Finally Relaxed

ZANE

I woke up feeling at peace for the first time in over a month. The woman I loved was sleeping soundly in my arms, her breaths soft and rhythmic.

Life without her had been unbearable. My heart felt hollow, as if someone had punched a hole in my chest and ripped it out.

But now, with her back in my arms, safe and sound, my heart felt whole again.

I brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, taking in her beauty. I was grateful she had sorted out her feelings and decided to return to me.

I knew she had a soft spot for Forest, but it was nothing compared to what she felt for me. Their bond was more like that of siblings, not lovers.

She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. The smile that I had missed so much, the one that warmed my heart with love for her, spread across her face. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?” I asked, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Yes, I did, the best I have in over a month,” she replied, her voice still heavy with sleep.

“Knowing that I am here, safe in your house, and that I don’t need to worry about who is following me to report back to you on what I’m doing or where I’m going helps.”

“I’m sorry about that. But I had to make sure that you were safe.

“Too many people had seen us together, and I didn’t want to risk you getting caught again to lure me out somewhere to save you again.”

She sat up abruptly in the bed, her eyes blazing. “Again? What the hell does that mean?!”

Damn, I had put my foot in my mouth.

“I didn’t mean it like that, I promise. I wanted you safe even if I couldn’t be there to protect you. I wanted eyes on you at all times so I would know if someone might be stalking you or trying to take you.

“I wasn’t worried about giving my life for yours; I would do that in a heartbeat. If I had to step in front of a bullet to save you, I would. I hope you know that, after everything we’ve been through.”

She calmed down and cupped my face with her warm hands. She kissed me softly. “I know that, baby. I would do the same for you.”

I looked into her soft eyes.

“Love, there’s no way that I could live a day if I knew you had thrown yourself in front of a bullet for me.

“It killed me when you were gone for a month. Do you think that I could live the rest of my life knowing you are six feet underground?”

“Zane, I need you to know that I wouldn’t want to live without you either. Every day was like torture when I couldn’t touch you, kiss you, or see your face.”

I kissed her deeply. “We feel the same way about that. Now, we need to get up and get something to eat. Are you going to the water park while I’m at this meeting?”

“Yes, I need some time to unwind and relax after the last month of running around and being tense all the time,” she said as she tried to wriggle out of my grasp.

“Did you make sure you’re the only one who will be there?” I asked, holding her tight.

“No, I want people around me today. I don’t want to take anything away from the kids, especially since today is Saturday. They’ve been waiting all week to get out of school and play.

“There are one hundred names on the list, so I might have to wait, but I’m willing to do that for these kids,” she replied. “They love this place and want their playtime too.”

She nudged me in the leg so I would let her go.

“Don’t nudge me, love. You know better than that.” I gave her a look that said everything I wanted to do to her right now.

“I have to use the bathroom, so if you’ll let me go before the bed ends up wet, I would really appreciate it,” she said, kicking the covers off of us.

I shivered as the cold air hit my naked body. I let her go so I could pull the warm covers back over me.

As soon as she entered the bathroom, a knock came at the door. “Boss, can I come in?” It was Conner.

“Shay, put your clothes on before you come back out here!” I yelled . “Come on in, Conner.”

He opened the door; it looked like he had just gotten out of the shower. He walked over and plopped down on the couch.

“They’re on their way to the warehouse for the meeting, but for some reason, they’re running a little early.”

I glanced at the clock; it was only nine o’clock. “They’re way early; it was set for eleven.”

“Their boss called about thirty minutes ago and said something came up, so they needed it moved to an earlier time. I thought you were already up. Sorry for moving it without realizing you were still in bed.”

“It’s fine, man,” I said, rubbing my face. “At least we can get this over with faster than I thought.”

My love came out in her clothes and smiled at Conner. “Good morning, handsome.”

I crossed my arms and glared at her. “What the hell, baby?”

“Just making him feel a little better, that’s all.” She plopped down beside him on the couch.

“You need to find a new nickname for him. I’m the only one you can call handsome.”

“Okay,” she said with a challenge in her voice. “I’ll call him ‘stud.’”

Conner spoke up. “Please don’t make him mad at me. Just ‘Conner’ is fine.”

She patted his leg and stood up. “I’ll find a name that fits you, I’m just not sure yet. I’m going for some breakfast and then to the park.”

“My meeting has been moved up, so I’ll be heading out here as soon as I get dressed,” I said as I motioned for her to come over to me.

She walked over, and I gave her a deep kiss. “Come and find me when you’re done,” she said.

I gave her a nod as she made her exit. My eyebrow arched in Conner’s direction.

“Right, boss. I’ll get out of your hair so you can get dressed.”

With that, he was gone. I reached for a pair of black jeans and a matching shirt. Slipping into them, I found my shoes and made my way out the door. I descended the stairs, aiming to meet up with Connor and Noah at the front entrance.

We hopped onto the golf cart, setting our course for the warehouse and the meeting that awaited us. My mind was as clear as a bell now.