Chapter 36

CHAPTER 36

ZAYN

T wo weeks had passed since that unforgettable family dinner.

And the night after that dinner. That night with her had changed me. I couldn't explain it, but sex with her wasn't just about getting off. I had felt something entirely different that night. We had not been together since. I didn't trust myself.

There was something about her. Something that went deep. Deeper than I wanted to admit to myself, which was why I was pouring myself into work.

The progress with the nonprofit board was promising. I could feel the momentum building. Today was another meeting with the board members. I was determined to secure their backing. My reputation was great with all the buzz surrounding my engagement to Marigold. It wasn't officially announced, but the social media thing was doing most of the work for us.

I adjusted my tie and walked into the conference room. The board members were all sitting at the massive table, clearly waiting to hear what I had to say.

I took a deep breath. "Good morning, everyone," I began, doing my best to project confidence. "I'm thrilled to see you all again. We've made significant strides in the past two weeks, and I'm excited to share our progress."

The board members nodded, their expressions attentive but with a hint of skepticism. I laid out the updated proposal, highlighting the new initiatives and the impact we had already begun to see. As I spoke, I could sense their enthusiasm growing. Questions were asked, and I answered each one with the passion and knowledge that had driven me to spearhead this project in the first place.

By the end of the meeting, their support was nearly unanimous. A few board members voiced minor concerns, but overall, the response was overwhelmingly positive. As we wrapped up, one of them leaned forward with a smile. "Zayn, this is impressive. It's exactly the kind of initiative that can make a real difference."

I felt a surge of relief and accomplishment. "Thank you all. Your support means the world to us. Together, we can achieve great things."

"We'll be in touch," one of them said.

After the meeting, Hayes and Hudson approached me, their faces breaking into broad grins. "Congrats, bro," Hayes said, clapping me on the back. "Looks like all your hard work is paying off."

"Yeah, well deserved," Hudson added, giving me a thumbs-up. "Now, how about we blow off some steam? You've earned it."

I nodded, grateful for the opportunity to relax with my brothers. We headed to the gym, a place where we could leave behind the pressures of our professional lives and just be ourselves. Boxing was our chosen way to unwind, a tradition that had kept us close despite our busy schedules.

And it kept us in great shape.

The gym was busy as usual with the rhythmic sounds of gloves hitting bags and the sharp commands of trainers echoing around the gym. We found our usual spot, slipping on our gloves and getting into our respective corners.

"You've been quieter than usual these days," Hayes observed, jabbing a quick punch into the air. "What's going on with you and Marigold?"

I paused, considering how much to reveal. The truth was, our relationship had deepened in unexpected ways, and I wasn't entirely sure where it was heading.

"She and I go together like sunshine and lemonade," I replied, offering a playful smile.

Hayes burst out laughing. "Sunshine and lemonade? Really, Zayn? That's a new one."

"That metaphor was a bit sweet, don't you think?" Hudson chuckled.

I shrugged, unbothered by their teasing. "It feels right. We complement each other well."

They continued to laugh, but I could see the curiosity in their eyes. Boxing gloves raised, Hayes threw a light jab in my direction. "Alright, Mr. Sunshine, tell us more. What makes her so special?"

I took a deep breath and tried to think of the right words to succinctly describe her. "She's incredibly kind, always thinking of others. Clever and quick-witted, she can hold her own in any conversation. And she's got this incredible patience, which I didn't know I needed. But the best part? When she stood up to her high school bully, it was hot as hell. I was seriously proud of her."

Hayes nodded approvingly, while Hudson gave me a thoughtful look. "Sounds like she's a strong woman. Someone who can handle herself."

"She definitely is," I said, landing a solid punch on the bag. "She's the kind of person who makes you want to be better, just by being around her."

Hayes's expression turned serious for a moment. "Zayn, you're starting to fall for her, aren't you? That's what all the lemonade and sunshine shit is about."

I shook my head, though deep down, I knew he was right. "No way. I'm just enjoying the time we have. She's amazing, but I'm not the type to fall head over heels. I just appreciate what I have while I have it. Who wouldn't? She's a beautiful woman with a body made for me, and I'm going to make the most of it while she's mine."

Hudson leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "You're treading on thin ice, bro. This relationship could lead to something serious, and you need to be prepared for that if it happens."

I threw a few more punches, the rhythm helping me stay focused. "I've got it under control. I don't need you guys worrying about me. Let me focus on Marigold and my reputation. We've got something good going, and that's what matters."

Hayes frowned. "We're not saying you shouldn't pursue this, but you need to think about the future. Relationships can be unpredictable, and you don't want to end up hurting yourself or her. You went into this expecting nothing. It's supposed to be fake. It sounds pretty real."

I wiped the sweat from my brow. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm good. I know what I'm doing."

Hudson nodded, but I could see he wasn't entirely convinced. "Just remember, things can change quickly. You might want to start thinking about how you'll handle the break-up."

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to consider it, but I'm not planning on breaking up anytime soon. We're having a good time. She's getting something from this and so am I. No harm, no foul."

We continued our boxing session in comfortable silence, the physical exertion helping to clear my thoughts. As the workout intensified, my mind wandered back to Marigold. Her smile, the way she looked at me with genuine affection, the way she stood up for herself—it all added up to something more profound than I had initially acknowledged.

As I landed a powerful punch on the bag, I felt a mix of emotions. The adrenaline from the workout was coursing through me, amplifying my internal conflict. Was I truly just enjoying the moment, or was I opening myself up to something deeper?

Was it even possible for me to want something long term?

I had never been one for deep relationships. My dating style was like a bee flitting from flower to flower, sampling all the pleasures life had to offer. Marigold was a flower I never wanted to fly away from.

I started punching harder and faster. Each punch landed with a bone-jarring impact, sending vibrations up my arms and through my shoulders. My knuckles were bruising under the force. I just kept going. Hitting the bag was my way of releasing the confusion building up within me. As I continued, the noise of leather on leather was strangely soothing. Each punch was accompanied by a grunt or a growl, the sound of exertion and determination.

Hudson and Hayes had long since stopped their own workout, watching me with concern etched on their faces. "Dude," Hudson finally said. "You're going to destroy that bag at this rate."

"I don't care," I growled out through gritted teeth, landing another heavy punch.

Hayes stepped forward, grabbing my arm mid-swing. "Enough," he ordered sternly, his grip firm on my forearm. "You're going to break your hand."

I took a breath, only then realizing I was breathing hard with sweat pouring down my face.

"You know, if things get complicated, maybe we can help," Hayes said. "Talk it out, figure out what's best for you both."

I gave him a tired smile. "Thanks, Hayes. I'll keep that in mind."

"We just want you to be happy, Zayn. And if Marigold is making you happy, then that's what matters. Maybe it doesn't need to be fake. There's nothing stopping you from making this real."

"I'm not making it real," I said. I couldn't tell if I was trying to convince them or myself.

As the final rounds of our workout concluded, I felt a sense of exhaustion mixed with clarity. I was walking a fine line with the Marigold situation. I needed to be careful. I didn't want to cross a line that ended up hurting her.

That was the last thing I wanted.

I also didn't want to hurt myself by falling for a woman I only had a business arrangement with. If she didn't want to try this relationship for real, there was nothing I could do. I would have to say goodbye and try to pick up the pieces of my life.

We grabbed our things and headed out of the gym. As we walked to our cars, Hayes and Hudson continued to discuss the nonprofit and their own lives. I listened to the way Hudson talked about Diana. Did I sound like that?

Was I truly just enjoying the moment with Marigold? The more I thought about it, the more the lines blurred. She was undeniably special, and my feelings for her were evolving in ways I hadn't anticipated.

As I drove home, my mind replayed what they said. What I said.

This whole thing might be moving into dangerous territory. I needed to have a conversation with Marigold and make sure we were both on the same page.

The last thing I wanted to do was break both our hearts.