suddenly coming to life . " James , " Charlotte followed his gaze , " is that man with Sarah a friend of hers ? " James's friend , sitting with them , looked over curiously . " That's weird … Sarah never had many friends . But she seems quite taken with him . " " A new boyfriend maybe ? Good thing you got divorced when you did , James , or else … " ( 1 ) The speaker caught James's darkening expression and quickly fell silent . James clenched his fist , watching Sarah with bitter amusement . So that's why she agreed to the divorce so easily . ( 1 ) His cold stare didn't go unnoticed . After Steven left , Scarlett shot back a glare . " What the hell is his problem ? " Sarah frowned slightly , but the beautiful scenery and her good mood made it hard to care . Slightly tipsy from two glasses of wine , she lounged back lazily . " Maybe he's just admiring my beauty . " Her words drifted up to the second floor , where a man stood by the fireplace , chuckling softly . ( 1) Zachary's eyes glinted with amusement , clearly pleased about something . Steven watched his boss nervously . The only other time he'd seen Zachary laugh like this was when the Jefferson family met their tragic end . T 1/2 ' Boss , please don't laugh like that . It's terrifying . " Zachary spared him a glance . " Did you deliver the goose ? " Steven nodded , scratching his nose in confusion . " But what's this about ? You had me drive all the way here to barbecue , insisted I prepare that goose … which of those ladies caught your eye ? " With a straightforward and honest personality , Steven wasn't one to beat around the bush . Ever since Zachary asked him to deliver thern the dishes , he knew something was off . The other staff tensed at his boldness , but Zachary seemed unbothered . Looking out over the endless forest from the second floor , he remembered his deliberately missed shot . He glanced at Steven thoughtfully , " Nothing like that . Just making sure someone remembers she owes me a favor . " Chapter 10 The barbecue lasted well into the afternoon , with drinks flowing and laughter filling the air , creating the kind of warmth that malies strangers feel like old friends . Sarah slipped away during the festivities to claim her prize , accompanied by a staff member . As the winner , she had her choice of either the horse she'd ridden or any other animal from the estate's collection . Though drawn to the horses , she chose a young deer instead , believing horses weren't meant to be kept as pets . As she finished malding her cholce , a security guard approached . " Miss Sanders ? Mr. Reynolds would like a word . " There was only one Reynolds who commanded that kind of respect - Zachary Reynolds . Upstairs , she found him lounging by the window while Steven mixed drinks , purple liquid catching the light as ice clinked against crystal . Steven's eyes sparkled with mischief when he saw her , " You must be special - boss never shares his private collection with anyone . " He wasn't even trying to hide what he was suggesting . Sarah studied Zachary carefully . She'd never seen anyone quite so striking . When he spoke , it took her a moment to find her voice . By then , they were alone . A slight smile played across his face as he said , " Miss Sanders , I have a favor to ask . " Half an hour later , Sarah descended the stairs as the crowd was thinning out . Scarlett jumped up from her chair . " What was that about ? " Remembering his request , Sarah paused before answering casually , " Just caught up with someone I know . " " 1 As evening approached , they realized they'd had too much to drink to drive . Sarah was about to call a car when a honey - sweet voice interrupted , " Why don't you ride with us ? It's getting late - cabs are hard to find out here . " Sarah looked up to find Charlotte clinging to James's arm . " Darling , " she cooed at him , " let's give them a lift . " His dark eyes swept over Sarah before he muttered , " Get in . " Behind him , his friends watched with barely concealed interest , clearly hoping for some drama . Sarah's frown deepened . " No , thank you . We'll manage . " " Please , " Scarlett added sarcastically , " we don't need your pity ride . " Their refusal hung awkwardly in the air . " I didn't mean to offend , " Charlotte said softly . " It's just not safe for women alone at this hour … " 1/2 James squeezed her hand , his expression softening . Three years later , and Charlotte was still so considerate . ( 1 ) He fixed Sarah with a stern look . " Don't let pride cloud your judgment . Charlotte's trying to help . " Sarah felt her temper rising , " Mr. Chancer , " she said , Ice in her voice . " I said no . " James's jaw tightened . Charlotte lowered her eyes , the perfect picture of wounded innocence . 1 Their friends shifted uncomfortably as tension mounted . Scarlett was already rolling up her sleeves , spoiling for a fight , when Steven's amused voice cut through the standoff . " Well , well , " he drawled , dangling a set of keys . " Having a parking lot showdown , are we ? "