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“Vegas Vacation?” I asked, sliding down to join her.

She nodded.

I shook my head as she tucked herself under my arm, resting her head on my shoulder.

“The girl accidentally pressed the button to close the window and nearly suffocated.”

“I’d never let that happen to you,” I said.

She giggled. “I like how protective you are.”

I crossed my ankle with hers. “I take care of what’s mine.”

With a warm look my way, she bent to put on her heels, but I said, “Let me.”

I knelt on the limousine floor, taking one foot in my hand, smiling at the red polish on her toes, and then slipped the black sandal over her foot. The suede was soft under my hand as I reached for the clasp and secured it around her ankle before reaching for the other shoe.

She watched me quietly, a pensive look in her eyes.

“What are you thinking?” I asked, drawing my fingertips up her calf and sitting next to her.

Pressing her palm against my cheek, she said, “I was thinking you’re a beautiful man, inside and out.”

The moment was tender, raw, more vulnerable than I ever allowed myself to feel.

And that vulnerability scared the hell out of me. Because when you spent your entire adult life building a billion-dollar empire, you had a hell of a lot to lose.

* * *

Farrah loopedher hands through my bent elbow as we walked into the Skylight Building. “Did your siblings ride in limos as well?”

“They’re all riding together in Hen’s car. She loves that thing.”

“And Hen’s your sister-in-law, right?”

I nodded, flattered that she’d listened. Usually people just cared what I said when they could make money off it. “She’s married to Tyler. Moved here from California last year.”

“Wow, that’s amazing,” she said as we crossed the lobby. “And what kind of car does she have?”

An elevator attendant let us onto the elevator and pressed the button for the Skylight Lounge.

“It’s a Jeep Cherokee. Bright red.”

“Cute,” Farrah said. “I used to think when I wasn’t a soccer mom anymore, I’d get a sporty SUV like that, but by the time that happens, I’ll probably be a soccer grandma.”

I loved the way her eyes lit when she talked about her future.

“I added it up,” she continued, “and by the time Cora graduates high school, Levi will be twenty-seven. I’m sure I’ll be a grandma before I hit fifty.”

“Don’t count your chickens,” I replied. “My mom thought the same thing, and none of us kids have children yet. Although, I suppose...” I let my words drift off. I wasn’t used to dating, but I still knew better than to scare her off.

“What?” she asked, looking up at me.

The elevator climbed several floors as I decided what to say. “When I make amends with my parents, they’ll have three grandchildren in a matter of moments.”

Moisture shined in her eyes. “Gage...”

The elevator dinged as we reached our floor, and Farrah’s jaw fell open. “No freaking way.” She let go of me, stepping into the glass enclosure that had several seats and a massive bar. “This isbeautiful.”