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I did it. Ava grinned from ear to ear. She had gotten through dinner with Zac without making a fool of herself. She’d just had her first honest to God, real date. She’d avoided dating in high school and never had time for it after that. The night was amazing. Now they were on their way to the apartment that Zac had told her about. He was hell bent on getting her out of that motel. And she was ready to leave too. Two weeks in that lousy place was enough. Maybe she should have checked out real estate before giving up her house and moving. But then that would have defeated the whole purpose of her mission of spontaneity.
“I had a really great time tonight, Zac. Thank you.”
He gave her a quick smile and returned his eyes to the road. “I hope we can do this again very soon.”
“I think we can.”
She turned to look out the window, still smiling. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks, she felt like a new woman. She went clubbing, consumed alcohol, worked in a bar/nightclub, turned down the advances of men like her playboy boss like a pro, thanks to lessons from a few of her sassy experienced co-workers, and went on a date with her other boss. Call me a woman of the world.
Maybe not yet. She needed a bit more experience in the sex department. The thought conjured up images of Zac and Mason. She could be honest with herself. She had the hots for Mason too, what woman didn’t? But she chose to avoid him because he was nothing but trouble. Zac seemed the more conscious, serious type, the type for a real relationship. Ava wasn’t sure at that point what she wanted, but long-term with Zac didn’t sound bad at all. It was best to take things slow, she decided.
“Here we are,” Zac announced.
Ava peered through the window, surprised by the swanky neighborhood they were in. There were nice houses and upscale apartment buildings lined up. “Wow, this neighborhood seems nice.”
“It is. Zac and I own a house on the block and that is the building where your potential apartment is.” He pointed to the building across the street.
“Uh, okay.” She doubted she could afford the place but she would at least look.
*****
“SO, DID YOU LIKE THE place?”
Ava smiled at Zac as he handed her a glass of wine. She was perched on a stool at the island in the fancy kitchen of his and Mason’s equally fancy two-story house.
“It was lovely.” The one bedroom, one bathroom apartment boasted a spacious kitchen, dining area, and living room, along with a balcony that she could spend hours on reading and relaxing. It was a dream, a dream she couldn’t afford.
“And you’re going to take it?”
“No.”
He frowned. “Why not? Is it because it’s so close to Mason and me?”
She hadn’t even considered that part. “Well, now that you mention it...”
“We’re not creeps, I promise. It’s just that I know the owner of the building and I thought it would be a nice place for you.”
“Thanks Zac, but I can’t afford a place like that.”
“I can.”
She nearly choked on her wine. “Excuse me?” She asked coughing lightly.
Zac’s expression remained neutral as if he didn’t just suggest something preposterous like paying her rent. “I said I can—”
“Okay, stop right there. No.”
“No?”
“I won’t accept your money.”
“But—”
“No.”
“Not even until you sort everything out and get back to your former career?”
Ava shook her head vehemently. “I can’t accept your money, Zac. We’ve known each other all of two weeks.”
“I don’t like the idea of you in staying in that motel much longer, Ava.”
“Neither do I, but I have to until I find a place I can afford.”
Zac huffed. “Alright. I’ll give you a raise.”
She let out a laugh. “And what will Mason say about that? What will the other women think?” Kristin was already giving her dirty looks whenever Mason gave her extra attention. It was unfortunate because she thought they were going to be great friends.
“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want you staying at that crap motel either so he won’t care. And I don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks.”
Ava set down her glass and stood up. “The answer is no, Zac. You should take me home.”
“Damn, I came on too strong, didn’t I?”
“Well, you just offered to spend a lot of money on me. I’m flattered but, yes, a bit too strong.”
He ran his fingers through his already sexily messy hair. “I’m sorry. I just care about you.”
His hazel eyes captured hers. His heated look sent fire shooting through her blood stream. Ava swallowed. “Thank you.” Suddenly nervous, she pulled her lower lip between her teeth.
In an instant, he was hovering over her, his thumb pulling the flesh from between her teeth. “Don’t do that,” he said softly, his eyes trained on her mouth. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips and he groaned. “Fuck. Ava, it's hard to resist kissing you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Then don’t resist.” Was that really her talking? The shot of wine must have boosted her courage.
A growl rumbled in his chest just before his lips met hers. He wasted no time, coaxing her lips open and sliding his tongue inside her mouth. Instantly, her pussy clenched and unclenched, releasing a flood of her juices, soaking her panties. Ava moaned into his mouth. It had been too long since she’s been kissed or touched intimately. Her arms wound around his neck, pressing her body against his.
Zac’s fingers clenched in her hair and gently pulled her head back so he could deepen the kiss. His cock pulsed and pressed against her stomach and she couldn’t help rubbing against it. All thought of leaving fled her mind. She wanted him so bad it hurt. “Zac, can we um... can we—”
“No.”
She gasped, her entire face turning crimson, “N-no?”
He smirked. “Not tonight. I have you all figured out, Ava. You’re on some quest to try new endeavors but this is the one thing you will regret if it happens too soon. Plus, there is something I want you to know about me first.”
Her blush deepened. Zac was one perceptive man. She’d figured that out from the way he observed everything and everyone in silence. And he was absolutely right. Deep down, she would rather get to know him better before having sex with him. “I hate that you’re so damn astute right now.” He chuckled seeing the disappointment on her face.
“I never said I wouldn’t make you feel good in other ways, Ava.”
“Huh?” She stared at him dumbly.
Ava shrieked when she was lifted onto the island and Zac stepped between her legs. “And I never said you weren’t going to spend the night with me.”
His hands slipped under her dress and travelled up her bare thighs. Understanding dawned. “Oh,” she breathed, excitement rushing through her. Her underwear was pushed aside for his fingers to begin playing with her. Her legs instinctively parted as she leaned back with her palms flat against the granite surface.
As his thumb circled her clitoris, he murmured, “You’re so beautiful, Ava.” His gaze dropped to her exposed pussy. “All of you. You’re fucking perfect.”
Her eyes fluttered closed, allowing his words to wash over her while his skillful fingers strummed her like a stringed instrument. A finger slipped inside, followed by another making her moan. The movement of her hips was involuntary as she began to grind against his hand. “Oh, wow, Zac. That feels so good.”
“I bet this will feel better.” He withdrew his fingers and hooked his hands behind her knees, pulling her ass closer to the edge of the island’s surface. Ava laid on her back with her legs slung over his shoulder. His face was dangerously close to her quivering flesh. Inhaling deeply, he said, “Your scent is intoxicating. It’s taking every ounce of my self-control not to plunge my cock into you.”
Ava groaned, wishing his control would slip. What she would give to feel him inside of her. She supposed the wait would make their coming together even better when it was time. Her back arched when his tongue flicked over her sensitive bud. “Oh God!” She hadn’t had a sexual release in a while so she wouldn’t last very long.
Zac’s tongue worked magic, bringing her closer to the edge until she let out a scream and convulsed. His arms held her down until her intense orgasm subsided, leaving her winded and completely lax.
She was lifted and carried out of the kitchen and up the stairs into a beautifully decorated bedroom. The colors were dark and masculine, fitting Zac perfectly.
“Now I get the pleasure of sleeping beside you, my sweet.”
She smiled and sighed. Zachary Logan was the perfect gentleman.