"Well, that's a secret. After all, you had asked me to plan your surprise birthday party." Ryan smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. "We don't have much time left to plan an elaborate celebration. However, I wouldn't want a beautiful girl to be alone on her birthday."
Zara blushed. She had worked so hard to avoid boys, worn clothes that always covered her up, wore glasses, and kept her nose buried in books. After her father had left her mother to raise a kid alone, she had resolved to never give away her heart. She was sure if she ever fell in love, her man would leave too.
She had many questions popping up, but she asked, "Who were those men? It seemed like you were having an argument with them." Ryan waved away her concern, "My father has made a lot of enemies in his business. People like to take it out on me sometimes, but I am always prepared."
"Is that why you came to Missouri from San Francisco?"
