Page 18 of Zane

"Of course. The question is, how do you know her?"

"Her vehicle broke down at the bike stop, and I had to lend a hand."

"I see. A very attractive woman. Are you going to-"

"Walk with me." Taking her hand, he started forward.

"That answers that," she murmured. "Are we just going to say hi?"

"No. Who's the guy hovering at her side?"

"William something. He's also a lawyer. I've seen him in court."

"I want you to take him somewhere, so I can get a chance to talk to Ms. Saunders."

"Zane-"

"No questions asked."

"All right."

"Counselor."

Kara turned at the sound of the familiar voice, her eyes widening.

"Mr. Stanhope."

"I would like to introduce you to my sister, Zoe Stanhope."

"I think we've already met." Zoe held out a hand, a smile on her lips.

"Yes, we have." Kara shook the woman's hand before turning to introduce William. "This is my, er, this is William Blakely. William, this is-"

"The Stanhopes." The man stepped forward to offer his hand, first to Zane and then to Zoe. If he noticed the hesitant way Kara had introduced him, he showed no signs of it. "It's an honor to meet you both."

"Counselor, may I have a word with you alone?"

"You two know each other?" William looked curiously from one to the other.

"We met when my vehicle broke down the other day. I told you about it." Kara was wishing desperately that she were anywhere else.

"Ah, yes." William gave her an indulgent smile and an absent pat on the arm. "I already reprimanded her for being so reckless. Kara refuses to have her vehicle checked thoroughly by an expert, something I've warned her about too many times to count." His tone was so condescending that it took an effort on Zane's part not to wipe the smirk off his face.

Zoe, seeing the warning signs, stepped forward with a smile. "Mr. Blakely, why don't I introduce you to my parents?"

Unaware of the tension radiating from the other man, he beamed his approval. "I would love that."

"Shall we?"

With a nod, Zoe slid her hand through his arm and led the way.

The silence following their departure was so thick it could be cut with a knife.

"I should get something to eat-"

"Let's dance." Without giving her a chance, Zane gripped her arm and guided her onto the dance floor. "So, that's the boyfriend/fiancé." His arms encircled her waist and drew her flush against him.

"Yes." Slapping her hands on his chest, Kara tried to keep herself from being plastered against him.