Expecting His Secret Heir

by Dani Wade

  “You make it sound so much worse than it was.”

  KC’s eyes widened. “Zach! Why would you do that?”

  He wanted to use his lame security excuse again, but he seriously needed better lines. Instead, he focused on pulling a beer. “Let’s talk about it later—we’re kinda busy right now.”

  “That we are,” KC said, filling her tray with drinks for a rowdy table of off-the-clock firefighters. The dinner hour was just approaching, and Lola’s bar was already filled to capacity. “But you’re not off the hook,” she warned him.

  He wanted to let his rare bad temper loose and tell her to mind her own business, but knew his sister’s fiancé, Jacob Blackstone, wouldn’t pull any punches putting him in his place if Zach made his own sister cry. Besides, it wasn’t KC’s fault.

  It was Sadie’s.

  He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her, to the point that he wished his brain had an off switch. Even sleeping hadn’t given him any relief. Ever since seeing her two days ago, he’d dreamed of the single night they’d been together, and the glorious sensuality of her body.

  The images in his brain were not calming him right now. Any part of him...

  He distracted himself by checking on his orders in the kitchen, along with the two new hires he’d put in place a month ago. One was a veteran chef from the military who’d put in ten years of duty before losing a leg in Afghanistan. The other was a hardworking kid who reminded Zach a lot of himself at his age, with a single mom and baby sister at home to support. Only Miguel’s dad had been killed in a car accident. Zach’s had simply walked away when supporting a wife and child got too boring for him to handle.

  Despite the rush, he found everything moving along smoothly in the kitchen. There was no need for Zach to be working at Lola’s. In fact, he refused to let his mother pay him anymore. The last thing he needed these days was money—a concept he couldn’t quite absorb. But he couldn’t stay away.

  Taking care of his grandmother, mother and sister was a way of life for him. He’d only been away from them while he was in the military. No matter what his job was now, his day still wasn’t complete until he’d touched base with them. And he wasn’t the kind of man to sit around while the women worked. He wasn’t like his father—uncaring enough to walk away from the people who needed him. Nor KC’s father, who’d done the same when the going got tough. Zach had never let down the women in his life, and his new millionaire status wasn’t an excuse to start now.

  So here he was on a Friday night, carrying a tray of appetizers out to a table surrounded by several couples eager to eat before hitting the dance floor. Lola’s was crowded tonight. Lots of people were in town needing to blow off steam, especially those who worked out at the mill. Too many probably thought about the disaster they would have faced if it hadn’t been a mandatory shutdown weekend when the bomb had gone off.

  Zach talked to the customers for a few minutes about the damage, then left them to their food. As head of security, he’d done his best to spread the most positive outlook. He hoped he was having some effect, because the last thing this town needed was for the people living here to give up. Regardless of the damage, the Blackstone brothers were not going to let the mill close and the town disappear. They’d all worked too hard to have that happen to the people they cared about.

  Hearing some boisterous laughter, Zach glanced at the table of firefighters only to spot an unexpected redheaded beauty in their midst.

  Well, look what snuck in while I was in the kitchen.

  He should stay away—he really should—but knew he wouldn’t. Casually making his way across the room, he stopped to check in at a few tables while keeping Sadie in view. Her laughter, her smile were beautiful things, though she wasn’t overtly flirting. Still, a surprising surge of anger streaked through him. He found himself circling slowly, almost like a lion studying his prey from all angles.

  Coming in from behind, he could no longer see her face, but he could finally hear her words.

  “So, did they know someone was sabotaging the mill before this?”

  Every cell in his body went alert at the question. Why was she asking?

  “Oh, yeah,” one of the locals eagerly replied. “Of course, those of us who work there knew it way before any manager did. But we needed proof, right?”

  She nodded, which caused the muted lighting to glint off her ruby curls.

  “They say they got someone in custody,” the man continued. “Whoever it is, they’re gonna get a sh—oops, not supposed to say that in front of a lady.”

  Was that a hint of a blush on the curve of her cheek he could actually see?

  “But the whole town, they’re already up in arms.”

  “That will just give them a target,” she murmured, nodding her understanding.

  Standing right behind her, Zach felt a moment of evil satisfaction that he stood so close, yet she seemed unaware. One by one the men at the table spotted him. Oddly enough, none gave away his presence to the lamb in their midst.

  Every time he was around this woman, his hackles rose. He told himself it was because he’d found her at the mill, where she didn’t belong, but he was afraid the reason was much, much deeper.

  “Why would you want to know?” he finally asked.

  Sadie jerked around to face him, causing her drink to slosh over the rim and drip from her fingers. “What are you doing there?” she asked before lifting her hand up and gently sucking the moisture away.

  Zach ignored the tightening in his groin, ever aware of his surroundings and a half dozen pairs of eyes glued to their interactions...and that was just at this table. Zach gave a short nod in the direction of the men, then cupped Sadie’s elbow with his palm. “Let’s get you a fresh drink.”

  Without waiting for a response, he ushered her around a dozen tables to get to the less crowded, more utilitarian end of the bar. The whole time his heart pounded with intensity, though he wasn’t sure why the conversation affected him that way. He forced himself to speak quietly. “Why are you asking all those questions?”

  Sadie didn’t jerk away, but she kept up a firm pressure with her arm until he let her free.

  Zach ignored KC’s curious glances from several feet away, grateful that there were enough customers to delay her interrogation. He turned back to his prey. “What was that all about?” he demanded again, letting anger seep through his self-control.

  At first, he thought she would cave and spill her guts. His stomach churned as he realized he wanted to know everything about why she was here, why she’d walked back into his life and turned his emotions on their head.

  Then her thick lashes swept up, revealing those gorgeous green eyes, and somehow he knew he wasn’t getting what he wanted tonight.

  She wiggled her glass. “I thought I was here for a fresh drink?”

  He wasn’t sure whether to shake her or kiss her, but he felt relief as he moved behind the bar. Being that close to Sadie only encouraged his circuits to misfire.

  So he tried a different tactic. He let his fingers slide slowly over hers as he lifted the glass from her hand. Her lowered lashes told him she had something to hide. At least that secret he could guess, if her reaction was anything like his.

  “You know those guys?” he asked as he refilled her Coke. He wanted to grin at her drink of choice. As far as he’d been able to tell, she didn’t drink, smoke or get into trouble. Her innocence simply hinted at an incredible sensuality that he’d never been able to forget.

  She shrugged delicate shoulders. “A couple of the guys are staying at the B and B. The hotel ran out of room.”

  They’d been lucky with all the crews that had come in to help fight the fire and pull debris. Unfortunately, Black Hills wasn’t very well equipped for visitors. Every last vacant room was in use at the moment. There were even a couple of
fire chiefs bunking out at Blackstone Manor.

  “I told them there was a great place for food and drinks out this way. They invited me to join them when I was free. I hope that was okay?”

  The glance from under her lashes didn’t seem to be seeking permission so much as a reaction.

  It was his turn to shrug. “I’ve always been easy to find.”

  Her petite body stilled. She glanced around, as if making sure no one was close enough to listen. “Look,” she said, “I’m very sorry about leaving. I just got...scared.”

  He stepped closer, bypassing the safety of the counter. “Why?”

  She swallowed, hard. His instincts were to follow the movement with his mouth, taste what he could only see.

  Reaching out, he forced her chin up with demanding fingers. “Why?”

  “It was just too much for me,” she whispered.

  Without thought, he found himself murmuring, “Me, too.”

  Startled eyes met his. He could drown in all that fresh green color. Five years ago, her eyes had been just as vibrant. Just as alluring. He’d fallen for her seductive pull and received the rudest awakening in his life for it. But he still couldn’t forget the night spent drowning in her green gaze.

  Suddenly Sadie was bumped from behind, breaking the hold she had on Zach. Quickly he shuttered his expression.

  He stepped back once, twice, until he found his breathing distance. “Now, what’s with the questions?”

  “Why? Do you see me as a threat?”

  In more ways than one. But he wasn’t giving her more ammo, so he bit his tongue. “Should I?”

  Her gaze dropped at his question, causing his hackles to rise once more. Why was getting any information from her like pulling teeth?

  “Just don’t stir up trouble.” He turned away, lifting a tray of dirty glasses off the counter and stepping through the opening behind the bar.

  Only then did he hear her say, “And how’s a busy guy like you gonna stop me?”

  * * *

  “Don’t you know you don’t have to do this anymore?” a male voice from right behind Sadie asked.

  Zach turned back toward her, focusing over her shoulder with a grin that she wished was directed at her. But it was better than the glower she’d been sure to receive after her challenge.

  “My mama doesn’t care how much money I make,” Zach said. “She simply points at a table and tells me to get busy.”

  When Zach came back out from behind the bar she was forced to step to the side, giving her a good look at the newcomer.

  Or rather, newcomers. The trio looked like the epitome of wealth...and exhaustion. Zach shook hands with the blond man before turning to do the same with a man whose dark hair had a mind of its own. The woman between them received a light, social hug.

  Based on her discussions with people in town, these must be the Blackstones.

  If she remembered her gossip correctly, this would be Aiden Blackstone, his wife, Christina, and one of the younger brothers, Jacob. The utter weariness in their expressions spoke to the trials of the last week. Their brother Luke was currently in the hospital after being near the epicenter of the exploding bomb.

  Suddenly another woman arrived through the break in the bar counter, pushing Sadie even farther back. The blonde beauty threw her arms around the one Sadie assumed was Jacob, holding nothing back. The surrounding people didn’t seem surprised. The woman pressed light, quick kisses against his lips, then settled at his side. Her touch never wavered and never dropped. If Sadie remembered correctly from local gossip, Zach’s sister, KC, was engaged to Jacob.

  Zach studied them a moment, then asked, “How’s Luke doing?”

  “Much better,” Jacob said. “They say he can come home tomorrow.”

  “No further damage to his legs?” KC asked.

  Jacob shook his head. “None.”

  “Good,” Zach added. “We don’t need any more damn tragedies around here.”

  Everyone murmured their agreement.

  “Anyway.” Aiden stepped closer. “My wife is in firm need of sustenance that isn’t hospital food, and I promised her some of your mama’s fried chicken.”

  Zach grinned in a way that took Sadie’s breath. “With a baby on the way, that woman should have anything she wants to have. She’s doin’ all the work, after all.”

  “Amen,” Christina said, leaving the whole group laughing.

  Sadie smiled, even though she knew it was a little sad around the edges. The group reminded her of her family. There were only three of them, but she, her mama and her sister had taken care of each other through a lifetime of heartache. They could often make each other laugh during the hardest times. And they never gave up hope that they would be together.

  Zach stepped back to the kitchen to put in the order without so much as looking in her direction, intensifying Sadie’s feeling of solitude in the midst of the crowd. She eyed the distance back to the table she’d come from, but the Blackstones simply took up too much space for her to squeak by without notice.

  Then the silence around her registered and she glanced back to realize she’d become the center of attention. Four sets of eyes studied her. Her familiar technique of disappearing into the shadows where she wouldn’t be noticed wasn’t an option here, as she was boxed in by the wall on one side and the bar counter behind her.

  Finally the woman she recognized as Zach’s sister stepped closer. “Hi, there. I’m KC, Zach’s sister. And you are?”

  Sadie wasn’t used to people offering her their hands, but she shook anyway. “Sadie Adams.”

  “Let me guess,” KC said with a slight smile. “You must be Zach’s new nemesis.”

  How had she known? “Um...”

  “Oh, is this the woman from the mill?” Christina asked, interest lighting her eyes.

  Suddenly Sadie felt as though someone had dialed up the spotlight.

  “I believe she is,” KC replied.

  “How did you know?” Sadie asked.

  “Honey, it’s a small town.” KC’s smile was friendly, not condescending as Sadie had expected. “Trust me, everybody knows.”

  “I don’t know,” Aiden said with a frown.

  Christina patted his chest. “I’ll fill you in later, dear.”

  That didn’t stop him from studying Sadie in a way that made her more reluctant than ever to stay. But KC picked up her now watered-down drink from the counter and dumped it before starting a fresh one. “Come on over and tell us about yourself,” she invited.

  Sadie hung on to that friendly smile, even though she knew more than anyone how deceiving it might be from a stranger. But she needed these people for her mission, so she forced her feet forward.

  “What do you do, Sadie?” Christina asked.

  “I’m a photographer.” It wasn’t the entire truth. She did take photographs. She just didn’t do it for a living, as she’d led them all to believe.

  “Oh, where’s your camera?”

  “Outside.” She’d been afraid Zach would make a scene if she brought it in.

  Christina didn’t seem fazed. “Have you had anything published?”

  “Yes, actually. A few pieces through Barnhill Press.” The art press wasn’t anything to sneeze at, so at least Sadie didn’t feel like such a fraud.

  Until another voice chimed in. “So you no longer describe yourself as domestic help?”

  The people around her froze, unsure how to take Zach’s comment. Sadie had no problem with being seen as domestic help. After all, she’d fallen into that category all of her life.

  She’d tried to stick as close to the truth as possible. She’d only ever held two things back from Zach the first time around: her employer’s true identity and her sister’s situation.

  Sadie raise
d her chin and spoke confidently. “Actually, my longtime employer recently passed away. I’m taking a bit of a break before looking for a new position.”

  “Good luck,” Aiden said.

  “Thank you.” She took a deep breath for courage. “I have an idea I think might interest you.”

  Suddenly the trio on this side of the bar with her adopted that slightly uncomfortable look that rich people got when they know they were about to be asked for money. She’d seen it often enough back home. But that wasn’t what she wanted...

  “I wondered if I could have your permission to shoot a series of photographs about the rebuilding of the mill? I visited the town several years ago and became quite attached to it.” If they only knew... “From what the people here have been telling me about your family and what you are doing to keep the town alive, well, it’s incredible.”

  She smiled brightly at Christina, since the woman’s calm features were easier to focus on. “If nothing else, I think it would make a wonderful memento for the people of the town.”

  Christina glanced back up at her husband. “Aiden, that sounds wonderful.”

  “I could talk to the publisher at Barnhill. I’ve worked with him on several projects...though this would be my first solo proposal,” she added, feeling the need to be honest.

  On the other side of the bar, she could feel a sense of frustrated resistance coming from Zach. He stared at her, though she refused to meet his gaze. Luckily, she’d already gotten a positive response or she had a feeling he would have blasted her before his employer, simply to keep her from getting close.

  Though he still didn’t know how close she planned to be...

  KC must have sensed it, too, because she kept glancing sideways at her brother. But she didn’t speak. Finally Aiden said, “That does sound good. I am a bit worried about safety issues—”

  Before he or Zach could go further, she cut him off. “Not a problem. I’ve already seen the destruction at the mill, and I would definitely need someone to steer me in the safest direction. Someone local, with a lot of experience with the area who could introduce me to people who know the history, the ins and outs of the area. The people and places that make Black Hills so special...”