Torn in two

Chapter 23

Light floods my eyelids as I begin to wake. The brightness trickles into my squinting eyes and I get an overwhelming rush of deja vu. Instead of waking in an empty bed, I open my eyes to a peacefully sleeping Zak. I didn't want to wake him, but it was Monday morning and I had to work. Just because I was upset with my brother, didn't mean I wasn't working for him or going to purposely jeopardize his business. I am aware I don't have the whole story, but what I knew for certain was that Greg sacrificed a lot to build his business. Even if he relied on the wrong people for funding.

The club's successful opening weekend created the hot new spot for the downtown night life. And I was sure after such a big weekend I needed to check the inventory and plan for the upcoming one. However, my laptop was at home and I couldn't log into the clubs database without it. I'm nervous I'll bump into Greg and I wasn't ready to discuss anything further with him yet.

I untangle myself from Zak's arms and immediately want to crawl right back. He was so warm and comforting.

But I refuse to neglect Greg's hard work.

I peek into the middle drawer of his dresser and pull out a plain black tee shirt. The one he let me borrow most likely stunk after sitting on the floor covered in sweat. I hope he didn't mind.

"Hey, where are you headed?" His husky morning voice asks.

"I have to work," I frown, clearly not excited to leave.

"Oh shoot, what time is it? So do I," he frantically rolls over to the dresser checking his phone.

He groans.

"I have a meeting soon," he sighs, getting up from the bed and stretching.

I can't help but watch as he lifts his arms over his head and flexes his abs.

I can feel heat bubble in my lower abdomen.

I swallow and force myself to look away. I had a lot of work to do today. I needed to log in and call vendors to update stock and create new orders.

Doesn't sound nearly as fun as staying in bed with Zak.

"I'll catch up with you later?" I lamely ask.

"My shift will be over tomorrow afternoon if you want to grab lunch?" He tugs me by his black shirt I was wearing.

He doesn't wait for my response because his mouth closes the distance.

His kiss is light and sweet but still has the ability to make my stomach lurch.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I murmur against his lips.

And I slowly back up from his embrace and head for the door.

Giddy from our night together, I sing along to the music on the radio for the whole duration home.

I really like Zak.

As I pull in the driveway, relief slowly spreads through me when Greg's car isn't there.

He could still be home though.

I unlock the front door and quietly enter the house.

Silence.

I release the breath I was holding. I plop on the couch and turn on my guilty pleasure: reality television. I pull out my laptop from the lower section of the coffee table and get comfortable.

I boot up my laptop as my stomach loudly complains in protest. It has been awhile since I last ate. Last night we didn't even bother stopping to eat dinner. We were far too occupied learning each others bodies.