Page 25 of A Texas Hero

“What do you think of this?” she asked. “Would you date me if you saw me wearing this?”

Archer scowled.

“Who is that guy?” Peter said.

“Don’t act like you don’t know,” Zoey said, moving behind the counter.

“I’m not acting!”

Zoey wondered if there was any way in hell Peter could not know her father—his boss—had hired a bodyguard for her. Surely, he’d been the one to send the payment.

“Daddy hired him.” She crossed her arms. “Through an agency.”

“That’s him?” Peter stage-whispered. “The bodyguard?”

“So, you do know. Did you suggest the idea to him?”

“No,” Peter said. “And I sure wouldn’t have suggested someone like him.”

Zoey snorted. “Of course not.”

“Zoey, that man is someone who’s going to try to get close to you, for reasons that have nothing to do with his job.”

“Oh, really.” Zoey cocked her head. “You probably didn’t notice, but he’s the consummate professional.”

“Sure, of course, that’s how it’s going to look at first. But before you know it—”

“I’m sorry you came all the way out here for nothing,” Zoey interrupted. “Because I don’t have the time to hang out or catch up.”

“Does your father know what he looks like? Or does he think your bodyguard is some grizzled old man?”

“I have no idea, nor do I care. He’s the one who insisted I have a bodyguard.” Zoey threw her hands up.

“Well, now I think I’ve got to stick around for a while. Make sure you’re safe.”

“Safe from my bodyguard?”

“From your bodyguard taking liberties.”

Zoey pointed. “I swear, if you say anything to my father about this—”

Peter held up his palm. “I won’t, if you don’t want me to. But that just means I’ll have to keep a close eye on him and his intentions.”

“No, it doesn’t. Really, you don’t have to—” But Zoey knew she was losing this argument.

If there was one thing Peter hated more than disorder, it was a man much better looking than him. And, at least in Zoey’s eyes, Peter had quickly been downgraded from his usual nine to a seven in Archer’s presence. Archer, on the other hand, was a twelve.

“It’s not a problem. And if this Scott guy is still bothering you, let me take care of that for you, too.”

“He’s not bothering me anymore. Just sending little gifts and not taking no for an answer.”

Peter patted his chest. “I’ll have a little talk with him, get him to see reason.”

“Good luck. I’ve tried already, and I don’t think anything you say will change things. He’s another big fan of Daddy’s.” She said this slowly and hoped Peter would catch her meaning.

Peter shook his head. “But it isn’t Scott who’s dangerous. He’s not the main problem.”

“What do you mean?”