I need to figure out who he is talking about

Emma’s POV

A bunch of us were gathered at Maddie’s place for Zane’s early birthday dinner since he was heading off with his friends on the actual day. Maddie wanted to celebrate before he left, so here we were. I recognised everyone in the room except one woman I had never met before. Apparently, Maddie knew her from work and decided to invite her along.

Whoever she was, she seemed to enjoy the attention from most of the guys. All of them were looking her way, well, everyone except Jackson, who only had eyes for Maddie. The woman lapped up the attention, leaning in and laughing at every comment. I caught Maddie watching with a sly smile as Zane talked to her. I thought her name was Stacy, though I was not sure.

“What are you scheming?” I asked as I slipped up beside Maddie.

“I have no idea what you mean,” she laughed, feigning innocence.

“Liar,” I teased, nudging her. “You brought her here to set her up with Zane, didn’t you?”

The thought made me laugh, though I felt a small twinge of jealousy watching the way Stacy leaned into him. She was gorgeous, and she ticked all the boxes of the kind of woman Zane usually went for. Oddly enough, he did not seem nearly as interested as she was.

Maddie only giggled. “Maybe. Do you think it will work?”

Her hopeful smile told me everything. I just shook my head and went to fetch us both a drink. As I crossed the room, I could feel Zane’s eyes following me. Before heading into the kitchen, I glanced over my shoulder and caught him smirking. I could not resist giving him one of my own before disappearing from sight.

I found a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses, but before I could pour, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist and warm lips brushed against my neck. A soft moan escaped me as I leaned back into him, already knowing who it was.

“Need something?” I teased with a laugh.

Zane spun me to face him, pressing me against the counter as his body pressed into mine. His hands gripped my hips hard enough to make my breath hitch, and without a word, he kissed me. It was fast, rough, and overwhelming, sending a rush of heat through me. Then he pulled back just enough to put space between us, careful in case anyone walked in.

“Does your date know you are sneaking kisses with me in here?” I teased again, grinning up at him.

“My date?” He chuckled. “I do not even know her. She came up and started flirting. Honestly, I cannot even remember her name.”

I shook my head, laughing quietly. How could he not see what was happening?

“You do realise that Stacy is only here because Maddie is trying to set the two of you up, right?” I said with a smirk.

“What? Why would she even try that? She knows I am not interested. I do not date.” He shook his head, a hint of amusement tugging at his mouth. “Besides, I already have my eyes on someone else.” His tongue swept across his lips in a way that made my chest tighten.

“You do?” I teased, matching his gesture with my own. “Anyone worth getting excited about?”

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear as his hands roamed over me.

“Yes,” he murmured, his voice low and deliberate. “She is gorgeous, and no one else makes me lose control the way she does in bed. I cannot wait to have her all to myself this weekend.”

A rush of heat raced through me at his words. I was counting down the hours too, finally a few days together without having to sneak around, without the constant fear of being caught. It was going to be bliss.

I tugged on his shirt, dragging him down into a deep, hungry kiss before pushing him back and grabbing the drinks I came for. If I stayed any longer, I would never leave the kitchen.

By the time I walked back into the living room, Maddie was mid-conversation with Stacy. I caught the tail end, enough to know they were talking about Zane.

“So, how is it going? You and him getting on well?” Maddie asked her.

I slowed, curious to hear Stacy’s answer. Part of me wanted to know if she sensed how little he cared.

“He is nice, but honestly? He does not seem very interested. Are you sure he is single?” Stacy asked, frowning a little.

“I thought he was,” Maddie admitted, her brow furrowing. “You are definitely his type. If he seems distant, maybe he already has someone. I am sorry, Stacy, I really thought you two would hit it off.”

“It is fine.” Stacy smiled politely, though I could tell she was disappointed.

So it was not just me. Even she could see he was not paying her much attention. It still surprised me. What we had was fun, but nothing serious enough for him to completely lose interest in other women… at least, I thought so. Maybe I had been wrong.

I handed Maddie her drink as their conversation trailed off.

“Do you know if Zane is seeing anyone?” Maddie asked suddenly, turning her gaze on me.

My stomach clenched. I had to be careful with my answer. The wrong look on my face would give everything away.

“I have no idea. I do not exactly spend any time with him,” I said with a laugh, forcing it to sound casual.

“That is true,” Maddie said thoughtfully. “I will find out.” She giggled, already scheming.

The subject barely had time to shift before Zane strolled over, sliding right next to me, too close. His hand brushed against my backside before quickly pulling away, his smirk daring me to react. I shot him a glare. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he enjoyed every second of it. I edged a step away, keeping it subtle.

“Zane, are you seeing someone?” Maddie asked out of the blue.

My heart lurched. She had said she would find out, but I did not think she meant immediately. I held my breath, waiting.

“Sort of… yes. It is still early and complicated,” he replied casually.

My head snapped up. Sort of? Did he actually just say that?

“What? Seriously?” Maddie’s mouth fell open in shock.

I was sure my expression mirrored hers. Maybe he only said it to get her off his back. That had to be it.

“Yes,” Zane added, rolling his eyes. “Do not get too excited though, all right? I do not even know where it is going yet.”

Maddie tried to act calm, but the sparkle in her eyes gave her away. Zane chuckled at her reaction before walking off to join Jackson. He had no idea what he had just started. Maddie would hound him relentlessly now until she got answers. If he wanted her off his case, he would need one hell of an excuse.

Across the room, he threw me a quick wink before turning back to his conversation, as if nothing had happened.

Oh, he was not getting away with that. When we were alone, I would make him explain himself, and I would enjoy watching him squirm. He had set himself up perfectly, and I planned on taking full advantage of it.

“I need to figure out who he is talking about,” Maddie said, a mischievous spark lighting up her face. “Zane is not exactly known for dating.”

“Or,” I teased with a laugh, “you could just leave him alone and let him tell you when he is ready.”

“That would be boring,” she grinned. “What if that is who he is really going away with, and not his friends like he claimed?”

Yes, Maddie. You are exactly right. He is not going away with his friends. He is going away with me.

Her words made guilt prick at my chest all over again. I could not stand there another second pretending, so I excused myself quickly before I had to lie any more. The truth was burning on my tongue, but admitting it would ruin everything. I hated myself for sneaking around like this, but hating it was not enough to stop me.