Silver leaned forward, hardly believing what she was hearing. “You can’t even come out and look at my job until the middle of July? That’s a month and a half away.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the man said smoothly like he was accustomed to dealing with irate customers. “We book up a good two months in advance on average. So, a month and a half is faster than normal.”

“Great,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Would you like for me to schedule you an appointment?” he said impatiently.

“Yeah, I guess so.” She figured she might as well get on his schedule, then keep looking for someone else. No one had answered at the other two places she called, so she’d left messages. As she ended the call, she rubbed a hand over her neck, which was tense to the point of hurting.

“I can do that for you, if you’d like.”

She whipped around, not realizing Ace had stepped into the kitchen.

“That’s okay,” she responded quickly, then realized he was teasing her.

He pulled out a chair and sat down at the kitchen table across from her. “Is everything okay? You look frustrated.”

“Are you spying on me,” she asked, her eyebrow arching.

“What can I say?” He spread his hands in defeat, an easy smile spreading over his lips. “As entertaining as Dora the Explorer is, I might’ve gotten a tad sidetracked by your conversation.”

Ace had offered to watch TV with Gracie while Silver worked.

She sat back in her seat. “I had no idea contractors would be in such high demand.” The crazy part was that Riley could pretty much snap his fingers and get one of his sub-contractors to take care of it immediately, but she didn’t want to be beholden to that man for anything. She’d let the house fall completely down before she called on Riley for help.

“Have you called my cousin Ricardo?”

“No, not yet.”

He sighed heavily. “I told you he’d give you a good price.”

“I know, and I really appreciate it, but you’ve already done so much for us …” she motioned “... letting us stay here at your house. I don’t want to take advantage.” Her voice trailed off.

Ace leaned over and reached for her phone, handing it to her. “Call him right now or I will.”

She made a face. “You’re so bossy.”

He laughed. “And you’re so stubborn.”

She straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin in the air. “Fine, I’ll call him.”

“Do you need the number?”

She rifled through her papers, pulling out the scrap of paper he’d given her. “Nope. I have it right here.” She punched in the numbers, keenly aware Ace was watching her every move. Without warning, her mind went back to their kiss in the pool. Even though it had been cut short by Xavier, it was powerful, sparking a fevered excitement she hadn’t felt since … well, since she and Ace were together before. But there was more than that. It wasn’t just the physical attraction but a deep emotional connection that she and Ace had always shared, even when they were merely friends. “Hello,” she practically barked to banish these dangerous thoughts.

Ace gave her a quizzical look, which she ignored. “My name is Silver Coulter,” she began.

Several minutes later, she ended the call and placed her phone back on the table. Ace looked at her expectantly. “Well?”

“He said he could look at it today and give me a price.” She let out a relieved breath, unable to stop the smile from escaping her lips. “He said, if we agree on a price, he can start as early as tomorrow. Thank you.”

His eyes held hers. “You’re welcome.” She got the feeling that she could get lost in the mystery of his dark eyes, never getting enough of him. The space between them seemed to grow inestimably small as she tugged at her shirt. To be so big, this house was starting to feel too cramped to hold her growing attraction to Ace. She cleared her throat, forcing her voice to sound light. “Ricardo said he could meet at the house at noon. Do you mind if we stop by there on the way to the zoo?”

“Not at all.”

“Oh, and I should probably get my car … so you don’t have to drive us around everywhere.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Still. It would be nice to have an extra car.” Being here at Ace’s house was awkward enough, she didn’t want to add another layer by having to depend on him for transportation.

“We can do that. Let’s grab your car on the way home from the zoo. That way, we’ll only have to take one car there.”

“Okay.” Her phone rang. Her stomach knotted when she saw who was calling—Riley.

The phone sounded again. She sat there, staring at it, revulsion rising like it was a snake she didn’t want to pick up.

“Are you gonna answer that?” Ace asked, the corners of his jaws flexing.

“Yeah, I probably should, or he’ll keep calling. Hello?”

“Hey, whatcha up to today?” Riley said pleasantly.

Silver’s brows scrunched. What was up with the nice-guy attitude? “I’m working.” With Riley, it was better to keep her answers short and to-the-point.

“Are you out on a job?”

She looked across the table at Ace who was trying to appear casual, but his fist was balled, ear cocked to catch every word. “No, just getting caught up on my office work.” She adopted a brisk tone to let him know she didn’t have time to talk.

“I stopped by earlier, but you weren’t home.”

She caught the accusation in his voice.

“Where are you?”

“Like I said, I’m working.”

“I asked where you were,” he demanded.

She bristled. “That’s none of your business.”

“It is when you have my daughter with you.”

Ninety percent of her conversations with Riley ended in an argument, but Silver didn’t want this one to morph into that—not in front of Ace. “I’m at a friend’s house.”

“Who?”

“It doesn’t matter, Riley.” She had to fight to keep her voice even. “What do you need?”

“Mom wants to take Gracie shopping.”

She let out a harsh laugh. “Really? That’s new.” Dinah spent as little time with Gracie as she possibly could. Even though Dinah had never said it out loud, Silver could tell from the disdainful way she looked at Gracie that she considered her to be sub-par because of the Down syndrome.

“I’ll swing by and pick Gracie up around three.”

“That won’t work. We have other plans. You’ll be able to see Gracie this weekend on your designated visit.” By court order, Riley was supposed to have Gracie every other weekend, but he’d cancelled the previous two times—typical for him. Gracie was lucky if Riley spent one weekend every other month with her.

“What plans?” he demanded.

She let out a breath. “I don’t have time for this, Riley. I need to let you go.”

“You’re with Ace, aren’t you?”

The vehemence in his voice chilled her to the bone. She could tell from the hard look on Ace’s face that he wanted to wrench the phone from her hands and give Riley a good talking to. She’d better end the call before Ace did just that and made things a thousand times worse. “I’ve got to let you go.”

Riley started yelling at the top of lungs, calling her every name in the book.

Finally, she pulled the phone away from her ear and ended the call with a shaky hand. She offered Ace a strained smile. “Sorry you had to witness that.”

His dark eyes blazed. “Was he cussing at you?”

She tucked both sides of her hair behind her ears. “Yep.”

“You’ve been divorced for two years. Has he been hounding you like this the entire time?”

“Sometimes it’s better … sometimes worse.” She bit her lower lip to stay the trembling. She was used to Riley’s ways. What she was having a harder time with was the compassion in Ace’s eyes—the kind way he was treating her. The contrast between the two men was as stark as night and day. She could handle Riley’s ruthlessness, but Ace’s kindness was getting to her.

“It’s because you’re with me,” Ace said.

“Yes.” She drew in a ragged breath, letting it out slowly. Maybe now he’d understand why she said they could never be together.

He held out his hand. “Let me see your phone.”

“What?” she gurgled.

“I won’t let him get away with treating you that way.”

She gulped a hesitant laugh, then gave him a steely look. “This is not your fight.”

“You don’t have to go this alone,” he said, holding her eyes. “I won’t let him terrorize you.”

She let out a humorless chuckle. “It’s not Riley you have to worry about, but Dinah.”

“Whichever.” He placed a hand over hers. “You need to know that I’m here for you.” There was a fierce light in his eyes as they cut into hers. “Understand?”

“Yes,” she said flatly, withdrawing her hand. Ace meant well, and she appreciated his kindness, but he didn’t have a clue what he was getting into. How could he? If Silver hadn’t lived through it, she wouldn’t understand. Suddenly, the weight of everything felt like it was too much, her eyes filled with moisture. “Maybe going to the zoo isn’t such a good idea … under the circumstances.”

Ace’s face fell. “And disappoint Gracie? She’s been going on about it for the past two hours, while you’ve been working.”

At that, Gracie rose up and looked back at them from the couch, a worried expression on her face. “No zoo?” She looked like she might break into tears any minute. Had she been listening to them the entire time?

“See, I told you,” Ace said quietly, a vindicated look on his good-looking face.

Silver was pinned in a corner. “Okay, we’ll go to the zoo,” she relented.

“Good,” Ace said, a pleased smile curving his lips.

Silver pointed, eyes narrowing. “But don’t think for one second you can use my daughter to manipulate me.”

He held up his hands, amusement lighting his eyes, turning them a rich honey color. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Uh, huh,” she said sourly. But deep down, despite Riley and Dinah, she was looking forward to spending the day with Ace. And it was nice to have someone in her corner … nicer than she’d admit.

* * *

Ace was impressed. True to his word, Ricardo gave Silver an estimate too good to refuse. And he was starting tomorrow morning. When Silver asked how much time it would take to complete the job, Ricardo hedged, saying he’d have to get into the job before he knew for sure how long it would take. While they were at the house, Silver grabbed a few more clothes and some toys and crayons for Gracie. Ace kept halfway expecting Riley to show up any minute. And he decided that if Riley did show, Ace was going to handle the situation. After all, enough was enough. He didn’t show though.

Afterwards, they grabbed lunch and headed to the zoo. It was good to see Silver and Gracie having so much fun. The zoo was turning out to be the perfect outing, despite the relentless heat. Most of the animals sat listlessly in what little shade they could find. Likewise, Ace and Silver had tried to pick sections that were shaded, making sure to drink plenty of water. Meanwhile, Gracie soaked everything in, as if it were the grandest thing on the planet. Oh, to see the world through the eyes of a child.

“Giraffe … eating the rope,” Gracie pointed, giggling. “Silly, willy.”

Gracie’s laughter was infectious. Ace chuckled as he looked up at the Giraffe, nibbling on the ends of a frayed rope attached to a tree branch. Another giraffe stepped up beside his rope-eating counterpart and pulled off a cluster of leaves, noisily chomping it on the side of its mouth. “Now he’s the smart one.”

“Eating leaves,” Gracie said.

“Hmm … ” Ace touched his chin like he was pondering a lofty topic. “Maybe I should try leaves. Greens are healthy.”

“They’d probably taste better than your protein bars,” Silver teased.

“They’re not that bad,” Ace countered.

“If you like saw dust.” Silver placed a finger in her mouth and gagged, causing Gracie to start cackling.

“Your mom’s a smart aleck,” Ace complained to Gracie, a mock scowl forming over his face. It was good to see Silver letting her hair down a little. Especially after the tense morning.

Silver shoved him lightly. “There’s no need for name calling.”

He lifted his hands. “If the shoe fits …”

She just shook her head, but the sparkle in her blue eyes gave him a thrill akin to running a dozen touchdowns. He was surprised when she casually touched his arm, sending energy rushing through him. “I thought we might take Gracie to the Safari Splash next. Let her play in the water to get cooled off.”

He glanced at Gracie’s cheeks, which were red from the heat. “Good idea.” He bent down to Gracie’s height, searching her face. “Would you like a ride on my shoulders?”

“Yes,” Gracie chimed.

He picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. Gracie laughed with glee. “Look, Mommy,” she exclaimed, “I tall like the giraffes.”

Silver smiled. “Yes, you are.”

A feeling of completeness settled over Ace as he and Silver walked side-by-side. They were almost to the Safari Splash area when someone yelled. “That’s Ace Sanchez.”

He looked over to where a group of women were standing. They were pointing and talking excitedly amongst themselves, as they gawked like he was one of the animals on exhibit. When he offered a smile and nod of acknowledgement, they came running. He glanced at Silver who eyed him with amusement.

“What?” The corners of his lips pulled down into a frown.

She laughed. “Nothing.”

“Hello,” the twenty-something-year-old woman bubbled. “I’m a big fan. Can I get your autograph?” She shoved the zoo map in front of him.

“Sure. Does anyone have a pen?”

Another woman dug in her purse and retrieved one. “Here. Can I have your autograph too?”

Ace scribbled his name on the maps and handed them back to the ladies. “How are y’all doing today?”

“Great,” they squealed like ten-year-olds.

“You’re even more handsome in person than on TV,” one of the women said timidly.

“And bigger,” another added with a deviant chuckle.

These types of situations made Ace feel uncomfortable, and he was never quite sure how to act. He looked at Silver who looked like she was about to bust a gut.

One of the women pulled out her phone. “Can we get a picture with you?”

Gracie tapped on Ace’s head. “Go to Safari Splash,” Gracie said irritably.

“I can take Gracie to the splash area,” Silver said, her eyes bright with amusement. She seemed to be reading his mind, knew how uncomfortable this made him. And she was getting a huge kick out of it. The last thing he wanted was to be stuck with a group of fawning women.

He flashed an apologetic smile. “Sorry, ladies. Normally, I would, but this little lady has been waiting patiently for me to take her to the Safari Splash.”

They looked disappointed, but nodded. He caught the interest in their eyes as they looked at Gracie and Silver. No doubt they were wondering what the story was with Gracie and Silver. This was the downside of playing in the NFL, his private life on display to the world. Ace hadn’t realized how intensely private he was until stardom hit.

“It was good seeing you. Thanks for saying hello,” Ace said, moving forward.

“Well that was interesting,” Silver said, when they got past the women. “You seem to have an endless supply of fans.” She went doe-eyed, batting her eyelashes. “You’re even more handsome in person than on TV,” she mimicked. “And bigger.”

He rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

She laughed. “Ace Sanchez, I do believe you’re blushing.”

He scowled, knowing it was true. “We’re here,” he said to change the subject as he removed Gracie from his shoulders and placed her on the ground.

Gracie was about to run off and play when Silver caught hold of her arm. “Stay right here in this area beside us.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

Ace pointed to a nearby bench. “Should we sit down?”

“Sure,” Silver agreed, “as long as Gracie stays right here in this section so I can see her at all times. Otherwise, she’s liable to trot off with a stranger.”

After they sat down, Silver cast him a sly grin. “You’re fun to watch.”

He tipped his head. “What do you mean?”

“You hate that part of your job, don’t you?”

“Which part?”

“The attention.”

He rubbed his neck. “It’s not my favorite.”

She laughed. “That’s an understatement. You should’ve seen your face when those women surrounded you.”

He winced, not liking that she was poking fun at him.

She shrugged. “It’s kind of endearing.”

For a second he thought he hadn’t heard her correctly. “What?”

“A lot of guys would get a bighead with all the fame and fortune, but you haven’t. That’s commendable.”

He could tell from the dark look on her face that she was referring to Riley. Had Riley been in his shoes, he’d be a monster. Ace shrugged. “I dunno, I don’t give it much thought. It is what it is, I guess.” He didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

Silver kept her eyes trained on Gracie. “Us being here together … it feels like old times, doesn’t it?” Her tone was reflective. “Before everything happened.”

Hope flickered inside him as he turned to her in surprise. “Yes, it does.” He gave her a slight smile. “It feels more right than anything has felt in a long time.” Without thinking, he reached for her hand and linked his fingers through hers. For a second, she tensed, and he feared she’d pull away, instead she relaxed beside him. They sat there, not saying a word.

“Why Silver Coulter, is that you?”

Silver jerked, her face falling, as she removed her hand from Ace’s.

A middle-aged woman with short flaming-red hair stepped up to them. “I thought that was you, honey.”

“Hello, Janene,” Silver said stiffly as she rose and gave the woman a hug. Ace also stood.

Janene grew thoughtful. “Let’s see, I believe the last time I saw you was when you came to the club with Dinah and Bruce to celebrate Riley’s birthday.”

Ace’s immediate thought was that he didn’t like this woman with her sickly sweet, false cheerfulness. She was the type to smile at your face while stabbing you in the back.

Her lips turned down. “Oh, yeah. That’s right. You and Riley aren’t together anymore.”

Kudos to Silver, who looked the woman in the eye when she answered, not backing down an inch. “Nope. We’ve been divorced for two years. As tight as you and Dinah are, I figured you would’ve been one of the first people she told.”

Janene laughed nervously. “I’m sure she mentioned it, but it must’ve escaped my mind, with all the other stuff I have going on.”

“Yes, I’m sure you’re busy,” Silver said, a faint mocking tone in her voice.

Ace smiled inwardly. Silver had come a long way since high school.

“Oh, I am,” Janene cooed, “so busy. In fact, I’m here today with my grandson, Charlie. You know my daughter, Maggie.”

“Yes,” Silver said.

“Well, she married Charles Madison, the third. He’s finishing up his medical degree and is planning on joining his father’s plastic surgery group this fall. I help with little Charlie whenever I can. Maggie needed a break, so I told her to take a day at the spa. Anyway, enough about me and my brood. How’s your little business going? It sounds so sweet. I’m so glad you have a way to pass the time after the divorce.”

Had the woman really just said that? “Silver’s business is more than just a way to pass the time,” Ace countered. “She’s making a name for herself. In fact, she just headed up the Light the Way Charity Auction and Gala.”

Janene’s eyes widened in surprise, probably because Ace joined the conversation so abruptly.

“Silver is to be commended for all that she does,” Ace said, challenging the woman with a look.

“Of course,” Janene clucked. She looked back and forth between Ace and Silver, her voice heavy with innuendo. “I didn’t realize that you and Ace Sanchez were together.” Her eyes danced. “Dinah’s been holding out on me. Wait ‘til I see her at the club,” she sniffed, flicking her long nails.

When Ace saw Silver’s mortified expression, it took him half a second to connect the dots—realize that this was the very thing Silver feared the most. Her ex-mother-in-law going on the rampage. “Silver and I aren’t together,” he said firmly. “We’re just friends.”

Silver looked at him in surprise, and he couldn’t tell if she was pleased or disappointed that he’d set the record straight.

“Oh, my bad,” Janene said lightly. “I thought I saw the two of you holding hands. Must’ve been a trick of the light.”

Ace and Silver just looked at her, not saying a word.

Janene gave them a toothy smile. “Well, it was good seeing you, Silver. I’d better go check on Charlie.” She flicked her wrist. “Ta, ta.”

“Horrible woman,” Silver muttered. She turned to Ace. “Thanks for standing up for me.”

“Anytime.”

A peculiar light shone in her eyes as she nudged him. “Just friends, huh?”

He wasn’t sure what to make of her shift in attitude, but he wasn’t about to pass up his window of opportunity. A wicked grin split his lips. “Friends who hold hands …” his eyes moved to her lips “…and occasionally may or may not meet for a kiss in the pool.” He noted with satisfaction how her cheeks grew rosy.

She wrinkled her nose. “Nah, you’re mistaken. Must’ve been a trick of the light.”

He laughed. “For sure.”