Liberating Zach

When one door closes . . . and all that nonsense.

Zach’s been working at Fairford Manor for what feels like forever. Does he love his job at the famous kink resort? Mostly. Does he love Mason, one of the owners? One hundred percent.

Until Mason decides to fall in love and live a perfect happily ever after right in front of him. That’s it. The final straw.

So when his five-year review rolls around, he asks for a short sabbatical. A two-week vacation to reassess, recharge, and decide where he wants his life to go.

When he meets Remy on his first night in the Caribbean—twelve years older, devastatingly sexy, and focused solely on his career—he feels things he’s never felt with anyone. Even Mason.

And let’s just say, one night isn’t enough.

Zach knows exactly what he wants now. And he wants this man who can bring him to his knees with just a look.

He’s ready for another door to open.

But is Remy?

Chapter One
Zach

Falling in love with a coworker is almost never a good idea. Sure, you get the occasional fairy tale ending, but mostly it’s just awkward and shitty, and someone ends up having to quit.

Zach knew this as well as the next person.

Didn’t stop him from pining after Mason St. John for years. He managed to half-fool himself into believing it might magically work out someday—right up until Mason fell in love with someone else.

Lack of fairy tale ending? Check.

Awkward and shitty? Double check.

Now if only he could figure out what the fuck to do about it.

“Hello, Earth to Zach.”

Zach’s head snapped up, and he found Jonathan smirking at him across the reception desk. “Shit, I’m sorry.” He gave his boss a sheepish smile. “Guess I zoned out there for a second.”

“Don’t worry about it. Can we have that meeting really quick? I’m flying out for my dad’s seventieth birthday party this weekend, so I need to leave for the airport in twenty.”
Meeting? He didn’t remember Jonathan scheduling any meetings for today. Zach wondered for a moment if he could surreptitiously check his calendar on his laptop. But he apparently got lost in his thoughts long enough that the screen was black. No way could he get away with it.

“Yeah, sure. Lead the way.” Zach was an expert bullshitter. Chances were high he’d get through this mystery meeting without an issue.

Standing, he straightened his vest—one of his favorites. The dark gray wool of the Ralph Lauren Glen plaid twill looked fabulous on him, and he damn well knew it. Even with his excellent salary, buying this suit had been a stretch. But the moment he saw himself in the tri-fold mirror at the store, any semblance of choice went out the window.

Then when he paired it with a deep plum bow tie? Forget it. He’d be buried in this fucking thing.

Zach followed Jonathan across the lobby and down the long back hallway. He expected his boss to turn into the study. Jonathan tended to like the formality of sitting behind the enormous antique desk while Zach perched on one of the chairs facing it. His eyebrows shot up when Jonathan continued down the hallway to the parlor instead.

By the time Jonathan turned in the parlor doorway, waiting to close the door behind them, Zach had settled his features into a mask of polite interest. He waited until Jonathan sat on the antique sofa before settling back against the blue velvet upholstery of a matching chair.

“So,” Jonathan said, folding his hands placidly on his thighs. “You’ve officially been here five years. How time flies.”

Once again, Zach’s brows shot up. He had no control over them this time. “Wait,” he said, doing some mental calculations. “Is it already June?”

Jonathan’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “You sure you only zoned out for a second earlier?”

“It’s like you said.” Zach lifted his lips into a rueful half-smile. “How time flies.”

Okay, so this was his annual review. He vaguely remembered Jonathan mentioning something about that earlier in the week, but he didn’t realize it would happen so soon. For someone who organized the calendars for every person in the Manor, that revelation was startling. What else had he been too distracted to notice?

“Let’s keep this short and sweet,” Jonathan said. “Your work continues to be exemplary. I’ve discussed it with the other partners, and we’ve decided to give you a ten percent raise this year, plus a fourth week of annual leave.”

Zach’s heart leapt in his chest. That was a nice chunk of change. “Thank you.” He did his best to sound modest and grateful, not like a shopping cart was already filling up in his mind.

“It’s genuinely our pleasure. The Manor literally couldn’t function without you, and we all want you to know that we’re well aware of it.”

Resisting the urge to preen under the praise, Zach said, “I’m glad everyone is happy with my work.”

“We are indeed. Which leads me to the only other matter I wish to discuss today.” Jonathan looked him right in the eye and said bluntly, “Are you happy?”

Several seconds ticked by on the old carriage clock on the mantle. Zach blinked, and when no words occurred to him, he blinked again. “Huh?” he said at last.

“It’s not a trick question,” Jonathan said with a small, reassuring smile. “And there’s no wrong answer.”

Zach was very much not reassured. Eyes narrowing against his will, he demanded, “Why are you asking? Did a guest complain? Because I promise you, I’ve been nothing but perfectly kind and polite to every guest, but Elana Bradford just wanted to be upset about something, no matter what I—”

“Zach.” Jonathan’s voice remained soft and low, but somehow held more power than if he’d shouted. How in the fuck did Doms do that?

“Sorry,” Zach said, wishing he didn’t blush so easily.

The Manor’s head Dom watched him for several seconds, those piercing brown eyes seeming to look right through him. “Something’s wrong,” he said at last. “It’s been wrong for about six months now. I want you to tell me what it is so I can fix it.”