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Dominic glanced at Presley in the passenger seat. He’d been worried about her at the service and the following burial. He could feel the tremors in her body and knew she was remembering Gwen’s funeral, not to mention that her cousin’s grave was located in the same cemetery. It had to have been hard on her since she was so young when it had happened.

Despite her sadness, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. She’d dressed up for the service but was just as pretty with no makeup. Her skin was as smooth and flawless as the finest porcelain. Her blue eyes sparkled. She was, in a word, stunning.

“An Italian restaurant opened on North Highway 61 that’s received rave reviews. Are you hungry?”

“Yes, but I was thinking we could pick up Gia and go to the Fun Palace she told me about instead.”

Dom fell a little more in love with her at that moment—wait— more ? Did that mean he was falling for her?

Hell. He was.

“She’d love that,” he said gruffly. He’d offered Presley a nice dinner with candlelight and wine. Instead, she’d requested a chaotic atmosphere filled with loud music, junk food, and, most importantly, his daughter. How could he not love her?

Gia was over the moon excited when they arrived home. She and Amber had finished the puzzle, and Presley made a big deal of taking pictures and ensuring Gia was in the shots. After Presley changed clothes and exchanged heels for sneakers, Gia grabbed her hand and danced to the SUV.

Dom listened to the interaction between Presley and his daughter as he drove to the restaurant. Gia usually wasn’t so animated around anyone but him. She tended to be reserved and sometimes standoffish. She answered questions with the barest minimum of words and never spoke first. It was Lainey’s fault for criticizing everything she’d done, but it was his too. He should’ve noticed the signs sooner.

With Presley, however, Gia chattered away like a magpie, the way young girls should. He was finding it very hard to resist Presley Parrish. She’d blown into their world like a spring wind and altered their way of life.

Dinner was a noisy, lively affair. Gosh, the place was loud. And packed. There were games and play areas, and Presley rolled with everything. Dom couldn’t quit watching her. A light shone around her—or maybe that was his imagination. Her interaction with Gia was effortless. She fit into his family like the piece that had been missing.

They had only kissed once, and it had been a quick peck. She’d tasted like ambrosia, and he needed another hit. Kissing her again had become his mission in life. Now a soft kiss – Aye, by that kiss, I vow an endless bliss.

Dom mentally rolled his eyes. He was spouting John Keats in his head. When had he become a romantic?

Laughter interrupted his thoughts, and he saw his daughter doubled over with tears pouring down her cheeks. Presley chuckled with her, and she glanced at him.

Time seemed to stand still as he lost himself in her ocean eyes.

Presley’s grin faded as she stared back. If he wasn’t mistaken—and he wasn’t—she felt the same way about him. The air practically cackled with awareness. Sparks flew. His brain registered his daughter’s guffaws, but he couldn’t tear his gaze from the beautiful woman across from him.

“Wasn’t that funny, Daddy?”

He blinked, breaking the spell. “What was that, honey?”

“Didn’t you hear Presley’s joke?”

“No.”

“Tell him,” Gia urged.

“You can do it, Gia.”

“Okay! Daddy, why was the fastest cat kicked out of school?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

Gia was giggling, and she looked so adorable. Dom had to blink back the moisture in his eyes.

“Because he was a cheetah!”

Dom chuckled and glanced at Presley. “That’s cute.”

“I can’t take credit for it. Kai Costa, the son of one of my coworkers, is a walking joke book. He’s got one for every occasion.”

“Kai sounds hilarious,” Gia said.

“He is, but he’s also a hero.”

Presley told them how the boy had rescued his stepsister from an escaped felon and saved the President of the United States’s granddaughter.

“I remember that story,” Dom said. “It was major news for weeks.”

The waiter arrived with their nachos, and they dug in. Dom couldn’t get over Gia’s transformation. The best word he would use to describe her would be happy. A lump of emotion, in the form of a taco chip, caught in his throat, and he had to gulp water to dislodge it. It had been too long since he’d seen her like this.

His daughter was happy.

He’d give up his life to keep her that way.

#

Presley watched Gia play a dance video game and smiled at the girl’s enthusiasm. She’d morphed entirely from a sulky, sullen kid when Presley first met her to an exuberant, enthusiastic one. This is how she should always be.

Presley stole a glance at Dominic to see him watching his daughter with pride and joy. He turned, and their gazes collided. She sucked in a breath at the look in his eyes. It had to be mirrored in hers: Desire. Hunger. Need.

If she were smart, Presley would leave the restaurant and find a hotel room pronto. Get away from the tempting man across from her and his adorable daughter. The more time she spent with them, the more they sucked her into their family. It felt comfortable and right, two things she couldn’t afford when she was leaving as soon as she attended Nancy Baker Babcock’s funeral and found out why the women quit being friends.

“Presley, you have to try this.”

Gia tugged on her arm, breaking the eye contact that had gone on for who knows how long with Dominic. When she stared into his amber depths, time stood still. It could’ve been seconds or hours. She had no idea.

Gia was persistent, and Presley stood and allowed her to tug her to the dance machine. Soon, she was caught up in the moves, following along with the instructor on the screen.

“You’re really good!” Gia praised.

The music picked up, and the steps grew frantic until they gyrated like monkeys, laughed hysterically, and gave up. They stumbled back to the table as the waiter delivered the check. Presley was surprised that she wasn’t ready to leave yet. This was more fun than she’d had in a long time. Part of it was the playful atmosphere and the good food. The most significant factors were the handsome man and the sweet girl smiling at her.

“It’s getting late, and I should find a hotel,” Presley tried again as they stood to leave. “I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“I’ve told you that you aren’t,” Dominic insisted. “There’s no reason for you to move out. Your things are already there.”

“Please, Presley.” Gia tugged her arm. “Stay with us. We can play games and make popcorn and watch movies.”

“I don’t know . . .” The offer was tempting—too tempting. She was quickly becoming attached to the Bianchis. “It would probably be better if I found my own accommodations.”

“Please?” Gia begged.

Presley looked down into her hopeful face and knew she couldn’t deny the girl anything. It would be so hard to say goodbye to her in a few days. She turned to Dominic. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

Presley didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes. It made her entire body shiver with awareness. Oh boy, she was in deep trouble.

Streetlights illuminated the parking lot as they made their way to Dominic’s SUV. Gia chattered the entire time, not even stopping while she climbed into her booster seat and buckled into the back.

They’d left the restaurant when Presley noticed a set of headlights gaining on them. She glanced at Dominic and saw his eyes shift to the rearview mirror. The driver behind them switched to brights, causing her to squint as she tried not to panic. Usually, the situation wouldn’t faze her, but Gia was in the backseat.

The truck slammed into their bumper hard enough to jar them but not enough to deploy the airbags. Dominic fought the wheel and kept them on the road.

“Daddy, what’s happening?”

“It’s okay, honey,” Dominic assured her, but his voice was laced with tension, and he white-knuckled the wheel.

Presley wished she were the one driving. She’d been in this situation before. Her mind went over options. They were approaching another vehicle, with traffic in the other lane.

“Hang on.”

Suddenly, Dominic floored the accelerator and zipped around the slower car. The driver in the oncoming truck laid on his horn. Dominic whipped back into their lane with plenty of time to spare but not enough for the following vehicle to pass. Enough traffic ensured that it would be a while before they could follow them.

Dominic put distance between them. When the cars behind them were out of sight, Presley instructed him to take a side road past a rock cliff. He made a U-turn and killed the lights.

“Daddy, I’m scared,” Gia whined.

“It’s okay, honey. We’ll be home soon.”

Presley reached back and squeezed her leg. “Everything’s fine. Your dad has it under control.”

When the other vehicles passed, Presley said, “There they are. Follow them. I want to get their plate number.”

Dominic switched on the headlights and pulled out behind the truck. He sped up, and Presley leaned forward to read the license plate. Surprise, surprise. There wasn’t one. She noted the make and model: an older black Ford F-150 with darkened windows. No distinguishing bumper stickers or dents.

“I’m taking back roads home,” Dominic announced.

He slowed and navigated the next turn. Presley glanced at him to see his jaw firmed. She knew he had the same thoughts. Gia was in the back seat. If the driver had succeeded in running them off the road, she might’ve been hurt.

“That was impressive driving,” she told him.

He nodded but didn’t answer. The rest of the ride home was silent. Major was excited when they arrived at the house. He dashed from person to person wanting attention, which they gave. There was something calming about petting a dog.

When Gia went to take a bath with Major on her heels, Presley turned to Dominic.

“I think it’s best if I go to a hotel.”

He dismissed her comment with a wave of a hand. “We’ve already had this discussion. Too many times.”

“That was before someone tried to run us off the road.”

“We don’t know that’s what happened. It could’ve been a drunk driver or a road-rager in a hurry.”

She gave him a disbelieving look. “Neither of those is true, and you know it. This is about me.”

“We don’t know that either. There is nothing to suggest you are a target.”

“I was an honorary Cheerio.”

He ignored her. “Besides, if someone is after you, I’m not about to let you deal with it alone.”

Presley propped her fists on her hips. “Dominic, I’m a security professional, and I used to be in the military and a cop. I also carry a gun. Believe me when I tell you I can take care of myself.”

Dominic crossed his arms. “Be that as it may, you’ve got a bodyguard while you’re here.”

Anger flared quickly. Just because she was a woman, he thought she was helpless. Presley sprang forward and whipped his legs out from under him. She had one of his arms pinned behind his back before he hit the ground.

Presley leaned down to whisper, “I’m also an expert in Muay Thai. You think I can’t take care of—”

Bark, bark.

“Presley, what are you doing to my daddy?”

Presley sprang to her feet at the sound of Gia’s voice. Major thought they were playing. He pounced on Dominic and tried to lick his face off.

“I was demonstrating a martial arts leg sweep.”

“Dope! Will you show me how to do it?”

“Maybe sometime,” she hedged.

Dominic pushed to his feet. “Gia, it’s time for bed.”

“Dad, it’s too early. Can’t we watch one episode of You vs. Wild ?”

“Gia.”

“Please? I know Presley won’t be here long. I want to spend time with her before she leaves.”

#

Dom stared at his daughter and her hopeful face. He had a hard time denying her anything, especially when he wanted the same thing: to spend time with Presley.

His gaze moved to the woman. He was exasperated with her but still wanted to kiss her more than he wanted his next breath.

She’d caught him off guard. Otherwise, he’d like to think she wouldn’t have taken him down that easily. It still chaffed his hide—and pride—that she’d downed him so fast.

“Take Major outside to do his business. I need to talk to Presley.”

“Okay!”

Gia ran to the door with the lab on her heels. Dom watched them, and when the door closed, he turned to Presley and pointed a finger. “That was devious.”

She lifted a brow. “What? You think an assailant always announces when they are going to strike?”

“I didn’t expect you to attack me in my living room.”

She shrugged a shoulder.

“Fine. You proved your point. You can take care of yourself. It doesn’t hurt to have a partner, someone to watch your back.”

Presley nodded slowly. “I agree with that. But my office offered to send another agent to help. Besides, I don’t want your daughter in danger.”

“Neither do I. That’s why I’m going to call Gia’s best friend’s mom and ask if she can stay with them for a few days. I have no doubt she’ll say yes. I could send her to stay with my aunt and uncle in Arizona, but I don’t want her missing school.” Plus, logistics would be too complicated. He wasn’t putting Gia on a plane alone and couldn’t escort her without leaving Presley unprotected. Yes, he knew she could take care of herself, but not on his watch.

“That’s probably a good idea.”

“I have a decent security system, so it makes sense for you to stay here. There’s plenty of room for your associate when they arrive.”

After an extremely long pause, Presley sighed. “Okay.”

“Good. That’s the last time we’re having that discussion. Now, I need to make some calls. We’d love for you to join us in watching television. It’s one of Gia’s favorite shows. She needs it so she doesn’t go to bed thinking about what happened earlier.” Yeah, he was playing dirty.

“Okay. I have calls to make as well. It won’t take long.”

Presley disappeared into her room as Gia returned with Major bounding beside her.

“Why don’t you make popcorn for the show?” Dom suggested. “Enough for three. I’ll be back soon.”

“Yay!”

Gia disappeared into the walk-in pantry, where they kept the old-fashioned machine that cranked out movie-style popcorn, her favorite treat. Dom headed to his office and closed the door.

His first call was to Elaine Chang, Gia’s best friend Tracey’s single mother. Gia had slept overnight there many times, just not so many days in a row. He explained he had important business to take care of and needed a place for Gia to stay, and he wasn’t sure how long it would be. Elaine instantly offered to keep her. She would drive them to school and pick them up after practice. She even offered to let Major stay with them. That was a massive weight off his shoulders.

Next, he called George, one of his lieutenants, to let him know he would be taking a few days off but would be on call if needed. He asked to be notified if there were any structure fires.

The scent of hot, buttery popcorn drifted toward him, and he went to talk to his daughter. Gia loved staying with Tracey, but he had a feeling she wouldn’t want to leave while Presley was here. She’d grown attached to her in a short period of time.

He’d been right.

Gia cried and pleaded with him. She was his weakness, and when she bawled, he felt like sobbing with her. Then he pictured what might’ve happened if the car had successfully run them off the road, and he hardened his heart. He was protecting her.

When Presley appeared, Gia leaped off the couch and hugged her. Presley’s questioning eyes met his, and he cleared his throat.

“Gia will be staying with her best friend for a few days.”

Presley’s shoulders visibly slumped in relief.

“I don’t want to go, Presley,” Gia wailed. “I want to stay with you. What if I don’t get to see you before you leave?”

Presley crouched down and grabbed her arms. “We’ll keep in touch. We can text and email. Tell you what. If it’s okay with your dad, you can come visit me. You’d love it. There are a bunch of kids your age and so many things to do. You can meet Kai Costa, the kid with a thousand jokes.”

Gia’s head swung to him. “Can I, Daddy?” she pleaded.

How could anyone deny that precious face anything? “Sure.”

That cheered her up. She turned on the show, and they were soon engrossed in the antics of Bear Grylls as they scarfed down buttery popcorn.

Because they were having such a good time, Dom let her play a second show. By the end, Gia’s eyes drooped.

“I’ll take Major out while you get ready for bed,” Dom told his daughter.

“Presley, you want to help me pack?”

“Sure.”

Dom opened the door, and Major bounded off the deck and into the yard to do his business. He knew he wasn’t wrong about sending Gia away. He needed her safe more than anything in the world. But that meant he would be alone in the house with the most desirable woman he’d ever met, and he possessed no resistance to her.