Disclaimer: see chapter 1

She turned and smiled at him widely. She was sure that it was the goofiest smile she had ever put on her face, but at this moment, she didn't care.

She felt her face heat up as he looked her up and down.

"Been standing out here long?"

"I have no idea."

"You're soaked. You should go inside and change."

"In a minute." She couldn't take her eyes off of his face. It was like she was seeing him for the first time all over again.

"The name's Slater, Zach Slater, and this is my hotel. And this room belongs to one of my showgirls, Desiree Dubois."

"That's the name that she gave you. Her real name is Erica Kane."

"The Erica Kane?"

"Yes, the Erica Kane. My mother took on an alias so that no one back home could track her down. She contacted him last night. She begged him to fly out here and help her."

"So you are Erica Kane's daughter?"

"Mm-hmm."

"The resemblance is striking. She talks about you all the time."

"Oh, I can imagine -- the older, ungrateful daughter, keeper of secrets, queen of betrayal."

"No. All she ever told me was how much she missed you."

"Kendall?" She shook her head slightly, bringing her back to the present.

"What?"

"Nothing. You're just… you're kind of staring at me."

"Got a problem with that?"

"Not at all. Just wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing."

"I think I finally do, Zach."

She felt her face flush as he smiled widely at her. "Lavery coming back?"

"Dear God, I hope not." That made him laugh and she felt her heart beat just a little bit faster.

"You want me to walk you to the door?"

"I want you to come inside and sit with me for a little while."

"I could do that." She turned back on her heel and felt her knees buckle slightly as he put his hand on the small of her back, protecting her as the walked the short distance into her living room. She quickly shut and locked the door. She turned and leaned back against it, watching him maneuver around her kitchen like he had just been there this morning, not months ago. He looked over his shoulder and winked at her.

"Go change. I'll be here when you get back."

She glanced at him one last time as she rounded the corner to her bedroom.

TBC…