Defending Zara (Mountain Mercenaries #6)(66)

Zara was glad for a subject change. She’d liked Renee so much when they’d talked online and on the phone, but things had already gotten off to a rocky start.

She ordered a bison burger and french fries, and Renee ordered a salad.

After their less-than-stellar beginning, Renee didn’t ask anything inappropriate, or do or say anything to make Zara uncomfortable. By the time they’d finished eating, she was relieved to find that Renee had stopped being so nervous, and they had an easy conversation about the old days.

“I remember that one kid—Derek, I think his name was—he used to chase you around the playground trying to kiss you. You were a lot faster than he was, though, and he wasn’t ever able to catch you.”

Zara grinned and said slyly, “Wellll, there might have been one time when I let him catch me.”

“You didn’t!” Renee exclaimed, laughing. “And?”

“And he kissed me on the lips, and we just stared at each other. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to feel something or not, and apparently he felt the same way, because after that, he didn’t chase me again.”

They both laughed at the memory, and it felt good to Zara to be sharing such innocuous recollections with someone who’d known her before her life had irrevocably changed.

“I’ve had a good time,” Renee said. “It’s good to see you looking so well . . . besides that hair, that is.” She chuckled.

Zara laughed with her. “I know, it’s kind of a mess.”

“The offer to help you out with it still stands.”

Zara bit her lip and glanced over at the bar. Meat was still there, and every time she’d looked at him, she’d caught his eye. Instead of weirding her out that he was as attuned to her as he was, it made her feel safe. Which wasn’t something she’d felt for most of her life.

“What? You have to check with your watchdog?” Renee asked.

Zara looked back at Renee in surprise. “You knew he was here?”

“I mean, first—he’s hot. It would be impossible not to notice him. Secondly, he’s been staring at our table the entire time I’ve been here. At first I thought he was checking me out, but then it was obvious he was watching you. So I put two and two together and figured this was the Meat guy you told me about.”

Zara nodded. “Yeah. I don’t drive yet, and he offered to bring me here to meet you.”

“And decided to stay to make sure I wasn’t going to kidnap you for your money, right?” Renee asked.

Zara shrugged. “It’s just that after I stupidly put my email address out there, I’ve gotten a lot of emails from people trying to con money from me.”

“How do you know he isn’t after your money?” Renee asked.

Zara blinked in surprise. “Because. I just know.”

“Because your judgment is so good?” Renee asked gently. “Look, I’m not trying to be a bitch, but it’s a tough world, as you already know. You can’t trust anyone. Not even him. I bet he tried to talk you out of meeting me, didn’t he?”

Zara shook her head, but obviously her expression wasn’t so convincing.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised. He’s probably happy to keep you isolated at his place. To not have you drive. To not have friends. I’m probably overstepping here, but seriously, if you ever need anything, you can call me.

“We go way back, Zara. We’ve been friends for twenty years, and I don’t care that we haven’t seen each other in fifteen. Whatever you need, I’ll be there for you. Want to go shopping? Call me. I’m happy to help with your hair and anything else you might need. I’m not that smart when it comes to investments, but I haven’t done too bad for myself, so I can help you with that too. Want boy advice? I’m your girl. Want to go out and let your hair down and have a one-night stand? I can hook you up there as well. I just don’t want you to trust him just because he rescued you. What is that called . . . Stockholm syndrome?”

“He’s not keeping me prisoner,” Zara protested, not happy at all that Renee was trying to make her doubt everything Meat had done for her.

“Is he or isn’t he sitting over there watching your every move?” Renee asked. “He always keep you on such a short leash?”

“It’s not like that,” Zara insisted, with more heat than she’d intended. “He’s a good guy, Renee. You’re way off base. He’s done nothing but help me since we met, and not once has he asked for anything in return.”

Renee patted her hand and slid off the stool. “Call me, Zara. I’m here for you without any strings. You need a friend, and not someone he’s picked out for you. I’m thrilled you answered my email, because I think you need me.”

She fumbled with her purse, and Zara quickly said, “I’ve got lunch, don’t worry about it.”

Renee winked and said, “That’s right—you’re the rich one.” Then she took a few steps and awkwardly hugged Zara while she was still sitting on the stool. Her gaze went to her hair. “You’d look great as a redhead.”

Zara’s thoughts turned to how reverently Meat had fingered her hair, and the nice things he’d said about it. She bit her lip.

Renee shook her head. “Let me guess—he said he likes you just the way you are, right? Of course he’d say that. He doesn’t want you to pretty yourself up because you might attract the attention of someone else, and you’d slip out of his clutches. Seriously, Zara . . . wise up before it’s too late. I’ll send you an email when I get home.”