Bonjour Cherie Page 5
Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the front door. To my surprise, the tall, gorgeous brunette I had seen the other night with Zach opened the door.
‘Hi, you must be Beth. Please come in,’ she said. ‘Zach’s just outside feeding Dave. He’ll be in shortly. I’m Charlotte, Zach’s sister, by the way.’
‘Hi, nice to meet you,’ I said. Her long dark hair skimmed her shoulders and she was wearing a dove grey silk blouse over Sass and Bide jeans. Black heels and a chunky silver bracelet completed the picture of someone who seemed as opposite to Zach as possible. Perhaps he was adopted.
She led the way down a broad hall to the lounge room, which was comfortably furnished with a brown leather sofa and a couple of armchairs. A red Persian rug covered the tile floor and a couple of watercolour landscapes were on the wall. Obviously, Charlotte must have had a hand in the decorating too. I sat down on the sofa and Charlotte took one of the armchairs.
‘Would you like a glass of wine or maybe a cold drink? As you can see, I already have one.’ She pointed to the quarter glass of white on the coffee table.
‘No thanks. I’m all right for the moment. It’s not long since I’ve eaten,’ I added, not wanting to sound rude or standoffish. But wine and Zach Mills would be a bad combination.
‘It’s really nice of you to give Zach a hand. He’s keen to brush up on his French, but hasn’t had a lot of chances to practice it lately, especially since I haven’t been home much over the last year or two. And, of course, he’d be far too shy to ask for much help in class.’
Zach, shy? Were we talking about the same person here?
My disbelief must have shown on my face because she said, ‘Oh, I know he comes across as very confident, but that’s just a front.’ She laughed and added, ‘I’d better be quiet or I’ll ruin the good impression you have of him.’
We were definitely not talking about the same person. I picked up on another tidbit she had mentioned. ‘So, you don’t live here all the time?’ I asked.
‘No, I actually live in Sydney, but I fly up every now and then to see how my kid brother is going, especially since our parents died.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry. Your parents passed away?’
Her face clouded, ‘Yes, but it’s been a few years now. It was hard at first, especially for Zach, but we’ve coped.’ Then she made an effort to smile, ‘But, tell me about you. What do you do?’
I hated when people asked me that question because, although I had my ambitions, they weren’t immediately obvious to people who didn’t know me. ‘I work at the local IGA.’
She nodded politely, clearly unimpressed but not stupid enough to say something like—‘Oh, that must be interesting’—because obviously it was not.
At that point I heard a door open at the back and footsteps come up the hall. Perhaps this was one of the few times I was relieved to see Zach. His face brightened when he saw me.
‘You came.’
Did he think I wouldn’t? I wasn’t quite that rude.
‘I see you’ve met Charlotte.’ He sat down next to me, laying a casual arm across the sofa back, a gesture that managed to stretch his dark T-shirt even more tightly across his broad chest.
‘Yes, I’ve been telling her all sorts of things about you.’ Charlotte smiled at him wickedly.
‘Don’t believe a word she says. My sister loves to get me in trouble.’
‘How do you know it was all bad?’ I asked, raising an eyebrow.
‘Oh, well, if you’re singing my praises, sing away, Sis. I need all the help I can get.’
Charlotte laughed and then stood up. ‘I think you’ll manage, Zach. Anyway, I have to go. I’m meeting some friends tonight for dinner. It was nice to meet you, Beth. No, don’t get up. See you later, Bro.’
As she left and the front door closed, I became aware of how close Zach was sitting to me. And also how he was looking at me. I edged a little away from him. ‘Shall we get started, then?’ I said in as business-like a tone as I could manage.
‘Sure,’ he said, moving closer. ‘What did you have in mind?’
Chapter Seven
His arm dropped around me, pulling me closer until I could feel the heat of his body and the steady beat of his heart. ‘We could pick up where we left off on Saturday night. I’m sure there’s an awful lot you could teach me, chérie.’
For one moment, as I breathed in his clean soap scented, masculine warmth, I felt like showing Zach just what I did know about kissing, French or otherwise. But then reason and common sense kicked in, not to mention a memory of his inflated opinion about himself on Saturday night. Shy? I think not. I moved away from him and stood up, placing a safe distance between us.
‘I seem to remember you apologising for Saturday night.’ I gave him a level stare.
‘Only for what I said, not for what I did. I could never be sorry about kissing you. It was a memorable experience.’ I saw a teasing glint in his eye.
I bent down and picked up a large cushion from the chair Charlotte had been sitting in and aimed it at Zach. It hit him squarely in the face and then it bounced off lightly onto the floor.
‘Get over yourself, Zach Mills.’
All he did was grin more broadly. ‘You know, it’s almost too easy teasing you, but it doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.’ He stood up too. ‘Come on, let’s go to the kitchen where we can sit at the table and you won’t be so temptingly close.’
I grabbed my books and headed down the hallway. I don’t think there was a person alive who didn’t annoy me more than Zach Mills and not only did he know it, he positively delighted in it.
I sat across from him at the broad pine table and opened my French book. ‘You’ve missed three lessons and part of the fourth one. So far we’ve learned the days of the week, months of the year, some basic vocab, as well as a few common phrases, including how to introduce and describe ourselves. So, do you know much French at all?’
‘A little, but I’ve forgotten most of it. Charlotte’s pretty good at it, but she’s not here usually.’
That’s right, I thought, remembering she had said something about how she wasn’t here for him to practise with. I could understand someone like Charlotte wanting to learn French, but I wondered why Zach wanted to. I was tempted to ask him, but I didn’t want to get into anything personal at the moment. I wanted to get this lesson over with as soon as possible.
I ran over the first couple of lessons, and Zach listened carefully, obviously deciding to behave himself for a while. His accent was surprisingly good and he caught on very fast. I suspected he knew more than he let on. However, I just ploughed on determinedly, not wanting to get sidetracked from my goal of finishing this quickly.
We were on the last lesson where Zach had to describe himself. Another ten minutes, max, and I would be out of here.
‘How about I describe you instead,’ he said.
‘Red hair, green eyes, pretty standard,’ I said tartly.
‘Oh no, not standard at all. I don’t know if the French have a word for that particular tint of auburn hair, which catches the sunlight and glows like fire, or those green eyes that change with your mood. I’ve only got to look at your eyes to know what you’re feeling.’
I didn’t like the way this conversation was heading. I closed my book. ‘I think we’ve had enough for now. You should be fine in French class.’
‘I agree. Let’s have a glass of wine and sit down somewhere more comfortable.’
‘I’ve had enough teasing for one night, and it’s getting late.’
‘Yes, eight thirty at least, very late.’
‘I’ve got work in the morning.’
‘I’m sure you can manage a glass of wine, or a coffee if you don’t want to drink and drive. I’m not teasing now. I’d just like to get to know you better, no strings attached or hidden agendas. Come on, let’s be civil to each other for a change.’
I sighed. It seemed ridiculous to protest any more without sounding immature and rude.
‘Your call.’ He got up to put the kettle on.
He sat down again. ‘So tell me why you like French so much. And I am being serious here, no jokes about the French teacher intended.’
I considered a moment. ‘I don’t know really. From the very first moment I started to learn French at school, I loved it. It was the one area where I was better than my sister, Lauren, who sucks at languages. She was all over maths and science and a straight A student.’
‘I’m sure you would have been okay in other areas too. You seem pretty switched on to me.’
‘Yeah, mainly Bs and the occasional A or even the occasional C—average really. Mum and Dad never made me feel badly or that I was in any way not as good as Lauren. But it was obvious. And I couldn’t hate her for it. Lauren’s a great sister and she would do anything for me. But I just knew not to even bother compete academically. So I started to get into French—French food, French music, French anything really.’ Including French men, I thought. It was there between us. I knew he was thinking it, but to give him credit, he didn’t say it.
‘So why didn’t you go to uni and do something with it?’ He got up to turn the now boiling kettle off and turned to look at me.
‘I probably will, eventually. I just wanted a break from the whole studying and academic thing.’
He looked at me, considering, and I had the uncomfortable feeling that he saw more than I wanted him to. I hadn’t realised until just now how much I resented my sister’s success. How, because I couldn’t compete, took myself out of the competition altogether. I couldn’t blame Lauren or my parents. They hadn’t made me feel badly. I had done that all by myself.
Zach started to make the coffee. ‘Milk? Sugar?’ he asked.
‘Small drop of milk, no sugar thanks.’
He made the coffee and brought it to the kitchen table. ‘Would you like anything to eat? I’m pretty sure I’ve got some Tim Tams somewhere.’
I shook my head, ‘I’m good.’
He smiled at me, ‘You are that.’
I lowered my eyes from his intense gaze and took a sip of coffee. I wasn’t sure I liked how personal this was getting.
‘So your parents, you mentioned they were away.’ He sat down opposite me again.
‘Yeah, they’re at the coast for a few week’s holiday. But even when they’re home, they’re great. We get on really well. I guess I lucked out in the parent department.’
I saw a look in Zach’s eyes and I remembered that his parents had died a few years ago. ‘Charlotte told me about your parents. I’m really sorry.’
He shrugged his shoulders. ‘It’s okay. It happened several years ago, a road accident that took them both. But there’s been enough time to get over it and adjust.’
I wondered if you would ever get over something like that, but I said nothing. We drank our coffee in silence for a few minutes. But it was a comfortable silence.
‘How long is Charlotte here for?’ I asked, breaking the quiet.
‘She’s going home on Friday. She has a couple of things on in Sydney at the weekend.’
‘She seems very nice,’ I said politely.
‘Yeah, she’s the best. I tease her a bit, but we get on really well.’
‘Tease her? I never would have guessed.’
Zach’s face broke into a grin. ‘She gives as good as she gets.’
‘I think I realised that. I’m glad someone keeps you on your toes.’
‘Oh, you’re managing pretty well.’ He took our now empty coffee cups and brought them over to the sink.
I took the hint and got up. ‘I should go.’
Zach came over to me and placed his hands on my shoulders. ‘That offer of wine still holds, or maybe a liqueur? I’ve heard that Tia Maria goes really well after coffee.’
‘Thanks, but I better not. I’m not really that much of a drinker.’
Zach took a step closer and I held my breath. He looked at me, really looked and I felt something turn over in my stomach. ‘I want to kiss you again. But I won’t, not this time, unless you want me to.’
I closed my eyes. Why couldn’t I say no to him? I felt his finger under my chin as he tilted it upwards and bent his head. His lips, so warm, pressed against mine and, without meaning to, I melted into him. He took an intake of breath and his arms went around me, holding me close. I felt his hips against mine and my breasts were tight against his chest. My arms went around his neck and I pressed against him, fitting my body next to his like a missing piece in a jigsaw puzzle. His kiss deepened and I felt his tongue urging my mouth open. I opened up to him and felt his tongue find mine. Heat pooled in my stomach and I was lost.
My feelings spiraled out of control as I felt the heat rise higher and higher inside me. Zach’s hands travelled down my back and gripped my bottom, pulling me into the long, hard length of him. My hands tangled in his hair and my legs opened as he pushed me on top of the kitchen table. His mouth left mine to travel down my neck as his hand found my breast and stroked it. Even under the denim of my shirt, I felt my nipples harden. I wanted Zach like I had never wanted anyone else before.
He lifted his head, his eyes deep wells of darkness. ‘Not here. In my bedroom, now.’
‘Yes,’ I breathed and he grabbed me and practically carried me down the hall to his room. We tumbled in as he closed the door, his mouth on my neck and his hands on the waistband of my jeans. I helped him and my jeans dropped to my feet. Jeez, I’m glad I wore my best knickers tonight, I had time to think, before I was lost once again as Zach picked me up and staggered to his bed. As we tumbled on it, I wrapped my legs around him and found his zipper. ‘Wait,’ he said, and jumped up to pull off his jeans before he threw himself beside me again. His jocks were straining with his erection, but not for long. I slid a hand beneath them and almost gasped at his length.
‘Zach, I’m home,’ I heard Charlotte’s voice from down the hall. I froze.
‘Jesus, it’s Charlotte,’ Zach said, stating the obvious.
In a microsecond I was off the bed and back into my jeans, buttoning my blouse up at the same time. I looked over at Zach, who had also performed a miracle of speed dressing. He straightened the bed and I smoothed my hair.
‘Um, why don’t you go into the adjoining bathroom? It’s two-way so you can go out through the hallway when you’re finished.’
‘Good idea,’ I said, and without another word, fled through the door. I closed it behind me and leaned against the door, breathing heavily for a few moments. What was I thinking? I felt heat flood my cheeks, but it had nothing to do with arousal and everything to do with embarrassment. Zach Mills, the person that annoyed me more than anyone else I knew, and I just about did it with him. And then, his sister was just seconds from discovering us together. OMG how was I ever going to live this down?
I flushed the toilet and then turned on the water, splashing my face noisily several times. When I was slightly more composed, I took several deep breaths and then went out, hearing voices in the kitchen. Zach’s sounded remarkably calm. He was obviously better at deception than I was.
I walked into the kitchen to see them both sitting at the kitchen table. ‘Oh, hi Beth. How did the French lesson go? I hope my brother behaved himself.’
I caught my breath when she said that but, as I looked at her, I couldn’t detect any deeper meaning. She just smiled casually and leaned back in her chair and yawned.
‘Oh, pardon me. I’m more tired than I realised, which is why I came home early. But please, don’t let me interrupt your lesson. I’m off to bed.’
‘No, it’s fine. We’re done. As a matter of fact I was just leaving,’ I said, wondering at my calm tone.
Zach got up and made no effort to dissuade me. ‘Thanks. I appreciate your help. Let me walk you to your car.’
Charlotte waved a hand at me, ‘Goodnight. I’m sure we’ll meet again.’
I escaped before either Zach or I
would say something that might make Charlotte think there was something more than just French going on.
I couldn’t get to my car quickly enough. But Zach put a hand on my car door before I could open it. ‘Wait, I’m sorry, I got carried away.’
I couldn’t look at him. He wasn’t the only one. He put a hand under my chin and tilted it towards him. ‘Hey, you sure are something, Beth Jenkins. When can I see you again?’
I removed his hand. ‘In French class, I guess. This was a big mistake tonight. And it’s one that can’t happen again.’
‘What do you mean? You were there with me, every step of the way. If Charlotte hadn’t come…’
‘Thank God Charlotte came. I’m sorry, this is not what I want.’ I hesitated and then said, ‘You are not what I want. Everything just got out of hand.’
He took a step back. ‘It’s the damn Frenchman isn’t it?’
I was silent, not wanting to deny it. Truth be told it had nothing to do with André. It was Zach himself. I didn’t want small town, I didn’t want my horizons to end here the way that Lisa would have been happy to accept. In fact, I didn’t want Zach.
Zach put his hands on his hips and looked away. ‘I see. Well, good luck with your dreams. Don’t worry, I won’t bother you again.’ And without a backward glance, he walked back to the house.
I started the car and headed on the journey home. This was for the best, it really was. I never wanted to encourage Zach Mills and now I wouldn’t have to worry about him again. I blinked away the tears that were coursing down my face and cursed the hormonal imbalance that had me missing him already.
Chapter Eight
My life sucked. Almost everyone at work was ignoring me, which made the days long. My social life was practically non-existent and my goal for getting to France seemed as far away as ever. If the week went by at a snail’s pace, the weekend seemed even slower. It was the weekend I could have been going to Derek’s cousin’s engagement party, if I had wanted. It showed how down I was when I even considered that preferable to my own company. Not even my French onion soup and Pear Belle Hélène made me feel better, even though they were made to perfection. I asked Lisa if she wanted to come over and share the meal with me, but apparently she was busy. Probably washing her hair or something equally important.