Her Innocence, His Conquest

by Jules Bennett

“Thank you.”

  Refreshing air-conditioning welcomed her as she slid onto the cool leather seat. Zach was not making her life easy and she had a good feeling he knew it. He wanted her to come to him. Begging.

  But she was already halfway in love with the frustrating man and if she gave him the last piece of her vulnerability, there would be no turning back. Which meant that when Zach moved on, and his type always moved on, she would have no one to blame for her broken heart but herself.

  Today, however, would not be about her or her insecurities. Today she would make the most of being introduced to new people and celebrating the love two people found a second time around.

  Ana admitted, only to herself of course, that she was excited to attend the shower. It wasn’t that often she was able to mingle with women and dress like a lady all in one day. She would certainly take this moment and relish it.

  Yes, she positively loved her job and all the amazing structures she’d been trusted with, but she was still a woman. And going out in public where she could show that side was always a plus and not something she often turned down.

  Actually she needed this break. A break from the site, a break from the pressure, a break from her parents’ impending divorce. But most of all a break from Zach.

  He’d been at the site every day, but he’d never been anything but a complete professional. Some women may think he’d lost interest, but she knew better. She’d felt his stare numerous times, saw the muscle tick in his jaw as if he were grinding his teeth to keep from saying something. And he always drove the same motorcycle he’d had the night he’d given her the first “lesson.”

  No, he hadn’t given up. If anything, he was just getting started, plotting his next course of seduction…or attack, depending on how she looked at it.

  Ana nearly groaned as the car pulled onto Star Island. Because Kayla had wanted the shower to remain small, intimate, yet still extravagant, she’d chosen to have it at Cole and Tamera’s house. Since the wedding was being held there, Kayla figured the shower would be perfect there as well.

  The professional side of her was excited to see the home of one of the best architects in the world. Of course, she’d love to see Zach’s house as well, but she figured asking him would certainly give the wrong impression.

  Heaven’s sake, she didn’t even know what the right impression was anymore. She’d give anything if her emotions would settle down on this volley back and forth. But she was a realistic woman. She knew, as well as Zach did, that they would end up making love. At least, that’s what it would be on her end.

  Before she could process that stimulating thought any further, the Jag had come to a stop in a wide, circular driveway and the driver was opening her door.

  “Ma’am,” he said, extending his hand.

  Ana clasped the elderly man’s hand and smiled. “Thanks so much for the ride.”

  He tipped his head down like a true Southern gentleman. “My pleasure, miss. I’ll be right here when you’re ready to leave, too.”

  Ana shook her head. “Oh, no. That’s not necessary. I can find a ride back.”

  “I’m just following orders, ma’am.”

  “But I could be here for a couple hours.”

  He nodded once again and headed back to the driver’s door. “That will be just fine, Miss Clark.”

  The driver got into the car and pulled around the driveway to get out of the way of the entrance. Ana stood there for a second, amazed, humbled, confused.

  Pulling her phone from her purse, she punched in Zach’s cell. She waited in the shade of the oversize mansion because it felt like five hundred degrees in the sun and she wasn’t ready to step inside yet. Not when she wanted privacy for her call.

  “Hello.”

  Ana gripped the phone with one hand, settled the package under her arm with the other and turned her back on the car that had just pulled up. “Quit sending me mixed signals.”

  “Ana.” She heard the smile in his lazy voice. “Did you make it to the shower?”

  “You know I did,” she snapped. “I’m sure your driver already told you that and that he’s waiting for me to leave.”

  “Of course. He’s a driver, Ana, that’s what he does. What’s wrong all of a sudden?”

  She glanced over her shoulder as two middle-aged women stepped from the car, packages in hand. Lowering her voice, she replied, “Not all of a sudden. You haven’t been anything but professional for weeks and today you send your driver to pick me up.”

  “Ana, I just thought you’d appreciate being able to leave when you wanted. You don’t really know anyone, so if you became uncomfortable, I wanted you to have a way out.”

  Another piece of her heart melted at his concern for her, even though she knew in his mind it was simple, logical. Still, no one had ever taken this much care with her, this much effort to win her trust and affection.

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. “You care for me.”

  A soft chuckle from the other end vibrated through her. “Of course I do.”

  “But you haven’t touched me in weeks, haven’t called or stopped by after hours. You’ve been all business.” She let out a sigh, not quite comfortable with baring her heart. “I wasn’t sure anymore.”

  She hated admitting that, but she’d always been honest in every aspect of her life and she wasn’t going to stop now just because Zach had her all torn up.

  “Is that what you want, Ana? For me to touch you? To stop by after hours when I know you’ll be alone?”

  Another car pulled up as shivers raced through Ana’s body. “Yes. I do. But I think for our sanity and the sake of this project, we need to keep our personal distance.”

  “You’re not a coward, Anastasia.”

  She never had been, but then, she’d never had her heart on the line, either.

  “Thank you for the driver, Zach.”

  Snapping her phone, Ana slid it back into her purse, readjusted the package under her arm and stepped up the wide, travertine steps leading to the arched entryway.

  Women in beautifully colored sundresses chatted, laughed and mingled. A couple of children ran through the foyer, followed quickly by a mother extending her quick apology as she chased the kids.

  Ana smiled and walked toward the back of the house in the hopes of finding Kayla or Tamera and to see where to put the gift.

  She didn’t have to wait long. The two women, looking stunning as always, were embraced in a sisterly hug. A small tug at Ana’s heart almost brought tears to her eyes. What would it be like to have a sister or a friend so close she felt like one?

  Traveling down that path of thoughts would only get her into trouble. She’d come to terms years ago with being an only child, and she didn’t stay in one place long enough to make any friends. And she certainly couldn’t bring herself to get too attached to Zach’s family. Being attached to the man was bad enough. She didn’t want to have to cut any more ties than necessary when the resort was done and she moved her crew to the next location.

  Shoulders back, chin high, Ana walked out onto the stone patio area like she belonged at this intimate social gathering.

  “Ana,” Kayla greeted with a wide grin. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

  Accepting the half hug from Zach’s baby sister warmed her. “Thanks for inviting me. Where should I put this?” she asked, lifting the gift.

  “I’ll take that.”

  Kayla plucked the present from her and took it over to a table loaded with colorful boxes of all sizes and shapes and bags overflowing with tissue paper.

  “Everything looks beautiful.” Ana glanced around the lush tropical gardens that were obviously professionally maintained, then turned her attention to Tamera. “Congratulations.”

  The stunning blonde was literally beaming from ear to ear. “Everything is perfect. I understand I have you to thank for this creative idea. I absolutely love the relaxed atmosphere, and having desserts was brilliant. I seriously can’t thank you enough fo
r suggesting this.”

  Embarrassed, Ana merely shrugged. “It’s really no big deal. Zach was in a bind, Kayla had business that took her away and I happened to be there. I just suggested what I would’ve liked.”

  Tamera studied her for a moment and Ana suddenly felt like she was under a microscope. She glanced around for Kayla, but saw her taking other guests’ presents to the table.

  “Zach’s mentioned how efficient you are,” Tamera said, still smiling. “I have to say, I’ve never seen him in such a good mood. And, come to think of it, I haven’t seen him date in over two months. That’s a dry spell for Zach.”

  Ana remained speechless. What could she say?

  “Unless…” Tamera quirked a brow.

  “No,” Ana said, shaking her head. “No unless. We’re working together, and yes, we’ve become friends, but that’s all.”

  Tamera’s smile dimmed down to a knowing grin. “I know how it is with the Marcum twins. Cole is just as potent as Zach, but Cole always had that quieter, more subtle approach. Zach’s is more full-force, knock-you-to-your-knees. But their effect is the same, so if you need to talk, I’m here.”

  Ana could only nod. Seriously, what could she say? That she’d already experienced that knock to her knees? That there was no way she could ever build up an immunity to Zach Marcum? That every time she was around him she second-guessed every personal decision she’d made about keeping her distance?

  Yeah. She was much better off sticking with a simple nod and keeping her mouth shut.

  “Ana.” Kayla came up behind her and placed a hand on her arm. “The ice cream and toppings are through this set of double doors to the left. In the living area are all the cakes. And out here are all the finger-type desserts—cookies, cupcakes, fruit dipped in chocolate.” She gestured at the tables all around her. “If you need something, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “I think I just gained ten pounds listening to the menu,” Ana joked. “I’ll walk around and see what appeals to me.”

  “Oh, I see one of my old clients,” Tamera said. “Excuse me for just a moment.”

  Kayla ended up walking around with Ana, giving Ana the prime opportunity to quiz her about Zach. But Ana didn’t. She was truly enjoying Kayla’s company and couldn’t bear to be sneaky and selfish just to gain an insight into Zach’s interesting lifestyle.

  But when she told Kayla about the driver Zach had sent and how the poor man was outside waiting on her, Kayla smiled and rolled her eyes and went and told the man he could leave. Since the order came from a Marcum, the driver obeyed once Kayla assured him she would take Ana home and take any of the backlash from Zach.

  The shower was a huge success. Ana lost track of the time and didn’t once think about Zach or how she could possibly keep her distance in a personal manner. For once, she truly felt at home, like she belonged. She oohed and ahhed with the rest of the ladies over the gifts. Platinum candlesticks, picture frames, crystal vases, even an oil painting of the happy couple, provided by Kayla. At that gift, the entire room teared up, except for the few children who were still running their poor mothers in circles.

  Ana wondered if she’d ever find that whole place in her life where she could smile every day and feel that joy of being blessed with someone who loved her unconditionally.

  Before the shower, she hadn’t known Tamera well, but now she got a better insight into her. The woman was obviously sentimental, very caring and extremely popular given the number of hugs from guests and lavish gifts from absentees.

  One by one the guests trickled out and in the end Kayla, Tamera and Ana were left each holding a glass of champagne. Kayla sat on the floor, her petite legs stretched before her as she leaned against one of the two leather sofas. Tamera sat up on that same sofa with her legs extended across the cushions. Ana lounged across from them with her elbow propped on the arm of the couch, her legs to the side, knees bent.

  “If Cole came home now, he’d have a heart attack,” Tamera said, twirling her glass and taking in the wreckage of the room.

  Ana eyed all the shredded paper, torn ribbons, empty boxes and laughed. “This is like Christmas morning for adults.”

  “I hope I get a Christmas morning like this.” Kayla laughed. “I’m so happy for you two, Tam. My brother is so lucky.”

  “We’re both lucky,” Tamera corrected. “I never believed I would find love a second time, let alone with the same man.”

  Ana had heard bits and pieces of how the two were torn apart and reunited, but seeing the glow on her face, the sheen in her eyes, really breathed life into the stories.

  “Have you ever been in love?” Kayla asked Ana.

  “I don’t think so.” She took a sip of her champagne, not wanting to be the focus of the conversation, especially this one. “I know I’ve never had feelings like that before.”

  Both women stared at her. Ana took the silence as her cue to keep going.

  “I’ve had a few relationships, but with my career, it’s hard to establish any type of commitment. Besides, I’ve never found anyone I’d want to have a deeper bond with.”

  “Until now,” Kayla said with her sweet smile.

  Ana didn’t know how to respond, so Zach’s sister’s words hung in the air like an unanswered question. Though both women were smiling like they already knew the answer.

  Finally Tamera spoke up. “If the man makes you crazy and happy at the same time, if he does unexpected things that are thoughtful and he’s expecting nothing in return and he didn’t do anything to have to suck up for, then I’d say it’s love. Especially if he consumes your thoughts and you instantly feel that flutter of emotions kick in when you hear his voice or see him walking toward you in a crowd.”

  Ana eased the glass down from her lips and with a shaky hand, sat it on the glass coaster on the low coffee table.

  Flutter in the belly. Check.

  Thoughtfulness. Check.

  Crazy and happy all at once. Check.

  Oh, God.

  “You don’t have to say anything,” Tamera said quietly. “And believe me when I tell you we certainly won’t tell.”

  Kayla set down her glass and came to sit next to Ana on the couch. “Oh, honey, don’t get upset.”

  Ana honestly hadn’t noticed she was crying until a tear tickled her cheek. “I’m sorry. I honestly just realized it. I mean, I’ve been wondering if that’s what I’ve been feeling, but hearing you talk about the emotions that come along with love…”

  “Zach is a very fortunate man.” Tamera smiled. “And I’m sure he feels strongly for you.”

  Ana shook her head. “No, no. He’s made it clear he isn’t a relationship kind of guy.”

  “Maybe not,” Kayla agreed, “but I’ve never seen him go this long without a date or five. He’s never let his driver take a woman anywhere that he wasn’t there, too, and I can tell you for certain, that he’s never, ever looked this happy.”

  Ana shoved to her feet, pushing through the pile of tissue paper and boxes. “I can’t even let myself think like that for a moment. I can’t get hurt.”

  “Love isn’t easy.” Tamera swung her feet to the floor and sat up. “But it’s so worth it in the end. Cole and I went about it the long way. Eleven years later, we’re finally getting married. So, if you feel something for Zach, tell him. Don’t let time get away. This is your life and you have to take risks now and again to make the most of it.”

  Just the thought of opening up to Zach made Ana’s stomach roll. She had no doubt numerous women had proclaimed their love to him over the years. So what made her so different?

  “Don’t overanalyze this.” Kayla stood, grabbed Ana’s hands. “My brother may be known as a ladies’ man, but he’s got a heart of gold and would never purposely hurt you.”

  Ana looked Zach’s baby sister in the eyes, squeezing her hands. “I know that. It’s what he could do without meaning to that scares me.”

  Fourteen

  Zach didn’t know what to do about Ana. Sh
e was nervous lately. Always talking a mile a minute about nothing in particular.

  He hadn’t made any more suggestive remarks, hadn’t tried to touch her and certainly hadn’t allowed himself the luxury of being alone with her.

  And it was damn near killing him.

  The shower had been a week ago and ever since then, Ana hadn’t been herself. He’d asked Kayla and Tamera if something had happened, but they’d both just smiled at him without uttering a word.

  Which meant something monumental had occurred and he was more than likely in the center of whatever inside joke these three women were keeping. He shuddered. Nothing was scarier than a woman keeping a secret.

  Zach drove his work truck today for the special delivery he had for Miss Anastasia Clark. Sunday was normally his day to relax by his pool, enjoy a beer and think of nothing work-related.

  But today he didn’t want to relax. Today he wanted to see Ana and to put a genuine smile on her face. He wanted to surprise her, to earn her trust so she would give into this desire that was ready to explode between them.

  Zach made a quick stop before he picked up the present for Ana. Once he had all the supplies he needed and the gift sitting next to him in the passenger seat, he headed for her condo.

  He couldn’t wait to see her face. A part of him was nervous she wouldn’t like it or would read too much into the gesture, but he couldn’t resist. Ever since she’d opened up about her childhood and her father, he wanted to do something to make her life better.

  He hadn’t asked, and she hadn’t said, if her father had contacted her any more. Zach had already set the plan in motion to take care of Ana’s father’s debts, with the stipulation that he never contact her or come near her again for any reason. His attorney had drawn up all the necessary legal paperwork, so now he was just waiting until they tracked down the deadbeat to get him to sign.

  But he didn’t want to bother Ana with that right now. No, today was all about making her smile, seeing her laugh and maybe having her revert to being a child and letting all her worries go for a while.

  Zach called Ana’s cell when he pulled up to the curb outside her SoBe building.