Free The Album: Book One by Ashley Pullo Page B

apartment, so Zach made me waffles with fresh strawberries and a side of whipped, mmmm, delicious whipped cream. My body is sore from the contorting and stretching of certain muscles and that wooden spoon slapping against my ass didn’t help, but my pain is a glorious reminder of what that man is capable of. But mostly, my diaphragm has never hurt so good. We laughed and laughed and I’m pretty sure I snorted chocolate milk at one point. It was like a slumber party with my best friend, only more orgasmic.
    This morning, a woman’s true test of casual sex, Zach surprised me with a present. I mean, holy shit, what girl doesn’t want a present after a night like that? He told me that the job with his friend Molly was mine and I could start as soon as Friday. Zach managed to sneak out and buy me an elegant day planner and some cheap flip flops for my aching feet.
    Every page for the next week has Zach Attack written at various times of the day. He’s sweet, adorable, sexy as shit and he wants me as much as I want him. Yet, call me jaded, I still have this uncomfortable doubt that he’s not telling me everything.
    “Ma’am what can I get you to drink?” says the girl with the purple hair and nose ring. I’m standing at the register deep in thought, but does she really need to insult me with the word ma’am ?
    “Oh, sorry, I was distracted by your hair and contempt for humanity. What shade is that exactly?” I frown and she frowns and I better order before we engage in a full-on sticking-out-the-tongue war. “May I have a grande skinny vanilla latte.” I dig in my clutch . . . lipstick case, train ticket, cell phone, no fucking wallet. Zut!
    “That’ll be $5.29.” Oh crap, this is embarrassing. I could just stick out my tongue and dart out the door. I could throw some gift cards in the air and pretend like one of them has my money on it. I could . . . “Ma’am?” Jesus Christ, I’m the same age as you.
    “I, uh, don’t have my wallet.” I smile nervously and hang my head in shame.
    “Here, I got it. May I also have a tall iced green tea.” His voice is smooth and commanding and I’m positive this guy is a movie star. I pivot to thank him and my face meets his chest, magnificently broad and deliciously fragrant. I raise my head and I’m completely enamored by his dark, intense eyes and his gorgeous smile. He places his hand gently on my waist in order to peel my frozen body away from the counter. “Our drinks will be ready down there.”
    “You didn’t have to do that!” I say, admiring his large frame and confident gait.
    “I try to help at least one damsel per day, it’s part of the superhero code.” He smiles charmingly.
    “Well, thank you.” I wink, waiting for him to ask me out. I mean, this is how it happens, right?
    “I gotta grande skinny vanilla latte and a tall iced green tea unsweetened here for an Adam,” the barista squawks.
    “You’re very welcome.” Mr. Dashing hands me my chilled beverage and a napkin as we walk toward the exit. “I would love to hang around and watch you insult people, very sexy trait might I add, but I’m late for a meeting. Some crazy lady was holding up the Starbucks line.” He smirks.
    “Yeah well, crazy bitches need their coffee, too! Thanks again, Adam.”
    “No problem. Have a nice day.” He nods and walks in the opposite direction toward the court buildings.
    Now, how am I going to get to Grand Central?

September 19, 2002
    I OPEN THE FRONT DOOR to Zach’s boyish smile and a bouquet of fresh lavender. I haven’t seen him in two days, and every cell in my body wants to rip open his shirt and lick him from head to toe. Never mind my mom, she can watch.
    “Natalie, ma femme, give me a kiss.” Zach steps in the foyer and plants a huge kiss on my cheek, unaware that I have no modesty, so I grab his face and force my tongue in his mouth.
    “You two! Zach, I’m Judy!” Mom scoots next to me and Zach’s eyes open and blink rapidly. He