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when she spotted the unfamiliar vehicle. She instinctively jerked Costello’s leash to rein him in, but he pulled ahead with the strength of a freight train.
    Never mind calling the cops, Costello. For all we know there’s a knife-wielding maniac waiting to jump out and grab us, but go on. Trudge ahead. I’m right behind you.
    She stumbled along after him as Costello yanked over to the grass and hiked his leg. She kept her gaze on the car, trying to decipher the huddled figure slumped behind the steering wheel and leaning against the truck’s window.
    Was that Zachary Collins?
    Surely he hadn’t stayed here all night. Why would he have?
    She led Costello closer. Yep, it was Zach alright. When she tapped on the driver’s side window, the man gave a start.
    â€œShit,” he muttered, loud enough for her to hear through the glass.
    He blinked several times as he glanced around. He reached forward, toyed with the ignition and rolled the power window down.
    â€œEverything okay?” she asked, wondering if he had some weird health problem that had caused him to pass out in her driveway.
    â€œFine.” He ran a hand over his face and nodded. “Good morning.”
    Costello jerked forward and almost tugged her down. She caught herself with one foot braced in front of the other. “Good morning.”
    â€œThis probably seems kind of strange.” His lips curved up in a boyish grin. “I didn’t plan to fall asleep in your driveway. Sorry.” He took a look at his watch. “I must have nodded off a half hour ago.”
    Only a half hour ago?
    His eyes were blood-shot. Geez. Did the guy have a drinking problem? Drugs? Narcolepsy?
    She said nothing, just played tug of war with Costello’s leash and waited for Zach to either explain himself or leave.
    It had been hard enough sending him away last night. There was something about Zach that drew her to him the way Costello was drawn to human legs, and she’d been worried she was making the wrong decision again.
    Zach oozed charisma. She was attracted to him in a way she didn’t want to be, and she didn’t trust him for that reason alone. Smooth-talking, handsome men—especially those who’d been on TV—had a reputation for inflated egos. Only cared about themselves. Been there. Done that. Once was a mistake. Twice was a choice, and she’d be darned if she made the same one again.
    She took a deep breath and reminded herself she had a representative from another private security firm coming over this afternoon. Besides, she’d finally broken down and told Sarah everything, and her best friend was now hell-bent on coming over to assess the situation herself. And if Hannah knew Sarah, her friend would be bringing at least one of her very huge, very intimidating brothers with her as a precaution.
    Zach pulled the key from his ignition and opened the door. “Mind if I use your restroom?”
    She stepped back and shrugged. “Of course not.” She tilted her head toward the dog that was now munching on grass. She reached for the house key that was attached at her neck by a lanyard. “I’ve got to take him for our morning walk. Let yourself in. Please make sure Abbott doesn’t get out.”
    He looked at her hand, but he didn’t take the key. “How about I walk with you first? There’s something I’d like to discuss.”
    What the hell? Getting away from him obviously wasn’t going to be as easy as she’d hoped. And why did she feel so guilty about calling one of his competitors?
    â€œOkay.” She sighed and allowed the forty-pound dog to lead the way. As soon as Costello realized she wasn’t holding him back, he stopped trying to drag her behind him like a ragdoll. Slowing her steps, Hannah spared a quick look at the disheveled man beside her.
    A morning beard darkened his chin, and his hair was ruffled.
    Whew. He was hot.