Born to Be Wild
this time dredging up old memories didn’t work, the tension between them was not as easily relegated to the past.
    “What exactly are you proposing?” she asked.
    He leaned a jean-clad hip on her desk, and picked up her crystal globe paperweight, bouncing it from palm to palm as if it were blown glass. “What I propose is that I plan a trip for the kids. Then, to ensure it’s safe and completely meets the foundation’s standards, I will take you out for a trial run so you can personally endorse the setup. My company will absorb the cost of the trial run.”
    He placed the paperweight gently back on the desk and, bracing his weight on one arm, leaned closer to her. Dara swore she could hear the trapdoor clang shut behind her.
    “And, if you don’t fully approve,” he went on, the gentle tone at complete odds with the victorious gleam in his eyes, “I will fund another trip with the outfitter of your choice. And when Jarrett returns, I’ll have him okay his donation for another wish on your list. Fair deal?”
    It was beyond fair. It was the perfect solution. No matter how it turned out, the foundation—and more importantly, the kids—prospered. It was a win-win situation. There was absolutely no reason for her to say no.
    She nodded slowly. “Deal.”
    So why did she feel like she’d just kissed a dead frog?
    Zach’s big, rough hand swallowed hers, but instead of shaking it, he just held it. As Dara stared up at him, ignoring as best she could the warm sensation that was tingling its way up her arm and around the back of her neck, his cocky, triumphant smile faded to something more … personal.
    In the short time he’d been in her office, he’d revealed more sides than she’d ever expected him to have. And there wasn’t one of them that wasn’t dangerous to her peace of mind. A peace she’d struggled to achieve.
    “I never thought I’d say this,” he said quietly, “but it’s really good to see you again, Dart.”
    “Funny, I didn’t get that impression about two minutes ago.” She’d tried for flippant humor, but winced inwardly when the words came out sounding far too sincere.
    “You’re just doing your job.” The smile turned teasing. “I think I’d have been disappointed if I’d discovered you’d gone completely soft and wishy-washy on me.”
    Dara felt heat stain her cheeks as he echoed her earlier wish. “Yeah, well, someone’s got to keep guys like you in line.”
    Zach chuckled. “Remind me never to introduce you to Beaudine.”
    He was making it temptingly easy to relax and enjoyhis company. Which was probably exactly what he was hoping for. As casually as possible, she withdrew her hand from his.
    “The kids are lucky to have you on their side, Dara.”
    Clearing the sudden tightness constricting her throat, she slid her chair back and stood. “Thank you.” She’d intended to politely return his earlier platitude about it being nice to see him again, but somehow she suspected that right now, the admission would come out sounding entirely too heartfelt. “Um, the case histories for each of the children are down in the file room. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get copies for you.”
    Zach watched Dara scoot from behind her desk and grab a navy blue Dream Foundation blazer from the brass coatrack in the corner. He caught her eye as she slid her arm in one sleeve. His wink just came naturally. As did her responding blush.
    Damn if she wasn’t still fun to tease. His smile broadened as she shifted her back to him and tugged on the other sleeve. Why
had
he provoked her so often way back then? He’d never really thought about it. As an adolescent boy, it had just seemed natural. Five minutes around her and the next thing he knew she was socking his lights out. Usually with good reason, he admitted with a silent laugh. And yet, as the years passed, he’d never once thought to stop.
    Maybe it was because she’d been such a good adversary. Maybe it was because he couldn’t

Similar Books

Astrid Amara

Holiday Outing

Arabella

Anne Herries

Ghost Seer

Robin D. Owens

The Exiled

Posie Graeme-evans

Going Interstellar

Jack McDevitt, Les Johnson

Frenzy

Rex Miller

Once Upon a Twist

Michelle Smart, Aimee Duffy