Zack turned to face her fully, cupping her face in his hands. "That I'm exactly where I need to be. That we have all the timein the world to figure this out. And that I'm not going anywhere until we do."
Emotion flickered in Dani's eyes. She swallowed hard, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. "You really mean that, don't you?"
"Every word," Zack affirmed, his thumb caressing her cheek. "I know it’s taken a while for you to see it, Dani. But I swear to you, I'm in this for the long haul."
She nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I believe you. And that scares me a little."
"I know, sweetheart. We'll take it one day at a time." He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Now, how about some breakfast? I could whip up those blueberry pancakes you love."
Dani's eyes lit up. "Mmm, tempting. But I have a better idea." Her hands slid down his chest, fingers toying with the waistband of his shorts. "How about we work up an appetite first?"
Heat flared in Zack's eyes. "I like the way you think, Ms. Moreno."
With a playful growl, he scooped her up, relishing her surprised squeal as he carried her back inside. Dani's laughter turned to a gasp as Zack tossed her onto the bed, her robe falling open to reveal tantalizing glimpses of smooth, tanned skin.
"Now then," Zack purred, his voice dropping to that low, commanding tone that never failed to make Dani shiver. "I think someone's feeling a bit sassy this morning. Perhaps we need a reminder of who's in charge?"
Dani's breath hitched, her eyes darkening with desire. "Maybe I am," she challenged, a coy smile playing on her lips. "What are you going to do about it?"
Zack raised an eyebrow. “Seems like someone’s asking for a spanking,” he growled with a mock frown. In truth, he wouldn’ttrade what they had here for the world. He was overjoyed Dani was becoming so comfortable with him.
Everything was heading in the right direction.
They emerged an hour later, disheveled and sated, and finally ate a late breakfast. “Urgh! I shouldn't have had that last pancake,” Dani groaned. “I’ve got a lunch date with the girls later and I’m already stuffed.”
Zack waggled his eyebrows. “I don’t think cock counts, babe.”
Dani giggled and swatted at him. “Lordy, you are incorrigible!”
He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. He wanted this with her forever. This fun, this laughter, this easy banter. The physical side of their relationship - as amazing as it was - was almost secondary. And in truth, they’d never had a problem there.
But sex was just sex. Even when it was fantastic, it didn’t have to mean anything. And often in the lifestyle circle they chose to embrace, it didn’t.
Zack knew that the foundation they needed to lay was trust. Absolute faith in each other—the kind of deep, unshakeable trust that could weather any storm life might throw their way. He believed without it, they would remain adrift, always second-guessing what the other truly felt or wanted. But little by little, day by day, they were getting there, slowly but surely. He saw the changes in Dani, how she was opening up to him, offering glimpses of the woman she used to be with him, and the woman she was becoming again. He felt the shift within himself, too, the growing certainty that he could trust her not to walk away from him like the last time. Zack knew reclaiming the closeness they once had would take time and patience. But from where he stood, everything was on the right track.
Sure, he couldn’t erase the past, but he could see a future. One worth all they’d been through.
Everything was pretty damn close to perfect.
21
Most of the time, times like now, Dani felt like she was walking on air.
Others, she felt far too suspicious of her newfound happiness, and found herself waiting for the other shoe to drop.
She hated that insecurity, but knew it wasn’t going to disappear overnight. All she could do was give it time, and she really was trying.
"What time is your lunch?" Zack asked, clearing their plates.
"One o'clock," Dani replied, stretching languidly. "I should probably start getting ready soon."
Zack nodded and threw her a captivating smile. God he was pretty! “Any special plans?”
"Just catching up. Sadie's been holding out on us, and it’s time for her to spill the tea!” Dani paused, pursing her lips. "You know, it's funny. I used to dread these lunches. Now I'm actually looking forward to them."
"Oh?" Zack raised an eyebrow, curiosity lighting his expression.
Dani shrugged, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Before, I felt like I was putting on an act. Pretending everything was finewhen it wasn't. Side stepping the girls when they’d encourage me to go to Iniquity or hook up with a guest. I haven’t confided in them about you and me yet. I guess I needed time to know things really were going to work out. But now..." She met his gaze, her eyes shining. "Now I actually have something good to share, too.”
