Read Holding Her Close (Bits and Bytes, Book 0) (Bits & Bytes) for Free Online Page A

in the office that morning. Zach closed his eyes and breathed in. The older man had even encouraged Zach and Scott to bring their significant others, a hint of laughter in the suggestion. Car exhaust mixed with the sickly sweet of the purple and red flowers lining the walkway. The smell wasn't so much relaxing as it was nauseating.
    Zach hadn't been with anyone for more than a night since Kelly left. There was no way Vance knew that, but the invitation made it feel like he did. It was a shame he couldn’t ask Rae.
    He cringed. That was a bad path to loiter on. He still needed to get her out of his system. She was the last thing he needed hanging over him right now. The memory of her skin against his. The taste of her kisses. The unfinished business in his office with her the other day.
    And that’s all it was. Business.
    A whisper of relief passed over him when a familiar SUV pulled up to the valet. He was starting to worry Scott wasn't going to show. The jet black Escalade was hard to miss anyway, but the “G4M3 G0D” vanity plates were a dead giveaway.
    An attendant opened the passenger door, and Zach's eyes grew wide when he saw who stepped out. He slid his sunglasses down his nose, making sure he wasn't imagining it. Rae's gauzy top had been replaced with a white sun dress that dipped low enough to show a hint of cleavage, but not so low it was inappropriate. A sliver of pink peeked out from under one of the shoulder straps. The skirt swirled around her legs and ended just above her knees, elongating well-toned legs.
    The sinking sun caught the traces of auburn in her sandy hair. Zach pushed aside the lingering memory of strawberry shampoo that had teased him since he’d pushed her onto his desk. Scott had said he was bringing someone, along with the assurance she was just a friend and would make things more comfortable. Maybe Zach shouldn't have said okay so quickly.
    The couple stepped onto the curb and Zach extended a hand. “Three times in one week. It’s becoming a habit.”
    Rae hesitated before accepting the handshake. “No date?” She flushed and ducked her head, leaning into Scott. “Sorry, wasn't thinking.”
    Scott wrapped an arm around her waist.
    Zach noted the intimate interaction. He had to bite the tip of his tongue to keep from making a joke about the two dating. No reason to make things even more awkward in a situation that already promised to be less than pleasant.
    Rae wrapped the strap from her purse around her finger and released it.
    Even if Zach had known what to say, their dinner companions were heading toward them, putting a hold on any casual conversation. He pasted on a smile and Scott took the hint, turning to face Vance and Selina. Both were dressed in their work clothes still, even though Selina had taken her hair down and let it drape around her shoulders and down her back.
    Since he hadn't had the chance in the office, Zach took the opportunity to get a better look while they approached, using his sunglasses to hide his observations. Her jacket accentuated every subtle curve on her tall frame without showing any skin between the neck and knees. He let his fantasy trip over what was hidden under the burgundy suit and peach button -down. Black lace, maybe? Or something more practical?
    Probably nothing as fun as hot pink. He glanced at Rae. Yeah, he needed to fix that wandering distraction. Maybe she was free after dinner.
    “ Gentlemen, I’m glad you had time this evening.” Vance shook their hands.
    Like they'd had a choice. Zach kept the response to himself, knowing Scott would do the same. “It sounded like a great chance to get away and get to know the two of you better.”
    “ I'm sorry to see your girlfriend couldn't join us. Or is she not here yet?” Selina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, gaze flickering over his face.
    “ I'm afraid work takes up most of my social life.” Zach tried not to choke on the pleasantries. He didn't mind them most of the time, but