A Ring for Cinderella by Judy Christenberry Page A

the changes in her life, including Zach’s kisses, distracted her.
    “Do you need us to keep Paul again this evening?” Kate asked as she popped into Susan’s office.
    “Oh, thanks, Kate, but he’ll stay with Rosa.” Susan smiled but ducked her head. She didn’t want to tell Kate she was moving to the ranch, though of course she’d have to eventually. Just not today.
    “How’s Zach’s grandfather?”
    “He came through the operation well. The doctors are optimistic.”
    Kate didn’t respond and Susan finally looked up.
    Then Kate said, “You will let us know if there’s anything we can do, won’t you, Susan? We’re family, remember?”
    “I’d never forget that. You and Maggie have made such a difference in my life.” This time her smile was sincere, full of warmth.
    “Good. Take some time off if you need to.”
    “Thanks, Kate, but I shouldn’t need to. I hope.” She suddenly remembered that she’d be moving soon, too. She wasn’t sure when. but her rent was due Saturday. She’d have to talk to Zach about that.
    Zach hadn’t forgotten. When he picked her up that evening, his first question was “Is your rent due Sat urday, like Rosa and Pedro’s?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then we’ll need to move you tomorrow, too.”
    “I don’t think I can get packed, Zach. We’re going to the hospital tonight and I work tomorrow.”
    He crossed his arms over his broad chest and glared at her. “Surely Kate will give you time off.”
    Of course Kate would. She’d even said as much today. But Susan would need to give the dreaded explanation of her move.
    “Well?” Zach prodded when she didn’t say anything.
    “Yes, of course she will,” she admitted with a sigh.
    He stepped closer and Susan tensed. She lost all her logic and control when he got close.
    “What’s the problem, honey?”
    “I—I haven’t told them I’m moving to the ranch.”
    “You think they’ll be upset with you?”
    frustrated, she glared at him. “I’m upset with me. Why wouldn’t they be?”
    His hands settled on her shoulders and she knew she was in trouble. Backing away, she held up a hand. “Don‘t—don’t come any closer, Zach. We can’t—”
    To her relief, he stood still. But he continued to stare at her. “Honey, don’t get upset. Everything’s going to work out just fine.”
    “That’s easy for you to say. I’m the one making all the changes.” She was working hard to keep her anger going.
    He raised one eyebrow and gave her a rueful smile. “You don’t understand men, do you?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I’m going to be taking a lot of cold showers with you around. Do you think I’ll like that?”
    She blushed. And desperately sought to change the subject. “I’d better call Kate before we leave and ask for tomorrow off.”
    His smile told her he knew what she was doing, but he only nodded in agreement.
    She was constantly aware of him as she talked to Kate, grateful he couldn’t hear Kate’s response when she confessed she was moving to the ranch.
    “You’re going to what? Are you crazy?”
    “I have to, Kate. But it’s only temporary.”
    “That man had better behave himself.”
    “He will.” Lots of cold showers, she reminded herself. She hoped he didn’t guess that she’d be needing them, too.
    “Wait a minute. I want Will to talk to him. Put him on the phone.”
    “Kate, no, that’s not Oh, hi, Will. Just a minute.”
     
    Zach raised one eyebrow as she held out the receiver to him. “Kate wants to talk to me?”
    “No. Kate wants Will to talk to you.”
    Zach took the phone. “Hi, Will.”
    “I hear you’re taking Susan and Paul to your ranch.”
    “Yeah. My grandfather had surgery this morning and we’re taking him home Saturday.”
    “I’m glad to hear he’s doing well. Is Susan okay with this?”
    “She made the decision. I, uh, encouraged her, of course, because I think our breaking up would cause a setback for Gramp, and Paul was pretty enthusiastic. But she