Chapter 3
Zach moved quietly through the condo. He had taken a shower, dressed, and crept across to his condo. Julia was sleeping soundly in the spare bedroom, he just hoped Kendall was also still sleeping when he re-entered her condo. He was in luck, Kendall stirred but remained deep in sleep. Zach put together a breakfast tray including coffee, fresh fruit, toast, and a dopple of fruit preserves. He carried the tray into the bedroom with balance and grace. He placed the tray at the foot of the bed. He sat on the opposite side of the bed, across from her sleeping form, leaned over, and guided several tendrils off of her sleeping face. He gazed upon her beauty for several moments. 'She is stunning. Her skin looks like porcelain, her curls accentuated her beautiful features.' Zach moved towards her, feathering kisses along her cheek, jaw line, and neck, causing her to gently wake.
"Good morning" Kendall said groggily "Do I smell coffee?"
Zach moved slightly to the right, exposing the awaiting breakfast tray. "Did I have all that food here?" Kendall giggled huskily
Zach responded teasing, "It was tough, but the only other choices were ice cream and martini olives."
Kendall wrapped the rumpled top sheet around her and pulled the tray closer. She paused "Zach, I….." her gaze couldn't met Zach's. "I am not usually so needy. Last night…"
Zach reached out, guiding Kendall's chin towards him with his thumb and forefinger. Their lips gently brushed each other. As their kiss deepened, they both realized they needed each other. They were two lonely souls that have found solace in each other. Not only were their physical needs met, but their emotional needs were satisfied. Neither Kendall nor Zach had to be anything but themselves when together.
Kendall felt safe laying in Zach's embrace. The beautiful breakfast tray that Zach assembled is splayed across the bedroom floor, a victim of their passion. Zach was unconsciously twirling his fingers through Kendall's hair, staring at an invisible spot on the wall, dreading what he has to do next.
Zach sighed heavily. " Kendall, we have to talk." A wave of nausea swept over Kendall.
Zach continued, sounding unsure of his own words, "I feel obligated to help Julia. I was following a possible lead when you and I ran into each other in the courtyard last night. I shouldn't be gone for more than a couple of days. Once I clear with this up, we will able to concentrate on us, only you and me."
Feeling despondent, Kendall unwillingly agreed by silently nodding her head, too afraid to speak, avoiding his glance. Kendall was sure her speech would crack with the tears welling up in her eyes.
Zach sensing Kendall's unhappiness, had to finish his explanation quickly. "I took Julia out of Wildwind. She is at my condo now." Zach paused waiting for the Kane explosion.
Kendall locking her jaw, spoke slowly "Do you want me to keep an eye on Julia while you are gone?"
An ache tore at Zach's heart, How could he ask her to be so selfless. 'Maybe I should have just kept going last night. I am only causing her heartache. Why do I cause everyone I care about pain?' Zach was beating himself up. "Kendall, I will make this up to you. I promise." His voice was low, full of sadness.
Kendall lifted her head to met his gaze, "Come back to me safely and quickly."
Zach sealed his promise with a kiss, unsure of his own voice. They held each other for a long time, unwillingly to let each other go. But each silently wondered if the previous evening was a mistake.