Watch Me (Phoenix 1)

“Hey, Hil.”

Hilary glanced over her shoulder, and Zoey caught sight of a cute guy waving at Hilary. “That’s my boyfriend, Nathan,” Hilary explained. “I’m sure with Jake’s trial, we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, but let’s plan a dinner or something soon.”

Hilary didn’t know Zoey had ever left New York City, and Zoey didn’t feel like explaining it all anyway. “I’d love that. I’ll reach out soon.”

“Please do. You killed it today. I’m so proud of you,” said Hilary, giving Zoey another tight hug before she was off and running into her boyfriend’s arms. Their laughter echoed in the large foyer. A different kind of warmth touched Zoey’s chest now. It occurred to her that justice wasn’t always about putting someone behind bars; it was about being heard. About being believed. An obvious weight had been lifted off Hilary too.

“Oh, there’s the lawyer,” her dad said. “I’ll see what he needs.” He dropped a kiss on Zoey’s forehead and headed toward her lawyer with her mom in tow.

“You should have told me.”

Zoey’s eyes shut, a swell of emotion washing over her. She’d recognize that low voice anywhere.

“Zoey,” he said again, so softly, a sound only for her.

She turned, meeting Rhys’ warm stare. He wore black slacks and a gray button-up that did amazing things for his eyes. He held out a piece of paper. “What is this?” she asked.

He closed the distance. “My plane ticket to Sacramento. Like I said, you should have told me you were coming back.”

She blinked, processed, and blinked again. “You were flying out to see me?”

“Not see you.” He slid a hand low on her back, tugging her tightly against him. “I was going to Sacramento and never planning on coming back.” He dropped his mouth, bringing his lips close to hers. “Imagine my surprise when I learned you decided to move back.”

“How did you—” She laughed, knowing the answer. “Archer?”

“He does know all.” Rhys grinned. His gaze followed his hand as he brushed her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. Then his smile fell when he slid his knuckles across her cheek. “You’re so brave to come forward, Zoey. That took such strength. I’m so proud of you.”

Warmth touched all the cold bits she once felt deep in her chest. “I thought everything would fall apart once I told the truth, but it didn’t.” She took a step closer, wrapping her arms around him, not wanting to let go. “Telling the truth stitched me back together again. It brought me home.”

“There is no better news than that.” He dropped his head into her neck and held her tight.

For all that had felt wrong since she left New York City, everything felt instantly right again. She leaned her head against his chest, closed her eyes, and fell into him. “I wanted to tell you the plan, but I had to do this on my own.”

“I know.”

She leaned away, locking herself into the strength of his stare. “What if I told you I was done with fighting my way through life alone?”

“Then, I would tell you that you don’t have to anymore.” The sweetest smile she’d ever seen spread across his face before his lips met hers. She let him take her far, far away from there.

Until someone cleared their throat next to them.

Her dad said, “If you’re kissing my daughter like that, I should at least meet you.”

Zoey broke away, laughing. “Sorry, Dad. Rhys, I’d like you to meet my father, Daniel Parker, and my mother, Monica Parker.”

Rhys shook both of their hands with all his bursting charm and incredible smile. “It’s my pleasure to meet you.”

Her mom gave Rhys a long examination. “So, you’re the Rhys Harrington I’ve heard all about.”

“Yes, indeed, I am,” he said, his gaze turning contemplative before he faced her father. “If I’ve learn

ed one thing from your daughter, it’s that no matter what plans you have, they can always change. While I had other ideas about how this would go, I suppose having you here saves me a step.” He sent Zoey a dazzling smile before addressing her father again. “Sir, I’d like your blessing to ask your daughter to marry me.”

Her mom squealed, her hands covering her face.

Zoey blinked frantically, wondering if she’d heard him wrong.

The world spun away as Rhys continued, “You don’t know me yet, but I promise to take care of Zoey. To treat her with the same love and respect you’ve obviously shown her. Most of all, I promise to give her the life she deserves.” He hesitated, shooting her an intense look that stole her breath before adding to her father, “We don’t need to rush this. I’m sure you want to get to know me, but if she agrees, I can’t fathom spending another day not knowing that she’ll be my wife.”