As he turned from the gated drive and headed back toward downtown Nashville, he looked around. He realized he was in the middle of Regan’s dream. Tennessee sprawling land, horses, and houses with large porches. What kept her from her dream of living in the country and having a family, he wondered. What was going to keep her from him? Nothing, if he could help it. He couldn’t remember when a woman consumed his every thought. Zach Benson wasn’t one to let go of something he wanted. And he wanted Regan Keller. He was just going to have to get her to trust him. He’d never hurt her. He’d never let anyone else hurt her. It was time he showed her what a great partnership they could have.

Chapter four

Monday was lonely. Regan arrived at work early and took the opportunity to get to know her surroundings and other coworkers, knowing Zach wasn’t there. Before she sat to answer the weekend’s e-mails and return Audrey’s second phone call, she’d taken out the plans for the Nashville building and looked over the designs. She needed to schedule meetings with three different departments on the build and wanted to familiarize herself with it better.

She looked over the plans for the penthouse suites. What would Zach’s penthouse apartment look like when he was part of it? Would it be streamlined, with dark cherrywood and tones of beige? Or would he be an eclectic type with bold colors and priceless works of art? What did his rented condo look like? His car was a simple black Lexus, nothing too fancy or flashy, but classy. The suits he wore were tailored to him, but again, not flashy. He had millions, she assumed, tucked away in banks and trust funds—but he ate from the hot dog cart next to his office, where he spent twelve or more hours a day designing and financing the next big build in Nashville, or wherever he and his company were needed.

She kept telling herself it didn’t really matter what his life away from the office would be like. It didn’t matter what her handsome boss planned for his future. All that mattered was that when the building was completed and he’d moved into his new home, she’d still be the woman answering his phone calls.

But she couldn’t help but wonder, because she was acutely aware he wasn’t in his office reading the papers she would have set out for him and leaving his coffeepot on.

She’d taken the bus to work so Carlos could use her car. He was doing her a favor as well. It was still making noise, and he’d promised to figure out what was wrong. The old lady had been on the bus, hoarding her two seats when Regan climbed on. She hadn’t tried to sit. She stood with the rest of the passengers, but she couldn’t help but look around as though Zach might be sitting there waiting for her to take his seat.

It was nine thirty when he finally called, and as soon as she spoke she wished she’d kept the sound of relief out of her voice.

“How is L.A.?” She gathered her note pad and pen.

“Dark,” he said flatly, and she smiled. “And the sun is up.”

“Not a big fan of Los Angeles, huh?”

“Smog is not natural air.”

She let out a small laugh. She couldn’t agree more. It had been one of the selling points when she’d taken the job in Hawaii and left Los Angeles behind. But she was sure glad she’d returned to the fresh air of Tennessee.

“Tell me, Mr. Benson, how can I assist you today?” She tried to sound professional, but it came out a bit too flirty.

“You’re in a cheery mood.”

“Remember? I had pie.” She hoped reminding him about her dinner would take the edge off of him flirting back.

“Sounds like a good time.” He cleared his throat. “Here’s what I need you to do.”

He read off a list of items he needed her to follow up on. There were e-mails, letters, phone calls, and contracts to take care of. He needed some items faxed to him in L.A., others could wait, and some he’d need given to Peterson.

“I’ll get this all taken care of,” she promised.

“I know. By the way, how many times has my mother called you already?”

“Twice so far. I guess she really enjoyed my dessert.”

“It was a hit.”

“She wanted to take me to lunch today.”

He let out a breath. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I have plans today, but we agreed on tomorrow. She said you wouldn’t mind if I took a long lunch.”

“Who am I to argue? Regan, honestly I can call her and have her cancel if you…”

“No. I look forward to it.” She laughed. “I figure it will give me some insight on you.”

“I don’t know if I like that or not.” The distress in his voice made her want to meet his mother even more.

“Do you have something to hide, Mr. Benson?”

“Not a thing.”

“Then I wouldn’t worry about it.” The flirtatious tone crept back, and she sat taller in her chair to at least look professional.

“I won’t, then.” He let out a small laugh that disappeared into awkward silence. “So what plans do you have today? Never mind. Don’t tell me. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“If there isn’t anything else, Mr. Benson, I’ll get to these right away.”

“Thank you, Regan. By the way, I left something on my desk for you. I think you’ll find it’ll come in useful. I’ll call you later after I meet with the investor.”

She hung up the phone and went straight into his office. On the top of his desk, beside his phone, lay a key. The keychain had her name on it. When she picked it up, she realized it matched the one he used in the elevator. Next to the key was a permit that would allow her to park in the building without having to pay.

She’d been toying with him about the long trek from the parking garage. She certainly hoped he didn’t think she was complaining.

Regan let go of her stiff professionalism and gave into a smile. Well, she’d take the permit. That would come in very useful and save her a lot of money, but she’d leave the key. It was his elevator. That was too private for her. Even though Zachary Benson continued to be on her mind, she couldn’t begin to take special gifts from him, no matter what they were.

She’d remember to thank him for the parking permit.

At noon, Regan met John Forrester on the corner for a hot dog from Frank’s cart. He was a gentleman, she decided when he offered to pay for her lunch, even though she’d invited him. They sat at a stone table, the fountains to their back, and the river in front of them.