by SJ McCoy
She looked amazing. Zack went to her and kissed her cheek. “No, you don’t need to. You’re beautiful anyway.”
Maria rolled her eyes at Manny. “He’s such a sweet-talker.”
“He is, but he’s telling the truth.”
“Aww. Thank you.” Maria smiled. “Or are you just as bad as him?”
Manny laughed. “No. I don’t pay compliments lightly.” He looked at Zack. “Then again, I guess that does make us similar after all.”
Zack nodded. “Are you sure that you taking us is the way to go? I thought you were staying off the radar. We don’t want to scare him away.”
“It’s a calculated risk. I don’t want you driving yourselves. The guys are going to go out the back way. They’ll be at the restaurant the whole time tonight.”
Maria looked at him wide-eyed. “Has something changed?”
“No,” said Manny. “You’d be taking a cab home tonight anyway so why not let me be your chauffeur?”
She smiled and seemed to accept that. Zack wasn’t so sure he did. He knew Manny must have something in mind to make him change things up like this, but he wasn’t telling.
~ ~ ~
Maria loved walking into the Boathouse holding Zack’s hand. It seemed he was happy about it, too. He squeezed her hand and smiled at her. “How would you feel about coming to say hi to Clay and Marianne?”
She nodded nervously. “Sure. Let’s jump right in at the deep end, why don’t we?”
Zack raised an eyebrow.
“Clay’s your boss, for starters. Not to mention the fact that he’s a country music superstar. He might have blended in so well that we all forget about that most of the time, but he is. And have you forgotten who Marianne is?”
It was almost comical to watch realization dawn on his face, transforming his puzzled frown into nervous understanding. “Oh, shit! I didn’t think. She’s friends with your parents, isn’t she?”
Maria nodded solemnly. “She’s a wonderful woman. She’s been so good to me over the years. She’s the one who set me up to come and work for Laura.”
“If it helps, I know she likes me. She hangs out with Luke and me sometimes when we fly her and Clay around.”
“I don’t doubt that she’ll approve of you. I just don’t want to put her in a difficult position. I haven’t told my parents about us yet, but I can hardly ask her not to. Too late.” Marianne was waving at her. She and Clay were sitting at a table over by the edge of the stage. Maria gripped Zack’s hand a little tighter. “Let’s go do this.”
When they reached the table, Marianne got to her feet and wrapped Maria in a hug. “It’s good to see you out and looking so happy.”
“It’s good to see you, too.”
Marianne smiled at Zack. “I hear you’re the one who’s making our Maria so happy.”
Zack nodded.
Maria felt bad for him. The poor guy was being put on the spot. He’d been so happy to tell everyone that they were together and now he was holding back because he didn’t want to make life difficult for her.
“He is,” she said. “He makes me very happy indeed.”
Clay had gotten to his feet, too, and shook Zack’s hand. “I’m glad to see the two of you have finally made it.” He winked at Maria. “He’s waited a long time for this.”
Maria looked at Zack and he shrugged. “Clay’s a good listener.”
Marianne smiled. “And what do your folks have to say, Maria? Are you going to take Zack home to meet them, or are they going to come out here?”
Maria took a deep breath and looked Marianne in the eye. She couldn’t lie. “I haven’t actually told them about him yet.”
Marianne nodded. “I did wonder.”
“I know they’re going to love Zack. They’ll be happy for us. They won’t be thrilled that we moved in together, but …” She shrugged.
Zack put his arm around her shoulders. “It’s my fault. I come with some baggage that Maria would rather put behind us before we tell her folks.”
Clay pursed his lips. “I’ve never dug too deep into what you’re hiding. I trust you. Can Maria’s parents trust you?”
Zack nodded and Maria loved both men just a little bit more after that exchange. Clay was the kind of father figure any girl would love to have—once she accepted the fact that he was too old to be anything else! He looked out for the younger folk around him. To be fair, he looked out for everyone. He was just that kind of guy.
“You know all that mystery from my past?” asked Zack.
Clay nodded.
“Well, I’m hoping to have it all resolved here soon. And once it’s behind us, we’ll invite Maria’s folks here, or we’ll go there, whatever they want.”
Maria rested her head against his shoulder. He was doing the best he could.
Marianne smiled at her. “I don’t disapprove. I like this guy.” She patted Zack’s arm. “I don’t know his whole story, but I do know he can be trusted. And don’t worry. I don’t talk to your folks very often. And I know from my experience with Laura that, as a parent, there are some things you’re better off not knowing about until they’re resolved.”
Maria breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I’m not trying to deceive them or anything. I just don’t want them to worry.”
“I know. I understand. But if I can do anything to help you, you let me know, okay?”
Maria gave her another hug. “I will. Thank you.”
Clay smiled at Zack. “The same thing goes for you, son. I’d love to help, if there’s anything I can do.”
“Thanks,” said Zack. “I need to do this for myself, but I appreciate the offer.”
“Hey guys.” They all turned as Chase and Eddie, the guys in the band came to join them. Maria smiled, remembering how she used to wonder what might be going on between Zack and April. She was glad to know that his connection was actually with her fiancé, Eddie.
“How’s it going?” Zack smiled at them
“Great, thanks.” Eddie smiled at Maria. “I hear things are going well for the two of you.”
Maria nodded happily, but she didn’t miss the inquiring look he gave Zack.
“Mind if I join you for a couple of numbers tonight?” Clay asked Chase.
“Not at all, we’re here to ask if you want to.”
Maria loved that Clay was so down to earth. He was probably the biggest name in country music, but he’d befriended the guys in the local band, and sometimes, when it wasn’t too busy, he got up and sang with them.
“We’ll leave you to it,” said Zack.
Maria hugged Marianne one more time, and then they made their way over to one of the long tables where Angel and Luke were sitting with Roxy and Colt.
Roxy beamed at them. “I still can’t get over how awesome it is to see you two together.”
Maria laughed. “Thank you. I kind of feel the same way.”
Roxy made a face. “But I am a little offended that you didn’t invite me over this afternoon, especially since I was kind of instrumental in getting you together. I hope the four of you aren’t going to start leaving the rest of us out now that you’re all coupled up.”
“Of course not,” began Angel, looking worried.
Maria just laughed. “Maybe we will, just as an incentive for you to get yourself a guy, too.”
Roxy rolled her eyes at Colt. “No offense or anything, Colt, but I don’t know anyone I would want to couple up with.”
“That’s so not true!” said Maria.
Colt laughed. “Sorry, Rox, but we all know that you like Logan.”
She made a face. “I’m talking about being a couple, not the down and dirty kind of physical coupling, which is all he thinks women are good for.”
Colt nodded. “Yeah, you’ve got a point there.”
“Anyway. You’re going to be left out, too. The only date you’ve been on in months was with what’s-her-face, Nadia’s crony.”
Colt blew out a sigh but didn’t comment.
; “But we’re hoping to change that, aren’t we girls?” asked Maria.
Colt ran a hand through his hair and gave her a worried look. “What are you talking about?”
She grinned at him. “I told you Amber and Jade were coming for dinner with us the other night. Well, they did, and we invited them to come along tonight, too. They said they would.”
“Is Austin coming?” asked Zack.
“Yeah, he is,” said Luke. “I saw him this afternoon.”
Roxy made a face. “Tell me he’s not bringing Nadia?”
“Aww, don’t be like that,” said Maria. “We have to be nice to her for his sake.”
“You’re just too nice,” said Roxy. “I’d rather tell her where to shove it and then get Austin interested in someone else.”
“I think he might already be interested in someone else.” Maria turned to look at Zack, wondering what made him think that.
“I ran into him and those two girls in here one morning. If I had to guess, I’d say that Logan had it right and that Austin likes the blonde sister.”
“Wow.” Maria didn’t know what to make of that. She didn’t care for Nadia, but she didn’t see Austin as the kind of guy who would cheat.
Luke frowned, seemingly thinking the same as Maria. “Then it’s time he broke up with Nadia. I don’t like her, but that’s not fair to her.”
They were all quiet for a few moments until Logan appeared. He looked around the table and laughed. “Damn, guys. I know you all need me to be the life and soul of the party, but could you at least look like you’re having a little fun? Especially you two.” He smiled at Maria and Zack. “You know I’m not big on the mushy stuff and I don’t get why two such good-looking people would want to take themselves off the market, but as long as you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”
Maria had to laugh. “Thanks. I think.”
Logan waggled his eyebrows at her. “You can always call me if ever you change your mind.”
“I won’t.” She took hold of Zack’s hand and squeezed it, hoping to let him know that she wouldn’t ever change her mind.
“Why are we all so serious, anyway?” asked Logan.
“What do you know about Lenny’s granddaughters?” asked Zack.
Logan shrugged. “I know all I need to know. They’re off limits. Lenny would skin me alive if I made a move on either of them.”
Maria laughed. “Lenny’s a sweetie. Why would you say that?”
“Because I grew up living around the corner from her, and as you can maybe imagine, I was a little terror. She didn’t take any of my shit back then—she dragged me home by the ear more than a few times. I’m not going to risk incurring her wrath now.” He smiled, and Maria could tell he was softer than he made out. There was more to him than his women chasing and storytelling ways. “She has to take it easy after her heart attack.”
Colt smiled at him. “You were a little terror, but Lenny always had a soft spot for you. And you still have one for her.”
Logan shrugged. “Yeah, okay, I do. Lenny’s awesome. So, there’s no way I’d go anywhere near one of her granddaughters.” He looked at Zack. “Why do you want to know? And should you really be asking in front of Maria?”
Zack scowled at him. “You wanted to know why we were all looking thoughtful when you arrived. It’s because we were talking about Austin.”
“Ah.” Logan was unperturbed by Zack’s irritation with him. “Yeah. I’d say Nadia will have to look out. Austin seemed smitten with the blonde one.”
“Amber.” Maria shook her head. “Why do you have to describe women by their hair color instead of calling them by name?”
Logan grinned. “I have no memory for names, so I have to use the details that stick with me. You, for example, for the first few months I knew you, you were great set, great ass.” He turned to Angel. “You were leggy blonde, pouty smile. And you …” He turned to Roxy, but his smile faded in the face of the withering look she gave him. “You are about to tell me to shut up, right? And I think you might have a point. Want to come and help me get a round in, Colt?”
Colt got to his feet and the two of them went to the bar.
Roxy shook her head. “He really is an asshole!”
“And it only bothers you so much because you like him,” said Angel.
Roxy shrugged but didn’t comment.
~ ~ ~
It was going on midnight by the time they came out of the restaurant. Zack had his arm around the girl’s shoulders. Morales slid down a little lower in his seat. He doubted they’d see him. Zack seemed to be letting his guard down. He probably thought he was safe since Alvarado was waiting in the truck to take them home. He might be safe for now, but he wouldn’t be for much longer. Morales was growing impatient. That wasn’t his nature. He was a firm believer that revenge was a dish best served cold. But his vengeance for his brother’s death had been left to cool for so long that his blood now ran with ice cold fury through his veins. Zack was only a few years younger than Alejandro. Why should he get to live, to take a woman, when Alejandro lay dead in the ground?
He banged his fist against his thigh. He shouldn’t. That was the simple answer. Zack Aguila had taken his brother’s life and it was time for him to pay with his own.
Chapter Seventeen
Zack sat at the island in the kitchen watching Maria gather her things up as she got ready for work. “I wish you didn’t have to go.”
She came to him and landed a kiss on his lips. “So do I, but this is my life. I have to get up and go to work every day. I don’t get to sit around drinking coffee most of the time and jet off to exotic locations on the few days I do have to do anything.”
He made a face at her. “You make me sound like a lazy bum.”
“Aww, I don’t mean to. I guess I just have a case of the Monday morning blues. I would have loved to sleep in a little longer.” She ran her hand up his thigh. “To have had some more time in bed with you. I wish I could spend the day here with you. We only have another week before you have to take Clay back to Nashville—and who knows how long you’ll be gone for.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I wish you could stay home with me.”
She shrugged. “So, do I. But that’s not my reality. I have to go to work to pay my rent.”
He caught her eye and raised an eyebrow.
She blew out a sigh. “Okay. You know what I mean. Just because we’re living here and I’m living off you …”
He closed his arms around her. “You’re not living off me. Take that back. You’re still paying your rent—though maybe we should talk about that. About whether we really want to keep your house on.”
She looked up into his eyes. “I thought we were going to wait to see what happened first. I thought us staying here was only temporary.”
He rested his forehead against hers. “So did I. I don’t know what I’m saying. All I know is what I’m feeling. I said this was only temporary, but I don’t want it to be. I know you like it here now that you’re used to it. Why can’t we make this our home? I told you you’re not getting rid of me. So, why should you keep your old place? Why should I keep mine?”
She stepped back and pursed her lips. “That’s a lot of questions and I can’t even think about the answers right now.” She looked up at the clock on the wall. “I need to get going or I’m going to be late for work.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s the wrong time to bring it up, but can we talk about it? Tonight, maybe?”
“Okay. I’ll see you when I get home.”
He cupped his hands around the sides of her neck and kissed her. It was a low blow; he knew that move turned her on. She relaxed against him and kissed him back for a few moments before she came to her senses and stepped away, narrowing her eyes at him. “You weren’t kidding when you said you can be very persuasive, were you?”
He smiled. “No. I love you, my little peanut, why wouldn’t I try to persuade you to go all in with me, to give up your place and make this our ho
me?”
She smiled back at him. “I’m not complaining about your intentions. I love it. I love you. It’s just that your timing isn’t wonderful. I really have to go or I’m going to be late.”
“Sorry. You go. One of the guys already went out to the car on the back lane. They’ll follow you once you hit West Shore Drive.”
She made a face. “I know that’s how it’s supposed to work, but I’ve never once spotted them following me.”
He smiled. “That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
After she’d left, he went through to the annex to find Manny.
“Morning.” Manny held up his mug of coffee. “You want one?”
“No, thanks. What I want is talk to you about how we can hurry this up. I’m going crazy here.”
“I know. I get it. I’d like to see if we can’t move things along faster, too. I’m going to have to go back to the office at some point. I gave myself a month, in the hope that that would be more than enough, but time’s running out.”
“I know you can’t stay here babysitting me forever.” Zack gave him a rueful smile. “And much as I love you, I don’t want you here. I want to get on with my life. I want to set up home with Maria—in this house or another one if that’s what she wants. This place is perfect for now, but I don’t know that she’ll want to stay on here.”
Manny gave him a puzzled look. “I’d have thought a young girl like that would be thrilled to move into a place like this with her rich, handsome boyfriend. It’s like a Cinderella story.”
Zack laughed. “She’s not interested in being a Cinderella. She’d rather be Super Girl. She doesn’t need me to swoop in and be her hero or her prince. She’s perfectly capable of kicking ass herself.”
Manny chuckled. “True. That’s why I like her so much.”
“And it’s partly why I love her. There’s so much about her to love.”
Manny nodded. “I think the two of you have a long and happy future ahead of you.”
“I hope so, but first we have to keep me alive and the way to do that is take Morales down.”
“Yeah. I’ve been setting things up a little differently than we discussed.”
