Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
They entered the living room and the floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the ocean stunned her with its beauty.
She walked closer to the glass for a better view when the sound of Zach’s phone ringing jarred her and she turned.
He pulled the cell from his pocket and glanced at the screen before answering. “Hey, Maddox. Problem?” He listened, a scowl forming on his handsome face the longer the person on the other end spoke. “Yeah. I’m coming. See you soon.”
Her stomach dropped at the news he was leaving.
He disconnected the call and shoved the phone back into his jeans. “There’s a problem at my bar in town.”
“Is that the one you run?”
He nodded. “Remy likes to stay in Manhattan and keep an eye on Raven. Not that she needs watching.”
His low chuckle told her there was something more between Raven and his partner than just business. Or Remy wanted there to be. It was a vibe she’d caught earlier in Zach’s office.
“If you walk down the hall that way, there are a couple of guest bedrooms. Pick one and make yourself at home.” He glanced at her bag he’d dropped at his feet. “Actually, I’ll put this in one of the bedrooms for you.”
She shook her head. “I’ve got it. You go. You’re needed at the bar.” Though she wanted to argue that she needed him here, she couldn’t do it. His business was more important than her wanting to set things right between them.
He nodded. “I’ll write my cell phone down on the way out and leave it by the landline in the kitchen. I keep one for emergencies. If you need anything, call. But I promise, you’re safe here. I’ll set the alarm before I go.”
“Okay,” she murmured, relieved there was a working phone in the house. Just in case, she wouldn’t use hers until she’d bought a new one tomorrow. And the burner was only for emergencies to reach her father, something she’d do before turning in tonight.
Zach shoved a hand into his pocket and pulled out his keys, spinning the ring around his finger. “The fridge is full and the freezer has precooked meals you can microwave. Harrison found himself a housekeeper. Mrs. Baker cooks like a dream and I sweet-talked her into working for me, too.” His sexy lips lifted in a grin.
She’d just bet he had. “Thanks. I’ll be fine.”
He inclined his head, holding her gaze for long seconds, before turning and walking out, leaving her alone.
* * *
Zach couldn’t deny his relief at being called back to the bar. No matter the issue, and missing liquor inventory was a problem, he’d rather deal with that than be alone with Hadley. Which was ironic. He’d spent years thinking of her and wondering what had happened to her. Now she was here and the main emotion riding him was anger over the fact that she’d waited so long to come find him.
Pushing those thoughts aside, he parked his SUV in a spot behind the bar and walked in through the back entrance. He’d expected to find Maddox waiting for him. He was. With Remy by his side.
“What are you doing here?” he asked his partner, who’d been in Manhattan a few hours ago.
Remy picked up a rag and ran it over the top of the bar. “Do you think I would leave my closest friend to go through a shock like you’ve had alone?”
Zach strode to the bar. “I appreciate it.” And he’d do the same for Remy so he understood.
“Let’s deal with the inventory issues and then I want to hear how it’s going with… Hadley. That is her name now, right?” Remy asked.
Zach nodded. “Apparently.”
Maddox stepped closer. “There are bottles missing from the storage room, boss. They were there when the deliveries arrived. I counted and sorted them myself.”
Zach’s gut told him to trust Maddox. The man didn’t need to steal from the bar. He was a burned-out Wall Street investment manager who’d done well for himself and moved to the Hamptons to get away from the drain of his old life and the people in it.
“Okay, do a full inventory of what we have in stock. I know we’re short on staff so look into hiring someone to free you up from behind the bar. I’ll put a lock on the door of the supply room and we’ll figure shit out.”
Maddox inclined his head. “You got it.” He walked away, leaving Zach with Remy.
His friend didn’t wait to grill him. “So, what did you find out about Hadley? Why the name change? Where has she been? Why did she disappear?” He tossed the rag into a bin behind him and turned back, obviously waiting for an answer.
Lowering himself into a chair, Zach admitted, “I haven’t a clue. I didn’t ask.”
Remy narrowed his gaze. “You had hours in the car to talk. Why the hell not?”