Page 98 of Rescued Duty

Zack squeezed her arms. “How are you doing?” His eyes searched hers, willing her to open up and confide in him.

Silence lengthened, and Naya bit her lip. What could she say? Every thought brought with it a well of emotions.

“Anytime you need to talk, I’m here. I want to be a safe place for you.” His voice deepened.

“You’ve been that for me, Zack. I…” She offered him a watery smile and used the back of her hand to hold the tears at bay. “I don’t know what to say without a waterworks display starting.”

“I happen to enjoy the splash zone.” Zack wiggled his brow, and Naya let out a belly laugh, which brought a steady stream of tears with it.

Zack used the pad of his thumb to wipe a tear from her cheek. The gesture sent nerve impulses ricocheting through Naya. He grabbed a tissue from the counter and handed it to her. “Here.”

Naya dabbed at her eyes, very well aware of their close proximity. “Thank you. For being available.”

Zack’s eyes darkened. “I’m here for you.” He took Naya’s hand in his and rubbed it. “So is the Lord. I prayed He would remind you how near He truly is.”

Naya’s breath hitched. Zack had prayed for her? His admission sent waves of delight through her. The fact that he pointed her closer to Jesus made her attraction for this man grow.

“Thank you. I—” Naya swallowed.

“What is it?” Zack cocked his head.

“Never mind.” She wasn’t ready to make any type of profession.

She might love his devotion to the Lord, but that couldn’t equate to a love for Zack—yet. She cared for him. But the best relationships deepened over time.

Even though she wanted to explore the possibility of a relationship with him, she had to trust that God would give them time to do that. She didn’t need to rush it.

Guide me in Your wisdom, God. Not my will but Yours. Make it clear if this is the man You would have for me or not. Give me patience with Your timing too.

“Thank you for stopping by.” Naya picked up the smoothie cup. “This was a much-needed distraction.”

Zack’s brow furrowed. “Unfortunately, I have another distraction. This one is, well, less than ideal.”

“What is it?” Naya slid out another stool at the counter and sat down.

Zack pulled out his phone. “There was an article published this morning. About my supposed involvement in the water contamination schemes.” He handed her the device.

Her jaw dropped at the headline, and she quickly clamped her lips shut. She scrolled through the rest of the article, then set the phone down. Had Tucker taken liberties with the content she’d given him for the story? Would he really have stooped so low and twisted what she’d said about Zack helping the foster kids?

“This article is a bunch of baloney.” Naya huffed.

“It was published by the Tribune. Who knows how many people have seen it?” Zack’s shoulders slumped. “Do you know anything about it?” His gaze never wavered from hers.

“Are you asking if I can findoutinformation or if I had a sayinthe information?” Naya had relinquished the story. Surely Zack wouldn’t be insinuating that she’d had something to do with the publication of false details.

Zack ran his fingers through his hair. “I thought you might know something.”

He hadn’t answered her question.

“Not many people know me as the troublemaking goofball kid,” he whispered.

Naya grimaced. “And you think I told someone?”

For a second, Naya pictured them in school and in the backyards of their houses, practically growing up together. She understood his fear. Most people thought foster kids weretrouble. Or that they instigated trouble out of enjoyment, which was rarely the case.

Troublemaking was a symptom of a heart that desired to be noticed and loved. A child that needed to know they were valued. Of all people, Zack should know Naya wouldn’t want him painted in that light.

“I don’t want to be that person anymore.” Zack sat stick straight on the stool.

---