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Dataset card Data Studio Files
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they said nothing until they were in the ferrari and even then , conversation was agonizingly polite . `` i take it you 're still angry with me , '' he finally said . okay , yes , annoyed i guess . no big deal , she repeated to convince herself . you had me worried for a while-i thought i might be getting those flowers shoved up my nose back there . '' and how did you know lilies are my favorite ? '' `` bob told me . '' `` so explain to me why we 're going to a protest rally , '' she said , returning to their mutually safe topic of turning her into a rebel . `` street cred . it 'll get you into the papers , people will talk-especially after i mention it at louisa 's party-and you 'll become an instant celebrity around town . dug-e will hear about it and he 'll think you 're cool . '' `` sounds ingenious but how will you get me in the papers in the first place ? '' it had an ominous ring to it . `` you 're not going to make me do anything illegal are you ? '' i know a couple of photographers and journalists who 'll be there . i 'll slip them a few dollars to take a photo of you in the crowd and to spell your name correctly .
`` but dug-e 's from out of town-do you really think he 'll hear about me on the grapevine ? '' `` just to be sure , we 'll slide the newspaper under his hotel door and i 'll get a few people to mention your name in his presence . yeah , easy . so why was she so nervous ? probably it had something to do with spending the entire afternoon with mr . zack found a parking space close enough to city hall that it was probably illegal . the rally had begun without them and a mass of people stood chanting and waving placards at the building . at the office she 'd changed into jeans and a t-shirt bearing the slogan animals have rights too . zack wore his usual black jeans and t-shirt , no slogan . `` they only had one t-shirt i suppose ? '' she said as he hustled her past a line of police keeping the chanting crowd under control . `` it 's not my image . '' `` but it 's mine ? '' `` who knows what your image is , babe . '' not the same as yours , that 's for sure . they moved into the thick of the crowd and quickly picked up the chant . someone handed her a banner and she waved it with gusto over her head , managing to bump zack in the face with it a few times . accidentally of course .
after nearly half an hour , she 'd gotten into the rhythm of the protest . it was a good cause and she was an animal lover after all . maybe she should go to other protests- `` oh hell ! '' zack cursed . she glanced up at him , but he was looking behind them . `` my car 's being towed ! '' served him right for driving such an arrogant car . and for sleeping with her . and for leaving right after . `` wait here until i get this sorted out . '' he raced away and was quickly swallowed by the crowd . but fifteen minutes went by and he had n't returned . the protesters were getting edgy . the mayor had n't appeared on the steps of city hall as promised and they wanted his blood . the leaders up the front started to storm the building , and like sheep , everyone followed , sweeping annie along with them . the momentum forced people at the back to surge forward but for some reason the front of the pulsing crowd had already stopped . from her vantage point of five feet two inches annie could see absolutely nothing . and with the crowd pressing in around her , she could n't go anywhere . then chaos erupted as police on horses and on foot cut swathes through the protesters ordering them to get back .
everyone more or less did as they were told and tried to back away but the people behind had n't heard the order and continued to push forward . what ensued was something akin to an accordion and annie got stuck in the middle . later , she could n't remember if she shrieked , but she did remember being nearly trampled by feet and hooves . flinging her arms up to protect herself she accidentally hit someone leaning over her . next thing she knew she was hauled to her feet by the front of her t-shirt and dragged off . when she finally dared to open her eyes , she saw it was a cop , and he was n't amused . he cuffed her , read her the rights she knew by heart from tv shows and practically threw her in the back of a police van . thanks to zack , she was going to get a police record . she 'd kill him when she got her hands on him . chapter 13 `` good going , '' said a long-haired kid dressed in the same t-shirt as annie . `` we showed 'em . '' annie had a hard time working out what she 'd showed and to whom , but she accepted his congratulations with relief . at least she was n't in the back of a van with real criminals .
they took her and the three other over zealous protesters to the police station , recorded their details and gave them all one phone call . she used hers to call zack . when she finished using every swear word in her vocabulary , she managed to calm down enough to tell him where she was . when she hung up , she could n't remember if he 'd said anything . actually , she was n't even sure if she 'd got him in person or his voice mail , but it had felt damn good to let off steam . the cop who marched her back to the cell eyed her with caution and the other protesters backed away from her a little when she rejoined them . `` wow , '' said a sixty-ish woman with wild gray hair sticking out at weird angles as if she 'd been playing with an electrical socket . `` you 've got a set of lungs on you , girl . `` yeah , '' said the same kid who 'd spoken to her in the back of the van . `` you tell them pigs where it 's at . '' she did n't have the heart to tell him she had n't yelled at the police . besides , she could chalk up the episode as being good for her image . maybe she could get one of them to talk to zack 's journalist friends .
an hour later she was let out of the cell and led into a waiting room where zack paced like a caged lion . his hair stood on end , his face was as hard as granite , and a small muscle twitched in his jaw . but she barely had time to notice these things . he scooped her up and held her so tightly to his chest she thought she 'd snap in two . `` jeez , '' he breathed into her hair . he rubbed the back of her neck with his big , warm hand . with her ear pressed to his chest , she could hear his heart beating fiercely . so he was worried about her . maybe she should get arrested more often . he held her until a police officer coughed discreetly and told them to move on . zack caught her hand and led her out of the station after giving the officer a glare . he inspected her face and neck then her arms . `` if they did , i'll- '' `` i 'm fine . '' she headed to the ferrari parked out front . `` how did you get me out so fast ? '' `` i know a couple of high-ranking cops . i told them you were n't involved and they put the paperwork through straight away . '' he paused at the hood of the ferrari and caught her face in his hands . he let go and swore .
i should have known you 'd end up getting into trouble . '' he smacked the hood of the car so hard she was surprised he did n't dent it . she pulled away but he caught her hand and gently reeled her back to him . he placed his arms around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head . `` i had a feeling about today . '' he kissed her again in the same spot but this time he lingered , then gave her another fierce hug before releasing her . home had a bed , a couch , and privacy . `` no , that 's okay , you can drop me back at the office . `` yeah , but i 'm a nervous wreck . but instead of going home , he drove to a bar called ed 's place . `` i thought i 'd show you where i came from . ed 's place was like a home to me years ago , before i made my money . i drop in sometimes to say hi . '' `` thought i 'd bring you here since you 've now got a record . `` a record ! but i thought- '' `` relax , i was joking . '' `` i got them to drop the charges . '' ed 's place was dark and it took several moments before her eyes adjusted .
when they did , she noticed a few patrons dotted along the polished bar , nursing beers . most looked up when they walked in . some nodded and one or two got off their stools and shook zack 's hand or clapped him on the back . `` been a while , dimarco , '' said the burly barman when they sat at the bar . `` what brings you back here today ? '' `` a clash with the cops . '' the barman nodded as if he heard that sort of thing all the time , and produced two beers without anyone asking . annie did n't mind . she actually felt she ought to be drinking beer after getting arrested . zack and annie clanked bottles and took a swig of their beers . she tried not to screw her nose up too much but a little twitch got past her . fortunately he was too busy talking to old friends to notice . `` dimarco , long time no see . '' a man came up to them and shook zack 's hand . he was in his early thirties , with a crew cut and a face that looked like it had seen too much sun . but it was a face that annie instantly liked-all crinkles and dimples when he smiled . which he did a lot .
zack introduced him as mike , an australian he 'd known for over fifteen years . mike scanned her from head to toe , then nodded . `` nice , '' he said to zack . `` too nice for a bloke like you . '' `` we used to be room mates , '' zack explained to annie . `` mike came to la around the same time i did . neither of us had any money but somehow we managed to survive in a tiny apartment in one of la 's seedier suburbs . '' `` it was the worst place i 've ever lived in . the rats were bigger than the cats . remember that place , mike ? '' `` remember it ! he had a down-to-earth attitude . nothing fake . he definitely was n't la material . she could n't imagine him dating fluffy air-heads with implants . `` i 've come for a drink . '' he gave zack a look that said 'is she loopy ? ' `` i think she means what are you doing in la . '' mike rolled his eyes and placed an arm around annie 's shoulders . he looked straight into her eyes without blinking . `` looking for the love of my life . '' `` like i said , what are you doing here ? '' just my type . ''
he clanked his beer glass against hers and pulled up a stool . `` definitely not yours , dimarco . '' she glanced quickly at zack but his expression was unreadable . `` so what do you do , sweetheart ? '' mike asked , leaning closer . his expression changed and annie got the answer to her question-he was an actor trying to make it in hollywood . just like nearly everyone else in tinsel town . `` music , '' she added to put him at ease . he relaxed and his dimples and crinkles returned . he drained his beer and thumped the glass on the bar . `` so what 's a gorgeous girl like you doing with this old loser ? '' he grinned and nodded at zack . `` riding motorbikes , getting arrested , that sort of thing . '' `` sounds just like old times . '' while zack ordered another round of beers , mike sidled closer . `` seriously , what are you doing with him ? '' that was a very personal question from someone she 'd just met . `` well , let 's just say , '' he leaned forward conspiratorially , `` that you , sweet annie , '' he planted a light kiss on her cheek , `` are way too good for him . ''
she frowned and drew away just as zack handed the beers around . he met her frown with a dark glare . he said in that gravelly voice that annie knew meant his mood had swung to dangerous . `` annie here said she wanted to run away with me , but i told her she should take pity on you and stay . '' he turned back to her , his grin wide . `` he 's not all that bad , sweetheart . you just have to accept him for what he is-a womanizing commitment-phobe . '' zack 's frown deepened and annie 's grin faltered . his friend knew him all too well . she sighed theatrically , trying to ignore the lump of ice in her gut . she touched the back of her hand to her brow . then she winked at mike . `` now i make the most of it . '' mike 's adam 's apple jerked furiously like a buoy caught in the middle of the pacific in a hundred-year storm . she winked again , not really knowing what to say or do next . how far could she take this flirting thing anyway before it crossed the line and became a sexual overture ?
fortunately she did n't have to worry about that because zack grabbed mike 's collar and shoved him off his stool . `` i think you need to go to the bathroom , '' he growled . mike yelped and smiled weakly at annie . `` maybe i had a few too many beers . she smiled back , but it did n't last long . zack did n't want her for himself but he did n't want anyone else to have her either . *** zack leaned against the porcelain sink and glared at his old friend . mike shrugged , palms up . `` i thought you were n't interested in her . '' zack said nothing . mike was partly right but that did n't matter-he did n't want him anywhere near annie . `` okay , '' mike said , `` i 'll go . but , mate , if she 's the one , then go for it . '' `` well , i have to admit , she 's not your usual type . that 's why i thought there was something between you two . i thought maybe you were ready to settle down . '' zack looked down at the grimy floor , avoiding his friend 's knowing stare . `` then let that girl go . '' he slapped zack on the shoulder . `` you 're not being fair on her .
she 's a great girl- '' `` i know that . '' `` yeah , i can see you 're really not interested in her . '' he opened the men 's room door . `` maybe i should warn her what a- '' zack slammed the door shut before mike could leave . he placed one hand against the door above the aussie 's head and leaned close . `` do n't say a word to her . in fact , maybe you should just leave . '' mike and zack squared off , then mike backed down with a casual shrug . `` since you 're a good mate , i will . and i wo n't hold this conversation against you since you 're in love and too stupid to realize it . '' zack followed with a shake of his head . mike should know better . he should know that zack did n't believe in love , not the ever lasting kind . but watching annie , perched on her stool , beer in hand , he believed in desire . and he desired to have annie , very , very much . *** annie watched as both men resumed their seats . mike gulped down the remainder of his beer then stood again . `` yep , things to do , agents to suck up to , that sort of thing . ''
she smiled and waited for the kiss on the cheek that was de rigeur in la . with a wave and solemn slap on zack 's shoulder , he left . she tapped her fingers against the bar and glared at zack . eventually he glanced her way . `` since when do straight men go to the bathroom together ? '' `` i just wanted a quiet word with him . '' `` guy stuff . '' `` you told him to stop flirting with me , did n't you ? '' `` mike 's a great guy but he does n't know when to let up . '' `` so what did he say in his defense ? '' `` that you encouraged him . '' zack toyed with the glass cradled between his big hands and stared down at the liquid sloshing against the sides . `` annie , '' he said without looking up , `` why did you flirt with him ? '' he sighed then shook his head . `` do n't get me wrong , mike 's a great guy , but he 's not your type . '' this coming from zack dimarco , the man who did n't want to have anything other than sex with her because she was n't his type . on the other hand , maybe he was in the perfect position to know .
she rolled her eyes so far into the back of her head she nearly fell off the stool . and since she was bursting to go the bathroom , she placed her glass on the bar and hopped off the stool . she sat for a long time on the toilet with her head in her hands and finally came to a conclusion-she 'd ask zack to take her home . she 'd got arrested and practiced her flirting-she 'd accomplished enough for the day . and she did n't want to be around zack anymore . it was becoming way too painful . he 'd finished his beer by the time she came out of the bathroom , and unashamedly watched her approach through lowered lashes . the firm set of his mouth and penetrating gaze told her something was n't right . when she got within reach , he grasped her wrist and tugged her gently to him . he touched her cheek with his fingers and kissed her softly but with a hot intensity that turned her stomach to mush . when he pulled away she took a moment to catch her breath . `` for wanting you . '' chapter 14 suddenly annie 's resolve to keep zack at arm 's length seemed juvenile . they were adults after all-two adults irresistibly attracted to one another in a purely physical way .
forget about long-term , annie , just live for now . for wanting you . those three little words sent goosebumps skipping across her skin in anticipation of what he 'd do to her when they got home . but the ferrari was n't heading home . security fences hiding mansions belonging to the filthy rich slipped past her window at high speed as they roared through the streets of beverly hills . finally , they pulled into a long drive hidden by trees and hedges . electric gates closed with a clang behind the car . annie craned her head to catch a glimpse of his house . she 'd been dying to see it ever since she 'd read about it in house and garden . okay , if she were honest , she was more excited about being alone with zack in his house than seeing the building and gardens . who gave a flying fig about bricks and mortar when they got invited back to the house of a man of zack dimarco 's caliber ? the house came into view around a bend in the drive . surrounded by a lush garden , courtyard and pool , the sprawling spanish style mansion made a statement . but annie only saw fleeting glimpses of these as zack half dragged her inside .
she did n't even get to see the decor as he gently pushed her up against the wall of the foyer . `` i ... ca n't ... wait , '' he whispered into her ear before licking it . there was plenty of good wall and floor space right where they were . who needed bedrooms ? especially when they could be on the other side of the massive house . he unsnapped the fly on her jeans and ripped them down her legs . she stepped out of them as she undid his , then scratched at his t-shirt in her hurry to get her hands on that magnificent chest . he seemed just as eager to see hers as he pulled her t-shirt over her head . when he removed her bra and took her nipple into his mouth , she suddenly forgot what she was doing and let out a low , guttural groan that she did n't even recognize as coming from her throat . the sound brought an answering response from zack as he lifted her and entered her , powerful and hard . she wrapped her legs around his waist and greeted each of his thrusts with her own driving need to possess him . he held her easily with one hand as his other navigated down . his deft fingers played with her nub , sending shock waves crashing through her .
heads thrown back , sticky heat fusing them together , they reached the peak together then crashed to the floor . annie lay on top of zack , breathing heavily . so much for not having sex with zack anymore . that morning , she had n't even wanted to see him again . oh well , it was a girl 's prerogative to be fickle . the need to get hot and naked with him had won out this time . so what 's wrong with a little casual sex anyway ? hell , before last night she had n't had any sort of sex in too long . she deserved to be bad once in a while . it was her right as a citizen of a democratic society to have casual sex with a gorgeous man whenever she felt like it . to hell with commitment and relationships and love . she 'd deal with those things when the time was more convenient . right now , she just wanted to feel zack inside her . she wanted him to sate the desire that burned her skin and turned her insides to a gooey mess . he patted her bottom then stood , lifting her with him . `` let 's see if we can make it to the bedroom , '' he said , chocolate eyes caressing her body . he bent and licked a nipple . she murmured into his neck . `` we might not make it . ''
we owe it to these tired old bodies to find a comfortable mattress . '' `` who 're you calling old ? '' `` easy for you to say , you landed on top of me when we fell . '' they made it as far as the kitchen bench . annie made a mental note to clean the bench in the morning before breakfast . afterward , zack kissed her on the end of her nose as she perched on the edge of the bench . `` so what do you want to do until we 're ready for round three ? '' she trailed her fingernails across his powerful shoulders and down his spine . `` how about a tour of the house first ? '' he hesitated , just slightly , then agreed . the tour took nearly half an hour . it was definitely a bachelor 's house , with no pink , peach or peppermint colors , and not a floral in sight . it was understated style with lots of glass , wood and terracotta . she was surprised but delighted to see so many photos , mostly in black and white , decorating the walls . she stopped at a cluster of pictures on the mantelpiece . `` why 's this one turned down ? '' it was one of the few color ones . two adults and six children in eighties clothes sat behind an enormous birthday cake with five candles on it .
`` they divorced shortly after that . '' `` zack , i- '' `` it was a long time ago , '' he said , kissing the top of her head and placing an arm around her shoulders . he steered her away from the photos and she wondered what it was about the picture that had made him turn it over . if her parents were divorced , would she want a photo of a happier time together ? so why did n't zack ? her gaze shifted higher . `` and what 's happened here ? '' she asked pointing to an old photo . a family of eight , children standing behind the parents , stared unsmiling at the camera . the woman 's face was blackened out . `` did n't you like her ? '' `` that 's my great grand mother . she thought she was ugly so she inked out her face in every photograph . a shame really because i have no idea what she looked like . '' `` maybe i should try that next time i have a horrible picture taken . '' `` so , '' he said when they came to the end of the tour . it was exactly how it looked in house and garden . but it 's perfect . '' `` i prefer my ranch in montana . ''
it was the first time he 'd mentioned the ranch although she knew of its existence through bob . she had trouble reconciling the high-flying zack dimarco from the gossip pages with the rancher . it just seemed so implausible . she could n't imagine too many of his la babes wanting to rough it on a ranch for a weekend . she stifled a giggle and said , `` why ? '' `` it 's more ... homely . this is all hollywood glitz . you may not believe this , but it appeared in house and garden about a piece on bachelor 's homes . '' `` they liked it too , but i always felt it had no ... soul . '' well montana 's too far away . '' she curled her arms around his neck and rubbed her ni**les across his chest . `` and right now my apartment 's too far away too . so i guess we 'll have to settle for this horrible place . '' `` where was that bedroom again ? '' *** zack snuggled into the warm body next to him . annie felt good . so sensual , so amazing in bed . he blinked up at the ceiling , his brain slowly waking up . in his defence , annie had made him sleep with her .
by giving him that look , the one that smoldered and enticed , he was a goner . looking at the photo again of his family had driven everything home again . his father 's constant tiredness , his mother trying to make ends meet , her continual harping and the loss of his father 's talent , and his will to live . there 'd been nothing in their lives that had brought happiness . certainly not the six children , the arrival of each bringing the end of their father 's music career , and marriage , a little closer . zack would n't live like that . he may not be wealthy for long if he fulfilled his dream and what woman would give up everything for him ? especially an la woman born and bred who was used to a certain lifestyle and comforts . annie may not have money but the city was in her blood . no , he had to do it right this time . had to end it before it got too far . it would be difficult , hell , but looking down at the sleeping beauty beside him , he knew he had to do it before he ruined her life . *** `` mmmm , zack . '' annie rolled into him and that 's when she realized he was sitting up . she blinked in the dim light . she heard him sigh and her stomach fluttered as the sense of foreboding increased .
`` look , annie , we need to talk . '' he sighed again and plucked at the sheet . she should 've expected this . he 'd already made it clear he was n't looking for a relationship , and in the heat of the moment , she thought that was fine with her . but now , as he prepared to give her the bad news , she was n't so sure anymore . she did n't think she could handle reading about his latest attractive conquest in the gossip pages . she struggled to hold back hot tears . `` you do n't want me to get the wrong idea , but this is just sex . he touched her shoulder but she shrugged his hand away . deep down , she 'd hoped he might eventually come round to the idea of having something other than occasional sex . `` baby , i do n't know what to say ... '' `` then do n't . '' she got out of bed then remembered her clothes were way back in the entrance hall . no need to spell it out . '' if things were different , if i wanted to settle down , then you 'd definitely be at the top of my list . '' she scoffed , unable to believe what she was hearing . `` annie , wait . '' `` call me a cab . ''
i 'm not staying here one second longer . you 've made yourself clear , zack , and i 'm glad you did . you know , i thought i could do this , but i ca n't . that 's one of the things i like about you . he reached for her but she shrugged him off . `` the least you can do is let me leave with my dignity . '' she picked up the phone in the kitchen and called a cab then found her clothes . zack watched her from the hall , arms crossed , eyes darkly brooding . and as beautifully naked as a greek god . he stared down at his bare feet . the vulnerability in his voice numbed her . she wanted to touch him , stroke his ruffled hair into place and kiss his forehead , but she could n't . it was too intimate a gesture now . `` i 'll wait outside . he stood in the doorway as she walked quickly down the drive . `` i 'll pick you up tomorrow night at eight , '' he called after her . she would 've asked why but she did n't want to turn around so he could see her tears . he must have read her mind though because he added , `` for louisa 's party . '' if she decided to go .
of course she had to go . bob needed her to get dug-e and being seen with the right people on zack dimarco 's arm was like having a ticket to the moon-very rare and very expensive . *** zack closed the door when the lights of the cab faded away . he slumped against it and ran his hand through his hair . if he 'd just kept his mouth shut , none of this would have happened . they 'd still be friends , she 'd still be teasing him . he swore and thumped the door with his fist . although he felt awful-worse than he thought he would-he 'd done the right thing . annie was the last person he wanted to string along . she was too sweet , too vulnerable . she did n't deserve to be led to believe he wanted a relationship with her . best she knew the truth before it went too far . perhaps he should 've said something before tonight , but he 'd wanted her so bad , he doubted nothing would have stopped them from ending up where they did . he sighed as he put the kettle on in the kitchen . he was n't going to get any sleep tonight so he might as well enjoy a strong coffee .
if only she was n't the marrying kind , they could 've kept on having great sex , no strings attached . tomorrow night was going to be hell at louisa 's party , but he had to go . he needed to help out bob . he owed him for what he 'd done all those years ago . *** the next night , annie dressed in one of the new skirts and low-cut tops she 'd bought with zack . too slutty . she tried on the leather pants but they only made her look like a biker , although she liked the way they hugged her butt . maybe the hipsters . the reflection in the mirror winked with approval . eat your heart out zack dimarco . with an electric blue top that revealed enough cle**age to make a man drool but not enough to make him drool on her , she decided she could pass for someone who knew what she was doing . she straightened her hair and applied makeup according to the instructions on a youtube video . the first three attempts made her look like dracula 's bride but after the fourth , she got the hang of it . she slipped on a pair of black heels , then stepped back and checked herself out in the mirror . she looked like the sort of woman who 'd attended her father 's parties . the same sort that zack dated .
well , she may hate her new look , but at least she would have made her father proud if he were alive . not to mention pleasing zack . she sighed , a little deflated by that thought . the doorbell rang and her heart stopped . when it started again , it beat so fast and heavy she checked herself in the mirror to make sure it was n't noticeable beneath her skin-tight top . she opened the door to a very dark , very sexy zack . his gaze took in her outfit but his guard was up and she could n't read his thoughts . if it was n't for the quick peck on the cheek she would have wondered if he 'd noticed her at all . so that 's how he wanted to play the evening . she suddenly saw the entire night stretching out before her , and she wished she had n't agreed to go . getting the cold shoulder from zack for the next few hours would severely destroy her ego , and it was already hanging by a thread . chapter 15 it definitely was not the reaction she wanted . eyes popping out of his head would have been nice , a `` wow '' would be even better , and begging was definitely an acceptable response , but not this frankly-my-dear-i-don't-give-a-damn attitude .
he barely even waited for an answer before stepping back to allow her past . annie scratched snoopy behind the ears , locked her door and placed the keys in her fendi bag . he 'd brought the ferrari , and before she knew it they were zipping along familiar streets . they were heading back to his place . `` i thought we were going to louisa 's . '' she lives a few streets from me . '' `` you came all the way to pick me up when she lives near you ! i would 've driven myself . '' she sighed and decided not to press the issue . he did n't seem in the mood for logic . they stopped outside a well-lit mansion and a parking attendant greeted them . zack handed him the keys to the ferrari and without a second glance back at the expensive machine , he took annie by the arm and led her inside . they were greeted at the door by a waiter and a glass of champagne . zack whisked her inside so quickly she did n't even have a chance to feel nervous or take in her surroundings . the one thing she did notice was that everything was made of white marble . they were led along the hall and through to a sparsely furnished lounge where a throng of impossibly sexy people chatted . an attractive woman approached .
annie recognized her as a well known tv actress . `` you did n't tell me this was louisa mondeo 's party , '' annie whispered to zack before the woman reached them . he held out both hands and louisa caught them in pink talons . he smiled but not widely . for the first time , annie wondered if he really enjoyed this sort of thing or whether it was all a carefully acted play . `` zack , daaahling . '' louisa pecked him on both cheeks . `` we have n't seen you out and about for sooo long . what brings you to my little soiree ? '' louisa mondeo was exactly like the character she played in the tv soap steamy nights-slick . her black hair was tied back in a tight knot , pulling the skin on her face tight in a vain attempt to make her look wrinkle-free . all it really did was stretch her lips into a permanent smile . the pink lipstick matched the pink claws , pink earrings , pink dress and shoes . annie felt a headache coming on just looking at her . louisa had started to chat to zack about her show when he interrupted her and introduced annie as `` a friend '' .
she extended her claw and annie shook it , being careful not to touch the pink talons in case they snapped off . `` annie mccallum . '' `` she 's an agent , '' zack said . louisa perked up and thrust her cle**age forward . perhaps her contract was up with the network . `` music agent , '' annie clarified . louisa 's top lip curled . but you look so familiar . '' she tapped a talon on zack 's shoulder . `` have i met her before ? '' `` she was in today 's papers . she got arrested at a protest outside city hall . '' louisa 's eyes bulged so wide annie grew concerned the blue contacts would pop out . trust you to go out with a girl like that , zack . '' she grinned cheekily at him and sauntered off , but not before giving annie the once over beneath lowered lashes . once louisa was swallowed up by the crowd , annie surveyed the room . there were more celebrities at the party than a pbs telethon and she suddenly realized how much of a nobody she was-and how much of a somebody zack was . she swallowed her anxiety , but the damn thing kept rising back to her throat trying to choke her .
she took another sip of champagne and felt zack 's hand tighten around her shoulders . `` just relax , '' he said quietly . `` remember , you 're better than everyone here . '' good try , but he needed to do better than lie to get her to relax . his eyes were dark and mysterious and she fought the urge to reach up and brush his cheek with her fingers . problem was , she had n't put any nail polish on so she kept them discreetly at her side . on second thought , she tucked her right hand in zack 's arm where it could n't be seen . he squeezed it and gently tugged her forward . they joined a small group of people who greeted zack like a long lost friend and eyed annie suspiciously . `` ah-ha , '' cried the young guy beside her . `` you were in the paper today . '' `` she hit a cop , '' zack said . `` got arrested . '' `` no way , '' said a young girl , dressed in a skimpy white dress , standing too close to zack . `` did they hurt you bad ? '' `` um , not- '' `` she 's got a few bruises , '' zack said . `` cuts , that sort of thing .
lucky she knows people in the right places or she 'd still be in a cell . '' `` no shit , '' said the original speaker . he was mid-twenties with hair that needed a cut and clothes needing an iron . his attention was completely focussed on annie . it was unnerving but she stood her ground . he was the perfect candidate to try her flirting technique on . problem was , she really did n't want to . she felt drained , emotionally exhausted . she sighed and grabbed another champagne from a passing waiter to give her strength . `` that 's so cool , '' he said again , inching closer . `` so what do you do , annie ? '' music industry . '' his eyebrows nearly flew off his forehead . what a coincidence , i 'm a musician . '' her gaze flicked to zack but he was brooding and she doubted she could rely on his help to extricate her . the musician , rick , launched into a well-rehearsed spiel-which he probably saved for just such occasions-about how he 'd got started and how he was `` gon na make it big '' . if only he had the right agent . it took a herculean effort for annie not to roll her eyes .
after what seemed like hours , she glanced in zack 's direction . she and rick had somehow parted from the others-probably because every step he took toward her , she took one back-and they now stood out of ear shot . but zack did n't notice her pleading looks . he was deep in conversation with a woman annie recognized . melanie , the watermelon br**sts from the bar . she bit her lip and tried not to look their way again , but her curiosity nearly killed her . `` say , '' rick said , trapping her against the buffet , `` how about we go outside . it 's cooler . '' his mouth was very close to her ear . he stank of soda pop and wacky tobacky . if zack was too interested in melanie and her watermelons to care who annie spoke to then she might as well continue with the flirting . not that she 'd done much-rick needed no encouragement . he took her by the hand and led her through the lounge to the large double doors that led to a courtyard and pool beyond . as they passed zack and melanie , zack caught annie 's arm . he asked , voice rumbling somewhere in the depths of his chest .
he seemed annoyed , but that could have been annie 's hopeful imagination playing tricks since he was wearing his expressionless expression . he let go of her and turned back to melanie who 'd been appraising annie with raised brows and a sneer on her bee-stung lips . annie gave her a wink as if to say i know something you do n't , but she was n't sure if she got the message across . she probably just looked like she had something in her eye . outside , the air was warm and the smell of rain lingered deliciously close . burning torches lit up the pool and the surrounding tropical plants gave the garden a manufactured resort atmosphere . most guests had ventured outside into the warm night . annie recognized many of them from tv shows or rock videos . some of these people should be her clients . probably she should know their names . her father would have . he 'd have made it his job to know their likes and dislikes , where they lived , what they did in their spare time and the name of their pet ferret . `` so , annie , '' said rick , leaning close , `` you should come see my band play . '' her initial reaction was to lean back , but remembering her original agenda , she touched him on the sleeve . `` sure , '' she murmured in what she hoped was a seductive voice .
he placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned close to her ear . `` afterwards , we can go somewhere quiet , '' he whispered . `` be alone . '' maybe she should lay off the flirting before things got out of hand . a tinkle of laughter floated on the breeze . she glanced up and saw zack with his arm around a giggling melanie . he was hugging her to his chest , her br**sts squished against him , and they were laughing at something . probably annie . just then , zack 's face half turned towards her , and she thought she saw a flicker of turmoil in his eyes . but maybe she just imagined it since he was too far away for her to see his eyes and she really , really wanted him to be jealous . but then he was laughing again , caressing melanie 's bare arm . a sick sensation squelched annie 's stomach and the desire to throw up was overwhelming . maybe it was just the champagne . `` hey , '' rick said . oh , yeah , sure . '' she lay a hand on his chest . `` um , rick ? '' he placed a hand on either side of annie 's face and leaned close , taking his time . the sick feeling in her stomach took her mind off what she was about to do .
just as well , because she had a sneaking suspicion that if she thought too much about it , she 'd back out . instead , the hands on her face were ripped away and so was rick . `` get out of here , '' growled a voice that made annie 's heart gallop . she opened her eyes to see zack standing toe to toe with rick . he was taller , bigger and more physically imposing so she did n't really blame rick for scampering away without a second glance . she demanded in a hushed whisper , not wanting to draw attention . zack rounded on her . his fists clenched and unclenched at his sides and she would n't have been surprised to see steam coming out of his ears . his expression was no longer unreadable . he was downright furious . `` i should ask you that question . '' he took a step toward her and she took one back , just like she had in the lounge with rick . `` i was practicing . like you taught me . '' zack felt like he was having a heart attack . the pounding in his chest had been painful when he saw that jerk touch annie , but now it was unbearable . he put his palm against his heart in an attempt to still it , but was unsuccessful .
he knew nothing would make the pain go away , not until the image of annie with another man had disappeared . no , not annie with another man , annie enjoying herself with another man . but he could only blame himself , and that made the pain worse . not only had he encouraged her to flirt , he 'd made it clear he was n't interested in her . he could n't blame her at all . the annie he 'd just witnessed in action was a product of his creation . he wanted the old annie back . the soft , sweet annie with the biting attitude and sparkling eyes . `` annie ... '' he did n't even recognize the sound of his own voice . it came out strangled and filled with an emotion he never knew he possessed . `` annie , do n't do this . '' he took another step toward her and she took one back . `` do n't do what , zack ? '' her eyes spat sparks at him and her lips , usually so inviting , formed a grim line . `` do n't flirt with anyone ? do n't watch you flirting with other women ? '' `` i was n't flirting- '' `` no ? her br**sts were all over you . '' `` i did n't notice- '' `` did n't notice !
and now you have the gall to get angry with me for doing exactly what you wanted-flirting . well , let me tell you , i 'm tired of your contrary attitude . you want everything and nothing . you want to sleep with me but you do n't want the emotion that goes along with it . then you tell me i ca n't spread my wings a little and flirt with other men . '' she threw up her hands and took another step back when he moved closer . `` i thought this was what you wanted me to be . everything i am tonight , everything i 've done , is because of you . you showed me how to be this flirtatious , popular woman . now you want me to stop . '' `` you 're exactly the man i thought you were when we met , zack dimarco , an arrogant- '' annie , teetering on the edge of the pool , flailed her arms around like a windmill . she 'd taken one step too many . zack grabbed her around the waist but over-balanced and fell forward , forcing her into the pool ahead of him . they fell into the water with a resounding splash . a round of applause greeted them when they surfaced . everyone thought cooling off in the pool was a great idea and several people joined them , fully clothed .
zack asked as he caught annie around the waist . she shrugged him off , swam to the side and hauled herself out of the pool . her soaked top clung to her body , outlining her curves seductively . he followed her , wanting to hide her from the ogling eyes but was unsure how he 'd be received . she 'd probably slap him , going by the vibes coming off her . he strode to her side . `` annie , where are you going ? '' `` you 'd better , because i 'm not waiting for a cab . '' apparently the dip had n't cooled her temper . they stormed past an open-mouthed louisa mondeo and a dogged servant carrying towels and mopping up their drips . she called goodbyes after them and zack managed to thank her politely while keeping up with annie . they drove to santa monica in tortuous silence , giving him time to think . but he did n't like the conclusions he came to . what had happened to his sweet little annie ? the girl with a sassy attitude was still there but she was a beautiful woman now , with an undeniable animal magnetism that men could n't ignore when she flirted with them .
she 'd always had it , hidden just below the surface , but he 'd released it when he encouraged her to let loose , flirt a little and enjoy herself . he 'd dug his own grave when he fell for her , and filled it in when he allowed other men to see what he saw-an exquisite and sensual woman with intelligence and a sense of humor . he was the biggest fool in the world . `` annie , '' he said quietly , when he pulled into a car space outside her building . she said nothing as she opened the car door . zack reached across and pulled it shut again before she could move . `` you 're not going anywhere until we sort this out , '' he growled . `` sort what out , zack ? that you 're an arrogant jerk ? well , i 've already sorted that out . '' `` stop it , annie , and listen to me . '' he caught her shoulders and turned her toward him . fire burned in her eyes and her brow creased into a deep frown . chapter 16 she crossed her arms . but suddenly he could n't find the appropriate words to say what he wanted to say . lord , he 'd give anything for a thesaurus right now . `` i 'm sorry , '' was all he could manage . `` for changing you . '' she stared at him , her lips slightly parted .
from the horrified look on her face he got the feeling he 'd said the wrong thing . he just wished he knew what was the right thing to say . `` changing me ! '' `` changing me into what ? '' he shrugged , swallowed and chose his words very carefully . `` bob wanted to turn you into a wild child . a woman who enjoys life and likes to have fun . i think i did my job too well . i was n't expecting you to flirt with every man you met . '' i was n't expecting to hate watching it , he wanted to say but did n't . her mood was too dark to reveal something so intimate . she might pounce on that admission and crush him with it . watching her with another man was pain enough for one day-he could n't cope with an outright rejection on top of that . `` you arrogant jerk ! you think you can actually change me ! what sort of egotistical man are you ? and what sort of pathetic idiot do you think i am ? do you think i 'm so weak that i 'd actually be influenced permanently by anything that you 've supposedly taught me over the last few days ? either you think i 'm incredibly shallow or you think you have a power over me .
is that how you see me , zack , as a blank canvas that you can just paint a personality onto ? turn me into your dream woman ? plastic surgery ? '' he stared without blinking at her . and how the hell had she jumped to those conclusions ? `` now wait a minute , '' he managed to say before she could use the silence to continue . `` i do n't think that at all and you know it . '' in fact , i know nothing about you , zack dimarco . you 're as much a mystery to me as you were when we first met . and that 's probably a good thing because i do n't think i want to know what makes the real zack tick . '' he felt the screws tightening around his heart , and her fingerprints were all over them . how could she say that after everything they 'd been through in the last few days ? he thought she 'd known him better than any woman . he 'd revealed more of himself to her than to anyone . he swallowed , but the lump in his throat remained . annie opened the car door and got out . *** for almost two days , annie thought of insults she could fling at zack 's face next time she saw him . unfortunately flea on a dog 's behind was the best she could do .
not even worth e-mailing that one , if she 'd known his address . she sighed and slumped forward , resting her head on her forearms . she was out of insults . at least thinking of insults had kept the tears at bay . it was easier to be angry with him than sorry for herself . and she had a lot to be sorry for . she 'd thrown away the best sex she 'd ever had . yep , she was the biggest idiot this side of the sun . at first she 'd been angry with him . who did he think he was , saying that he 'd changed her ? it made her feel like she was his puppet , just like all the other women he dated . for a few hours at the party , she had become one of those women , the sort of women she 'd helped into taxis after her father 's parties . she 'd become the type of person she loathed , just to please zack , a man she had no right to want in her life . and that annoyed her more than zack 's arrogant comment about changing her . although that sure had fired her up . but when she calmed down , she realized he was partially right . at least , it must seem that way from his perspective .
she 'd pretended to enjoy flirting with mike at the bar , then with rick at the party , just to get up zack 's nose . to get him back for his own flirting with melanie melons , but also because he 'd made it clear that she was just a temporary , sexual liaison that meant nothing . she wanted to show him what he was missing out on . when in zack 's arms , kissing him , she thought a casual fling was what she wanted too . she wanted it all and she wanted it to be permanent . zack dimarco was n't the settling down kind . but this time , as herself . she was n't going to be the woman zack had tried to mold her into over the last few days . she was n't comfortable with that annie . last night , she came to the decision to represent the mccallum and horton agency as herself in her meeting with dug-e dug . to hell with zack , bob and the snotty little kid . if mccallum and horton was n't good enough to snare him then maybe it was time bob re-invented the company with some fresh talent . he may not like it , and her father certainly would n't if he were alive , but it was her life . she intended to start living it on her terms .
a polite cough drew annie out of her thoughts . she looked up into the harried , concerned eyes of bob . `` just twiddling my thumbs until dug-e arrives . have you sent someone to the airport to pick him up ? '' `` is the conference room ready ? '' `` what about a packet of mandm 's ? he likes those . '' `` and i should tell you , i 'm not changing my appearance just because dug-e expects to see a hip , groovy person . he 's getting me , annie mccallum , and the best service the mccallum and horton agency can offer . '' she crossed her arms for emphasis and waited for bob to answer . he tossed the newspaper he 'd been holding onto her desk . `` read this to take your mind off things before he gets here . '' he strode away and annie frowned . she tapped her fingers on the desk . maybe bob was ill. well , one thing was for sure , if she did n't get dug-e signed up , they were probably all going to be out of work soon . she did n't mind , but bob , lenny and the others would have trouble finding good jobs at their age .
she slouched back into her chair and scanned the headlines of the paper without really taking any of it in . until she got to the first page of the business section . dimarco sells stancorp , the headline read . the article went on to say that zack had sold his share of multi-media giant stancorp for what annie thought was an obscene amount of money . the writer could find no reason for the sellout as the company was doing well . i lose an account before i even get it and he makes a fortune . there 's no justice in this world . '' the end of the article had a reference to another in the gossip section of the paper . `` typical , '' she snorted , turning the pages eagerly . the gossip columnist wrote that she 'd seen zack at louisa mondeo 's party with `` mccallum and horton agent , annie mccallum , the hottest girl in town this summer after her recent arrest . '' annie 's jaw dropped when she spotted the author 's name-melanie monsoon . a picture of the watermelon-girl herself beamed out from the top left corner of the page . the article mentioned how melanie had learned from the man himself that he wanted to spend more time on his montana ranch and scale down his la-based business .
annie read and re-read it . when bob passed her desk , she stopped him and waved the newspaper in his face . `` did you read the article about zack ? '' `` which reminds me , what did you do to him ? '' `` he only sells an entire company when he 's angry or upset . and since you two have been together a lot lately i wondered if it had something to do with you . '' i think you 're over-reacting a little . i do n't have any influence over zack 's actions at all . '' bob humphed . the guy 's smitten . '' `` he called here five times the other day looking for you . '' he perched himself on the edge of annie 's desk . it sunk perilously under his weight . they needed to sign up dug-e urgently-the office furniture was in danger of collapsing if bob ate any more doughnuts . `` this article just confirms it . '' her mouth was n't working properly . nor was her brain . a mass of thoughts jumbled together to form an incoherent message . all she did know was that zack told her he did n't want a relationship . there was no maybe about it-he was definite .
he was n't the settling down kind , even if he did like her more than he liked melanie or any other women he 'd dated . a commotion in the foyer drew their attention . the double doors burst open and the receptionist poked her head through . `` dug-e 's here ! '' she whispered so loudly the entire office heard , including dug-e who stood behind her looking bored . `` show time , '' annie said , pushing away any thoughts of zack . *** the meeting was n't a complete disaster , if dug-e 's lack of enthusiasm was anything to go by . at least he did n't rant or throw things or even call anyone names . actually , it could even be called successful when his mother said she 'd think about the mccallum and horton offer . annie and bob left the meeting with the words `` do n't call us , we 'll call you '' ringing in their ears . it was better than an outright no . `` i have to go , '' annie said after dug-e and his mother left . bob followed her to her desk , a frown on his face . `` i thought we could celebrate with a drink first . '' `` that 's a little premature do n't you think ? he has n't signed yet . '' it was a welcome sight , and a rare one lately .
his smile vanished as he studied her face . `` are you going to see zack ? '' she grabbed her jacket , avoiding looking directly at him . he 's made it perfectly clear he 's not interested . '' `` in that case , there 's probably something you should know . '' she barely heard him as she sifted through her over-sized handbag on her daily hunt for her car keys . `` i set you up . '' `` it was one of those spur of the moment things . i 'd often thought you two would be perfect for each other and when the opportunity arose i took it . '' he held up his hands defensively when annie glared at him . i just thought you could be the one to change him . you are perfect for him , you know , '' he added quickly . she chewed on her lip as she studied her boss 's double chins . it seemed everyone was pulling her strings lately , like a puppet in an overly dramatic play . she felt like she 'd completely lost control of her life . who needed coincidence when you had zack and bob ? `` what do you mean , change him ? '' `` it 's about time the boy settled down . i know that , but he does n't , or does n't want to admit it .
that 's why he never dates relationship women . '' `` relationship women ? '' `` he only dates the sort who just want to party and paint their toenails pretty colors . he avoids the sort of women he should be dating . '' you 're just what he needs . i thought he might figure that out after spending some time with you . '' he shook his head and his jowls jangled like a turkey 's . `` obviously he 's a bigger fool than i thought . '' and obviously bob had got it all wrong . she was n't zack 's perfect partner or he would n't have tried to turn her into someone she was n't . *** zack leaned back in his office chair and closed his eyes . the last two days had been hell compared to the ones before it . he felt restless , miserable , and he constantly snapped at his staff . he needed something more in his life . he needed annie . being with her had been fun . no , that word did n't even begin to describe how he 'd felt when they were together . sure , they 'd laughed a lot , but for some reason , just being with annie made him feel comfortable . comfortable and accepted .
she did n't treat him like other women did , agreeing with him and accepting his decisions . she challenged him , she laughed at him and allowed him to laugh at her . she talked to him as if he were her equal , and he felt like he 'd found someone on his own level . someone he could respect . someone who brightened his life . someone he wanted to be with beyond this week . someone he wanted to be with . someone he wanted in his life . zack reached for the phone and dialed five digits then hung up . he paced behind his desk a few times then picked up the phone again . he got to the sixth before slamming it down . he turned to the glass wall and stared out at the sprawling city below . somewhere to his left annie was probably still in her meeting with dog-e whats-his-name . there was no point calling her yet . maybe in another ten minutes ... he drummed his fingers on the pane of glass . ever since he 'd made up his mind to call her he 'd worked on his speech . eventually he decided to just wing it . his words would all depend on her mood anyway . surely she would n't be mad at him any longer , not after two days . he wondered if she 'd thought of him at all .
he 'd thought of her , constantly . not even selling stancorp had made him feel better . usually off-loading a company pepped up his mood , but not this time . this time it would take only one thing to lift him out of the doldrums-hearing annie 's voice . no , more than that-kissing annie . better yet , making love to her . feeling her body beneath his , warm , supple and eager ... the office was n't the most convenient place to be thinking about annie naked . he picked up the phone again and dialed her work number , this time getting through all the digits . he dialed her cell phone . he 'd have to visit her at home . what he needed to say could n't wait any longer . he 'd always been the sort of person to confront his fears and it was time to tackle this one head on . chapter 17 annie got the phone call that dug-e had signed when she got home . bob , unable to contain his excitement , said he was coming over with the contract for her to sign as dug-e 's representing agent . she had enough time for a quick shower and change of clothes . the knock came as she stepped out of the water .
wrapping a towel around her she opened the door without looking through the peephole . `` that was quick ... zack stood in the doorway , arms flexed at his sides , feet slightly apart and face unshaved . he wore a dark suit , his tie a little off-center , and sunglasses which hid any emotions he might be feeling . but intense vibrations crossed the space between his body and hers . his voice was as rough as the rockies . zack did n't move but his eyes , barely visible beneath the dark glasses , roamed across her towel-clad body . it was a possessive gesture and sent a thrill through her . there was a hint of a threat in his tone . `` just bob for our regular after-work tryst . '' his mouth fell open and his brows rose above his sunglasses . `` just kidding , '' she sang as she turned and walked back inside . `` he 's bringing around dug-e 's contract for me to sign . '' she heard him follow her inside before he said , `` so you got dug-e ? was it the bike that convinced him ? '' she swung round , ready to face him now that she 'd regained her composure . wow , he was handsome . she bit the inside of her lip and forced herself to concentrate .
she was not going to end up in bed with him . `` i went as myself . no motorbike , no flirting , no tight leather pants . i could n't represent him as someone i was n't . i 'm not so bad really . and anyone who does n't like me as i am can lump it . she felt better , lighter . if only she 'd said something like that to her father when he 'd been alive , maybe he would n't have kept pressuring her to be someone she was n't . as if caught by a hook , slowly the corner of zack 's mouth twitched up until his lips stretched into a broad smile . he came to her and placed his hands on her shoulders . he stared into her eyes , lifted one hand and traced her cheek with his fingertip . she went weak at the knees and hot all over . she was n't supposed to give in so easily . `` i like the real annie better . i 'm sure dug-e will too . '' she nodded dumbly , his words not quite registering . she tried to think of the right words to tell him she was n't going to sleep with him again while her insides did back flips . he really was n't making it easy for her .
`` um , zack , we can't- . '' but she got no further . he placed a finger to her lips and kissed her forehead tenderly . i 've got something i have to say or i 'll explode . these last two days have been ... boring . '' he smiled crookedly down at her . `` okay , they 've been worse than boring . they 've been hell . '' she drew in a deep breath to still her trembling nerves , but she was n't giving in just yet . there were things that needed sorting out before she would submit to the powerful urge to shower him with kisses . `` good , '' she said carefully . `` they 've been hell for me too . '' his grin was just like the one in the photo she 'd seen of him as a little boy . he bent his head and kissed her lips tenderly . she wanted more but she resisted . `` no more , zack . '' she put her hands on his chest and pushed him lightly away . `` i need to know what i am to you . zack swallowed . her face turned hard but he could see the vulnerability in her eyes . he knew what she wanted him to say , but lord help him , he did n't know how to say it .
he 'd thought he could , he thought it 'd be easy , but now that it was show time , his throat constricted and the words would n't form in his head . you 've made yourself clear . `` but , annie , we had fun . '' he thought he saw her smile before she turned away . `` but we want different things out of this relationship and you 're not being fair if you keep stringing me along . he placed a hand on her shoulder and gently tried to turn her round but she would n't budge and he would n't force her . he heard ragged breathing and realized it was his . oh hell , he was going to lose it . she stepped away from him and he could see the tears rolling down her cheeks . she opened her door and waited . he could n't let go of the one person in his life who cared about him , zack dimarco , not the billionaire but the regular guy . he could n't let the one person who made him smile walk out of his life forever . the one person he wanted to be with . oh lord , was he sure ? was his mind playing some sort of trick ... ? `` i think i need to sit down . '' but he remained standing , staring at annie . would this woman make him give up his ranch for the la glitz ? would she want him to attend parties with her ?
no way-she definitely disliked them . would she make him give up his most valuable possession-his freedom ? did she want the full-time commitment , the white picket fence and children ? and for the first time in his life , zack realized he was ready for those things too . but only if he could have them with her . she was perfect all right , and exactly what he needed . `` annie , '' he stood close , inhaling the scent of soap and shampoo . there were tracks on her cheeks from her tears and he touched them , wishing he had n't caused them . she turned her face away , but he knew what he had to do now . he touched her chin and made her look at him . her eyes were deep pools , ready to spill at any moment . `` i 'm sorry i put you through this , '' he whispered . `` it 's just i did n't know until now . '' `` that i love you , annie . '' her body stiffened as a tidal wave of relief flooded his . he 'd said it-for the first time in his entire life , he 'd used the l word . but annie just stood there , her lips slightly apart , staring up at him . he 'd said the wrong thing .
or he 'd said the right thing , but too late . he brushed a damp lock of hair from her forehead . he wanted to kiss her there , feel her hot skin on his lips one last time , but he did n't dare . `` i thought you prefer busty blondes , '' she said . god , she was beautiful-all damp curls and moist , pink skin . he barely controlled a shudder as she blinked wide-eyed up at him . it was easier to date them because i 'd never fall for that sort of girl . '' `` but you said yourself , you do n't want a relationship . '' he could hear the ache in her voice . what a complete ass he 'd been . `` i never wanted to end up like my parents , '' he said . dredging up the past would open old wounds , but he needed to explain . `` my dad gave up his dreams for my mother . and because of that , he hated her . they were madly in love when they married . but with the jobs and the pressure of raising a large family , he lost his talent for song writing . he could have been successful . bob made him successful after he died , but ... '' he shrugged , leaving the sentence hanging .
`` and you do n't want to end up like your father ? '' it seems we both have father issues . '' `` yeah , well , you 've come to terms with yours . `` so be gentle with me , annie . outright rejection is n't easy on a commitment-phobe who 's made up his mind to make a commitment . '' annie frowned , her eyes searching his . `` so you meant what you just said ? she fell into him , pressed her body against his and suddenly the room spun out of control and zack felt unbalanced . his grip tightened around her and he pulled her closer . she laughed into his chest . his heart did somersaults . she pressed her fingertips to his lips and he kissed them . `` i 'm not like those other women . he grinned , relief wrapping around his aching heart . it felt even more right the second time . `` i love you too , '' she murmured when they finally came up for air . `` so does this mean you 'll sleep with me now ? '' he grinned and bent to kiss her again , so eager to taste her lips , but she pulled away . oh , hell , now what ? `` i have a confession to make , '' she said .