The man’s voice startled Whitney out of her thoughts and she jumped. Joe leaned against a wall as he stared at her painting. The smile on his face told her everything and her heart melted.
“I didn’t even hear you come in,” she said.
“I didn’t want to disturb you. I could tell you were really enjoying your painting.”
“I am.” She sighed and put down the brush. “What time is it?”
“It’s about eleven o’clock.”
“What?” She jumped to her feet. “It’s that late? I need to help Zack to bed.”
Waving his hands, Joe moved away from the wall. “It’s already been done. Gladys was only too happy to help Zack.”
Whitney chuckled. “Yeah, I bet she was.”
Joe pulled a stool over next to her and sat. He took hold of her hand as a worried frown touched his face.
“Whit, I need to talk to you about Zack.”
“Okay.”
“How well do you really know him?”
When Captain Bott had given her the assignment to watch over the billionaire, she’d read Zack’s file over twice, along with studying his movements as she spied on him. “I think I know him pretty well. Why?”
Joe’s gaze dropped to his lap as he twisted his fingers. She held her breath, wondering what he knew that she didn’t. She prayed it wasn’t something terrible, especially now when she allowed her heart to be opened.
“Todd, one of my ranch hands, thinks Zack looks like the missing billionaire that’s been in the tabloids lately.” He raised his head and looked at her. “But you told me Zack’s last name was Tucker, right?” He shrugged. “I have to admit, your Zack and the billionaire Zack do resemble each other. I just didn’t want you to get hurt.”
She breathed a relieved sigh. “Joe,” she reached over and grasped one of his hands, “I haven’t been completely honest with you, and I’m sorry. I suppose it’s part of the job. But my Zack is the missing billionaire. I made him cut his hair and grow a beard, so he wouldn’t be easily recognized. The reason we are here is because I was assigned to watch him until the senator’s trial. But well, I goofed up the other day and now the senator’s hitman knows I’m with Zack. So, we’re now both in hiding.”
“Oh...” Joe’s shoulders sagged. “Well, now I don’t know which is worse – both of you lying to me or both of you in danger.”
She squeezed her stepfather’s hand. “If we can stay here, we’ll be all right. Just as long as you don’t tell anyone – not even Gladys. We really need to keep this secret for both of our safety.”
“Of course, Whit. You know I’ll do anything to protect you. And I’m glad Zack’s better than those other men you’ve been with.” He paused and worried lines creased his forehead and around his mouth. “But are you two just acting like you’re in love, or are you really in love?”
Whitney let out an uncomfortable laugh and straightened. “I wish I knew the answer to that.”
He grinned. “So you think you’re falling in love with him?”
“I don’t know aboutlove, but I’m definitely attracted to him. And lately, he’s made me feel so special. I can’t describe it. I feel as though he’s given me a boost of confidence that I’ve lacked for years.”
“I like Zack. He does seem like a genuine guy. And hey, he’s rich.”
“I don’t care about his money.” She shook her head. “I just want someone who will love me formeand not what they want me to be.”
“I think Zack might just be the one who can do that.”
“Well, I’m taking things slowly. I don’t want my heart broken again.”
“Zack will understand that.” Joe stood and leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. “I want you to continue painting. Don’t worry about sleep right now.”
“Thanks, Joe.”
He took a few steps away before turning to look at her again. “You know, I really want you to call me Dad, if that’s okay.”
Love burst in her chest and she jumped up and threw her arms around him. Tears filled her eyes and her throat tightened with emotion.
