered dish, which sparked her curiosity. Looking at the beverage choices she had to laugh. Her husband had definitely covered all the bases. There were two porcelain cups, one filled with black coffee, the other with Chai tea, as well as a small glass of milk. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the smell of the coffee wafting to her nose, reminding her of just how long it had been since her last cup. Months. Rounding out the contents on the tray were two cloth napkins, assorted silverware, and one long-stemmed pink rose.
Reaching for the cover on the plate, she was surprised to feel the coldness of the stainless steel against her fingertips. She pulled her hand back watching the prints of her fingers disappear into the silver. Zach reached over her to lift the cover himself, revealing a plate of chocolate covered strawberries, smiling broadly as he said “Voila! And they’re not melted this time.” Kendall had to bite her lip to avoid laughing at the picture he made, sitting there all proud of himself, as she lowered her eyes and reached for a strawberry, saying, “Oh, that’s a shame…but we can take care of that.” She took the strawberry and quickly dipped it into the cup of black coffee, smiling as she closed her eyes and brought it to her lips, the newly melted chocolate dripping on her fingers. The strawberry had just barely touched her lips before it was jerked away, causing Kendall’s eyes to fly open and see Zach’s fingers circling her wrist.
Plucking the strawberry from her fingers, he slid it into his mouth, biting it off at the stem and chewing it slowly. “Excuse me.” she said, her eyes flashing, “that was mine!” Zach licked the chocolate off of his lips before moving on to her fingers, sucking each of them off, one by one until the melted chocolate was gone. He let go of her hand and reached for the cup of coffee, murmuring “Mmm hmm” into the cup as he downed its warm contents quickly before she got any other ideas. “I think you momentarily forgot that you aren’t supposed to be having coffee.” She rolled her eyes and let out a sigh saying, “Zach, how much coffee do you honestly think was left on that strawberry? It’s been months since I’ve had any coffee. I still dream about the taste of it, for God’s sake. Give me a little leeway, will you?” He scooted up closer to her, reaching behind her neck to pull her closer, his lips hovering over hers and said, “I’ll do you one better. I’ll give you a taste.”
He gently touched his lips to hers, waiting for her to take him up on his invitation , and groaned as he felt her run her tongue over his lips before trying to seduce him into opening his mouth to her questing tongue. He slanted his mouth over hers, providing her with the opening she requested, his hand moving form the back of her neck to slide into her hair, his fingers tangling in her curls. Kendall’s tongue swept the inside of his mouth, tasting the coffee-flavored chocolate mixed with the intoxicating flavor that was all Zach. Ending the kiss, Kendall pulled away, only to lean in again and place a quick kiss on his lips before sitting back against the pillow. Crossing her arms across her chest, she smiled at her husband and made her admission. “Ok, that was better than coffee.”
Zach smiled and raised his hand to caress her cheek, his eyes softening as she closed her eyes and leaned into his hand. “So, are you hungry? I have more strawberries.” Nodding, Kendall moved the tray aside, scooting over on the bed to make room for him to stretch out alongside her, her eyes returning to his hips. “You’re still overdressed”, she complained, only to hear Zach laughingly reply “And your hormones are raging. Behave!” before sliding his arm underneath her shoulders and pulling her close. He began to pick up the strawberries and feed them to her, stopping after each bite to place a soft kiss on her lips. She reached up and grasped his hand, stilling it when he was going to reach for another strawberry, her eyes serious as they looked up into his.
She never wanted this to change. “Promise me something?” she whispered. Zach nodded, his eyes steady on hers as he answered “Anything.” She took a deep breath and continued softly, “Promise me you’ll never stop loving me?” she asked, her green eyes harboring a thin veil of insecurity in their depths. Zach closed his eyes briefly, placing his lips against her forehead before pulling back to look in her eyes. “I promise”, he whispered as he pulled her close, her cheek resting on his chest, listening to the strong and steady beat of his heart.
Epilogue - Three months later
The Flower Shoppe
Pushing open the door of the small shop, Zach’s eyes immediately began scanning its contents for pink roses. Finding none, he headed towards a clerk that was restocking the coolers. “May I help you, Sir?” the clerk asked. Zach ran his hand through his hair. “Pink roses”, he muttered. “I need pink roses.” The clerk shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry, Sir, we’re out of pink roses. How about red ones? The ladies love red roses.” Zach’s tired eyes narrowed. “I’m sure some do, but not this one. I need pink roses - not red, not yellow, and not white. Pink.”
“I'm sorry sir, but I just sold the last dozen to that woman over there.” The clerk pointed to the counter behind him. Zach's sighed in disappointment, turning and following the clerk’s finger, needing to see the woman who was unknowingly contributing to the ruination of his marriage. His eyes widened as he recognized the woman with her head bent over the counter, writing something on a card.
Zach threw a half-hearted “Thank you” over his shoulder as he headed towards the counter, coming to stand behind the woman and reading the card over her shoulder. “They say it is easiest to hurt who we most love, and that it’s difficult to find the right words to address it. I found that out firsthand today. I’m sorry, Zach. I love you.”
Kendall signed the note with her signature “K”, dropping the pen on the counter as her senses picked up the scent of familiar cologne, the skin on the back of her neck beginning to tingle. Turning around slowly, her gaze met her husband’s; her green eyes swimming in unshed tears. “I…”, she began only to stop when he placed a finger against her lips. “Me, too.” Zach said, cupping her face with his hands and lowering his lips to hers.
The End
P.S. If you are interested, there is a sequel of sorts called "Where Your Road Leads".
Edited by: jekyll and hyde 6 at: 7/23/06 11:19 pm
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CaCire10
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Posts: 10
(7/24/06 9:38 pm)
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Re: It Had To Be You - Chapters 21 - Epilogue
Liz, I've read through 7 chapters so far and I' so hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next--and this is so much better than how it happened on TV. I'm going back to read, I just wanted to tell you how much I'm loving this so far. I love Zach going after Kendall--thank you for that, if nothing else!
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CaCire10
Administrator
Posts: 11
(7/24/06 9:50 pm)
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Re: It Had To Be You - Chapters 21 - Epilogue
Pausing again halfway through chapter 13. OMG, I'm so loving this. I can't believe Zach didn't tell her he loved her--the idiot! When she said, "I love you, too," I kept scrolling back up for where he said it and I missed it. Guess I didn't miss anything. Back to see how Zach fixes this. Thanks for this, Liz. I'm loving it sooooo much!
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CaCire10
Administrator
Posts: 12
(7/24/06 11:12 pm)
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Re: It Had To Be You--NC-17
Liz,
I can't do this justice with a catch-all-at-the-end post, but I loved every moment of this story. Romantic, sad, fun, flirty, and sexy, everything a great story should be. Thank you for sharing it. I loved the roller coaster; I loved your Zach and your Kendall; I loved how they opened up to each other and let down all their barriers (finally). Thank you again for writing this and posting it over here. Awesome!
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amcgirl23
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Posts: 1
(8/7/06 7:23 pm)
Reply
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Re: It Had To Be You--NC-17
I just had to send a email to let you know how much I'm enjoying your story. I have been waiting for someone to write a story after the Thanksgiving epsoide. I'm only on chapter 12 and can't wait to read the rest.
Thanks for sharing your talent
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jekyll and hyde 6
Member
Posts: 42
(8/7/06 9:40 pm)
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Re: It Had To Be You--NC-17
Quote:
I can't do this justice with a catch-all-at-the-end post, but I loved every moment of this story. Romantic, sad, fun, flirty, and sexy, everything a great story should be. Thank you for sharing it. I loved the roller coaster; I loved your Zach and your Kendall; I loved how they opened up to each other and let down all their barriers (finally). Thank you again for writing this and posting it over here. Awesome!
CC - I am glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun with it since it was "my first". LOL!
Quote:
I just had to send a email to let you know how much I'm enjoying your story. I have been waiting for someone to write a story after the Thanksgiving epsoide. I'm only on chapter 12 and can't wait to read the rest.
Thanks for sharing your talent
amcgirl23 - Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the rest just as much. These two are so much fun to write.
Liz
** Avatar by the Amazing O! **
Beautiful banner below made for me by Kristine with a little help from TK ~
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amcgirl23
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Posts: 2
(8/9/06 7:03 pm)
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Re: It Had To Be You--NC-17
Liz,
Finished your story and just loved it! It beats the real thing by a long shot. I have only been watching AMC for a year and just discovered what fan fics are. I hope you put more of your completed stories here.
GREAT JOB!
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jekyll and hyde 6
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Posts: 43
(8/10/06 1:53 pm)
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Re: It Had To Be You--NC-17
amcgirl23 -
Thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoyed it. The sequel to this is still a WIP (18 chapters so far, but it's not a happy fic yet). The only other completed stuff I have are *ahem* one-shots. LOL! They are all posted here as well.
If you are looking for more fanfic, I highly recommend vistiting www.zachandkendall.net. There is a ton of it over there. If you get overwhelmed, I can definitely give you a few recommendations. Also, try fanfiction.net and look for "Seems Like Years" by Emeraldax as well as "Irreplaceable" by Irishborn. They are fabulous!
Liz
** Avatar by the Amazing O! **
Beautiful banner below made for me by Kristine with a little help from TK ~
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amcgirl23
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Posts: 3
(8/12/06 7:42 pm)
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Re: It Had To Be You--NC-17
Thanks Liz!
I found the Fan Fic site and printed out the story "Seems Like Years". Can't wait to start reading it.
Boy, you talented writers are saving me money in books!
Keep writing!
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