Zac's POV

"Won't be long Coni, just finishing my hair!" I hear Lexi calling out from the bathroom, oblivious to my arrival. Coni had messaged me to ask me to collect Lexi and bring her along to the restaurant. She mentioned something about meeting her date first. Either way, I was happy to oblige. I haven't stopped thinking about Lexi since I left here this morning. The tension has been building between us and it's high time I acted on it.

"Take your time," I call out, releasing a soft chuckle when I hear her drop something, followed by some light cursing. "Everything okay in there?"

"Fuck. Zac, is that you? I didn't hear you arrive sorry."

"Yea it's me, Coni asked me to give you a ride. Said she would meet us there. I hope it's okay that I let myself in?" I call out to her, not sure she'd appreciate me walking into the bathroom. Instead, I walk through the living room, past the sofa to the large glass windows. I look out over the view we share of the city, appreciating the fact that we could have been spending evenings only feet away from each other and not known. Fuck Zac, get ya head on straight boy.

"Really?" Lexi called, a hint of surprise in her voice. "I wonder why  she never mentioned anything to me?"

I turn around, realizing Lexi's voice was now close behind me. Fuck, am I glad I did. Lexi stood before me, the rays of the lowering sun highlighting her beauty like a diamond glistening under a set of LED's. Her grace and poise, no doubt attributed to her dance background oozed from her as I drunk her in from head to toe.

She looked like a work of art, proof in the existence of the gods. Her hair was pulled back away from her gorgeous face, loose but straight. Letting my eyes drift south, I take in the tanned, perfect skin of her slender arms and neck before my eyes land on her chest. She's wearing a gold metallic top which drapes lightly over her perky breasts. It dipped low between her breasts, only crossing over at the waist. Fuck the thoughts running through my head right now. I tear my eyes away from her bare torso and take in the wet leather black pants clinging to her toned, shapely figure. I instantly have visions of wrapping those legs tight around my waist as I carry her to my bedroom.

"Zac?"

"Huh?" Shit, I wasn't even listening.

"I asked if we were ready to go?"

"Oh, yeah. Ah, sure. We should definitely get going." Otherwise, I'm going to end up taking you right here on the sofa and we'll miss dinner. I watch her turn to exit the apartment and catch a glimpse of her back. Sweet Jesus, she is trying to kill me. The top, I now discover is more of a piece of fabric hanging from a spaghetti strap halter neck. Lexi's beautiful back was completely bare and begging to be touched. Fuck it, this could be a long and torturous night.

~~~~~

Lexi's POV

The car ride to the restaurant was tense and quiet. Zac didn't seem his usual self, avoiding looking in my direction too often and focusing on the road more than required. Coni had text to confirm we were on our way, explaining that she had, in fact, come to dinner with a date. That explains why she had Zac bring me along with him. At first, I thought maybe she was trying to play matchmaker. It wouldn't surprise me at all with Coni, always trying to get me back on the saddle as it were. I am relieved to be wrong, so set back into the seat to relax and enjoy it.

Arriving at the restaurant, we have a front of house staff member show us to our seats. Coni and her date have already arrived and happily getting cozy next to each other.

"Lex, babe! I am so glad you have arrived, there is someone I wanted you to meet." Coni jumped up from her seat immediately, throwing her arms around me and pulling me into her.

"Lexi, Zac, I'd like to introduce you to my date ..."

"Simon?!" Zac's voice blurted out loudly, cutting Coni off from her introduction. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Do you two know each other?" Coni asked, looking from Simon to Zac and back again.

"Baby, this is my best friend I had wanted to introduce you too," Simon explained, wrapping an arm around her waist. They made a cute couple, their heights and smiles complimenting each other well. He was an attractive man, I could see why she liked him. He had a strong frame and adorable smile, the sparkle in his blue eyes increasing the more time he spends with her. He had an infectious laugh as he sits back down at our table, giving us a detailed recount of how he and Coni had met. She watched on as he told the story, the desire and happiness radiating from her in spades. Their sneaky touching and obvious flirting was contagious, leaving me wanting it for myself.

I turn my attention to Zac, who had been decidedly quiet since we had arrived. It turns out that Simon and Zac had grown up together, yet even Zac wasn't aware of the budding relationship between our two friends. Deciding to have a little fun, I allow my hand to graze his leg as I shift in my seat. I take note of his body language, his breathing. He instantly appears more alert and engaged, so I try again to brush my hand past his leg. This time though, he catches me off guard by whipping his hand up and taking hold of my own. He places it on his thigh, pressing my hand into his jeans. I feel myself holding my breath, so remind myself to take a breath. Zac runs his hand over the top of my own, threading his fingers between my own. The sensual act has my heart racing one hundred miles an hour.

"So, how did you two meet?" Simon asks, looking between Coni and I. I panic, thinking I am less than prepared for these types of questions. I attempt to pull my hand back but Zac simply wraps his fingers around my own firmly, preventing any further movement from me. He lightly drags his thumb across the top of my hand, somehow calming the storm before the downpour.

"That's easy," Coni replied, smiling bolding in my direction, "I had a room available to rent and Lex was looking for somewhere. We hit it off instantly, the rest is ancient history."

The coy smile and cheeky wink Coni gave me was a reminder that she would always have my back. I am not sure what I did right in my life to bring such an undeniably perfect person to me, but I am thankful for her every day. I never knew how real love felt until I had Coni and Bianca in my life. I return her smile with a confidence reserved for only her, the woman who single-handedly picked me up and pieced me back together.

The conversation throughout the evening was smooth and comfortable, like old friends at a regular Sunday dinner. Watching the interactions between Simon and Zac were absolutely hilarious. They laughed, goaded, teased and bickered, amusing myself and Coni to no end. I love to laugh and lately, it has been missing from my daily routine. They sparred like brothers, their friendship running deeper than the simple 'mates' persona they give off.

My favorite thing though was seeing the pure desire and infatuation in Coni's eyes as she gazed upon her man. His Italian background was apparent, even when he was born and raised here in Ireland. He had blue eyes, bright and reflective like that of a swimming pool. His faced was grazed with a five o'clock shadow, the hazelnut brown color matching his hair. He was well built and handsome, both amazing qualities, however, it was how he was with Coni I loved most. He was attentive, sweet, kind and affectionate. She was in seventh heaven basking in the attention he showered her, her adorable smile and infectious giggle bringing a warmth to my heart and alighting a fire in my soul.

"Let's dance, Lexi?" A small shiver travels my spine as Zac leans in close to whisper his request. I look over to our friends who are getting a little more intimate and determine that it was a good time to allow them some privacy.

"Sure, if you think you can keep up."

I can't help the playful, flirtatious smile I give Zac as I raise myself from my seat. His eyes show a level of hunger I'd not noticed before, driving my senses crazy. Coni gives me a hearty knowing smile as we excuse ourselves from the table. Zac places a hand on my lower back guiding me to the dancefloor, his skin connecting with my own is enough to elicit a chemical reaction within me.

The moment we stepped out onto the dancefloor, Zac's persona changed. He took hold of me, pulling me into his arms and grasping my hips with a force that screamed he was in charge. He led me across the dancefloor like a boss, darting and weaving through the crowds as we moved in time with the music. He moved like a professional, his dance frame locked into position. I looked up at him, finding him watching my every reaction. I nervously smiled back at him.

"Are you having a good night?" Zac whispered next to my ear. His warm breath tickles my ear, goosebumps gracing my skin. I become more aware that his hands are resting on my bare skin, currents of energy firing under the surface, awakening my every nerve.

"Yes. It has been wonderful." Zac's face lit up like he had won the lottery. God, he has the most perfect smile. His eyes glow with warmth and excitement, pulling me into his state of bliss. I can't help but mirror his mood with my own, feeling a peace in my soul I've not experienced in some time.

"Wanna get out of here? Looks like those two might need some space?" he asked, gesturing over my shoulder to where Coni and Simon were still all over each other. I giggled like a teenager, happy that my perfect savior, Coni, was finally enjoying a moment designed only for her. Deciding that she was being left in great hands, I agree to leave with Zac.

Guiding me again with his hand on my lower back, I can't help the blush crossing my cheeks as I think how good his hands might feel elsewhere too. We stop by the table to grab my jacket and handbag, wishing the birthday girl one more 'best wishes', along with hugs and kisses before making our way to the carpark.

~~~~~

Zac's POV

The moment the elevator door closes you could feel the tension and intensity heighten. I couldn't keep my eyes of Lexi, the way her hair fell over her shoulders as she moved. The way her hips swayed in perfect harmony with the environment she surrounds herself in. As if she can feel my eyes burning into her, Lexi turns to face me. If I'm not mistaken, I believe her breath just caught in her throat. If she keeps looking at me like that, air won't be the only thing caught back there tonight. Fuck me I need her, I have to do this now. I don't think I can last much longer without a taste.

"Look, Zac. I..." I don't give her another moment to think, to distract us from what we both want. In an instant, I have her body pressed up against the cool metal of the elevator. I place one hand firmly on her right hip, pulling her against my manhood as I tangle my right hand up into her hair whilst pulling her lips to my own.

My mouth fits perfectly over her full soft lips, moving together like they were singing lyrics to the same tune. I ran my tongue gently across her bottom lip, begging for her to grant me access, feeling rewarded when she complies. I pull her closer as my tongue explores her delicious mouth, tasting the sweetness of her tongue as I massage it with my own. I drag my hands up and down her torso, the flimsy fabric of her top no match for my desperate hands. I break our kiss, only so I can move to her neck and ear. I nibble gently on her ear, my fingers slipping inside her top and pinching her nipples. My mouth kisses a trail along her jawline, her soft moans only egging me on. She wraps her arms around my neck so I drop my arms to grasp her hips firmly, lifting her up against the elevator walls. I grind up against her, grunting heavily as she rubs her crotch along my shaft, currently pressing hard against my jeans zipper. I'm so hot for this woman, I want to take her right here and now.

"Zac..." Hearing my name roll off her sweet lips is music to my ears and only spurs me to continue my assault on her neck.

"Zac....ZAC! Please, can we stop? Put me down..."

Fuck! Hearing the distress and urgency in her voice startles me and I place her on the floor quickly. I lift her face to look at me and am faced with fear and sadness.

"Lexi? Hey, look at me angel? What happened? Please babe, did I hurt you?" I feel panic rising in my gut trying to think what may have happened. She doesn't speak when the lift opens at our floor, just turns and exits the lift moving in the direction of her apartment.

"Lexi, will you talk to me please?"

"I can't Zac, I'm sorry." She mutters quietly, never lifting her head to face me. Watching her press her key into the lock, I decide to allow her some space and make my way to my own door.

I unlock the door, taking a step into the dark empty apartment.  This isn't quite how I had planned for this night to end but I won't push her.  This will happen, just needs to be when Lexi is as ready as I am.

"Zac, wait!"