Free Always & Forever by Chantel Rhondeau

right—her small palms against his shoulders, the smell of her hair as it tickled his nose. He hadn’t been able to stop.
    After everything he had put her through the last few days, Zach was surprised she could walk at all. “I’m sorry. I keep forgetting about your injury, and I had such a good time dancing with you.”
    She smiled. “It’s nice to be with someone who doesn’t always think of my weakness. And I really like dancing with you, too. I haven’t danced in a very long time.”
    Good. She saw his absentmindedness as a positive. “Do you want to go sit inside?” he asked.
    “No, no. It’s nice out here.” A breeze kicked up off the water and swirled her hair around her shoulders. “I’ll sit and listen to the band. Why don’t you do the host thing again? I’m sure your guests are anxious to talk to you. After all, your mother promised all the women a date with you tonight.”
    “Unfortunately for them, my mother stopped making decisions for me a long time ago.” He lowered her onto one of the deck chairs and Lilly’s hands moved to massage her leg. “I’m going to find Sarah. She carries a pharmacy in that big purse of hers, and you need something. I’ll be back.”
    He could hear Lilly’s protests behind him, but he ignored them as he stepped into the cabin. Zach searched the sea of people and looked for the familiar lavender shade his sister favored.
    Julia Frank glided across the floor, headed in his direction. Short black hair clung sleekly to her head, and her silk gown outlined large breasts. The fake smile on her face was icing on the cake. She was almost a perfect replica of Victoria.
    “There you are.” Julia slipped her arm into his. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
    “I’m sorry, Julia, but I’m a little busy right now.” Zach disentangled his arm. Where was Sarah?
    Undeterred, Julia stepped in front of him, her heels elevating her height much closer to his eye level than Lilly’s petite form. “Come on, Zach. This is a party for you.” Her high-pitched giggle grated on Zach’s nerves. It was nothing like Lilly’s deep, hearty laugh. “I know this is a competition for you, but how can I win if you don’t give me a chance?” Her lower lip jutted out in a pout that she likely thought charming.
    To Zach, it was just irritating. Julia’s little act was so fake. Zach wondered how his mother could have ever expected him to fall for a woman so insincere.
    “Maybe you didn’t notice, Julia, but my mother was mistaken about my need for a date. I brought my own.” Zach turned and gestured through the window at Lilly.
    “That little chit who works for your grandmother?” Julia laughed another irritating, fluttery giggle. “Come on, Zach. We both know she’s not good enough for you.” She wrapped her arms around Zach’s neck. “You need a real woman, not some street trash.”
    “Don’t ever call her that again,” Zach said through clenched teeth. He forced himself to stand still and not shove Julia away. “Do you understand me?”
    “Oh, come on.” Julia pouted again. “Don’t be that way.” She pressed her lips against his cheek. The cloying smell of her strong perfume surrounded him.
    “Look, I’m not interested.” Zach jerked out of her grasp and stepped back. “I’m with Lilly. I’m sorry my mother didn’t explain that when you got here this evening, but that’s the way things are.”
    “Come on, stud. Think about what you’re turning down.” Julia stepped back and inhaled deeply. Her voluptuous bosom strained against the fabric of her dress. “What does she have that I don’t? My guess is nothing.”
    “That’s enough, Julia.” No way was he going to let her bash Lilly. “I’m not interested, no matter how blatantly you flaunt your assets. Lilly is perfect for me. I don’t need anyone else. Leave me alone.”
    Julia took another step back, warned by his tone of voice. Anger replaced the vacant, flirty look in her eyes. “You