Set Me Free (A Fugitive #2)(32)

Zach reached for her hand, threading his fingers between hers and giving them a squeeze. The spark of hope from L.A. had returned. She glanced at him with a quick smile, it wobbled with nerves, but it was there. They had a new plan...and this one was going to work. It had to.





Chapter 17





LUCY





Fueled by a mixture of excitement and urgency we left for San Francisco that night. We followed Alex in Elliot's car so that we could get back to Danville easily. If we found what we needed in the next day then Alex could stick around and start knocking out a story and maybe we'd have a chance at a normal summer...whatever that was.

We arrived at Alex's apartment forty-five minutes later and dumped our stuff. Grabbing a dark sweater, I threw it on before shoving a black cap on Zach's head.

He grinned at me as I tweaked the peak before running down the stairs after Alex. Piling back into his car, Alex followed Elliot's directions to the Tenner home. He'd easily found the information online and we'd printed out a map before we left.

Zach and I sat together in the back, his fingers wound tightly through mine. I rubbed my thumb over his knuckle, my digit unable to remain still. My insides were chaos. I couldn't believe I was actually heading towards the man I had spent nearly half my life running from.

I felt safer with my dark hair, but that wouldn't necessarily stop him from recognizing me. He was like a hawk and I couldn't help wondering if he had a sixth sense especially honed for me.

Ten minutes later Alex slowed as we entered the Sea Cliff neighborhood. It was easy to see it was one of the best areas in San Francisco. The houses were huge and right by China Beach Park. The Tenners lived on McLaren Ave. It was a smallish street, making any foreign parked car blatantly obvious.

"We can't just park outside his house," I muttered when Alex pressed on the brake.

"I know, I'm just checking it out."

Thankfully it was late and most people were asleep in their beds. I glanced at my watch as Alex pulled out of the street and parked around the corner. It was going to be a really long night.

"Why didn't we just sleep at your place and come back early in the morning?" Elliot grumbled as he pulled his hoodie over his head and wrapped his arms around himself. Slumping back in his seat, he rested his head against the window and looked into the darkness.

"He might have late night business." Alex turned, squinting out the back window. "I want to be prepared for all possibilities. Don't worry, man, I'll take the first watch down the other end of the street. You guys can argue over who will watch this end. At least I'm leaving you the car."

"We should have just brought mine," Elliot muttered.

I glanced at Zach, wondering why that hadn't occurred to us. We'd all just piled in after Alex and not really thought it through. Not the best start to a stalking vigil. I hated how sloppy I'd become. We needed our wits about us!

Alex grinned, slapping Elliot on the shoulder before opening the door. I felt totally exposed as the internal light popped on, but the door was quickly shut and we were shrouded in darkness.

I watched Alex's dark form become a shadow as he jogged down the street. I had no idea where he was planning on hiding out. It seemed stupid that he was leaving the car at all, but I guess we had to cover both ends of the street.

"C'mere." Zach tugged my shoulder, forcing my back against his chest. I nestled my head into his body with a soft moan.

"If you guys start making out back there, I'm gonna kick your ass, Schultz."

I quietly chuckled, running my hand down Zach's body and tucking it behind his back. Zach wiggled his eyebrows, which I saw in spite of the darkness. This just made me titter, which only made Elliot groan. Zach took it one step further by making loud smacking noises with his lips until Elliot expelled a loud curse and went to leave the car.

"Kidding! Elliot, don't go. I promise I won't maul my girlfriend with you still in the car."

"How generous of you." Elliot clicked the door shut again.

"I am gonna kiss her goodnight though."

I craned my neck and met his lips, my insides flooding with that familiar security only Zach seemed able to give me. As my tongue skimmed against his, I closed my eyes and pretended for just a moment that the world didn't exist.

Zach pulled away first. I could sense his reluctance, which made me a little giddy. If only Elliot weren't in the car, our bodies would be singing in seconds. Zach stripping me naked when I first got back had been the most intimate and erotic moment of my life. I knew it wasn't about lust, it was about care, but it still sparked something within me. I wanted Zach. I wanted him to care for me in every way he could. Just thinking about it ignited a fire in my belly. I ran my hand up his chest, my fingers itching to get under the fabric of his shirt. I'd never felt this way about a guy before. Every guy I'd kissed in the past had been a job. Zach was my choice and the more time I spent with him, the more I craved him.

I traced my finger across his collarbone and followed it with my lips, hoping Elliot wouldn't turn around and notice. Zach drew in a quiet breath, his chest muscles flinching beneath my touch. It took all my will power not to straddle him.

I leaned back before the temptation got too great. Zach wouldn't let me go far though, tucking my head against his chest. I could tell by the way his muscles quivered that I wasn't the only one on fire right now. I hooked my knee over his thighs, wanting to be as close to him as possible. His hand slid over my butt, pushing me into him, our bodies melding together as his hand glided over my bare thigh. I was so grateful I had thrown on my fitted jean shorts, I loved that he had easy access to my skin. The summer heat had never been more welcome.