The Virgin and Zach Coulter (16 page)

Meyers's face turned red and he looked apoplectic.

Zach stood once more and Angela took her seat.

“We also have a witness who can corroborate that Meyers had access to Cynthia's house where she kept the backup hard drive, and that he had sufficient time to download the information.”

He turned, gesturing to Natasha, who stood.

Cynthia had never seen her mother so angry. Her eyes shot sparks as she glared across the aisle at Meyers.

“I can verify that Mr. Meyers had access to our house—and that he abused our trust and apparently, is little better than a cheat and a scoundrel,” she said dramatically.

Cynthia had never before been glad her mother was a drama queen but for this moment, she was profoundly thankful.

The commissioners were clearly impressed—even the lone woman, Hazel, nodded and looked at Jim Meyers as if he'd just crawled out from under a rock.

“Thank you, Natasha,” Zach said, stepping back to take her arm and seat her once again, his solicitous gesture earned him a regal nod.

Cynthia caught the swift glance he shot her, and saw the amused gleam in his green eyes.

“I think that unravels the tangled threads,” Zach told the commissioners. “Except for one final thing.” He gestured over his shoulder. “I've filed a formal complaint
with the sheriff's office and a deputy is here to arrest Mr. Meyers for theft. I'm also consulting with my attorneys as to possible civil action to sue Mr. Meyers for conspiracy to damage the reputation of Ms. Deacon and the financial standing of the Lodge.”

“Now, look here,” Meyers said, his voice loud, his face growing even redder. “This is ridiculous. I haven't done anything illegal.”

“That's up to the judge to decide, Meyers,” Zach shot back.

The deputy led Meyers away in handcuffs, the door closing on his shouts of protest.

“I believe that concludes our business,” Bill the commissioner announced. “Mr. Coulter, your permit to operate is no longer suspended. I hope you'll invite us all to your opening.”

“I'd be disappointed if you aren't there,” Zach reassured him.

“Glad to hear it. We stand adjourned.” The sound of the gavel hitting the table was loud.

Everyone stood, milling about as the commissioners exited.

Cynthia turned to her mother. “Natasha, thank you for coming down here today.”

“Not a problem,” her mother assured her, still clearly incensed. “Can you imagine that worm of a man, leaving my bed to go sneak into your room and hack into your computer?”

Cynthia blinked. “You were sleeping with him?”

“Only a few times.” Natasha waved her hand dismissively. “He wasn't impressive.”

Cynthia looked over her shoulder and realized Zach
had heard every word of their conversation. She closed her eyes, wincing, but when she quickly opened them, he was grinning at her.

“We're all going out to dinner,” Cade said behind her. “How about the Black Bear Restaurant?”

“That sounds great.” Zach sidestepped Natasha, wrapped his arm around Cynthia's waist, and with smooth precision, extricated her from the group. “We'll meet you there,” he called over his shoulder as he hustled Cynthia out into the hall.

“Where are we…” She stopped talking when Zach pushed open an exit door and pulled her into a stairwell. Alone in the silent enclosed area, he backed her against the wall and kissed her.

His mouth was impatient, eager, his body pinning her against the wall and holding her there with gentle force. Cynthia welcomed the hard crush of his arms and the demand of his mouth on hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. When at last he lifted his head, she was breathless and aroused.

“Why didn't you tell me Angela could find out what happened to my computer?” she demanded, tugging on his hair.

“Ow.” He winced. “Because I wasn't absolutely sure she could when I sent J.T. in to get it.”

“How did she do it so fast?”

“I hooked the external drive up to your laptop, hooked the laptop up to the internet, and gave Angela your passwords. She did it all through cyberspace.”

“Wow.” Cynthia was impressed. “She really is a computer genius, isn't she?”

“That she is,” Zach agreed, sliding his hands beneath her knit top to stroke her midriff. “How hungry are you?” he muttered moments later, after both of them were breathing too fast, their lips damp from the kiss just ended.

“I'm hungrier for you than I am for food,” Cynthia murmured, brushing her lips over the underside of his chin.

“Good,” he managed to say, his voice rasping. “Let's go home.”

“Home?” She leaned back to look up at him. “My place or yours?”

“My place— I'd choose your place since it's so much closer, but your mother might come home and interrupt us. And I don't plan to let you go until morning.”

She smiled, a slow curving of her lips that she was sure gave away how much she was looking forward to spending the night with him.

“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” she murmured.

She felt his muscles go taut, his arms tightening around her and his gaze searched hers.

“No.” His voice was gravelly, rough with emotion. “You haven't. And I need to hear you say it again.”

“I love you,” she whispered, tears welling to roll slowly down her cheeks.

“When did you know?” he asked, the pad of his thumb smoothing over her cheek, gently brushing away the dampness.

“I think I knew for sure when Jim Meyers said I'd given him information to harm the Lodge. I was
devastated that you would think I'd betray you.” She searched his eyes. “I would never do anything to harm you, Zach.”

“I know.” He bent to trace her trembling lips with his. “I was mad as hell, but it took about ten minutes to realize there's no way you could have done what he claimed you did. That's when I realized I was in love with you.”

“Thank goodness,” she breathed. “I was so afraid you'd go back to San Francisco and leave me here alone. It's scary to love someone this much—you could break my heart.”

“Not tonight,” he whispered back. “Not ever.”

“I love you lots.” She smiled against his throat when she felt his pulse jump.

“Not as much as I love you,” he growled, his voice rumbling in his chest.

“Is this a contest?” she asked.

“No, but if it is, we're both going to win,” he said gravely, his green gaze meeting hers with sober intent. “Let's go home so I can propose in a place that has a bed nearby.”

Cynthia felt her eyes widen. “You're going to propose?” she murmured, her voice faint.

“I was thinking about it. Think you'll say yes?” he asked.

“Oh, I think that's a definite possibility,” she replied.

Zach's eyes flared with green fire and as his mouth covered hers, Cynthia hazily realized that she held everything she'd waited for, for so long, here in his arms.