Graveyard Watchman (Book 2) The Demon Wars

Chapter 18

I push back my plate of scrambled eggs and hash browns and lean my elbows on the table, "C'mon, Zack, you had to know."

He's still staring at me like he's in shock, or maybe he's finally figuring out the impact of what he's done, so I keep going, "Are you seriously that clueless?" my words spill out before I can stop them and he blinks, pushing his brows together, "Victoria and I never discussed it, no."

Without thinking I roll my eyes and I can tell it pisses him off but I don't care, "In case you didn't know, most girls are already in love if they're having sex with you, Zack."

Oops.

His breathing gets faster and he stands, slamming down his fist as the dishes violently bounce up on the table, "It wasn't like that!" he shouts, walking back toward the mantle, "I--I tried to tell her I wasn't ready..." he begins to pace, "I tried to make it clear that I didn't want a serious relationship. Hell..." he closes his eyes and rubs his temples, "I barely understood why or how I was even here!"

For a millisecond I feel a little sorry for him but my frustration takes over before I have a chance to stop myself, "Oh, I see," I wait for him to look up at me, "So, she forced herself on you?" I pause because I know Victoria better than that, "Or wait, maybe that was Emily's job?"

"Kate," he says in a warning voice, "You have no idea what you're talking about," he gets out, but I can tell I've got him thinking.

"You have to admit, Zack." I don't even try to hide my sarcasm, "It's pretty freaking convenient that Emily was able to swoop in and get this damn near impossible job and then in turn, instantly become your girlfriend."

He doesn't say a word, he just looks at me so I continue, "I mean, her picture was the first one that popped up on your search. Then, all of a sudden you two had an immediate connection the second you had your video chat," I tilt my head, "If that doesn't make you stop and think, even for a second..."

"Coincidence, Kate, that's all it was," he runs his fingers through his hair. "They happen all the time."

He's not giving in. Even after I pointed out so many red flags. It's not like him, he's not being reasonable. I have to do something. I have to try another approach.

"Okay," I walk back to the table and pull out a chair.

"Okay, what?" he walks toward me, his expression draped in curiosity.

"Okay, I'll talk to her," I lock eyes with him, "Maybe you're right. Maybe this is all a coincidence," I pick up my over-turned coffee cup, "Maybe she really can help me?"

Zack instantly rushes over to me as relief washes over his face, "Really? You'll really give her a chance?" he pulls out the chair next to me.

"Yes," I humor him, as I pick up the carafe and pour black coffee into my cup, "When is she available?"

He smiles, reaching over the table before grabbing for his cup, "Whenever you want," he tilts the carafe, holding the handle as the hot coffee quickly reaches the top, "It's a good decision, Kate. She's one of the best psychiatrists in her field," he pours in a dash of cream and stirs, "I've done my research on her," he takes a small sip, "and I know you won't regret it."

Oh, trust me, brother, I won't.