Page 46 of Keeping Zita

“Absolutely,” she agreed. “But I do have some news that isn’t as good.”

Obi-Wan braced. “What’s that?”

“Her bodyguard? Silas? He’s taking over for Logan’s bodyguard. The guy he brought with him from California. I guess his wife was in an accident, and he had to fly back home.”

“Well, shit,” Obi-Wan said, the food that tasted so good a moment ago suddenly sitting like a lump in his stomach.

“Yeah. But maybe without Carmen around, he’ll be less of an asshole.”

Obi-Wan merely lifted a brow in response.

Zita sighed. “I know. I said maybe.”

Making a mental vow to keep his eye on Zita even more, Obi-Wan said, “We can hope.”

They finished up their breakfast and as they were leaving, Zita said, “You were right, I feel as if I’m rolling out of here.”

They both laughed. Obi-Wan couldn’t remember laughing so much around a woman in the past. Zita pulled out protective instincts he didn’t realize he had, even as she made him feel…lighter. His entire life had been focused toward his job. On being alert for people acting strange, on watching his teammates’ backs. He now felt as if he had a different focus.

Zita.

If he hadn’t seen both Casper and Buck morph into the men they were today around their girlfriends, he probably would’ve been a little more concerned about the unfamiliar feelings he had toward Zita. But since he looked up to and admired his friends, he didn’t feel as if he was less of a man for suddenly wanting to do everything in his power to make this woman happy. To hear her laugh.

As he drove toward her motel, he felt a little sad that their time together that morning went by so quickly. He couldn’t wait to see her again.

“Want to do this again tonight? The movie thing, I mean?” he blurted.

She smiled shyly. “Yes.”

Relief swept over Obi-Wan.

He pulled into the parking lot of the motel and into the spot in front of her room. “I know you’re an adult and can look after yourself, but I have to say it. If you need anything, I’m only a call or text away. Okay?”

“Thanks. And yes, I can take care of myself, but it’s always nice to know I’ve got some backup if I need it.”

“You definitely have it.”

They stared at each other for a moment, then they both moved at the same time, leaning toward each other eagerly.

Their kiss wasn’t long, and therefore not nearly as satisfying as Obi-Wan preferred. But he did like the anticipation their kisses made him feel. They were on a path toward being more intimate, he knew that, and he hoped her kisses were an indication she did too. But he was enjoying the journey. The fact that neither were looking to jump into bed simply to scratch an itch.

“I’ll be in touch later this afternoon about tonight. About what time you want me to pick you up.”

“Okay.”

“Thanks for not getting pissed about me falling asleep on you. Or under you, as the case may be.”

“Of course. Thanks for being a man I could trust.”

“Thanks for staying the night.”

“Thanks for the Italian and the tea.”

Obi-Wan grinned. They were being ridiculous. Prolonging the inevitable goodbye.

He reached out and put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her toward him, kissing her again. She came willingly, and the feel of her hand on his shoulder, her fingernails digging in as she kissed him, was a huge turn-on. Proof that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

He pulled back reluctantly. “Have a good day,” he said softly, running a thumb over her swollen and glistening lips.