by Cat Johnson
Of course, Zane didn't know if other photos of a different nature had been exchanged. The kind of pictures featuring body parts besides his face.
Would Will have been able to trace that exchange? He shuddered, not wanting to even contemplate that possibility. As Zane stepped up behind the next customer waiting for service, he vowed to never put anything private online ever again.
Paul finished with the customer in front of him and Zane stepped up to the counter. “Hey, Paul.”
“Hey. What can I get for ya?” the kid asked, not even blinking at Zane’s use of his name since he was wearing a name tag.
“Can you take a quick break?”
A frown creased his young brow. “Um, yeah. I guess. Can I ask why?”
“You can but I'm not discussing this here at the counter.”
“Uh. Yeah, okay.” Paul twisted toward the girl behind the counter with him, who was in the process of stocking the pastries in the case. “Can you watch the counter for a sec? I'll be right back.”
She nodded.
Paul turned back to Zane. “All right. Where you wanna go?”
After making sure Brent wasn’t in the vicinity, Zane tipped his head toward a free table in the far corner. “Right over there is fine.”
Paul looked both confused and concerned but nodded. “Okay.”
Zane had prepared on the cross-country flight so when he set his laptop on the table and flipped it open the screen sprang to life to display a screen capture of Lizzie Hearst's Facebook page and one of Paul's more flirty posts on it.
“I'm here to discuss Lizzie.”
The kid visibly paled. “Uh, I didn't mean anything by that. I was just playing around. You know how it is online.”
Zane cocked a brow. “No, not really.”
“Who are you anyway? Her boyfriend?” Now he looked really panicked. Paul’s eyes widened as he shook his head. “Dude, she never told me—”
“Why does it matter who I am? What exactly has been going on between you two?” Zane leaned forward and waited.
“Nothing. Nothing's going on. We haven't even met in real life.”
“And why not? You've been talking for quite a while.” Zane clicked to a screen shot of the very first interaction between the two.
The kid breathed out a curse. “I'm sorry. I won't talk to her ever again. I promise.”
“You still haven't answered my question. What were you looking for here? What was your end goal?”
Paul drew in a breath. Finally, he said, “I know she's older than me. And hell, I'm not blind. I know she's completely out of my league. But I figured if I could make my life seem more interesting online, like hers is, maybe we could like, I don't know, meet and start to date.”
“Date? Seriously?” Zane asked. This man-child was delusional if he thought a globe trotting twenty-nine year old heiress who’d worked as a model would date a nineteen or twenty-year old nerdy barista.
“Well, not right away. She'd have to, like, be in love with me before I could let her know I'm working here to help my parents cover my college bills. But I figured we could build a relationship online first. People do it all the time.”
Zane watched and listened, evaluating his body language and the visceral clues, more than the farfetched words he spoke. Zane believed the kid. He could be wrong but he didn't think so. This kid truly believed what he was saying.
“You believe me, right?” The kid's tone rose high, no doubt from fear as he asked the question.
Zane didn't answer that. Instead he leaned forward. “This is what's going to happen. You're going to shut down all your social media accounts.”
The kid's mouth dropped open and he looked about to speak. Zane held up his hand to stop any protest.
“You're never going to contact her again through any means. And if she contacts you somehow, you're going to ignore it. Hell, change your cell phone number and your email address if you have to but do not interact with her in any way.”
“But—”
“No. No but. You're going to do all that and if you don't do exactly as I say, I'll know. Trust me, I'll know.”
“What's she going to think? My ghosting her is going to hurt her feelings.”
Zane had to admit he was impressed the kid was concerned about Lizzie's feelings. That didn't change anything. “I’m guessing she'll assume you're exactly what you are—a fraud. Don't worry. She'll be upset by that, but she'll get over it. She’s not really your concern any longer.”
The kid's shoulders visibly slumped. “Okay.”
For some strange reason, Zane felt sorry for him. “Listen to me, kid. You're right. She is out of your league. And not because of her looks either. She's way older than you, dude. Not just in years but in experiences. She has an established life and a career. You're just starting out. Stick to girls your own age. Find someone nice at school. Someone you can be yourself with. Someone who's going to fall in love with who you really are, not who you're pretending to be. You're a good kid. I'm gambling that you can be an honest one too and do what I ask. Am I going to regret that?”
He shook his head. “No, sir.”
“Good.” Zane flipped the laptop closed and stood. He pulled a five out of his pocket and tossed it on the table. “Now go pour me a coffee to go, cream and sugar. Keep the change.”
“Okay. Thanks.” He jumped up from the chair, grabbed the bill and took off for behind the counter.
Zane turned and, as expected, found Brent watching all the action.
He'd almost done as Zane had asked. He was off to the side, but standing at one of the high counters. A coffee cup sat, ignored, near his elbow.
The kid returned in no time.
“Thanks.” Zane took the cup and raised his gaze to meet the kid's skittish one. “We good?”
“Yes.” He nodded hard.
“Good. Now get back to work, but I expect your accounts will be gone by end of day. Got it?”
He looked physically pained, but he said, “Yeah. I got it.”
Zane nodded, spun and headed out to the street, knowing Brent would follow, if only from curiosity to find out what had been said.
It turned out Zane’s assumption was right. Brent was behind him in seconds as they both walked toward where the car was waiting for them.
“What's happening?” Brent asked.
“Keep walking but hang back a few steps until we're around the corner and then I'll tell you.” Zane didn't want Brent attached to this thing in case the kid was watching out the window.
It would defeat the purpose of trying to keep the Hearst name out of the spotlight. He didn't think the kid had it in him to give the story to the press, but that a member of the Hearst family had hired someone of Zane’s caliber and reputation to threaten him would be a juicy story. Best to take precautions.
On the next block, Zane stopped by the limo, turned and waited for Brent.
He didn't have long to wait. The man was walking so fast and close he almost barreled Zane over.
“Tell me,” Brent demanded.
“He's a college kid who thought she was hot.”
“Seriously? That can’t be it.” Brent looked skeptical.
“Did you get a good look at him?” Zane asked, wide-eyed.
“Yes.”
“Then you saw he's just a kid. I told him to shut down his accounts and never contact her again.”
“Do you think he will?”
“Yes. But if he doesn't, we'll know. I'll keep an eye on him. And on Lizzie too.” Zane figured Will would be up for a bit of follow up. The bored computer guru enjoyed the intrigue of this case too much to not be involved in the aftermath.
Brent drew in a breath and let it out. “So that's it then?”
“That's it as far as I can see. He did bring up a good point though. Lizzie is going to wonder why he disappeared.”
Brent cringed. “I don't suppose I could convince you to handle Lizzie too?”
“Yeah, no.” Zane laughed, but
sobered when he saw how genuinely miserable his friend looked. “Come on, bud. Let's grab something to eat. We'll figure it out.”
“Thanks, Zane. I owe you big for this. I mean it.”
Little did Brent know, Zane had meant it too when he said he planned to collect on that debt one day.
A man like Brent, who ran in elite circles those without household names couldn’t, would come in handy.
Zane didn’t know when or how, but one day the company might need a set of eyes in certain venues that normal people didn't have access to.
He'd figure out the details when the time came to cash in on that favor, but right now he punched in a text to Missy telling her his business was done and he’d be flying home as soon as Brent could arrange the flight plan.
This was exactly the kind of job he liked. In and out in a day then back home to his girl.
He really did need to get back home. He'd made a decision and once Zane Alexander made up his mind to do something, he wasn’t happy waiting around to take action.
This was one thing he didn't want to wait on.
CHAPTER 14
Missy glanced at the text and her heart rate picked up speed. It was from Zane telling her he was on his way home.
Brent had decided to stay in California and see his cousin, but Zane was flying back today. He wouldn't land until the middle of the night but at least he'd be home.
That was good. He was done quicker than expected. The news made her happy in the midst of her boring work day.
Sighing, she thought for the dozenth time that day how she needed a new job. That much was obvious if the only bright spot in her day was a text from Zane.
She used to like this job. It used to feel important to be the one in charge of cultivating high level donors for the children's hospital. It still was an important job, but after four years of doing it, soliciting checks left her feeling cold.
When had she started to be so unhappy at work? Thinking about it, she knew exactly when things changed for her. When she'd gotten a taste of doing real hands on work teaching the girls in Nigeria.
But that hadn't worked out all that well, if you could call being kidnapped at gunpoint by a terrorist organization not working out.
Still, there had to be a career where she could do good and still have the satisfaction of being personally involved helping people.
She wanted something where she could be more creative. She loved art and literature. Maybe she could get a job in the arts field and then just do hands-on volunteer work in her free time.
That idea had merit. She liked it. She'd definitely have to spend some time researching positions and see what she could find.
Maybe she'd feel less needy when Zane was traveling if she were happier in her job. Or maybe not, because that bed felt awfully empty when he wasn't in it next to her.
The cell rang on the desk where she'd put it down after reading the text. Amelia's name and picture showed on the display.
Missy answered the call and said, “Hey, Meli.”
“Hi. So I'm calling to see what Zane said when you told him he's in the wedding party.”
Missy cringed. This was one other reason she was feeling out of sorts lately—avoiding telling Zane was very stressful.
Luckily, she had a legitimate excuse for Amelia as to why she hadn't told him. At least, it would be legitimate if she fudged the timeline a bit.
“I haven't told him yet. He had to go out of town on business. I'll tell him when he gets back.” Or maybe a few days after . . .
“Oh. Okay. Well let me know when you do. I'm dying to get the whole wedding party together so everyone can get to know each other.”
“Exactly how many are you having in your party?”
“Ten.”
Missy's eyes widened. “Ten. Wow. That's a lot.”
“Not really. It's only five attendants for me and five for him.”
“True.” Missy rolled her eyes even as she agreed.
She did love a wedding. Always had, always would. But she had to agree with Zane's criticisms on some points. Huge wedding parties being one of them.
It took a lot of time and money and hard work to be in a wedding party. She’d rather everyone just come and have a good time at her wedding—if she ever had a wedding.
Missy stifled a sigh.
Zane was going to be so unhappy. First that he was in the wedding party. And then that there would be a get to know each other event. That would be the first of many such obligations, she was sure.
She'd better come up with some persuasive plan. Maybe swing by the Victoria's Secret store on the way home and grab something new. It had better be extra sexy too, because Amelia's wedding was going to push Zane to his limit for sure.
CHAPTER 15
Zane's mother had never looked so happy. Ecstatic, in fact. She was absolutely beaming.
Her smile was infectious. Zane couldn't help as he joined in. Even tired from getting in late last night, and playing catch up on phone calls and messages all day, he was happy he'd decided to do this today.
That it was Friday and his father was at the office and he got to see his mother alone helped his good mood.
Funny, even thoughts of his father didn't put a damper on his good spirits today.
Shaking his head at himself for grinning like a fool, he glanced down at the ring he held between his two fingers. He was even more firm in his decision to propose to Missy now he had the physical manifestation of that plan in his hand.
The ring had the patina of age. A beauty wrought by time and the two women who'd worn it. His grandmother and after her, his mother.
If he were very lucky, Missy would be the third.
“Are you sure?” he asked, raising his gaze to hers.
He'd told his mother he was going to propose to Missy and without his asking for it and with no hesitation whatsoever she'd given him the ring off her finger.
“Yes. Of course I am, silly.” Tears in her eyes, she reached out and grabbed him, holding on with a tight, breath stealing hug.
For once, he didn't give her a quick squeeze back and try to get away after that. Today, he held tight and long, the closeness filling him with warmth down to his soul.
Finally pulling back before he started crying too, he said, “Thank you.” The words weren't enough to express his feelings. Maybe this would help. “I love you,” he added.
“I love you too.” She smiled, her eyes nearly overflowing with her tears.
He was almost as emotional as she was as he looked down at the solitaire diamond set in the platinum band. It was probably going to have to be sized to fit Missy properly, but other than that, it was perfect.
The vibrating of his cell in his jacket pocket had him reaching in to pull it out. One glance at the display had him cringing. “It's Missy.”
One brow cocked high, his mother said, “You'd better answer it.”
He drew in a breath and hit the display to answer. “Hey, baby.”
“Where are you?”
“I'm in a meeting. Why? What's up?”
“I was just wondering when you'd be home tonight.”
“Not late. I promise.”
“So I'll wait for you to eat dinner?” she asked.
“Yes, please. I'll definitely be there in time to eat with you. We haven't done that enough lately.”
“I agree. Okay. See you home.”
“See you home.” He disconnected the call and glanced up to see the judgmental look being leveled upon him. “What?”
“You lie much too easily. And convincingly, I might add.” His mother shook her head.
“That's because it's not a lie. I am in a meeting. I met with you, didn't I?” He grinned.
“The military must have taught you that because I certainly did not.” She pursed her lips unhappily.
“Spoken like a true mother.” Zane leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek to erase the censure. “I'd better get going.”
“Yes, you'd bette
r.” She screwed up her mouth. “I'd tell you to give my love to Missy but . . .”
“Once I give her the ring, there'll be no more lying. I promise,” he assured her.
“I'm going to hold you to that.”
“I'm sure you will.” He smiled. “Call you tomorrow. Oh, and remember, not a word to Father.”
“More lies.” She pressed her lips together.
“Mom. Please?”
“I won't tell. But let's make this proposal sooner rather than later, okay?”
Zane could agree to that. He'd waited long enough already. “Yes, Mother. I promise. Love you. Bye.”
Closing the door behind him, he pulled out his cell again as he headed to the car. Might as well get some business done as he drove back to the apartment. That way when he arrived home he could devote all his attention to Missy and not have to worry about making any calls.
He scrolled through the contacts and hit the screen to dial the one he wanted.
After a few rings, Jon answered, “Hello.”
“Jon, my friend.”
“Uh, oh.” Jon sounded suspicious. “What do you need?”
Zane laughed that his business partner knew him so well. “I need a secretary.”
“I just agreed to the new office.”
“And that's why I need the secretary. For the office.”
Jon sighed as if Zane had asked for a Black Hawk or something.
Zane continued, his argument already prepared in advance. “I did the math. Even full time and with us paying for benefits we can afford it. I promise.”
It was an on going battle. Zane knowing you had to spend money to make money and Jon pinching a penny so tightly Zane couldn't pry it out of his hand.
But somehow the partnership worked. They balanced each other out and kept the company on an even keel.
Finally, Jon said, “Fine.”
Zane smiled. “Thank you.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just don't ask for anything else for a while, please. My stress level can't take it.”
Jon was such a worrier. Again, pretty much the opposite of Zane. But they said opposites attract. He supposed that was true for business partners and friendships as well as romantic relationships.
