Set Me Free (A Fugitive #2)(34)

We had no idea where Billy was going and he didn't seem in that much of a hurry. School was out, I guess. He was distracted with his phone for most of the long walk, but we finally reached a small diner where he was met by a few other guys dressed in sports gear and looking ready for a serious game of rough and tumble football. They did that funny handshake guys do where they end in this half hug and slap each other on the back. He did the rounds among his friends before they all piled into the diner together.

"Let's linger for a sec before we go in." I pulled Zach back before he could cross the road. "Look at your phone, pretend you're texting someone."

I glanced behind me, feigning boredom as Zach fiddled with his phone. It was kind of nice that he just did it without questioning me. He had no idea what I was up to, neither did I for that matter, but it was cool that Zach trusted me enough to follow my lead.

The phone in Zach's hand buzzed. He checked the screen.

"Still no movement from the house."

I glanced at my watch. "Tenner hasn't left yet?"

Zach shrugged. "Maybe he's not there."

My gut curdled. If he wasn't there, then where was he?

"Alex says it's pointless. They're heading to the FBI. He wants us to get something out of Billy."

I grimaced and looked to the ground, an idea brewing. I didn't like the idea, but it could work. One of Billy's friends had spotted Zach and I standing out here. I saw him glance our way as he entered and they were now cramming into a booth seat by the window.

"Don't put your phone away. Stay busy with it," I muttered before grabbing a lock of my hair and twirling it around my finger.

"What are you doing?" Zach kept his eyes on his phone. "You're not a hair twirler."

I kept my eyes away from him, pretending like I was pissed off that he was taking so long with his hardware. "You're really just gonna have to trust me. I have an idea of how to get Billy."

"You're going for dumb flirt, aren't you?"

I spun back, my eyebrow arching, but then broke into a smile, pinching my nail between my teeth. "Please don't hate me for it, okay. I just think Billy and his friends look the type to go for it. You want to get into his house, right?"

"Yeah," Zach practically whined.

I threw back my head with a laugh, before wrapping my arms around his neck and lavishing him with a passionate kiss that I kind of hoped the guys were watching. Zach's hot tongue seared the inside of my mouth, sparking fantasies from the night before. It was an effort to stay focused on the job.

"Grab my ass," I mumbled against his lips.

"You're kidding me." He squeezed my waist.

"Just do it."

Zach sighed into my mouth, his hands gliding over my body before cupping my butt and giving it a firm squeeze. I was once again grateful for my tight jean shorts. I hadn't even meant to wear them. When we'd got back to Zach's place I'd just grabbed the first non-FBI looking thing I could find. I normally didn’t wear such skimpy clothing, but I'd found them in the lost and found at Monte Vista High and couldn't resist.

Zach's fingers skimmed the flesh beneath the edge of my fraying shorts. Sparks flew down my skin, making me ache for those crispy white sheets.

I pulled back and licked my lip suggestively, not too much of a challenge in my current state of mind, before yanking his hand and pulling him towards the diner.

I threw a glance at the window facing the street and spotted a finger pointing in my direction. Two of the guys were eyeing me like vultures as I entered the restaurant with a smirk.

We took our seats, choosing a table that was close enough to be watched, but far enough away not to be heard. As Zach buried his head in the menu, I stole a furtive glance at Billy's table. I waited until I'd caught his eye before trailing my gaze down his body. I gave him a simpering smile and didn't pick up my menu until his cheeks were a hot red.

Yeah, he'd be an easy target.

Picking up the menu, I scanned the contents, not reading a word. I hated that I could do this. Trick people into believing something that wasn't real. I knew I was good at it. I knew I could pull this off without breaking a sweat...but it didn't take away the fact that I still felt like scum when it was over.





"So, what are you having?" The waitress approached and took our order. I noticed how quietly Zach spoke and once he didn't have the menu to hide behind anymore, I could see the tense set of his shoulders.

"You have to relax and go with this or you're gonna blow it."

"Well, forgive me for not enjoying myself. You have no idea how beautiful you are and watching you flirt with other guys is just a little...you know...harsh on the old self-esteem."

I couldn't help the smile that stretched across my lips. If only he knew the effect he had on me.

I knew I'd be breaking character if I reached for his hand and gently caressed it, so instead I ran my foot up his leg. "You know I only have eyes for you, right?"

He snorted and looked away from me.

"I know I'm acting all flirty right now and I need to keep that up, but in all seriousness Zach, you are the only guy that has ever made me feel..." I let out a breathy laugh, suddenly embarrassed. I couldn't look at him, because my cheeks felt like they were about to catch fire. Tucking a lock of hair behind my ear, I finally shook my head and whispered, "I don't know... you're just different. I can't help being myself around you and I love it. No one else has ever made me feel the way you do."