Mia fought back the tears until she was outside and away from everyone. She felt numb and betrayed by the one man she put her entire heart and soul into, but she tried to stay strong. She wanted to get out of there before he saw how she felt, a blithering idiot and no longer in control of her life.

“Mia!”

She heard him yell to her from a distance, and it made her angrier rather than hurt. She had a few choice words for him, but she thought better to talk to him after she was able to let this all sink in. She kept walking. Was he still watching her? Was he hoping she’d turn around? Not a chance. She barely got another block before she felt his hand seize her arm and spin her around.

“Mia, do not run from me again. You need to listen to me!”

“I don’t want anything to do with you,” she seethed. She tried pulling away, but his grip only got tighter. He wrapped his arms around her and secured her next to him until she stopped struggling. “Let me go, Edward.” She tried turning away as she felt her tears escape down her cheeks. Damn him!

“Not until you hear me out.”

She stopped moving and turned her face away until she could control her tears. She didn’t want to look weak and vulnerable, especially to him.

“When my father was alive, he gave me an ultimatum. He wanted your company and had the power to do what it took to get it. He gave me a choice. I could either hack into your company and delete everything, or lose my position in the company.”

“I get it,” she sniffled. “You had to look out for yourself.”

“You don’t get it. I was going to walk away from it all until I figured out how to manipulate his request and give everyone what they wanted.”

“You could have clued me in.”

“I couldn’t take the chance. The less you knew, the better. If you believed your company was in jeopardy, I knew I could get away with it. I put it back.”

“And I lost all of my investors because of it.”

“No, you didn’t.” He raised her face to his, his expression softening. He leaned in and tried to kiss her, but she turned away in time for him to steal a peck on her cheek. It wasn’t enough. “What do you want me to do? I’m trying to make this right.”

“Maybe it’s too late for that.” Her eyes seared into his, and as bad as she wanted to give him a second chance at that kiss, she stood hard as nails. “How do you know that I want you to invest in my company? Maybe I don’t want your help.”

“Like you have so many more appealing options.”

She slapped his face and stood in front of him, trembling. “No, thanks to you.” She watched as his jaw muscles hardened, and she wondered how far she dared push him.

His eyes glossed over, and he hesitated before continuing. “If you give me this chance, I promise, you won’t regret it. I’m not just talking about the investment, Mia.” His reluctance to touch her warmed her heart. She had pushed him far enough. As soon as she lowered her eyes from his face, he pulled her in and stole the kiss he needed to reclaim her. The warmth she felt from his vulnerability for her spread through her. “Does this mean you’ll give me that chance?”

She nodded, pressing her lips together to savor the kiss. “What about Jack?”

“I’ll take care of him. He seems scary, but I can handle him.”

They walked along the street, arm in arm until they got to her apartment.

“This is me.” She stopped him and turned into his arms. “I’m sorry I lost it back there.”

“That’s okay. I never paid the bill. They’ll be looking for me.”

Mia burst out laughing. “Seriously?”

He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. “See what you do to me?” He surrounded her with his arms, pulling her in and kissing her passionately. “Invite me in.”

She shivered at the thought but shook her head. “I can’t.”

He covered her mouth with his and kissed her deeper. “I think you can.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to. Emily is home. I sort of have a rule about the guys I date.”

“Ah, I see.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.” He let her go and stepped back. “What is this rule you have?”

“I don’t want my daughter to be subjected to the different men in my life. Boyfriends come and go. I don’t hold on to them in hopes that a relationship will get stronger. If I do end up with someone for six months, I’ll introduce him to her. By then, I should have a pretty good idea how the relationship will go.”

“So, I have five and a half more months to go?”

She nodded, feeling embarrassment at the way it sounded.

“Okay. I guess I can wait.”

She sat on the front step of the building and scooted toward Edward once he sat next to her.

“Emily is very important to me. She is the reason I started my company. I want her to have a future.”

“Where is her father?”

She wanted to tell him, but she didn’t want to complicate things. She looked down and shook her head. “Not around. He doesn’t even know about her.”

“You never told him? Maybe if you did, he might have stepped up and been a better man.”

“No, I’m pretty sure he’s very content not knowing. He wasn’t a good person.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I did try once. Right after Emily was born, I met with him, but it didn’t work out.”

“Well, maybe it was for the best.”

“Does she know about him?”

“She chooses not to know. I told her when she was ready, I would answer any questions she had.”

“You’re a good mom.”

“It isn’t easy, but she makes it all okay.”

“I see the way your eyes light up when you talk about her. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“One day, perhaps. If you’re still around.”

“I’ll take that bet. But for now, promise me something.”

“What?”

“That you’ll go with me to the Disaster Relief Fundraiser tomorrow evening.”

“I don’t know.”

“You’ll have a good time. There’ll be the best food and wine, dancing and charity auctions.”

“I don’t think it’s a good time right now, Edward. With everything happening between us and the company.”

“That’s all the more reason you should go. Hobnob with some of the most influential business associates out there, investors, you name it.”

“You should go, Mommy.” A tiny voice wafted down from a window just above them. Mia and Edward looked up to see Emily looking down from the living room window.

“Emily, what are you doing?” Mia chuckled at her little girl eavesdropping on them.

“You don’t ever go out on a date. It’s all work, work, work.”

“You should listen to her. She sounds wise beyond her years.”

Emily covered her mouth and giggled.

“Okay, okay. I am obviously outnumbered. I will go with you.”

“Yes!” He made a fist in the air and pulled it down to his chest. “Thank you, Emily. It’s nice to see someone is on my side.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Go back inside, honey. I’ll be right up.”

“Okay, Mommy. Good night, Mister.”

“Good night, Emily.” He chuckled softly, and they watched as she disappeared back inside.

When the window closed, Mia felt overwhelmed. She looked up at the window and back to Edward. It was the first time Emily had met and liked a man in her life. Could this man be what she had been looking for?

He leaned toward her and kissed her lips. “I will say good night. I wouldn’t want the warden catching us,” he said out the side of his mouth, pointing toward the window with his thumb.

Mia giggled. “Until tomorrow evening then?”

“I will pick you up at seven.”

Mia rushed into her bedroom in her bra and underwear, frantically looking through her drawers. Emily sat quietly on the bed, watching.

“Should I wear pantyhose? Do I own pantyhose?”

“What are pantyhose?” Emily crinkled her nose.

“They are uncomfortable, that’s what they are. I’m not wearing them. My dress. Where is my dress?” She hustled to her closet and rummaged through.

“Mommy.”

“Where is it? It was right here this morning.”

“Mommy.”

“What is it, Emily?”

“Your dress is hanging on your door.”

“Oh. That’s right. Thank you, honey.”

She hustled to the other side of the room and grabbed the dress off the hanger, laying it on the bed before wiggling into it. The soft, light blue material hugged her body perfectly. “Does this look okay?”

“You’re beautiful, Mommy.”

“Aw, thank you, sweet pea.” She leaned toward Emily and kissed the top of her head.

The buzzer sounded from the living room, and Mia ran out of the bedroom toward the door. “That must be the sitter.” Without looking, she opened the door and gasped when she saw Edward standing there. “Edward! You’re early.”

“And you’re stunning.”

“Thank you. Come in, please. I’ll be ready in a few minutes. The sitter isn’t here yet.”

“Take your time.”

She rushed back toward the bedroom. “Make yourself at home.” When she returned to the living room after putting on her earrings and necklace, she smiled at the sight of Emily sitting next to him. They were in a full-on conversation about her Barbie dolls and how pink was overrated.

“Well, I personally would wear pink,” he said to her.

“But you’re a boy.”

“You don’t think boys should wear pink?”

Emily shook her head.

“I see you two have finally met.” Mia walked around the couch and stood with her hands on her hips.

“You’re right, Mommy. He is cute.”

Edward raised his eyebrows and cocked his head. “Am I, now?”

It was the first time Emily had left her speechless. The doorbell buzzed, and Mia walked away. “Saved by the bell.” She scooted away from them and opened the door to let Emily’s babysitter in.

“Hi, Miss Walker. Emily! Hey, kiddo!”

Mia watched as Emily ran to her and took her hand, leading her inside.

“We shouldn’t be late, but if we are, I’ll let you know. Is that okay?”

“Sure. I brought one of my board games. Do you want to play?”

Mia picked up her purse and led Edward out the front door.

“Your daughter is sweet.”

Mia smiled, adoration filling her heart.

Edward’s car pulled up to the venue, and his driver opened the door for them, lending a hand for Mia as she stepped out onto the pavement. She looked around as Edward led her to the front doors, taking in the small twinkling lights that draped along the front of the building. The sun had almost disappeared, giving a beautiful display of colors across the sky. Men and women dressed in their best littered the grounds, some with flutes of champagne in their hands, others just arriving and mingling before going inside. Edward slowed his pace as he quietly pointed out and described certain people to her.

“The gentleman standing over there next to the woman in yellow?”

“Yes,” Mia confirmed when she saw him.

“Ralph McLintogue and his wife, Tracie. He is one of our biggest competitors. Nice guy, but he gives us a run for our money. Usually, if we lose an account, it’s to him.”

“Must keep things interesting.”

“It does, yes. Do you see the woman walking toward the entrance? The one in white?”

“Yes. She’s beautiful.”

“She has been with just about every CEO here, I’m sure of it. She loves the lifestyle and will do anything to live it.”

“Has she been with you?”

“No, but I can’t say she hasn’t tried. Jack, on the other hand.”

“Really?”

“Does it surprise you?”

“I guess it shouldn’t.”

He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

He led her through the front doors and inside, where the ambiance was as glamorous and prestigious as the outside. Golden drapes hung from the high ceilings to the marble floors, little white lights intertwining throughout. The tables were covered with white linens and porcelain dinnerware, a bouquet of flowers on every table centerpiece.

“There’s Jack.”

Mia looked up at Edward to see where he was looking and followed his gaze. Jack leaned against the wall by the bar as he flirted with a beautiful woman who was seemingly uninterested. Mia shifted uneasily. As if he felt her discomfort, Jack scanned the room until his eyes locked with hers, nodding and holding his glass up. She looked away and forced a smile for Edward. He picked up two flutes of champagne from a server walking by and handed one to Mia.

“We have to watch out for him.” Edward kept his eyes on his brother before he led her to a table closer to the wall.

“Your brother? Why do you say that?”

“He’s pissed that I gained control of Donovan Technologies.”

“He expected it?”

“He did.”

“So your father willed it to you. He can’t do anything about it now, can he? I mean, I know he has a say in what happens, but he can’t take it from you, can he?” Mia sat at the table so she’d have a good view of the crowd, mainly Jack.

“He’s been trying to buy stock from the other members by promising them a bigger gain once he gets control of your company.”

“Can he do that?” She stayed attentive to Edward but kept her eye on Jack every chance she got. She wanted to feel him out, see what made him tick. She hadn’t had the chance to talk to him one on one yet. Maybe this was the perfect opportunity.

“If he convinces enough of them and acquires enough stock, yes, I’d no longer have majority control.”

“Edward. That can’t happen. How do you know this?”

“I have some insiders who’ve been talking to him.”

“Will he manage it?”

“Not if I can help it.”

As the evening wore on and the fundraiser was well underway, Mia was enjoying the last of her dinner and finished her champagne.

“Would you like something more from the bar?” Edward was so attentive.

“Maybe just a sparkling water, thank you.”

He got up, and she watched as he walked away. She scanned the room and noticed Jack get up from his table. He disappeared out of the large room, and Mia jumped up to follow him.

Once she was in the hallway, she looked around, catching him disappearing into the men’s room. She leaned against the wall and waited, smiling and nodding as a couple walked past her and back into the banquet hall.

When Jack finally came out, Mia’s heart jumped. She pushed herself off the wall and stood tall.

Jack smiled deviously and sashayed over toward her, his eyes looking her up and down. “Waiting for me?”

“Actually, yes. I wanted to say hello and tell you, again, how sorry I am for the loss of your father.”

“Cut the crap.” He leaned toward her, putting his hand on the wall behind her, imprisoning her between him and the wall. He was so close she could smell the whiskey on his breath. “I know you aren’t waiting out here just to make small talk, and you’re too into my brother to be flirting with me and hoping I’ll take you home, so what do you want?”

Mia’s heart raced. “Okay. Fine. I want to know what your intentions are for my company.”

He nodded his head, smiling down at her. “Well, if you must know, I plan on continuing the takeover. But don’t you worry your pretty little head.” He ran a fingertip across her jawbone. “I want to save your company. Invest in it and help you. That is if you want to help me.” He leaned into her, his body touching hers. “Do you want to help me, Mia? It could be like old times.”

She turned her head away from him, her palms flat against the wall. “Jack, please don’t do this.”

He backed away, giving her the room she needed to get away from him.

“I shouldn’t have come out here. I just want to save my company.”

He raised his eyebrows, not offering a promise either way. She turned away from him and went back into the banquet hall with him close behind her. She made her way toward Edward, who was waiting for her at their table when Jack grabbed her arm and turned her back to face him.

“Don’t think for one minute that I plan on backing down.”

Mia pulled away from him, but he wasn’t letting go.

“We could be a hell of a team, you and I.” He looked down at her chest, then back at her. “Think about it.”

She yanked her arm from his grasp and turned back toward Edward, who was headed straight for the both of them.

“What’s going on here, Jack?” Edward pushed past Mia and stood between them.

“Not much, little brother. I was just chatting with our newest business partner here. Letting her in on our plan for her company.”

“Stay out of this. I’m warning you.”

“It’s not going to happen. I’m in this as much as you are. I was telling her how much we’re looking forward to helping her company get back on its feet.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it. Tell her.” Edward stepped out of the way.

“I already have, and she seems to be on board with it. She seems to have a lot to offer a man.”

“Tell her the truth, Jack. Tell her about your plans for her company.”

“Okay.” He shook his head and downed the rest of his whiskey. “Truth is, she doesn’t know how to run a company. Never has. Worthless, if you ask me. I’m going to make so much money when I pick it apart and sell it in pieces, just like Father would have done.” He glared at Mia. “I’m doing you a favor, little darlin’. You should be thanking me.”

Mia wished she wasn’t wearing an elegant evening gown. She wanted to slug Jack.

Edward pushed him back. “I think you should sit down.”

“Oh, little brother is getting brave.”

“Sit down before you embarrass yourself.” He glanced toward the paparazzi that seemed to pick up on the hostility forming in the middle of the crowded room. As they descended toward them, Jack stepped back and put his hands up.

“I was just leaving anyway.”

Edward stood his ground until Jack walked through the crowd and disappeared outside.

“I’m sorry, Edward. I wasn’t trying to start anything. I had to find out.”

“Now that we know what his true plans are, we have to stop him, stop it from happening.”

“But how?”

“Trust me. I may have a plan.”