She Got A Better Man

Chapter 9

After their meal, Elvira and Zach left the restaurant. Just as they reached the door, a reckless guy barreled into Elvira, sending her stumbling into Zach's arms, who instinctively caught her to prevent her fall.

In the chaos, Elvira's hands found their way around Zach's neck as she tried to regain balance, inadvertently brushing her lips against his chin.

Elvira was speechless for a moment.

Zach looked down at Elvira in his arms. He felt the fleeting touch on his chin and his heart skipped. "You alright?" he murmured.

"I'm okay, thanks." Elvira quickly stepped back, her cheeks aflame. She nearly touched her lips reflexively but stopped, feeling it might seem too forward. After all, with Calvin, it had never gone beyond a hug, this was essentially her first kiss. "Sorry, totally didn't see you there!" The one at fault, a young guy, was quick to apologize.

"Watch it next time, Zach said coolly, then started to lead the way out.

Elvira trailed behind him

"Where to? I can drop you off," Zach said, opening the car door for her.

"No, it's fine, I'll cab it. You probably have work to get to. Elvira demurred, her cheeks still burning from their unintended closeness.

"Okay, just be careful then. Hit me up if anything comes up Zach, swamped with work, didn't press her. Only Tracy could make him ditch work like this.

his car pull away, her

called Elvira over for dinner, a much-needed distraction from Marsh's unresolved issues. Elvira, still mulling over her

her, Elvira said, "I'm at Mrs. Gilbert's,

said she would keep our secret. Damn, she spilled. Elvira must have known all along about us, he thought. The Gilbert mansion was in Jersten's most exclusive area, yet Elvira seemed unfazed. Clearly, she was in the know. Fuming, he sped to the family mansion, resolved to end things with Elvira, thinking, I

on the phone, Elvira?"

on me. I told him

"Oh, really?" Tracy pondered.

Elvira

Tracy excused herself and hurried off to send Zach a pinpoint location, with

puzzled. "What's this place? Despite his confusion, he redirected

by a servant and only then realized the

cleverly chosen a humble apartment to masquerade

back to her culinary task. Tracy observed Zach's puzzled look and clarified, "I

1/2 Chapter 9

again. His gaze unconsciously fell on her bustling in the kitchen. She was dressed in a simple cream outfit with an apron, her hair pulled

a secret and making Elvira cook. She wouldn't let me help, worrying it would tire me. Now, go

processing his hasty misjudgment of Elvira, Zach offered his assistance in the kitchen. "Can I

few strands fell over her forehead, hindering her. Gloves on for

to gently tuck her stray hair behind her car, the brief touch sending a tingle through both of them. "Thanks,