Zander

I don't have time for this. I have a packed schedule of jobs to do out on the farm, and then all the things I need to deal with regarding the pub. Rosters to work out, payroll, invoices ... the list keeps growing, and yet, my mind is consumed with one thing.

Breanna Lancaster.

I hate feelings, relationships, and everything in between.

This is why I didn't want to pursue anything with her. I don't want to be distracted. The more time we spend together, the deeper I fall. Pushing her away only makes it worse.

I'm screwed either way.

I thought I could get her out of my system, but then she had to say she can't do no-strings. I never signed up for a relationship. I've never wanted that. But being with her, has me questioning the way I do things. The way I have always done things.

Staring down at my phone, I wait for some sort of response from her. She didn't show up to her shift, and Cassie showed me the message she received from her. Cassie had been shooting glares in my direction throughout her shift all night, knowing that it was my fault that Brea quit.

Running a rough hand down my face, I pick up my phone and search for her contact again. My fingers drum against the desk as the phone rings, eventually clicking over to her automated voicemail.

"Brea," I say, my voice a little raspy, and I clear my throat. "Call me."

"Wow," Cassie says, clapping. Jerking my chin up, I scowl at her, not having realised she was hovering near the door. She has a shit-eating grin etched across her face. "You're a man of many words, Boss."

"What?" I grumble, tossing my phone down onto the desk, and leaning back into my chair.

"You could apologise? Ask her how she is doing?" she raises an eyebrow. "Brea. Call me." She says in a gruff, angry voice that sounds nothing like me, as she holds her fingers to her ear in the shape of a phone. "You could ... you know ... actually try."

"Do you need something, Cassie?" I sigh, feeling exasperated at this situation, at Cassie for no valid reason, and most of all, myself.

Rolling her eyes, she shakes her head. "No. Just letting you know I'm heading out." Nodding, I get to my feet, but she waves me off. "You don't have to walk me out, Boss. Nothing bad happens around here."

"It's late," I say. "And I don't mind."

Smiling, she fixes her bag strap that had slipped off her shoulder. Following her out, I open the door and walk her to her car.

"I hope you're okay, Zander." Cassie says, touching my arm briefly. A light breeze washes over us, relieving us momentarily from the still heat. "I know you really like her."

"How do you know that?"

She shrugs. "The way you stare at her is the way all girls want to be stared at."

"What way?" I furrow my brows.

I do? I struggle to take my eyes off her whenever she is around, but I hadn't realised that was obvious to everyone else.

Smiling, she lifts her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Enjoy the rest of your night."

I wait until she is on the road before I head back inside. Collapsing back down onto my office chair, I hang my head between my hands. I hate this feeling. The need to know how she is, what she is doing. The ache to feel her in my arms.

Ignoring the pile of paperwork that needs my attention, I flick off the lights, and lock the door behind me. It only takes a couple of minutes to reach the hotel. Jogging up the steps, I knock on the door. Straining to hear anything on the other side, I wait a few beats, before knocking again.

No answer.

When a few minutes pass, I realise she is either in a deep sleep, or she isn't home. Sighing, I head back to the truck.

Glendale is a small town. I could easily find her. Pausing, I mentally shake myself. This woman is literally turning me crazy. Since when do I act this way? Chase someone?

Starting the engine, I head home, refusing to let my mind wander to where she is. Or who she is with.

That can be tomorrow's problem.

***

I must have been staring at the front door for an hour before Cassie snaps me out of my thoughts.

"She isn't just going to walk in here, acting like nothing happened."

Swinging my gaze to hers, I frown. "Huh?"

"Brea. She isn't just going to waltz in here, and everything is going to be back to normal."

"Who said I'm out here waiting for her?" I arch an eyebrow.

Sending me a deadpan stare, she leans her hip on the bar, levelling me with a look of impatience.

"You never sit out here," Cassie comments, gesturing to where I'm perched on a bar stool, leaning on the counter. My now-warm beer is dripping condensation onto the counter as I stare at the doors. I didn't even realise I was waiting for her, until Cassie pointed it out. Not that I will admit that out loud. "And you've been staring longingly at the door for a pitiful amount of time."

"Can't I sit out here and enjoy the company of my staff?" I ask her, throwing my hands up, point at the bar even though she is the only one here. The pub is quiet today. Even quieter than normal.

"You hate everyone."

"No I don't," I argue.

She grins. "Not literal hate, but lowkey, you hate everyone."

Honestly, I can't really deny it. I don't dislike any of the people in my life, I just prefer my own company. I always have. Well, until now...

"You are depressing the mood," Cassie continues, giving me a pointed stare. "Just go and find her. Do everyone around you a favour and quit your moping."

Just to be stubborn, I want to stay here longer now, but she is right. I need to find her, and apologise, since it is clear she isn't going to get back to me anytime soon. Finishing the beer—with a grimace—I push the chair up against the wall out of the way and exit with a brief wave to Cassie over my shoulder.

After circling town and stopping by any place I think she might be—feeling like a total stalker—I end up at Nathan's restaurant, which is the last place I want to be. Hell, I don't think I have ever set foot in this place. I never planned to, either. I could wait at her hotel, but that seems even worse. I also don't know if she will be even going back there. Maybe she is staying with her brother and father simply to avoid me.

Drawing in an encouraging breath, I climb out of the truck, and make my way inside. When the bell jingles over the top of my head, every head turns in my direction. Curious and shocked gazes blink at me. I'm probably the last person anyone would ever expect to walk through this front door.

Fucking Breanna Lancaster.

It doesn't take me long to find her. My eyes sweep over the tables, until I see her placing plates down. She looks annoyingly beautiful with her long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. It swishes between her shoulder blades as she walks. Her long, tanned legs looking far too good in that skirt that clings perfectly to her ass.

As I approach her, there is a strange, tug in my chest that pulls me closer to her, making me forget about all the people gaping at me. I have never, ever set foot in Nathan's restaurant. I should be taking note of how he has things, absorbing my surroundings, but all I can see is her.

My heart races when she looks up, seeing me. The relaxed smile on her face vanishes when her eyes connect with mine, her face darkening to look of annoyance.

"Hey Angel," I say, stepping closer to her. Closer than I probably should considering we have every pair of eyes in this restaurant watching us. God, she is intoxicating. In every way. "You taking your break any time soon?"

"Nope."

Leaning down toward her, I breathe in her warm, flowery scent. A pleasant blend of sweet and spicy, with a hint of lavender. Inhaling a little, a wave of desire courses through me at having her so close. I don't know what the hell she has done to me, but I am done with fighting it. I want her. There is no point denying it.

In this moment, I can't think of anything else. I want to know her. I want to learn about her wants, her desires, her dreams, her ambitions. I want to explore every inch of her beautiful body. I want this. I want her.

My eyes travel over her, the uniform clinging to her body uncoiling a ball of fury in my stomach.

"Get that fucking uniform off," I demand, upper lip curling in distaste as my eyes travel down to the uniform she is wearing. It isn't my uniform, and it looks all kinds of wrong on her. She works for me, not him. "Now."

"Fuck. You." She hisses, narrowing those pretty eyes I adore so much into thin slits. "Don't come here, into my work, and start telling me what to do. I don't work for you anymore."

"Like hell you don't."

"Get out of my face."

"Angel," I say through gritted teeth. "Stop being a brat."

"Me?" she exclaims, eyes widening, her cheeks flaming with heat. "You're such an asshole."

"Is there a problem here?" Danny asks, wandering over, and throwing his arm over Brea's shoulders casually.

"Get your fucking hands off her before I dislocate that shoulder of yours," I growl, stepping closer to him. "Again."

A couple years ago in a football charity fundraiser, I tackled Danny so hard, I dislocated his shoulder, sending him to the ER. I don't like the guy, but it was a total accident. This time, however...

A surprised look falls over Danny's face. "Woah, dude. Chill."

"I'm as chill as they get," I snarl, with my fingernails biting into my palms with how tightly I have my fists clenched. "Brea. Outside. Now."

"No," she says.

"Brea..." I warn, feeling a muscle in my cheek spasm.

A ghost of a smirk dances across her lips. "Yes?"

"Now."

"Nope."

Reaching for her hand, I yank her after me, dragging her out of the scrutinising gaze of everyone around us, leaving Danny with his jaw hanging. She trips after me, trying to keep up with my long strides.

We round the corner and I slam her up against the wall moments before diving toward her mouth. She moans, snaking her arms around me and kissing me back.

Reeling back, I spin her around, bringing my hand down across her ass. She yelps in surprise, looking over her shoulder at me, lips parted, hair a mess, grinning.

"That's for not coming outside when I asked," I say, before bringing my hand down once more. "And that's for letting Danny touch you."

Our breathing is heavy as we gaze at each other. Turning, she faces me, and shoves her small hands into my chest. When I don't budge, she puts more force behind it, gritting her teeth.

"For fuck sake," she mutters, straightening. "Are you built of brick?"

Ignoring her, I lean down, stealing another kiss, but she pulls back.

"No," she says, fury flashes in those wide eyes of hers. "You don't get to do this. I'm not a toy you can play with whenever you feel like it."

"But you like this," I say, staring down at her, enjoying how much I affect her. Knowing she feels the same way as I do, makes a liquid pool of heat swirl in the pit of my stomach. "You want me to be possessive of you."

"No," she says, but her eyes are on my mouth. "I don't."

"Liar."

Tension accumulates between us, and she leans back, tilting her head to look at me.

"I'm not doing this, Zander," she whispers, giving away how sot and vulnerable she is feeling.

"Doing what?"

"This." She flings her hand between us. "This back and forth bullshit. You told me how it is: You don't do girlfriends. And I told you I don't do flings. So, let's just call it."

"I don't want to call it," I say gruffly.

"I don't believe you, nor do I trust you," she says, pulling me out of the lust-filled haze I was slipping further into it. Rearing back, I flinch, staring down at her in shock.

"What?"

"You heard me," she says, lifting her chin defiantly, the sun directly hitting her face, making those pretty freckles of hers stand out on her tanned skin. "I don't trust that you're not going to turn around after sleeping with me and say you don't want anything more." Breathing out hard, her eyes drop to her feet. "I don't believe that you're not just going to toss me to the side after you get what you want."

Bile rises in my throat at her words, and I step back, dropping my hand from her, letting them fall to my sides.

"Angel," I murmur. "You really think that little of me?"

"Yeah," she says, stepping around me, our arms brushing. Electricity crackles over my skin like I accidentally backed into an electric fence. "You haven't exactly given me a reason not to."

When she walks away from me, this time, I let her go.