Dream Girl by Kelly Jamieson

done—not her.
    But it was up to her to tell Jessica. She sighed.
    "What's the matter?” She glanced at Zach and realized he'd heard her heavy exhalation.
    "Nothing,” she said lightly. “Should we head back? I'm feeling hungry."
    "You like to eat, don't you?” he asked with that sexy, boyish grin. He took her empty cup from her and tossed it in a big trash bin nearby. Then he grabbed her hand and they skated lazily back the way they'd come, hand in hand. Like he was her boyfriend, she thought crazily, girlishly.
    But it felt so good having her small hand enveloped in his large, rough one. Her legs were shorter than his, and he matched his stride to hers, their strokes equally smooth and rhythmic. And it felt so right.
    Maybe this would all work out, she thought hopefully. Hell. Who was she kidding? This was all going to come crashing down around her soon. And what did it matter? She was in no way looking for a relationship. Men were never faithful, and hoping for commitment was just asking to get kicked in the teeth. She'd have one more night with him tonight, tomorrow she'd have to see him on business, and Monday she'd make her confession to Jessica Montgomery.
    Taking a deep breath, she smiled up at Zach as she skated along beside him, holding a little tighter to his hand.
    When they got back to his place, the most delicious aroma of cooking beef greeted them. Without asking, Zach opened two bottles of beer and handed one to her as she sat on a stool at the kitchen island. He opened the oven door and leaned in to lift the lid off a large casserole and stir the contents.
    Ashlyn's stomach growled a little. “That smells incredible,” she said, appreciating his nice butt in his jeans as he bent over. When he stood up and turned around, he caught her checking out his ass and grinned.
    She felt her cheeks warm but smiled at him. “Nice ass,” she said impishly. “Bet you've never heard that before."
    He laughed and started to move towards her; but just then, Connor slouched into the room. Ashlyn could tell he hadn't shaved recently—probably not since Friday—because she'd noticed how clean-cut and businesslike he'd looked at that meeting, compared to Zach's casual surfer look. Today he was definitely scruffy in baggy gym shorts and a T-shirt.
    "Smells good, Zach,” he commented, going to the fridge for a beer.
    "Beef carbonnade,” Zach said with a grin. “Or should I say Beef Rocky Harbor Sunshine Brown Ale."
    "It's made with beer?” Ashlyn asked, a little incredulous.
    "Of course it's made with beer,” Zach replied. “So is dessert. Chocolate stout cake."
    Ashlyn choked a little on the brew she was drinking. “Holy sh-shoot,” she managed. “I've never heard of that."
    Zach shrugged and tipped the bottle to his lips. His throat worked as he drank the ale; then his lips curved in a sexy smile as he lowered the bottle. “Stick around,” he invited. “I can show you many new things."
    His hot gaze fastened on her across the kitchen and it felt like a touch, a warm, delicious caress. She glanced at Connor, and then back at Zach as she forgot to breathe.
    Zach, too, glanced at his brother and bit his lip.
    Connor, oblivious, took a seat at the island. “How was the skate?” he asked, clearly not caring.
    Ashlyn's heart tightened a little at his obvious unhappiness. Shit.
    "It was good,” she said lightly. “You should have come. Do you play roller hockey, too, Connor?"
    She sensed Zach's gaze on her as she made conversation with his brother.
    "Yeah,” he said. “But I'm not as good as Zach. He's the athlete."
    "Really?” she murmured. “I would never have guessed."
    Zach snorted. “What, I'm a total spaz?"
    She couldn't help but laugh. “Oh, yeah, definitely,” she mocked him, eyes dancing as she looked at his lean, muscular body. Even the way he walked was athletic and graceful, and he was as smooth on those skates as Wayne Gretzky on ice.
    Their eyes met and held, sharing her teasing amusement,