Wrapped in You (22 page)

Zach raked a hand over his coarse jaw. He didn't even recognize himself anymore.

Just as he stepped into the living room and spotted Brock on the floor playing with puppies and looking like a normal kid, the doorbell rang. Zach hated that instant look of fear in Brock's eyes.

“I didn't call the cops, if that's what you're jumpy about.” Zach crossed the space to the door. “I promised you'd be safe here, and you are.”

After breakfast, though, there would be some definite answers and some decisions to be made.

The second Zach jerked the door open, he regretted not looking out the glass side panels to see who the unexpected visitor was.

“Oh, you're home.” Ms. Barkley stood on the other side with her hair all fluffed and sprayed as if blond teased-to-shit hair was a turn-on. Her blood-red lips tipped into a grin. “I was hoping I'd catch you before you went to work.”

Zach gripped the knob and shifted so she couldn't see into the house. She didn't take the hint and stepped up onto the threshold to peek over his shoulder.

“Oh, um, hello.”

Shifting back so he didn't get pushed over by her cleverly exposed cleavage or knocked out by her dousing of musky perfume, Zach glanced over his shoulder to Brock.

“What brings you over this early?” he asked, turning his attention back to his blatant neighbor.

“What? Oh, well, I have a project I'd like priced.” She kept her gaze on Brock, most likely trying to figure out where the young boy fit in. “If you have time, I'd like to talk to you.”

Hadn't they done this before? Couldn't she set her sights on someone else—someone who actually showed interest?

“Right now I'm busy, but I can call later or send Nathan over. He's the best worker I have.”

Her eyes darted over his shoulder. Zach knew who stood behind him. He resisted the urge to smile, especially after how Sophie had talked to his neighbor on the phone. This should be interesting.

“Breakfast is ready,” Sophie said, a smile in her tone. Zach couldn't have planned her timing better. “Are we having an extra guest?”

Zach shook his head. “No. Just us, babe.” Turning back to his neighbor, who stood with her glossy lips parted in surprise, Zach said, “I'll be sure to get in touch later and we can discuss details.”

As the neighbor stuttered incoherently, Zach ushered her right out the front door. As soon as he turned, he caught Sophie's eye. The second she busted into laughter, he couldn't hold back. Damn, that felt good to laugh, to share the experience with Sophie—even if it stemmed from something petty.

Seeing Sophie smiling, knowing they were having the same thoughts, only added to that special bond they shared. Another lock clicked into place . . . another layer added to their intimate, growing relationship.

“Did I miss something?” Brock asked, coming to his feet and glancing between Zach and Sophie.

“Just my neighbor, who likes to make her daily trips over for random questions. If she doesn't stop by, she calls twice.” Zach pointed toward the hallway. “There's a half bath in there. Go wash your hands and then come in and eat.”

Once Brock left, Zach followed Sophie into the kitchen. “I have a feeling she may not care so much about that deck anymore. Unless she had another phantom project she wanted done.”

“She thinks you're cheating on her,” Sophie joked, still smiling. “She may call Braxton and have him console her.”

Zach wouldn't put it past his brother to do just that, but whatever Braxton was dealing with and however he chose to battle his demons was none of Zach's concern. And he sure as hell didn't want to know about his neighbor and Braxton.

Sophie searched through two cabinets before she found his plates. She pulled two down and started dishing out some type of omelet with sausage. It smelled delicious.

“Where's your plate?” he asked when she placed two on the island. “You're joining us.”

Smoothing a hand down her silk top that she'd tucked perfectly into her green skirt, she shook her head. “I think it's best if the two of you talk, and I have a feeling he's not going to be too chatty with an audience.”

Brock stepped into the room and headed straight to the island. “I'm not too talkative with just one person, either. You can stay and eat.” He sat down and shoveled a forkful of food into his mouth and spoke around it. “I'm heading out after. Don't let me interrupt whatever it is you guys do.”

As much as Zach would love the alone time with Sophie, he didn't like the implication Brock was making. Had he been pushed aside before so whoever he lived with could be alone?

“Sit, Soph,” Zach ordered. He crossed the kitchen and pulled out another plate. “You made it, you're eating.”

Without arguing, she took a seat next to Brock's. Zach placed a plate in front of her, then poured three glasses of milk. Thankfully Sophie's was still in good standing with the calendar.

Breakfast was quiet, and a bit awkward. The dogs were nipping at Zach's pants and Brock's pants. A strange teen sat in Zach's kitchen eating like a starving boy, and Sophie, sweet as you please, quietly stood up and started to make more food for Brock before she'd even finished her own plate.

Questions circled Zach's head and he couldn't get into the personal ones just yet. He needed the basics, and he needed them now.

“Where do you live?” Zach asked, looking across the island at Brock.

Shoving his empty plate aside, Zach waited for the boy to shrug or make an excuse not to answer.

“Bellville.”

An hour away. Sophie kept her back to them as she prepared more food. Her silent support meant everything, and Zach knew she would be taking all of this in and making her own opinion. They would no doubt discuss it later when they were alone.

“And you live with your mother?”

Brock nodded, draining his milk glass. “And whatever boyfriend she has at the time. She's had the same one for a little over a month, though. I'm afraid he's staying.”

Sophie's shoulders stiffened. Zach placed his palms on the counter. “They don't know you left, so what are your plans?”

Now Brock did shrug, the signature move for most teens who don't want to answer or even discuss the current topic. Too damn bad.

“You don't want to go home and you don't want me calling CPS. My hands are tied,” Zach told him honestly. “I want to help, but I need to know exactly what's going on and why you left. If you want help, you need to help me.”

Brock glanced over his shoulder just as Sophie carefully stepped beside him with the hot skillet. She scooped the food onto his plate.

“I'm heading out,” she stated, placing the pan back on the stove. “I'll be at the office if you need me.” She eyed Zach. “For anything.”

He nodded. “Thank you.”

The dogs tried to follow her as she headed toward the front door. Zach whistled to get them back into the kitchen. His home had turned into a refuge for strays. The irony was not lost on him. His parents would love to see this, would love the fact that Zach hadn't turned anyone or anything away. They'd instilled in him that need to help others. Their love, loyalty, and dedication had made him the man he was today.

Zach took the empty bar stool next to Brock. “Okay. Start talking, and I want the entire truth so I can figure out how to help you. You lie to me and we're done.”

Brock remained so still, Zach didn't know if he was going to say anything or not. Finally Brock nodded and sighed. “All right. I'll tell you everything.”

After meeting with the new doctor in town and his wife about their needs for a new home, and double-checking the building permit at the courthouse, Sophie was exhausted. Still, the day was a success since she'd managed to get in and out of the courthouse without running into Martin. Now she just had to drop a
FOR SALE
sign off in a new client's yard and she could head home.

Well, she could head home, but she planned on stopping at Sunset Lake to check in on Zach. She'd not heard from him all day, and she was desperately worried about Brock . . . and Zach. There was no way the man could be untouched by having a near mirror-image of the boy he'd once been thrust into his face.

But Zach would do the right thing.

She also had some good news to share and she wanted to do so in person.

Sophie maneuvered her car through downtown, taking in the busy sidewalks with laughing kids, smiling families, couples holding hands. Summer was just getting started and with Savannah only twenty minutes away, the town would be even busier as tourists trickled in.

She loved tourists. Loved seeing her beautiful town thrive even when the economy wasn't the greatest. This community took care to make the area look lovely, the garden club always keeping fat pots overflowing with flowers at the base of each lamppost lining Main Street. Volunteer groups from local high schools kept litter picked up for extra credit—yay to those smart teachers—and the city council was adamant about storefronts being freshly painted. Haven was most definitely a picturesque town, which would only help the new resort attract clientele.

Pulling into the long, curved drive, she spotted Zach's old truck at the top of the incline. As she rounded the curve, she saw Liam's SUV as well. Blowing out a breath, she pulled in behind the vehicles. With no Braxton, did this mean Brock was playing referee? Was Brock even here? Well, if nothing else came from this project, maybe Zach and Liam would learn to actually talk and get along. Sophie didn't care if that was all wishful thinking; she'd keep wishing until the day came when those two burned the guilt-and-anger bridge.

The late afternoon sun was hotter than she'd anticipated and the silk blouse she wore was starting to cling to her in some very unpleasant areas. Nothing like sweat rings to polish off that professional look she prided herself on. She had her gym bag in the trunk, but it mostly had a spare bathing suit and a pair of shorts. Not the look she should put forth here either. She was going to have to start keeping a change of clothes with her since she planned on being here after work most days.

Digging in her purse for a clip, she twisted her hair and quickly piled it on top of her head. The air on her neck helped. Maybe she wouldn't have a heat stroke.

Her car door opened and Sophie screamed.

With an arm on the roof of the car, Zach leaned in. His lopsided grin, sweaty shirt, and rugged looks were nearly enough to have her overheating again.

He laughed. “Easy there.”

With a hand to her heart, Sophie smiled. “I don't care that you scared me if you'll laugh like that again.”

When he extended his hand, she let him assist her from the car. He didn't back up. With two strong arms caging her against the open door, Zach leaned into her.

“We're both sweaty . . . you more than me.”

He ran his nose along the length of her jaw and traveled up to her ear. “I like being sweaty with you.”

Whatever had gotten into this new affectionate Zach, she wanted more of it. But right now she couldn't think beyond the fact he was turning her inside out up against her car in the middle of the day.

“Wh-what are you doing out here?”

His hands settled on her shoulders, squeezing. “Maybe I was waiting on a beautiful woman to drive up.”

Her body trembled, ached. “What are we doing?” she muttered, then gasped when his lips slid over her throat. Her head fell back and all she could do was stand here and let him touch her so perfectly, yet so tenderly.

“I'm ignoring warning flags and tasting you.” His mouth eased back up, hovering a breath away from hers. “Unless you'd rather I stop?”

“No. No stopping.”

She felt the smile against her lips seconds before he captured them. Sophie opened, welcoming that familiar thrill she'd come to know only from Zach. She slid her hands around his waist and wished they were somewhere other than the driveway of an old historic house with people inside.

Before she could melt into a puddle, Zach pulled back. “I'm glad you're here.”

“Yeah?”

He nodded, releasing her. “I know I shouldn't touch you or kiss you because I have no idea where this is going, but resisting has become near impossible.”

“I never said I wanted you to resist, Zach.” She had to make that clear. “I didn't want you to be torn. You know what I want. You. That's all. Nothing more complicated than that.”

His eyes nearly blazed right into her. “Everything about you, about us, is complicated.”

He'd admitted there was an “us.” She wasn't going to state the obvious. This was a step in the right direction. A long time coming, but she'd take this victory.

“Is Brock here?”

The warmth in Zach vanished and his face hardened. “He's inside with Liam. Those two have clicked.”

“And you're upset about this?”

“What? No.” He shook his head and raked a hand over his messy hair. Taking a few steps around the drive, he stared out toward the pond. “Brock filled me in on everything earlier. I'm just torn right now. I'm going to have to call someone because he needs out of that environment.” Clasping his hands behind his head, he looked down to his worn boots. “Damn it, he won't trust me if I do that, but this has to be done the legal way.”

The battle Zach was fighting was going to be difficult, there was no way around it.

“I'm afraid to ask what he told you.” Sophie pushed off her car and pulled at the damp silk clinging to her back. “What I want to know is what your plans are where he's concerned.”

Zach's dark eyes cut to her. “I've known him less than twenty-four hours and already I want to help him. I have no clue how. He needs to live with someone who cares, but I know the system doesn't always work, and if he gets placed somewhere . . .”

Shaking his head, Zach muttered a curse. “He'll take off again and who knows what will happen to him.”

Sophie's heart melted. Zach may have tried to push people away, he may have hated the world and been punished for one tragic mistake, yet here he was taking in stray dogs, nursing pups until they could be adopted, and now he was trying to save a young, broken boy, all while restoring an old mansion because his late sister had a dream.

If she hadn't fallen in love with him years ago, she was 100 percent head over heels now.

“Why are you smiling?” he asked, his brows drawn in.

“You know why.” Sophie closed the space between them and kissed the side of his face. His prickly beard tickled her lips. “I'll do whatever I can to help you.”

“Braxton has a fancy lawyer friend. I've got a call out to him. This has to be handled the right way.”

The right way. Sophie didn't know what his exact intentions were, she wasn't sure Zach fully knew, but he was going to do something, and that was more than Brock had been offered so far.

“I have some good news,” she told him. “Let's go inside since Liam is here too.”

Zach tipped his head. “Tell me now.”

“You'll have to be patient.” Sophie started down the sidewalk. She'd taken maybe three steps when she was lifted off the ground and flung over Zach's shoulder. “Why am I looking at your butt?”

Zach laughed. “Because you were limping and I'm carrying you inside.”

“Your concern is sweet, but the execution could use some work.”

“You dumped the polished man, Soph. Now you have me.” Zach carried her to the porch and gripped her thigh. “You know you love this.”

He knew her so well. Better than anyone, actually. Which made him perfect for her. Now if she could just get him to realize how they were imperfectly perfect together.

As soon as they were inside, he set her down. “No steps today. We're working in the bathroom and kitchen anyway.”

Sophie nodded. Arguing with the stubborn man was useless. Besides, she liked knowing he cared so much. Not that she ever intended to use her limp as a means of gaining attention; she'd never want to be that pitiful and desperate. But knowing he zeroed in on how she was feeling without her saying a word proved how much he'd settled himself into her life. She hadn't even noticed she was limping more than usual.

“Hey, Sophie.” Liam strutted through the foyer. With a ball cap on backward, his dark hair curling around the edges and a stained white tee, you'd never guess he was a prominent chef at a popular Savannah hot spot. “We've got sandpaper with your name on it.”

Laughing, Sophie glanced over his shoulder at Brock, who hung back. “Hi, Brock. How are you?”

The boy shrugged, but gave her a passing glance. Her heart literally ached for the kid. No doubt he was terrified of his future, and to be honest, so was she. But Zach wouldn't give up on this kid and neither would she.

Focusing back on Liam, Sophie could barely hold back the happy news another second. “I've heard back on the grant.” She turned to make sure Zach was behind her still. “We've been approved!” she squealed.

“Already?” Zach asked. “That was fast.”

Nodding in agreement, Sophie said, “It's been a week. They said up to thirty days, but this was much faster than I figured. If you're changing any renovations on the original list, I just need to let them know.”

“I can't foresee any changes,” Zach told her. “Wow, I didn't expect to hear back so soon. You are awesome, Sophie.”

Beaming with pride, she was so excited she'd spent sleepless nights working on this for them, for Chelsea. She screamed when Zach picked her up and spun her around, placing a loud smacking kiss on her lips. The second he put her down, Liam wrapped his arms around her and spun her in the other direction.

“Keep your lips off her,” Zach growled just as Liam's mouth pressed to hers in a brotherly manner. “I'll kick your ass.”

Liam laughed, easing Sophie back down but keeping an arm around her waist. “I'd like to see that. I believe Braxton gave you a black eye the other day and I punched you in the gut. Don't make me remind you who's stronger here.”

“You're full of it,” Zach retorted with a snort. “I deserved it the other day, but you lay your lips on her again and—”

The back door slammed and Sophie jerked her attention in the direction of the hall leading to the kitchen.

“Shit,” Zach muttered, taking off in a run. “Brock.”

Why did Brock leave? One second they'd been joking and . . .

Sophie closed her eyes as realization dawned on her. The poor boy didn't know the difference between playing and real life.

“I'm going after him too.”

Sophie watched as Liam took off after Zach. No way would they let Brock escape thinking the worst . . . thinking they'd ever turn their fists on him. How sad that a teenage boy didn't recognize the brotherly banter and joking manner. Sophie had been so thrilled with the news, with Liam and Zach laughing and joking with each other, she hadn't even stopped to think.

She wrapped her arms around her waist and headed back out the front door. Maybe he ran around front. Regardless of where he went, Sophie was confident Zach would find him and set him straight in the most loving of ways.

* * *

After frantically searching for nearly thirty minutes, Zach finally found Brock behind one of the two old cottages on the property. Brock sat on the ground just outside the back door and didn't even look up when Zach took a seat beside him.

Zach shot off a quick text to Liam that he'd located the boy.

“You take off like that again and I'm going to think you don't like our company.”

A pebble poked Zach in his rear end, so he shifted, stretching his legs out before him and crossing his ankles. The sun was getting lower, sending radiant orange rays spreading out along the horizon, making a stunning reflection in the pond.

“Liam and I have a history,” Zach started, staring at the pond and wondering about building a new dock, because focusing on work was so, so much easier than digging into his past. Unfortunately, this boy needed help, and Zach was going to have to put himself on the line. “Liam, Braxton—who you haven't met—and I were all adopted. We had a sister, Chelsea.”

From the corner of his eye, Zach saw Brock stiffen. “Had?” he asked.

Zach nodded, plucking a clover from the ground beside him. He brought a knee up and rested his elbow on it, twirling the clover between his thumb and finger. He couldn't sit still, not when he was about to open his heart to a virtual stranger.

“She passed away several months ago,” Zach told him, hating how he had to speak of his vibrant sister in the past tense. “She was in a skiing accident.”

“And you liked her?” Brock asked, as if family love was foreign. The question and the manner it was delivered broke Zach's heart.

“I loved her more than anything. She was literally the glue that held us together.”

Zach heard footsteps seconds before Liam came into view. Catching his eye, Zach nodded. Liam quietly moved around to sit on the other side of Brock.

Having Liam here only made this that much harder. But maybe he needed to be here; maybe this was perfect timing.