Page 47 of One Pucking Surprise
Blair sighs, her voice softening just slightly. “Because Lainey makes my brother happy. He may not see it, but my sisters and I do. What he feels for Lainey is real. He just doesn’t know it yet. And I hope Lainey sticks around long enough to realize it too.”
The words hit me like a freight train. My stomach twists, and my chest feels tight. Blair thinks Zach likes me? And I make him happy? My pulse quickens as my thoughts spiral. Do I… like Zach? No. That can’t be. This is all fake. Isn’t it?
But Blair’s conviction lingers in my mind, and I can’t ignore the question pressing against the edges of my heart: Am I in love with Zach?
The sound of footsteps jolts me out of my thoughts, and I quickly hobble back to the couch, clutching the ice pack to my ankle.
Zach steps into the living room, his presence commanding as always. His gaze immediately finds mine, softening when he sees me sitting on the couch.
“Hey, baby,” he says, his voice low and warm. “I heard the news. It’s just a sprain.”
I nod, adjusting the ice pack on my ankle. “Yep. Just a sprain. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah,” he replies, running a hand through his hair as he sinks down to kneel in front of me. “Just talking to my dad.”
I hesitate, searching his face. “Is he upset about me going into the garden?”
Zach’s lips twitch into a small, reassuring smile. “He’ll get over it,” he says, brushing his thumb lightly over my knee. “Come on, let’s get you upstairs and into a bath.”
Before I can respond, he scoops me up again, his arms strong and steady. My heart jumps at the sudden closeness, and as he carries me up the stairs, I can’t help but study his face. His jawline is sharp, his features relaxed yet intent as he moves with ease. He’s so handsome, the kind of handsome that makes your stomach flutter. For the first time, I’m seeing himwithout irritation clouding my view—and it’s strange, this warmth blooming in my chest.
I must be staring too long because he glances down at me, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You like what you see?” he teases, his tone playful.
I smile, unable to hide it. “Maybe.”
He chuckles softly, shaking his head as we reach his bedroom. The door clicks shut behind us, and he sets me down gently on the bed. Turning, he walks to the door and locks it with a quiet finality before coming back to kneel in front of me.
His eyes search mine, the teasing from earlier replaced by something deeper, something I can’t quite name. I think of Blair’s words, about Zach being in love with me, and my chest tightens. Is Zach really in love with me? The thought feels impossible but strangely thrilling.
His voice pulls me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay now?” he asks softly. “You cried a lot.”
I nod, my voice steady. “I’m good.”
He exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair again. “I was so fucking worried about you, baby,” he admits, his voice laced with emotion. “After seeing Clarissa, I thought the worst.”
I frown. “What happened to Clarissa, anyway?”
Zach’s jaw tightens, and he shakes his head. “Nothing you need to worry about. Let’s take care of you first.” He stands, his tone shifting to something lighter. “Let’s get you undressed and into the bath. I’ll rewrap your ankle when you’re done.”
I lift my arms, giving him a challenging look. “Aren’t you going to help me get undressed?”
Zach raises an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his expression. “I thought you’d never ask.”
He pulls my shirt over my head, revealing my bra. His eyes darken slightly, a soft groan escaping his lips. “You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice husky.
Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I quickly unbutton my pants. As I do, something clicks in my mind—the item. My lips curve into a triumphant smile.
“Zach?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“Guess what I found?” I reach into my pocket and pull out the golden compass token.
His eyes widen in shock. “You found it?”
I nod, grinning. “Guess who gets to be my slave for a day now?”
Zach chuckles, leaning closer. “You found the grand item, and you want to use it for that?” His voice is teasing, but his expression softens as he gazes at me.
