NOLAN SHOULD BE HAPPY with Yvonne's forgiveness. Getting to hold her was a boon he hadn't expected. He was fairly certain if he'd kept kissing her she'd have melted in his arms, but he couldn't do that when he knew she was holding back from him. Under the blush and flirty looks was a wary shadow he didn't know how to chase away. He could only stick with her and hope that he'd prove-what? Where did he think this was going?They'd had a great time in Vegas. Yesterday and today proved that they had chemistry. But what did that amount to? Or was sex her goal? Was she only interested in him for the orgasms?He lifted a hand and smoothed her hair behind her ear, giving him a clear view of her face. Her lashes were dark against her pale skin. This close he could see a faint smattering of freckles over her nose and cheeks.She reached for his hand and pulled it back around her waist.Nolan chuckled and kissed her hair.If sex was what she wanted that made things a lot easier.His c

Thursday. Grimaldi Place, Chevy Chase, MD.THE ONLY THING YVONNE had ever snuck out of was a party. If she'd known giving her parents, the slip was so easy she might have tried it a few times growing up. Too bad today's excursion wasn't about having illicit fun.She tugged at the seatbelt across her chest.Melody hadn't yet said a word to her, but the professional veneer had rubbed off a bit. She kept glancing at her phone, the rearview mirror. Her anxiety was going to rub off on Yvonne."Are we sure they won't have seen me get in the car?" she asked."It'll look like you went for a walk. When they can't get you back on camera, they'll call you and you can tell them you went back to the house. Your tracking device will support that claim. They'll spend the rest of the day doing tests to figure out the blind spot we don't have.""Oh." Yvonne slid down in her seat a little bit. "Thank you for doing this."The bubble of tension in the car seemed to pop and Melody glanced

Thursday. Grimaldi Place Guest House, Chevy Chase, MD.YVONNE KNEW SHE WAS in trouble. Bad trouble. Maybe the worst of her life.And all for doing what mother had asked her to do.She closed her eyes and willed her heart to slow down a bit. A deep breath in and she felt as though someone sucker punched her with a fistful of lavender. The candle was across the room on Dad's desk.Wasn't one of the side effects of pregnancy a heightened sense of smell?The silence in the room was absolute. Both of her brothers had retreated to the sofa.Her feelings teetered back and forth. On one hand, she was ashamed that she'd allowed herself to be pulled into this deception. Her mother had asked her to do many things for the good of the family, but nothing like this. On the other hand, Mom had gift wrapped Yvonne's way out. In the future, she would need to remember today. It would serve as a reminder why she was putting the best interests of her child above that of her family.Becaus

Nolan exited the house without leaving an update on the chalk board. He lifted his phone and tapped on the text icon.He hadn't messaged Yvonne yet.Should he ask for permission or forgiveness for what he was about to do? And where was she?He changed his mind and tapped her contact, activating the call as he walked.The line rang once, twice, a third time.She could be ignoring him like he was with his mother."Yes?" Yvonne's voice was soft, maybe a little wary."I'd like to see you.""Why?""To apologize properly.""I'm not sure that's a good idea.""I was an ass. Again."Silence."Vee?""I can see you just fine."He glanced at her windows, but from what he could see at this distance the curtains were shut."Not there," she said.There were too many windows on the house to search.A bird twittered in the background through the phone.She was outside.Nolan kept walking, but now he examined the grass, the trees, until-there. Near the wall, almos

Yvonne slid her arms around his neck and he took her mouth. The kiss was possessive, branding. His stubble scraped her chin and though she might have initiated contact, he was taking over. Her nipples pebbled, growing harder until she wanted to rub against him to find some sort of relief, like a cat in heat."No," Nolan rumbled against her mouth."No?" She panted for breath, head spinning."You should eat something first." He flicked the top of the donut box open."I could eat later.""You'll eat now." He plucked a strawberry donut from the box."Bossy.""Yup." One side of his mouth kicked up. "I bet you spend most of your days telling people what to do. Maybe taking orders is good for you?""Maybe you're delusional?""I am a guy. I like my delusions." He held the donut to her lips, drawing a line across her mouth with the frosting.Yvonne had to hand it to him. He was right. She was the woman in charge at work and she chafed at being on the receiving end of orders