Bonjour Cherie by Robin Thomas Page B

it. Lauren’s a great sister and she would do anything for me. But I just knew not to even bother compete academically. So I started to get into French—French food, French music, French anything really.’ Including French men, I thought. It was there between us. I knew he was thinking it, but to give him credit, he didn’t say it.
    â€˜So why didn’t you go to uni and do something with it?’ He got up to turn the now boiling kettle off and turned to look at me.
    â€˜I probably will, eventually. I just wanted a break from the whole studying and academic thing.’
    He looked at me, considering, and I had the uncomfortable feeling that he saw more than I wanted him to. I hadn’t realised until just now how much I resented my sister’s success. How, because I couldn’t compete, took myself out of the competition altogether. I couldn’t blame Lauren or my parents. They hadn’t made me feel badly. I had done that all by myself.
    Zach started to make the coffee. ‘Milk? Sugar?’ he asked.
    â€˜Small drop of milk, no sugar thanks.’
    He made the coffee and brought it to the kitchen table. ‘Would you like anything to eat? I’m pretty sure I’ve got some Tim Tams somewhere.’
    I shook my head, ‘I’m good.’
    He smiled at me, ‘You are that.’
    I lowered my eyes from his intense gaze and took a sip of coffee. I wasn’t sure I liked how personal this was getting.
    â€˜So your parents, you mentioned they were away.’ He sat down opposite me again.
    â€˜Yeah, they’re at the coast for a few week’s holiday. But even when they’re home, they’re great. We get on really well. I guess I lucked out in the parent department.’
    I saw a look in Zach’s eyes and I remembered that his parents had died a few years ago. ‘Charlotte told me about your parents. I’m really sorry.’
    He shrugged his shoulders. ‘It’s okay. It happened several years ago, a road accident that took them both. But there’s been enough time to get over it and adjust.’
    I wondered if you would ever get over something like that, but I said nothing. We drank our coffee in silence for a few minutes. But it was a comfortable silence.
    â€˜How long is Charlotte here for?’ I asked, breaking the quiet.
    â€˜She’s going home on Friday. She has a couple of things on in Sydney at the weekend.’
    â€˜She seems very nice,’ I said politely.
    â€˜Yeah, she’s the best. I tease her a bit, but we get on really well.’
    â€˜Tease her? I never would have guessed.’
    Zach’s face broke into a grin. ‘She gives as good as she gets.’
    â€˜I think I realised that. I’m glad someone keeps you on your toes.’
    â€˜Oh, you’re managing pretty well.’ He took our now empty coffee cups and brought them over to the sink.
    I took the hint and got up. ‘I should go.’
    Zach came over to me and placed his hands on my shoulders. ‘That offer of wine still holds, or maybe a liqueur? I’ve heard that Tia Maria goes really well after coffee.’
    â€˜Thanks, but I better not. I’m not really that much of a drinker.’
    Zach took a step closer and I held my breath. He looked at me, really looked and I felt something turn over in my stomach. ‘I want to kiss you again. But I won’t, not this time, unless you want me to.’
    I closed my eyes. Why couldn’t I say no to him? I felt his finger under my chin as he tilted it upwards and bent his head. His lips, so warm, pressed against mine and, without meaning to, I melted into him. He took an intake of breath and his arms went around me, holding me close. I felt his hips against mine and my breasts were tight against his chest. My arms went around his neck and I pressed against him, fitting my body next to his like a missing piece in a jigsaw puzzle. His kiss deepened and I felt his