Page 18 of Grateful Hearts

“I cannot believe this happened,” she mumbled, unable to meet his eyes.

Zach gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. His expression was soft, his eyes kind. “Hey, it’s not a big deal,” he reassured her. “If anything, it’s a good story, right? Something to laugh about later.”

Chantel couldn’t help but smile at that despite her embarrassment. She then gestured toward his lower half, which was covered by the blanket.

“Uhm…when did you change?” She wasn’t sure why she asked him that, though she was curious.

Zach chuckled softly, rubbing his eyes. “I got hot. You’re like a little heater.” He teased lightly.

So, he knew I was snuggled against him, and he let me stay there?

Chantel couldn’t help but laugh despite her embarrassment. “Great, I’m a human heater. Just what every girl wants to hear.”

Zach gave her a sexy grin. “Well, it was kind of nice, actually. Better than waking up alone.”

She glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. Her initial embarrassment began to fade, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling. “Still, I didn’t mean to... you know.”

“Hey, it’s fine,” Zach reassured her. “Honestly, it’s kind of funny.” He raised an eyebrow, and there was a playful glint in hiseye. “Should I be offended that you didn’t stay on your side of the bed like we promised?”

Chantel covered her face with her hands, laughing softly. “Oh my god, this is so embarrassing. I’m never going to live this down, am I?”

Zach chuckled, shaking his head. “Nope, probably not.” He winked. His tone was light and teasing.

She peeked at him through her fingers, grateful for his sense of humor. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Maybe a little,” he admitted, his smile widening. “But in all seriousness, it’s really no big deal.”

Chantel nodded, finally starting to relax. “If you say so.” She took a deep breath, letting the last of her embarrassment fade away.

Zach shrugged, his expression softening. “Of course. I mean, it’s not every day I wake up to find a beautiful woman snuggled up next to me. Could be worse, right?”

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks again, but this time for a different reason. She smiled a little shyly. “I guess you’re right.”

Zach stretched, looking around the room. “So, how about we get ready and then get some breakfast? I think we could both use some food after that wake-up call.”

Chantel laughed. “That sounds perfect. I’m starving.”

Chapter Six

Zach’s hands rested casually on the steering wheel as he drove. They were about twenty minutes out from his parents’ house. The hum of the engine filled the comfortable silence between him and Chantel.

He glanced at her briefly out of the corner of his eye. She looked so beautiful with her head resting against the window as she watched the landscape whizz by.

He had to give himself a mental shake. How had this happened? He’d only met her a day ago, but somehow, she was all he could think about. It didn’t make sense, at least not for him. He was the guy who avoided complications, who kept relationships at arm’s length because they were safer that way.

And yet, here she was, effortlessly undoing all his carefully constructed rules.

Zach’s gaze flicked back to the road, his mind replaying moments from the past twenty-four hours: the way her eyes lit up when she laughed, the quick wit that caught him off guard, the kindness in her voice when she thanked him for simply being decent. She wasn’t like anyone else he’d ever met.

Chantel was sweet and genuine. She wasn’t trying to impress him or anyone else, like so many others he’d known. She was just herself.

It wasn’t just her sweetness, though. It was her humor, her quick retorts, and the way she didn’t shy away from calling him out. He liked that she wasn’t afraid to challenge him, even if it was over something as simple as which gas station snacks were the best.

All he knew was that Chantel was different, and for the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel like running from it.

The more he glanced at her, the more he could tell that something was bothering her. There was a slight furrow in her brow, and she was nibbling her lower lip.

She had been quiet for most of the trip. She either watched the landscape go by, or she was sleeping. He couldn’t blame her for sleeping. After the past two days, the poor thing had to have been exhausted.

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