Chapter 10

Kendall had never been a delicate, prudish flower and her bedroom behavior solidified her personality. Zach was not typically an animated lover, but was amused and encouraged by Kendall's declarations. Her breathe against his shoulder, the primal moans, the way she said his name, it all drove him to the point of ecstasy. At one point he smothered her mouth with his, in a passionate kiss, just to hold on to the moment. As they consummated their proclamations, the intensity of their love making accelerated. As they climbed closer to the pinnacle, Kendall groaned "Zach….please….don't…st.."

Suddenly, the shower curtain was yanked open. Zach and Kendall spun towards the opening stunned and surprised, especially by Erica's shriek "Oh, my goodness." Erica quickly ran out of the room, Kendall jumped out of Zach's embrace and the shower, wrapping a towel around her dripping body to chase her mother. Zach delayed getting out of the shower. He opened his mouth under the spray of cold water, wondering if he could drown himself in the shower. It may be a better death than getting in between a Kane mother-daughter argument. He turned off the shower and grabbed a towel, knowing he couldn't let Kendall face Erica alone.

In the living room, Kendall had pleaded for Erica to stop. Erica explained "After last night's blackout, I was concerned about you. So once the power came back on, I came over to make sure you were OK." Of course Erica delivered her diatribe from the position of a wounded animal.

"Mother, why would you pull back the shower curtain? Wasn't it obvious what was going on?" Kendall inquired.

"Darling, I never imagined that you would be entwined with likes of him." Erica almost spitted out the words. "I don't know what is the matter with you? Why do you seek love so desperately from all the wrong men?"

Zach slipped into his shorts and listened from the bedroom. He had decided only to interfere if Kendall needed him. Zach saw Kendall straighten her back. Having sparred with her enough, he knew this motion signaled her digging in her heels.

Kendall began, "You're right mother, for years I have searched for love. And I thought I had found love, I was so desperate to hold on to that pseudo-love, that I made terrible mistakes."

Erica interrupted her daughter "Yes, this morning. This scene was just another terrible mistake."

Zach was irritated at her interruption, but Kendall stood strong. "No, that is just it, Mother. Today, this morning, I stopped searching for love, because love found me."

"Cambias men are not capable of love. My God, Kendall. You are delusional. Zach does not love you. He wants to hurt my family, that is the only reason he married you." Erica spoke in a deeming tone.

Zach was not going to allow this to continue, he emerged from the bedroom, pretending he wasn't eavesdropping. "Erica, you act as though we are sixteen years old and caught us making out in the back of your Oldsmobile. Relax, we are adults. Actually, we are married adults, in our home."

Kendall couldn't help but notice how his skin was still damp. He had this ultra sexy, thin line of dark hair that ran from below his belly button, vertically under his waist band.

"My God, Slater, put on a shirt." Erica snapped. It was only Erica's comment that brought Kendall's attention back to the situation.

Zach, as cool as a cucumber, "Gee, Erica. It seems you are sitting on my shirt."

Erica realized she had been sitting on his shirt and jumped up in disgust.

Kendall had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing out loud. Zach loved to annoy Erica and this morning's exchange was priceless. He provided Kendall with a renew spirit and vigor. Kendall and Zach were looking at each other continuously. Erica noticed this and insisted, "Zach, do you mind. I need to speak to my daughter privately."

Zach walked slowly to stand in front of Kendall. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he gently stroked her arms. "Will you be OK?" he asked quietly.

Kendall smiled comfortably, "Yeah, I'll catch up with you later." Neither Zach nor Kendall moved, they hesitated to kiss each other 'Goodbye' and incur more of Erica's wrath. Zach kissed Kendall softly on the cheek whispering in her ear, "Good Luck, Mrs. Slater." As he pulled away from the exchange, the smile on Kendall's face made Zach's heart race. Moments later Zach entered his own condo, realizing his laptop and cell phone was still at Kendall's.

Zach took a quick shower, shaved, dressed and retrieved the keys to his SUV from a desk drawer. He made a few phone calls, Edie being the first phone call. Edie provided Zach with some necessary figures and updates, and Zach informed her of the day's plan. Zach exited his condo, pausing briefly in front of Kendall's door. He still heard Erica's voice from behind the closed door. Zach shook his head and continued towards the parking lot.

Kendall opened the door to find Zach holding two cups of coffee and a white bag. Zach sheepishly inquired, "Is the coast clear?"

Kendall giggled as she walked into the living room, "Yeah, she's gone. But I wouldn't count her out just yet. Please tell me one of those coffees is for me?" Zach sat in the armchair.

Zach couldn't help but smile as he handed her one of the cups. "Well, most men have mortal women as mother in laws. I have the diva, Erica Kane." Zach held out the white bag towards Kendall, "Muffin? Muffin." As Kendall reach for the bag, Zach grabbed her arm and pulled her into his lap. Without making a move to stand, Kendall took a muffin and started picking at the topping.

"Wait, how did you go out for coffee?" Kendall inquired.

"Remember, I have an SUV, the one you hate so much." Zach replied. They bantered back and forth, feeling completely comfortable sharing a single armchair. "I recall you telling me, 'the only reason men drive SUV's that big is to compensate for shortcomings in other areas." Zach continued, baiting his new lover.

"BOY, was I wrong!" Kendall joked with much exaggeration.

Zach's hand was gently stroking Kendall thigh, inching further and further under her skirt. He nuzzled into her delicious smelling neck. "You finished taking a shower without me?" He teased.

Kendall tossed her muffin onto the side table before replying "Yes, and it was very lonely. What are your plans for the day?" Kendall asked with a specific intent.

Zach's lips covered Kendall's in a enthusiastic kiss. His hand was caressing her upper thigh under her flowing skirt. Abruptly, there was a coughing noise coming from the doorway. Without looking at the second intruder of the day, Zach snarled to Kendall, "Today, I am having the locks changed."