Page 9 of Unbroken

“I was done in the kitchen and wanted to see if you were ready to head home,” he answered, his eyes still fixed on Zane.

Maggie’s eyes narrowed at JT. “I think Zane can probably make sure I get home safely once I’m ready to go. You go ahead.”

JT stood for a minute obviously debating whether to push the point but finally acquiesced. “Okay. I’ll see you later.” He walked to the front door and locked it then turned to go to the back of the shop to let himself out, but not before giving another warning look to Zane. Zane stared right back, forcing his lips into an easy smile.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Maggie said apologetically. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him. He’s always been protective but that was just beyond the pale.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s good you have him looking out for you,” Zane replied, ready to put Maggie’s overprotective hulk of a brother out of his mind for the time being. “Anyway, I was thinking...Think the boss can give you a day off tomorrow?”

“I don’t know,” Maggie drew out playfully. “She’s a serious task master. What did you have in mind?”

“I’m thinking we need a day away from patients and customers. Just the two of us. No distractions.” Since all the customers were now gone and the cafe was closed, he patted his knee and was more than pleased when she moved to sit in his lap without any hesitation. Though they hadn’t been physically together much yet due to where they lived, he felt easier with her, more like he could be himself, than he ever had with a woman.

“Sounds heavenly,” she sighed, resting her arms over his shoulders. “When and where?”

“I’ll pick you up at your house at nine, if that’s ok?” he said and suddenly realized how close he was to that rosebud mouth. He moved his face toward hers but stopped right before their lips met, close enough for their breaths to mingle, but giving her the opportunity to pull back.

“Aren’t you going to kiss me?” Maggie asked, the words were like a whisper in his mouth that he couldn’t resist. He moved his hand to cup her cheek and gave her a light but lingering kiss. He started to pull back, not wanting to ruin this first perfect kiss by being too demanding, but Maggie didn’t let him. She tangled her hands in his slightly too long, sandy blonde hair and pulled him back towards her. Zane obliged her, kissing each lip in turn before running his tongue along the seam requesting entrance. When her mouth opened to admit him, he couldn’t fight back a moan. His hands moved to cup the back of her head as he deepened the kiss and they spent several minutes just tasting and exploring each other.

Zane finally pulled himself away. “So, nine is good then?” he asked, breathlessly.

“Mmmmm…sounds great,” Maggie murmured, her eyes slowly opening to meet his gaze. She gave him a languid smile. “What are we doing so I know what to wear?”

“Wear jeans. That’s all you’re getting. It’s a surprise.”

Maggie’s mouth turned into a pout suddenly. He could see the wheels starting to turn in her head, overtaking the lingering effects of their first real kiss. “That’s not fair. What if I wear the wrong accessories or something?”

Zane rolled his eyes then laughed. “OK, jeans and flat boots but that’s all you’re getting out of me!”

“Ok, Ok, I’ll play along, this time,” Maggie said, giving him another quick peck on the lips, “but it better be worth it.”

“Oh, it will be,” Zane assured her and scooped her up in his arms as he stood. She squealed with laughter. “Now, I have to get you home so your brother doesn’t try to beat the shit out of me,” he said and carried her out the back door and to his car. Maggie was so charmed, she didn’t even try to correct his language.

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