Free Lust and Bound by W. Lynn Chantale

and suggested they make things right.”
    She shook her head.
    “I also wanted to give you these.” He presented her with a bouquet of flowers. “I don’t want you to be upset with me the entire evening.”
    She stared at the bunch of orchids and lilies, tears misting in her eyes. “Oh, Zach.” Moisture dotted her cheeks as she flung her arms around his neck. “Thank you.” She accepted the flowers with trembling hands and buried her nose in their sweet fragrance.
    He cupped her cheek, his thumb wiping away her tears while he gently lifted her chin until he stared into her eyes. “Did I do something wrong?”
    She shook her head. “No. I can’t remember the last time anyone gave me flowers.”
    “Then let me be the one who gives them to you often.”
    She stared into his eyes and read the sincerity in his silvery depths. A spark of something more intense than lust glimmered in his eyes before it slid from view. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Exhaling a shaky breath, she laid her palm against his cheek, his skin smooth beneath her hand. Zach had the potential to be everything she’d ever wanted, and for a moment she allowed him into her heart.
    A sleek black Audi limo pulled to the curb, and the driver, the same young man from the day before, stepped from the vehicle.
    “You remember Jonas,” Zach said.
    She smiled at Jonas while he held open the rear passenger door. “Of course I do. How are you this evening?”
    Jonas inclined his head. “Very well. May I say how lovely you look tonight.”
    “Thanks.”
    “You’re flirting again.” Zach gave her a none-too-gentle nudge toward the open door.
    She laughed, gathered her skirts around her and settled on the seat. “Serves you right.”
    “I see you haven’t learned not to tease me.” The door closed behind him.
    She arched a brow. “Not at all.”
    He wrapped a handful of her hair around his fist and gently tugged her head back.
    She obliged, her lips parting in invitation.
    “I suppose a reminder is in order.”
    “Yes,” came her breathless reply.
    He merely brushed his lips across hers before releasing her. The contact was so light and brief she barely registered the caress, but every nerve in her body responded and clamored for more.
    “That should do for starters.”
    Did he have to tease her with the hint of a kiss? Why couldn’t he just kiss her? A shiver ran through her body when he placed his hand over hers. She looked up to find a smirk on his mouth, almost as if he knew how he affected her.
    “You’re teasing me.”
    He winged a brow. “Now why would I do that?”
    She eyed him skeptically a moment. “Because it amuses you.”
    He laughed.
    She settled next to him, periodically sniffing the flowers. She couldn’t wait to see how the rest of the evening unfolded.
    ****
    “I’ve never been here, but always wanted to,” Trisha said, surveying the comedy club. Heavy crimson drapes hung on either side of their corner booth. While the table had a good view of the stage it stood steeped in intimate romance. The perfect place to exact a little revenge for all those teasing kisses Zach had plied her with on the ride over.
    “So what made you decide to bring me here?” She pushed away her half-eaten steak.
    He leaned forward, captured one of her curls and wound the coil around his finger before giving it a gentle tug. She hitched a breath.
    “I want to see you laugh.”
    A warm fuzzy brushed her heart and she ducked her head. She toyed with the dessert menu a moment before lifting her gaze and letting it collide with Zach’s silvery stare. For a moment, time stood still. How many times had she wished a man would look at her the way Zach was doing now? She held her breath, fearing if she breathed too loud she might wake up. He covered her hand and her heart beat a little faster. She wanted what Zach had to offer, wanted to be in his bed, but at what price?
    “You really are good for my ego.”
    “And you are so good for