Why Is He Back??

kiss....&....Taking care of her...

Olivia walked up the stairs, her fingers brushing the banister as she replayed the kiss with Zack over and over in her mind. Every time he touched her, it was like her body came alive in a way it hadn't with anyone else-not even Carter. The thought of Carter made her pause, guilt creeping in. She had never experienced this kind of intensity with him. It was confusing, and she didn't know how to deal with the flood of emotions Zack's kiss had stirred up.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Mrs. Anderson had prepared a pot roast and a key lime pie, a meal Olivia typically would have relished. But she couldn't focus on the food, not with Zack sitting directly across from her at the dining table. His usual cold demeanor was missing, replaced by something more restrained, almost... polite.

"How was your day?" Zack asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Olivia nearly choked on her sip of water, caught off guard. "It was... good. Busy," she stuttered, trying to keep her voice steady. "Carter's team is preparing for Indian Fashion Week, and I had a meeting with Prada."

"Prada, huh?" Zack's tone was curious, his eyes focused on her. "What was the meeting about?"

"Finalizing the details for the new line," Olivia replied, still in shock that he was actually interested. "They're excited about the designs. I think it's going to be a hit."

"I'm sure it will be. You've always had an eye for what works," Zack said, his voice holding a warmth she hadn't heard in years.

Olivia blinked at him, unsure of how to respond. This was the Zack she remembered, the one who used to support her career, not the cold, distant man she'd been living with. The shift in his behavior made her uneasy, but she found herself unable to stop the small smile that tugged at her lips.

After they finished eating, Zack surprised her even further. "Do you want to watch a movie?" he asked, standing up and waiting for her response.

"A movie?" Olivia echoed, her voice full of disbelief.

"Yes, a movie," Zack said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's not a trick question, Liv."

"Sure... I guess," she finally replied, still trying to wrap her head around this change in him.

They ended up in the movie room, deciding on *It Ends with Us*, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. As the movie progressed, they unconsciously moved closer to each other. By the time the credits started rolling, Olivia's head was resting on Zack's shoulder, and his hand was comfortably nestled between her thighs. The proximity felt strangely natural, and neither of them seemed eager to break it.

Zack turned to face her, his gaze locking with hers. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension. "Liv..." he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

"Zack, I-" Olivia's words were cut off as Zack leaned in, capturing her lips with his in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was intense, almost desperate, and Olivia found herself responding with equal fervor. Her hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer as she deepened the kiss.

Zack's hands roamed her body, each touch setting her skin on fire. "You drive me crazy," he murmured against her lips, his voice a mix of frustration and desire.

"Then stop," Olivia breathed, even as her body betrayed her by arching into him. "If this is a mistake, then stop."

"I don't want to stop," Zack confessed, his lips trailing down her neck, leaving a burning path in their wake. "God, Liv, I can't stop."

Their kisses became more frantic, more urgent, as if they were trying to erase all the pain and anger that had built up between them. Zack's hand slid under her shirt, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. But just as things were about to spiral out of control, Zack pulled back, his breath ragged.