For Nick by Taylor Dean Read Free Book Online Page B

drab, but she managed to keep it clean and tidy. Everything was neatly in its place, no clothes all over the floor, or crumbs on the countertops. He wondered what brought her to this point in life. But when Andie walked out, all conscious thought escaped him. She was wearing a simple skirt and sweater that fit her perfectly. He was sure he’d never seen anyone as beautiful as her in his life. Her long dark hair hung halfway down her back luxuriously and those eyes…
    “I’m ready,” was all she said and he thought, so am I, my dear, so am I.

    The drive to the restaurant was silent. Zach drove a big, black SUV, which surprised Andie. She’d expected to be placed in a small, sleek, mid-life crisis sports car. He took her to a restaurant overlooking a river in downtown Portland. It was quiet and elegant and they were seated at a secluded table. At first it was uncomfortable, and they were both obviously ill at ease. They ordered their food and silence hung over them.
    “Tell me about yourself, Andie. Do you have family here in Portland?” Zach asked, breaking the silence.
    Mr. Impersonal wanted to know a few details of her life? Go figure. “I don’t really have any family left to speak of.”
    “Where are your parents?”
    “They passed away several years ago.”
    “Any siblings?”
    “One.”
    “Brother or sister.”
    “Brother.”
    “Where is he?”
    “He passed.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Thank you.”
    He changed the subject. “What made you move here to Portland?”
    “A fresh start sounded good.”
    “Where are you from?”
    “Back east.”
    “Whereabouts?”
    “New Jersey.”
    Zach let out his breath. “I suddenly feel like a dentist, pulling teeth.”
    He was right. She wasn’t trying very hard. She didn’t really want to talk about herself and her miserable life. But she owed him some answers.
    “I’m sorry. My brother was almost twenty years my senior. I was one of life’s little surprises. Tim, my brother, died of a stroke about seven years ago. He was so young, it was just a fluke and very unexpected. I moved here because Portland is known for its…excellent services. My parents died in a house fire when I was eighteen. The fire never even reached their bedroom. The cause of death was smoke inhalation. I didn’t want to tell you about it because it was eerily similar to what happened to your wife.”
    At his look of astonishment, she added, “I read about it on the internet. I looked you up. I could hardly marry you without knowing a little bit about you, could I?” Her words were curt and she knew it. She needed to shake off her nerves. Zach’s face hardened and she figured she’d just ruined any chances of friendship with him. This would never work anyway. What were they thinking?
    The waiter brought their plates then, thankfully interrupting the awkward moment.
    After an interminable silence, Zach said, “I’m sorry, Andie. How about if we both just relax a little and stop trying so hard? I realize this situation is rather…unorthodox.”
    He smiled that darned captivating smile of his. She smiled back at him, finally letting herself go. Be happy for a night, Andie. “This is so ridiculously awkward,” she said.
    “That’s the first time I’ve seen you smile. Cute dimples. I didn’t know you had them.” He cleared his throat. “Tell you what, let’s just let things happen naturally.” He gave her a stern look and wagged his finger at her. “Stop thinking about consummating our marriage.”
    Incredulous, she burst out laughing. He joined her until they had tears rolling down their faces and waiters looking at them strangely.
    That broke the ice.
    “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
    The tears were laughter produced and he knew it. “I never cry. I guess that’s something you should know about me.”
    “Are you serious?”
    “Yes. I never cry.”
    “I don’t think that’s healthy. All women cry. It’s part of your nature.”
    “Not me.” If she started