Page 43 of Breaking the Ice

Once again, I can’t help but wonder if something might actually happen between me and Troy’s hunky billionaire brother?

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Zach

Even though I didn’t come to Maple Falls looking for love, the more time I spend with Ellie, the more I wonder if there could be something between us. I know it would be prudent to keep my distance, but I can’t help myself. I want to be with her.

My mind drifts toward Yolanda as I put on a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. She didn’t make too much of a public scene today, which was surprising. Although she did make it clear the only reason she’s in Washington is to make my life miserable.

Walking out of the bedroom, I ask Ellie, “Did you talk to Yolanda today?”

She looks me up and down, seemingly relieved that I’m no longer in my birthday suit—yet I choose to believe she enjoyed the view. “I talked to her this morning. We’re having breakfast at the lodge tomorrow.”

“Good. Make sure to ask for the money up front.”

Ellie nods her head. “How did things go between you and her today?”

I sit down on the couch next to Ellie before answering, “Not great. I’m guessing it’s going to get worse because once again I wouldn’t hear her out.”

“You really need to listen to her terms, Zach. You don’t have to do anything about it if you don’t want to.”

“I don’t want to give her the pleasure,” I tell her. “If I listen to what she has to say, she’s going to think she has the upper hand.”

“Have you ever heard that old saying about not cutting off your nose to spite your face?”

“I’ve heard it,” I tell her. “But there’s another saying about not suffering fools lightly.”

She laughs. “You’re pig-headed, do you know that?”

Standing up, I tell her, “I just want to live my life by my rules.”

“I think that’s the definition of stubborn. My mom always says that if you don’t learn to bend, then for sure you’re going to break.”

I walk into the kitchen, and I open a drawer before pulling out an apron and putting it on. “Let’s see what you find out tomorrow,” I tell her. “Maybe you’ll be the answer to all my prayers, and I’ll never have to bend.” I try to sound lighthearted, but the truth is, Ellie’s right. I’m stubborn and I like to get my way.

I take the steaks out of the refrigerator and put them on a dish before pouring Worcestershire sauce on them. Then I chop up a couple of garlic cloves and mix them with a little dijon mustard before rubbing the mixture onto the steaks.

“I have a bottle of wine up at the house if you’re interested,” Ellie offers.

I open the cupboard and pull out my favorite Cabernet. “I have one right here.” Popping the cork, I pour her a glass and carry it over to her.

“It’s not even five,” she says, yet she still takes the glass.

Looking at my watch, I tell her, “It’s seven fifty-eight in New York.” Then I sit down next to her.

Exhaling loudly, she announces, “It’s been a heck of a day.” Then she takes a sip of her wine before declaring, “So good!”

I raise my glass in a toast. “Some days require a little help.” I take a sip before asking, “Did your mom’s bed arrive?”

“Oh, my gosh, Zach, it’s so comfortable! I lay down on it and fell right to sleep.”

“I hope you had sweet dreams,” I croon. I shouldn’t be flirting with Ellie, but I can’t seem to help myself. She’s so sweet and totally different from the women I usually date.

Is it me or does she blush while answering, “I had very nice dreams, thank you.”

“You want to tell me about them?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t think so.”

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