“Marry me.”

He’ll do anything to save his son...

After high school, TJ Bauer and Sage Costas went their separate ways. Now a life-and-death crisis reunites the international banker with the woman who kept their child a secret for a decade. But TJ won’t be a part-time father. Marriage is the only solution...until reignited desire for his wife in name only completely changes the stakes.

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author BARBARA DUNLOP has written more than forty novels for Mills & Boon, including the acclaimed Chicago Sons series for Mills & Boon Desire. Her sexy, lighthearted stories regularly hit bestseller lists. Barbara is a threetime finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® Award.

Also available by Barbara Dunlop

Sex, Lies and the CEO

Seduced by the CEO

A Bargain with the Boss

His Stolen Bride

From Temptation to Twins

Twelve Nights of Temptation

Visit millsandboon.co.uk for more information

His Temptation, Her Secret

Barbara Dunlop

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-07620-3

HIS TEMPTATION, HER SECRET

© 2018 Barbara Dunlop

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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For CJ Carmichael

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Extract

Extract

One

As the bride and groom whirled into the first dance at the sumptuously decorated Beacon Hill Crystal Club, TJ Bauer struggled to block memories of his own wedding. It had been more than two years since Lauren had died, and there were days when he was at relative peace with her loss. But there were also days like this when the ache was so acute that his chest balled into a painful knot of loneliness.

“Doing okay?” Caleb Watford approached, handing TJ a glass of single malt, one ice cube, just the way TJ liked it.

“I’m fine.”

“Liar.”

TJ had no intention of getting into it, so he nodded to the dance floor instead. “Matt’s one lucky man.”

Caleb watched TJ’s expression closely, as if he was debating whether or not to let the topic drop. “I’ll agree to that.”

“It was touch and go there for a while.” TJ forced his mind away from the memory of Lauren, reliving his good friend Matt Emerson’s frantic, ring-less marriage proposal to Tasha, her packed suitcases at her feet. “I thought she was going to say no.”

Caleb cracked a grin. “It all turned out in the end.”

TJ found his own smile for Matt’s good fortune. He was genuinely happy that his friend had found love. Tasha was smart, beautiful and completely down-to-earth. She was exactly what Matt needed in his life.

Caleb clapped a hand on TJ’s shoulder. “You’ll be next.”

“Not.” The cloud moved back over TJ’s emotions.

“You need to keep an open mind.”

“Would you replace Jules?”

The question brought silence.

TJ took a swallow of his drink. “That’s what I thought.”

“It’s easy to say never when she’s right here in front of me.”

Both men shifted their gazes to Caleb’s wife, Jules. She was radiant following the birth of her twin girls three months ago. Right now, she laughed at something her brother-in-law Noah said.

“It’s hard to get past the never part,” TJ said, struggling to put his feelings into words. He liked facts, not emotions. Emotions always tripped him up. “It’s not that I’m not trying. I am. But it always cycles back to Lauren.”

“I get it,” Caleb said. “At least I think I get it. I know I can’t possibly understand.”

“If I could flip a switch...” TJ let the sentence drop.

Intellectually, he knew Lauren wasn’t coming back. He even knew she’d want him to move on. But she was his true love, his one and only. He couldn’t imagine anyone taking her place.

“Give it some more time,” Caleb said.

“It’s not like I have a choice,” TJ responded, hearing the irony in his own tone. Time would march along no matter what he did or didn’t do.

The strains of the song wound down to an end, and Matt and Tasha moved toward them, all smiles. Her graceful tulle skirt floated over the polished floor. TJ never thought he’d see the tomboyish marine mechanic in full bridal attire. When she wore a dress instead of coveralls, she was quite stunningly beautiful.

“Come and dance with the bride,” she said to him, a tinkling laugh in her tone as she linked her arm with his.

“It would be an honor.” As the best man, he put a smile on his face and set down his drink, determined to keep his melancholy thoughts to himself.

“Is everything okay?” she asked as they swung onto the dance floor.

Other couples joined them, and the dance floor filled as the music swelled.

“Everything is great,” he said.

“I saw your expression when you were talking to Caleb.”

“Where did you learn to dance like this?” TJ appreciated her concern, but this was her day. She didn’t need to be worrying about him.

“What’s going on, TJ?”

“Nothing. Well, one thing. I’m a little jealous of Matt.”

“Now, that’s a big fat lie.”

He drew back slightly. “Look at yourself, Tasha. Every guy here is jealous of Matt.”

She shook her head and laughed.

“Except for Caleb,” TJ felt honor-bound to add. “And the other married guys... Well, some of them, anyway.”

Now she looked amused. “That was a very carefully constructed compliment.”

“It really went off the rails there, didn’t it?”

“You just kept getting deeper and deeper.”

“What I mean,” he said, “is that you make a radiant bride.”

“It’s a very time-limited thing,” she said.

It was his turn to laugh.

She put on a frown. “I can barely breathe in the corset, never mind walk in these heels. If there’s an emergency, somebody’s going to have to carry me out of here.”

“I’m sure Matt will be happy to carry you anywhere you need to go.”

She cast a glance at her new husband, and her expression turned to adoration. TJ felt a surge of envy at their obvious devotion to each other.

“Your mother seems delighted by the posh event,” he said, switching his focus.

“I’m doing my duty as a daughter. But I’ve warned Matt, this may be the last time he sees me in a dress.”

“You’re going out on a high note.”

TJ’s phone vibrated in his tux pocket. He had it on silent, but Tasha obviously heard the low buzz.

“You can get that,” she said.

“There’s nobody I need to talk to right now.”

“What if it’s one of your investors?”

“It’s Saturday night.”

“It’s Sunday morning in Australia.” Tasha was aware of TJ’s investment company’s global reach.

“So, it’s not a workday there either.” He had no intention of interrupting the wedding reception with business.

The buzzing stopped.

“See?” he told her. “It went away.”

“It always goes away when you don’t pick up.”

The phone buzzed again.

She stopped dancing. “You need to get that, TJ.”

“No, I don’t.” He gently urged her to move.

“At least see who it is.”

“It’s nobody more important than you and Matt.”

“It could be an emergency.”

“Fine.” He wasn’t about to stand in the middle of the dance floor and argue with the bride.

He discreetly withdrew his phone and started dancing again.

Apparently appeased, she matched his movements.

Glancing down, he was surprised to see the call was from Seattle’s St. Bea’s Hospital. His company was a longtime contributor to Highside Hospital near his home in Whiskey Bay. But there was no affiliation with St. Bea’s. He supposed someone could be soliciting a donation.

“Who is it?” Tasha asked.

He realized he’d stopped dancing again.

“St. Bea’s Hospital.”

A look of concern came over her face. “Someone could be hurt.”

“I don’t know why they’d take them to St. Bea’s.”

He was acquainted with a few people in Seattle, but most of his friends were in Whiskey Bay or Washington’s capital city, Olympia, which was the closest major city. Even in Olympia, there was nobody who’d have him listed as an emergency contact.

The ringing stopped again.

“You better call them back,” Tasha said. She linked her arm with his, steering him off the dance floor.

“Tasha,” he protested.

“Humor me, or I’ll worry.”

“If that’s what it takes.” He hated being the cause of a disruption.

“That’s what it takes.”

At the edge of the floor, she moved away, giving him privacy.

TJ kept walking to the foyer, where the sound of the band was blocked, so it was quieter. He hit the callback button.

“St. Bea’s Hospital, Oncology,” a crisp female voice answered.

Oncology? Someone had cancer? “This is Travis Bauer. I’m returning a call from this number.”

“Yes, Mr. Bauer. Let me put you through to Dr. Stannis.”

“What is this—” TJ stopped talking when the line clicked and went silent.

He waited a few moments, not sure whether to be anxious or simply curious.

“Mr. Bauer?”

“Yes?”

“This is Dr. Shelley Stannis. I’m with the oncology transplant department here at St. Bea’s.”

A light came on for TJ. “Is this about a bone marrow donation?”

“Yes, it is. Thank you for calling back so quickly. Obviously, I got your information from the registry. We have a young leukemia patient here who is a potential match with you. If you’re available, I’d like to set up a consultation and possibly final testing.”

“How old?” It was the first question that came to TJ’s mind.

“He’s nine years old,” she said.

TJ didn’t hesitate. “When do you need me?”

“Are you saying you’re willing to donate?”

“Absolutely.”

“Do you have any questions?”

“I’m sure I will, although not right now. I’m in Boston. But I can come back.”

There was a pause on the line. “If it’s possible, Mr. Bauer, we’d like to do the tests tomorrow. As you can imagine, we have a very anxious mother hoping you’ll turn out to be a close enough match.”

“I’ll be there. And please, call me TJ.”

“Thank you very much, TJ.”

“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He ended the call.

“Everything okay?” Matt had appeared beside him.

“Fine. Hopefully very fine. I may be a bone marrow match for a nine-year-old boy in Seattle.”

It seemed to take Matt a moment to process the statement.

“I really hate to cut out on you,” TJ said.

“Go!” Matt said, making a shooing motion with his hands. “Go, save a life.”

TJ could feel his adrenaline come up with purpose. His next call was to a jet charter company he’d used in the past.

He didn’t want to fight for a seat on a red-eye when a young boy and his mother were waiting. And he could afford to fly privately. There were moments in life when it came in handy to be a ridiculously wealthy man.

* * *

As she followed the wide corridor at St. Bea’s Hospital, Sage Costas’s heels echoed against the polished linoleum. Her stomach churned as it had for the past nine days while her son, Eli, had undergone a battery of tests and been diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. The closer she came to the family lounge, the harder her heart pounded. She found herself wondering how much stress the human body could endure before it simply shut down.

She’d barely slept all week, hadn’t slept at all last night. She’d forced herself to shower this morning and put on a little makeup. She didn’t know why she thought makeup might help. But she wanted to make a good impression. She was terrified the donor would back out.

She could see him now. Through the lounge windows, she could see a tall, dark-haired, smartly dressed man talking to Dr. Stannis. He had to be the donor.

Her steps slowed, and she swallowed. Then she stopped at the closed door. It was more than she could do to push the handle. She’d prayed desperately for this moment. So much was at stake. She wasn’t sure she could face it if the process fell apart.

She forced herself to open the door and step inside the lounge.

Dr. Stannis immediately spotted her. “Hello, Sage.”

The man turned. His expression was instant bewilderment. “Sage?”

Her world tipped on its axis.

“Is that you?” he asked, stepping forward.

A roar came up in her ears. Her vision switched to black and white, then tunneled down to a pinhole.

“Sage?” Dr. Stannis moved quickly, taking her by the arm.

Sage’s brain pulsed a million miles an hour. The room swayed for a moment, until her vision cleared.

He was still standing there.

“I’m fine,” she managed to say around the lingering noise inside her head.

“Have you met TJ Bauer?” Dr. Stannis asked with obvious curiosity.

“We went to the same high school.” Her voice was little more than a squeak.

How could this be happening?

“It’s your son who’s sick?” TJ’s expression was filled with concern. “I’m so sorry, Sage.”

Then his forehead creased, and she could all but see the calculations going on inside his head.

He turned to the doctor. “You said he was nine?”

“Yes.”

TJ twisted slowly back to Sage, his words carefully enunciated. “And I’m a likely bone marrow match for him?”

Sage tried to swallow again, but her throat had gone paper dry.

TJ’s eyes shifted from blue to gray thunder. “Is he my son?”

The doctor went still. The entire world went still. The ventilation system clicked against the booming silence.

All Sage could manage was a nod.

Dr. Stannis’s grip firmed up on Sage’s arm. “Perhaps we should sit down.”

“I have a son?” TJ asked, his voice hoarse. “You got pregnant?”

Sage tried to speak. She managed to move her lips, but no sounds came out.

TJ wasn’t having the same problem. “And you didn’t tell me?”

Dr. Stannis jumped in. “I think it would be best if we all—”

Bitterness suddenly broke through Sage’s fear. She found her voice, all but shouting. “You didn’t deserve to know.”

“Sage.” Dr. Stannis’s tone was shocked and sharp.

Sage immediately realized her mistake.

They were dependent on TJ. Eli’s life depended on this man’s good graces, this man who had deceived her, lied to her and taken shameless advantage of her teenage naïveté as a prank to amuse his friends.

She hated him. But he was the one person who could save her son’s life.

“I’m sorry,” she said, trying desperately to put some sincerity into her tone.

Judging by his expression, she hadn’t pulled it off.

“Please don’t...” Her stomach cramped up. “Please don’t take it out on Eli.”

He looked completely dumbfounded. Then he swore under his breath. “You actually think I’d harm a little boy...my own son—” He seemed to gather himself. “You think I’d let my anger with you impact my decision to donate? What kind of a man do you think I am?”

She didn’t know what kind of a man he was. She knew what kind of a teenager he’d been back then—unscrupulous and self-centered. She had no reason to assume he’d changed.

“I don’t know.” She forced the words out.

“Well, know,” he said. He looked to Dr. Stannis again. “How soon will we be sure I’m a close enough match?”

“A few days,” she said. “But given the genetic connection, I’m even more optimistic.”

“It’s a stroke of luck,” TJ said flatly.

Sage couldn’t begin to guess at the emotion behind those words.

Dr. Stannis moved to look her directly in the eyes. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I’m fine.” For the moment, she was fine.

TJ was going to help them. They’d figure out the rest later. For now, the bone marrow transplant was all that mattered.

The doctor stepped back. “I’ll give the two of you some time to talk.”

With a final assessment of Sage’s expression, she left the lounge.

Sage had no idea what to say next, and the seconds ticked past.

When TJ finally spoke, there was contained fury in his tone. “I’m not going to ask you how you could have done something so horrible.”

“Me?” Sage could barely believe he’d said it. “You were there. You know exactly what happened between us.”

He waved a dismissive hand. “That was a stupid stunt by an ignorant kid. We’ve grown up since then. You’ve known about this for a decade.”

“You were a shallow, self-centered jerk.”

He squared his shoulders and set his square jaw. “I don’t want to fight with you, Sage. This conversation can wait. Right now, I want to meet my son.”

Sage staggered and reached to an armchair for support. “No.”

“What do you mean no? No is no longer an option for you.”

She struggled for the right words. “You can’t tell him, TJ. Not now. Not while he’s so sick.” She stretched her arm expansively toward the door to the rest of the hospital. “There’s no way we can expect him to absorb news like that in the middle of all this.”

TJ seemed to consider her words. His expression lost its hard edge. “I need to meet him, Sage. We don’t have to tell him I’m his father, at least not right away. But I’m going to meet him, and I’m not waiting another minute.”

Sage decided she could live with that. “Okay.”

“His name is Eli?”

“Yes. Eli Thomas Costas.”

TJ didn’t react to the name. He walked over to the lounge door and pulled it open, holding it for her. “Take me to my son.”

* * *

“Whoa, whoa, back up, back up,” Matt said to TJ. “You say he’s nine years old?”

“It was in high school,” TJ responded.

There was an open beer on the wide arm of his wooden deck chair on Matt’s Whiskey Bay Marina sundeck, but TJ had no interest in drinking it.

“So, before you met Lauren,” Caleb said.

The three men were sitting around the gas fire pit, but it was early on a June evening, so they hadn’t bothered lighting it.

“I didn’t cheat on Lauren.” TJ’s tone was hard.

“I’m just getting the time line straight.”

“It was a one-night thing. At prom. We danced.”

TJ didn’t want to own up to participating in the foolish prank that had led him to ask nerdy brainiac Sage Costas to dance with him that night. At least not until he had to. And he hoped that was never.

“And she never told you about the baby?” Matt asked.

“I assume that’s rhetorical,” TJ replied.

If Sage had told him about Eli, TJ would have moved heaven and earth to have a relationship with his son. TJ’s own father had walked out before TJ was born, and there was no way he’d do that to a child of his own.

“What’s he like?” Caleb asked, his tone dropping.

TJ’s mind went back to the sleepy boy in the stark hospital bed. “He’s a great-looking kid.”

Eli had been too tired to do much but say hello.

“Like his dad?” Matt joked.

TJ would be lying if he said he hadn’t seen some of himself in Eli. He didn’t think he was imagining it.

“If he’s got his mother’s brains, the world better watch out.” As he said the words, TJ realized they were entirely true. From a genetic perspective, Eli had a fantastic mother. Back in high school, Sage was voted most likely to save the world or become president.

“When are you going to tell him?” Matt asked.

TJ decided it was time for a shot of alcohol, no matter how weak. He raised his beer and took a drink before answering. “I don’t know. When he’s feeling better, I guess.”

“And the tests?”

“They said the results will take a couple of days. I’ve got three major private placement deals on the table. I have to close them. Then I’m clearing my desk to go back to Seattle. Whatever happens, if I’m a match or not, he’s still my kid, and he’s getting the best medical care money can buy.”

Matt and Caleb exchanged a look.

“What?” TJ asked.

“That’s a good place for your money,” Matt said.

“You bet it’s a good place for my money.”

But money wasn’t the only thing his son needed. TJ didn’t know what he’d do if he wasn’t a bone marrow match. He had to be a match. Nothing else was acceptable.

“You talked to him?” Caleb asked.

“Only a little. He was pretty groggy from all the medication. Sage says he plays baseball, a catcher.”

“Have you talked to a lawyer?” Matt asked.

“I’ve talked to three lawyers.” TJ’s company Tide Rush Investments had a financial lawyer on retainer and his firm had a family law division.

“What do they say?”

“That I’ve got a case.”

“What are you looking to get?” Matt asked.

“What has she offered?” Caleb’s brow shot up.

TJ took another pull on his beer. It was such an incredibly ordinary thing to do—sitting up here with his two friends like he had hundreds of times over the years. But his life had been turned upside down. It would never be the same again.

He’d been considering his position for the past thirty-six hours. “She had custody for the first nine years. I’ll take the next nine.”

Caleb frowned.

“You can’t take that hard a line,” Matt said.

“A teenage boy needs his dad. I’d have given anything to have my old man show up in my life when I was Eli’s age,” TJ said. He had a lot of time to make up for, and he had no intention of letting Sage or anyone else stop him.

“They need their mom too,” Caleb said.

TJ knew that. But he didn’t want to admit it right now. He wanted to hold on to his anger at Sage for a while.

“She can have visitation,” he said. “That’s more than she gave me.”

“Could you move to Seattle?” Matt asked.

“The Whiskey Bay school is top-notch,” TJ countered. “So is the area hospital. And the lifestyle can’t be beat.” He couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to raise a child.

“The neighbors are pretty good,” Caleb said with a half smile.

“It’s not like I don’t have the room.”

His wife, Lauren, had wanted several children. She’d designed a six-bedroom house with a massive recreation area in the basement for rainy days and a nanny suite over the garage. She’d been trying to get pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I can’t see it being that straightforward.” There was a cautionary note to Matt’s voice.

“Nothing’s that straightforward,” TJ said. “But I’m a determined and resourceful man.”

“She’s the mother of your child.”

“And I’m the father of hers—a fact she seems to have conveniently ignored.”

“Do you know why?” Caleb asked. “Why she kept it from you? I mean, she could easily have come after you for child support.”

“She wouldn’t have had to come after me. I’d have stepped up without a fight.”

“I know. I know. But you’d think she’d have wanted your help.”

TJ knew the whole truth would eventually come out. His friends were too astute, and they cared too much about him to let him get away with a vague explanation. It was both a blessing and a curse.

TJ took the plunge. “She said I didn’t deserve to know about Eli.”

“Why?” Caleb’s question was perfectly predictable.

“Because it was a prank.”

Both of his friends looked at him blankly.

“Prom night.” TJ gritted his teeth at the memory. “A group of us, the seniors on the football team, we each picked a girl’s name out of a hat. I picked Sage.”

“I’m guessing they weren’t the girls on the cheerleading squad,” Matt said. His disappointment in TJ was obvious.

TJ knew he deserved that. “Not the cheerleading squad. They were the nerds, the brains. It was supposed to be a kiss, only a dance and a kiss. That was it. But Sage...”

He remembered the overpowering rush of adolescent hormones. He couldn’t say what it was about her. She had been thin and freckled, with this wild red hair. But when he’d kissed her, she’d kissed him back, and they’d both been left breathless. His car had been far too close to the side door of the gym, and they’d ended up in the back seat.

“We can fill in the rest,” Caleb said.

“I tracked her down the next day to apologize. But she’d already heard about the prank. She was enraged, punched me square in the chest.” TJ’s hand went reflexively to the spot where her small fist had connected. “She told me she never wanted to speak to me again.”

“You can’t blame her,” Matt said.

“It was stupid and cruel, I know. But I only planned to kiss her. The rest of it was on both of us. It was more than just consensual. And she’s kept my son from me for nine years. The two things don’t even compare.”

Two

A week later, mere hours after the transplant procedure, Sage expected to find TJ lounging in his hospital bed. But he was up and halfway dressed, reaching his arms into a crisp white dress shirt.

“Should you be out of bed?” she asked, stepping past the curtain.

“The nurse took the IV out a few minutes ago.”

“But you just had surgery.”

“I’m aware of that.” He adjusted his collar and shifted the lapels across what she’d noted was a magnificently muscular chest.

“You must be sore.” She couldn’t believe he’d bounce back this fast.

“Only my hip. Dr. Stannis says it’ll disappear in a few days. Hanging around here isn’t going to help any.”

“Can you drive?” Sage asked.

She didn’t know where he was staying, but she wanted to be sure he got safely back to his hotel. It was the least she could do—the very least she could do for the man who may have saved her son’s life.

“They didn’t serve liquor in the operating room.”

“You know what I mean. You must be woozy.”

“It’s not too bad.” He finished doing up his buttons. “I’m not crazy about anesthetic. I like my brain cells too much.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” She struggled to keep her emotions at bay. “Thank you, TJ.”

He sent her a sharp gaze, trapping hers for a long second. “You don’t have to thank me. He’s my son. You don’t ever have to thank me for helping my son.”

It would be a struggle for her to get used to that. She’d had Eli to herself for such a long time, she couldn’t imagine letting anyone else into their circle.

“I need you to understand that, Sage.”

“You’re going to have to give me some time.”

“I’ve already wasted nine years.” TJ took a pewter-gray blazer from a hanger on the wall and put it on over his designer outfit.

She was terrified to ask him what he had in mind. She didn’t want to have that conversation. “They’re watching Eli for signs of rejection,” she said instead.

“Anything yet?” TJ asked.

“It’s too soon to tell. Are you staying in Seattle overnight?”

Again, he pasted her with the sharp look. “I’m staying here as long as it takes.”

“Takes to what?”

He turned his back to her, punching a code into a small safe on the wall and retrieving his wallet and keys. Then he faced her and deposited the wallet into his inside jacket pocket. He kept the keys in his hand.

“I’ve been thinking,” he said.

She worriedly searched his expression for a clue. “About...”

“I’d like to move Eli to Highside Hospital.”

The words blindsided her. “What? Where?”

“It’s near Whiskey Bay. It’s state-of-the-art—”

“No.”

“Hear me out.”

Protective instincts rose inside her, along with a healthy dose of fear. “You’re not taking Eli out of Seattle.”

“It’s the best place for him. I’ve donated to Highside for years, and they have the best doctors, the best technology, he’d be—”

“St. Bea’s is a fantastic hospital.”

“It’s a public hospital.”

Her tone went up in defense. “So what?”

“So, they’re busy, overworked, stretched for resources.”

“They’ve given Eli everything he needs. They diagnosed him. They found you.” She stopped, realizing TJ’s unique role in Eli’s recovery might not be her strongest argument.

“I was in the registry. Any hospital would have found me.”

“I don’t want him moved.” She needed to be close to her son while he recovered.

Whiskey Bay was three hours away. She’d missed so much time at work these past weeks, she couldn’t take much more off. She’d planned to work as many hours as she could while Eli was recovering.

“It’ll free up a bed for someone who desperately needs it,” TJ said.

“What part of no don’t you understand?”

“What part of father don’t you understand?”

“He can’t be moved yet.” She realized her best argument was the medical one.

“I’m not talking about today, or even tomorrow. But as soon as he’s strong enough, we can hire a medical helicopter. It’ll take thirty minutes, tops.”

“Just like that?” She resisted an urge to snap her fingers.

“Just like what?”

“You’ll hire a helicopter.”

“It’s fast. It’ll be comfortable. The onboard medics are equipped for anything.”

“It’ll cost a fortune.”

His expression was a study in incomprehension. “It’s my son’s health we’re talking about.”

She was back in high school again. “You’re still the big man, aren’t you?”

His nostrils flared, but he didn’t answer.

“The star athlete, the guy who got anything he wanted, grants, scholarships, the best parties, all the girls.”

TJ opened his mouth, but she didn’t let him interrupt.

“The wide receiver with the magic hands, who was going all-state, who could write his own ticket.”

“I’m not going to apologize for getting a college degree.”

Sage felt like a knife had been shoved into her heart. She’d given up countless scholarship offers to raise Eli.

“I earned my money,” TJ continued. “I’m spending it on my son.”

She stepped forward. “Your son doesn’t need it.”

“You want to fight me on this?”

Sage was about to say yes, when the curtain was whisked open.

Dr. Stannis appeared. She looked TJ up and down and smiled. “Nice bounce-back.”

“I’ve been through worse,” he said. “How’s Eli?”

“He’s still in recovery. We’re going to keep him there for a few more hours. Do you feel ready for discharge?”

“Absolutely. When can we see him?”

“Later tonight.” Dr. Stannis glanced at her watch. “Nine-ish? But he’ll still be pretty groggy until morning.”

“We’ll come back at nine.”

Sage was about to protest that she wasn’t leaving.

“Make sure you get plenty of fluids,” Dr. Stannis said to TJ.

“Is there a good restaurant nearby?”

It took Sage a second to realize the question was for her. “I’m, uh, not sure.”

He looked puzzled.

She wasn’t about to explain to Mr. Moneybags Helicopter Charter that she normally brought snacks from home to save money over eating in the hospital cafeteria. Forget restaurants. They weren’t even on her radar.

“The Red Grill is just down the road,” Dr. Stannis said. “It gets good reviews from families of our patients.”

“Done,” TJ said. He motioned for Sage to go first.

She didn’t understand.

“I’m buying,” he told her. “We have to eat.”

“Fluids,” Dr. Stannis said. “For both of you.” She gave Sage a pointed look.

They’d had a few conversations about the fact that Sage had lost some weight these past weeks.

“Does Cabernet Sauvignon count?” TJ asked with a teasing smile.

“Only in moderation.” Dr. Stannis waved her pen. “Water’s better. Tea would be perfect.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And make sure Sage eats.”

TJ looked down at Sage with a curious expression. “Anything in particular?”

“Calories.”

“Lasagna it is,” he said.

“I don’t like lasagna.” Sage did like lasagna, but she was still thrown off balance by TJ’s determination to move Eli to a different hospital. And she resented the way he was organizing her dinner.

“Then order something else,” he said easily. “They’ll have a menu.”

“I’m aware of how restaurants work.”

“Good. Then you won’t mind taking advantage of one. You are a little thin.”

“I’m not thin.” She was conveniently ignoring the fact that her favorite jeans were sagging at her waist.

“I didn’t mean it as an insult.”

“Your opinion means nothing to me.”

Dr. Stannis broke in. “And I will see you two later.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” TJ gave her hand a warm shake with both of his.

Sage wished she could hug the doctor, but she settled for shaking as well. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re most welcome.” Dr. Stannis’s sincerity was unquestionable. “Go take care of yourself for a couple of hours. Eli is in excellent hands.”

“I know,” Sage said.

She had complete confidence in the staff at St. Bea’s. There wasn’t a reason in the world for TJ to move Eli anywhere else.

* * *

The Red Grill turned out to have a Southwest flair, with bright colors and lively music in the dining room. The hostess seated them on the patio, which was quieter. She quickly brought them glasses of iced tea and tortilla chips with guacamole.

The pain in TJ’s hip was getting worse, but he didn’t want to muddle his thinking with any more painkillers. He pushed the tortilla chips toward Sage, but she shook her head.

“Doctor’s orders,” he said.

She gave him a glare but took a chip and bit down on it.

TJ had so many things to ask her, he barely knew where to start. “Do you have any pictures of Eli?”

She set the chip on her side plate. “I do.” She dug into her small bag and retrieved her phone, opening the photo app.

When she handed it over, TJ got the first look at his infant son. The pain in his hip faded as he took in the smiling, cherubic baby.

“How old is he here?” TJ asked.

“Six months in that first one.”

He stared at the picture for a long time.

“Are you ready to order?” the waitress interrupted.

“We’ll need a few minutes,” Sage answered for them.

TJ flipped to the next picture. Toddler Eli was standing in a yard, petting a black Lab that was taller than him.

“You have a dog?” TJ asked.

“No. They’re not allowed in our basement suite. Beaumont belonged to a friend. Eli loves animals. He talked me into a gerbil once.”

“What happened?”

“He played with it every day, but it was kind of sad. It just wasn’t the same as having a dog to walk and play fetch with. Eventually, the gerbil died and, well, we weren’t really supposed to have it in the first place. And I didn’t want to get evicted, so we never got another.”

“A boy deserves a dog.” TJ could remember how badly he’d wanted a dog when he was a boy.

“A boy deserves a roof over his head,” Sage retorted.

TJ looked up from the screen to see her annoyed expression. “I didn’t mean that as a criticism.”

“I tried, TJ.”

“I know you did. I’m sure you did. I don’t understand why you didn’t contact me.”

“Well, I’m not going to explain it all over again.”

The waitress arrived once more.

“I’ll take a beef burrito,” TJ said, not wanting to bother reading the menu and not caring what he ate.

“The same,” Sage said, and the waitress departed.

“You didn’t look at the menu,” he noted.

“Just so long as it’s not lasagna.”

He couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. He flipped to the next picture.

Eli was in front of a birthday cake covered in blue icing and decorated with mini balloons. There were three candles on the cake, and he was grinning ear to ear.

“His birthday?” TJ asked, although it was pretty obvious.

Sage nodded.

Eli had dark, slightly wavy hair, just like TJ’s. There was a familiarity in his eyes and in his slightly crooked smile. TJ’s chest was tight. His heart was expanding to fill every crack and crevice behind his rib cage.

He had a son—his own son. He’d missed so much of Eli’s life.

He moved to the next picture, but it blurred in front of his eyes. “I deserve a chance to catch up.”

She looked like she wanted to argue. But then she looked like she didn’t have it in her.

“I know,” she said. “You can see him as much as you want. I won’t try to stop you.”

“I want him at Highside Hospital.”

This time, she shook her head, and he could see the steel determination in her eyes. “That’s not possible. He needs me. He needs me there every day.”

“You can stay in Whiskey Bay.” The problem was hardly insurmountable.

“I have a job, TJ. I can appreciate this is a huge adjustment for you, but—”

“Adjustment? You call what I’m going through an adjustment?” He shifted in his chair, and pain shot through his hip. He struggled to keep his expression neutral.

“You’re in pain,” she said. “Should we go back to the hospital?”

“No!” He lowered his voice. “We should eat. Starving yourself isn’t going to help Eli.”

Her jaw clenched tight. “Are you going to give me parenting advice?”

“I’m not.” He leaned forward to make his point. “Because I have no idea what it’s like to be a parent, thanks to you.”

“I just apologized.”

“You think that cuts it?” He realized his tone was growing louder, and he forced himself to take a beat. They were both raw and tired, and sniping at each other wasn’t going to help anything.

Their burritos arrived, along with condiments and utensils.

He slid her phone back across the table. “Thank you for showing me the pictures.”

She looked like she wanted to say something more, but she stayed silent.

“You should eat,” he told her.

She gave a jerky nod.

He flagged down the waitress. “Can I get a shot of tequila?”

“Painkillers would work better,” Sage said.

“It’s not for the pain.”

They ate in silence for a while.

Despite everything, TJ couldn’t help but think it was good she was eating something. He might not agree with her decision to keep him in the dark, but she’d obviously been through a lot taking care of a sick child all on her own.

Then it occurred to him that she might not be on her own. She didn’t wear a wedding ring, and her last name remained the same, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t in a relationship, or even married for that matter.

“Are you single?” he asked bluntly.

Her eyes widened in obvious surprise.

“Is there a man, somebody in your and Eli’s lives?” he elaborated. It would certainly give her a good reason for keeping TJ out of the picture.

“No. There’s nobody. It’s just me and Eli.” There was an echo of loneliness in the statement.

“Your family?”

He didn’t know if she had siblings. He didn’t recall any from high school. But it was a pretty big place, and he certainly hadn’t known the entire student body.

“My parents died a few years ago. Not that they were in the picture anyway.”

“Did they live out of state?”

“No. They cut me out of their lives. They didn’t want me to keep Eli.”

TJ’s horror was instant.

“They wanted me to give him up for adoption.”

“Why?”

“They weren’t willing to help me with him and they didn’t think I could do it on my own. But they were wrong.” Her gaze was firm on him. “I walked out of the house at six months pregnant and never saw them again.”

She should have contacted him. Why on earth hadn’t she contacted him?

“It was the right choice,” she continued. “For all our struggles, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

He couldn’t seem to stop himself. “I wish you’d done some things different.”

Her knuckles appeared white as she gripped her knife and fork. “I can’t go back in time, TJ.”

“I know.” He’d lost his appetite, but he forced himself to keep eating.

They could only go forward. And for that, he needed to be at his strongest. If there was anything on earth he could do to help Eli, he was going to do it.

* * *

Sage fought the urge to take TJ’s hand. It was an irrational urge, since their relationship for the past twenty-four hours could best be described as an armed truce. But her nerves were strung tight as they waited for Dr. Stannis to bring them Eli’s test results.

The guest chairs in Dr. Stannis’s office were jade-green leather. They were cushioned and comfortable. The room was decorated in muted earth tones, a painting here, some pottery there. It didn’t look sterile, not like a waiting room. She couldn’t help but imagine it was designed to keep people calm, people like her who were waiting for life-and-death results, or who were hearing the worst kind of news.

“Hey.” TJ’s tone was soft, and he was the one who took her hand.

She turned to look at him.

“Don’t do that to yourself,” he said.

He gave her hand a squeeze, which inexplicably made her feel better.

“It’s going to be all good,” he said.

“You don’t know that.” Her voice was dry, high-pitched. She tried to swallow, but she couldn’t.

He came out of the chair, on one knee in front of her, taking both her hands in his. “Positive thoughts,” he said, his voice as gentle as she’d ever heard.

She managed a nod, but she was terrified to be optimistic, as if karma would reach out and smack her if she dared to hope.

The door opened, and Dr. Stannis entered the room. “I won’t keep you in suspense,” she said briskly, breezing toward her desk. “The results are what we were hoping for. There are no signs of rejection or infection at this point.”

Sage thought she might faint with relief.

Before she could move, TJ’s arms were around her. He drew her to her feet and hugged her tight.

“Yes,” his deep voice hissed next to her ear. “Yes.”

His body was strong and solid against hers, warm and welcoming. She was suddenly transported back ten years, to their dance, their kiss, the acute and unexplainable feeling she’d had of coming home, like she belonged in TJ’s arms, like she’d been waiting her whole life to be held by him.

She hadn’t been able to let go then, and she didn’t want to let go now. It was a frightening feeling, and she tried to pull back.

TJ didn’t seem to want to let her go either. He held on tight for long seconds before breaking his grip.

“He did it,” he said.

“You did it,” Sage said.

At the moment, she didn’t care who TJ was, what he’d done in the past or what he might do in the future. He’d saved her son, and she owed him everything.

“He needs to get his strength back,” Dr. Stannis said.

Sage felt a dampness on her cheek and swiped at it with the back of her hand. She hadn’t even realized she was crying.

“And we’ll have to carefully monitor his T cells. Infection is still a very serious concern.” Dr. Stannis dropped into her high-backed chair. “But at this point, all signs are positive.”

TJ eased Sage back into her chair and then took his own.

“How long until he can come home?” she asked. She couldn’t wait to have Eli back in his own bed.

“Normally, we’d wait a week,” Dr. Stannis said. “But in Eli’s case, I’m recommending two.”

Sage’s euphoria disappeared. “Something is wrong?”

“The chemo was very hard on him. And we’ve already fought one infection. He’s young, and his body has been through a lot.”

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“I would tell you if there was anything else.”

“What about another hospital?” TJ asked.

Sage wanted to shout no.

Dr. Stannis switched her attention to TJ. “What do you mean?”

“Highside Hospital, on the coast.”

“They’re top-notch. There’s no doubt about that,” Dr. Stannis said.

“I’m affiliated with them,” TJ said. “They’re world renowned. I want to do everything possible to support his recovery.”

Dr. Stannis looked at Sage. “Medically speaking, yes, he could be moved there.”

“He’d have a private room,” TJ said to Sage. “It would be quieter for him while he recovered. Their equipment is state-of-the-art. If Eli came down with an infection or any other complication, he’d be in the best possible facility.”

Sage’s hands began to shake. “He wouldn’t have his mother.”

“You’d come with him. They have a residential facility for parents. You can stay there the whole time free of charge.”

“I have a job,” Sage protested. There was no way she could take another two weeks off. “After he’s out, once he’s better, the two of you can—”

“This isn’t about me seeing him.” TJ’s tone was firm. “This is about Eli getting the best care. The nurse-to-patient ratio in Highside is the lowest in the country. They have a pediatric ICU, an extensive on-site laboratory system, and they’re an oncology teaching facility.”

Dr. Stannis rose to her feet. “I’ll leave the two of you to talk.”

“One more question,” TJ said to Dr. Stannis.

“Of course.”

“If Eli was your son, would you choose St. Bea’s or Highside?”

Dr. Stannis’s hesitation and her guilty look in Sage’s direction answered the question.

“I have to be honest,” Dr. Stannis said. “Highside is unrivaled for patient care and outcomes.”

“Thank you,” TJ said.

Dr. Stannis left the office.

“I have to work while he’s recovering,” Sage said to TJ. “I can’t do that from Whiskey Bay.” Surely a mother’s love counted for something.

“Take some time off. Don’t worry about money, I can—”

“It’s not just the money.” She was embarrassed that her voice cracked. “I’ve missed so much time lately. They’re trying to be patient with me, but they’re going to have to replace me if I don’t get back there soon.”

“Where do you work?”

She found herself raising her chin. “The Eastway Community Center. I’m their event planner.”

She wasn’t embarrassed by her job. She did meaningful work that helped people in need. But she knew it was nothing compared to what TJ had accomplished since high school.

“Maybe I can talk to them.”

“Oh, no, you don’t.” The idea was offensive. She was an adult. She didn’t need some tall, male financial mogul in an expensive suit to advocate on her behalf. “Eli’s home is here. His mother is here. My life is here.”

“And my life is—” TJ suddenly stopped talking. He rocked back in his chair, looking annoyed with himself. “Fine. I’ll let it drop.”

“Thank you.” She was grateful he’d seen the light.

“Right now, we should check on Eli.”

She was all for that. “Yes.” She nodded rapidly. “Yes.”

TJ came to his feet. “We can talk about it some more later.”

“Wait. What?” She didn’t want to revisit an argument she’d just won.

“I haven’t changed my mind. But I’m not unreasonable.”

“Not changing your mind is being unreasonable.” She stood.

“Not if I change yours.”

“You won’t change mine.” Of that, she was positive. If that was what he was waiting for, she was home free. She headed for the door.

It was a ten-minute walk from Dr. Stannis’s office to the pediatrics wing. It was almost dinner, and Sage was hoping to coax Eli to eat something, maybe a little Jell-O. He liked red the best.

She couldn’t wait for the day when his appetite returned, then his strength and his energy. She couldn’t wait for the day when he was an ordinary little boy all over again.

Three

Once again, TJ was struck by how small and pale Eli looked in the stark white hospital bed. But at least this time he was sitting up. He had a comic book in his lap, and he was slowly turning the pages.

He heard them come in, and he looked up.

“Hi, Mom,” he said in a quiet voice.

“Hello, sweetheart.” Sage approached his bed and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

There were three other beds in the room. Two were occupied. One with a young girl whose leg was in traction due to a car accident, another by a boy who TJ had learned had his appendix taken out and was in the process of being discharged.

The hospital was spick-and-span. But it was also showing its age, with noisy heaters, worn linoleum and lights that flickered and buzzed overhead. The privacy curtains were a faded yellow, and the table trays squeaked when they were wheeled to a new position.

“Hi, Eli,” TJ said.

Eli looked past Sage to meet TJ’s eyes. He was clearly puzzled by TJ’s continued presence at his bedside. TJ didn’t blame the kid. It likely didn’t make much sense to Eli for a stranger to show up and keep hanging around while he recovered.

Sage had introduced TJ as an old friend from high school. TJ was dying to tell Eli the truth. But he respected Sage’s request to wait until Eli was stronger.

“Hi,” Eli answered shortly, looking annoyed.

“How are you feeling?” Sage asked, straightening.

Eli shrugged.

“Are you hungry?” Sage asked.

“Not really.” Eli looked back down at the comic book.

“You need to build up your strength.” She smoothed his slightly ragged hair.

“I’ll try,” he said.

“Are you frustrated by the slow progress?” TJ asked.

Sage didn’t take the single seat beside the bed, and he wasn’t about to sit down and let her stand, so the black vinyl chair was just in the way. TJ maneuvered around it.

Eli shifted to watch his progress. “Are you dating my mom?”

“What?” Sage gasped. “What makes you ask that?”

“No,” TJ answered. “I’m not dating your mom. We’re old friends.”

Sage sat down in the chair and put her hand on Eli’s shoulder. “There’s something you should know, honey.”

TJ stopped breathing.

Eli looked at Sage. “What?”

“TJ donated the bone marrow for your transplant.”

TJ let out his breath. He was disappointed, of course. But it had seemed like an abrupt way to tell Eli TJ was his father. It was better that they wait. This was enough.

Eli’s eyes opened a little wider. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.” Sage took his hand and gave it a kiss. “TJ was your donor.”

Eli looked embarrassed. His gaze focused tentatively on TJ’s.

“I was more than happy to help,” TJ assured him.

Eli’s slim shoulders squared, and he seemed to sit up a little straighter. “Thank you, sir.”

TJ’s heart swelled with pride. “I’m just glad you’re getting better.”

Eli’s expression faltered. “Am I?”

“Of course you are,” Sage said, concern clear in her tone.

“I don’t feel better.”

“You’re sitting up.”

Eli glanced around the bed, as if the significance of sitting up hadn’t occurred to him.

“You couldn’t sit up yesterday,” Sage said.

“I couldn’t, could I?”

“You are getting better,” she told him firmly.

“It’s only a matter of time,” TJ said.

Eli gave a ghost of a smile. “I thought they were lying.”

“Who?” Sage asked.

“Dr. Stannis. The nurses. They keep saying these things take time, and I should relax and let my body heal.”

“They’re right.”

“That’s what they said to Joey.” Eli’s eyes went glassy with unshed tears. “They told him that right up to when he died.”

TJ felt like he’d been sucker punched.

A stricken expression on her face, Sage rose and drew Eli into her arms. “Oh, sweetheart.”

“It would be okay,” Eli said. “I mean, I’d deal with it if it happened.”

“The transplant was a success,” Sage said with firm conviction.

“You don’t have to deal with it,” TJ said. Then he rethought his words.

Eli had plenty to deal with for the next few months.

“It’s going to be tough,” TJ told his son. “You’ll need to be strong. But you are most definitely getting better.”

“I can read again,” Eli said. “At least a little bit without my head feeling like a baseball hit it.”

“I hear you play baseball,” TJ said, perching on the corner of the bed.

“I used to,” Eli said.

“That’s something to look forward to.”

“Over the long-term,” Sage said.

TJ couldn’t tell if it was a rebuke or if she was just carrying on with the conversation.

“For now,” she continued, “maybe we can look forward to some Jell-O?”

Eli thought about it for a moment. “I can try.”

“Good for you.”

TJ found himself smiling at the simple accomplishment. “Is there anything you feel like?” he asked Eli. “Anything at all?”

Eli looked to his mom as if seeking permission. “Could I have a chocolate milkshake?”

“I can run out and pick one up,” TJ offered.

“Yes.” Sage surreptitiously swiped her hand across her cheeks. “Yes, darling. You can have as many chocolate milkshakes as you want.”

“Finally,” Eli said with a small smile. “Something good in the hospital.”

TJ couldn’t believe his son was making a joke. In a hospital bed, weak and frightened, and fighting for his life, he was making a joke. His kid had mettle. Again, pride rose in his chest.

He left the room and took the elevator to the main lobby. There was a fast-food restaurant down the block that served milkshakes. But Eli deserved better than any old milkshake. TJ wanted his first gift to his son to be at least a little bit special.

So he drove to a gourmet ice-cream shop ten minutes away and waited while they made a custom order.

When TJ got back, Eli was semi-reclined in his bed. His eyes were closed, and he was listening to Sage read a story. She was sitting between Eli’s bed and the bed of the little girl with the broken leg.

The girl looked to have other injuries too, TJ realized. One of her arms was bandaged, and she had a brace on her other leg.

She looked shyly at the milkshake, and TJ felt like the biggest heel in the world.

Sage stopped reading.

TJ set the milkshake on Eli’s table.

“Is there something you’d like?” he asked the girl, moving closer.

“Heidi, this is my friend TJ,” Sage said to the girl.

“Hi, Heidi.” He offered her a smile. “I should have asked you before. What would you like to eat? As long as it’s okay with the nurses, I can bring you anything.”

She hesitated.

“Go ahead,” Sage told her. “He’s rich. He can afford something great.”

TJ was taken aback by Sage’s description of him. It was true, but it was an odd thing to tell a child.

“Pizza?” she asked shyly.

“Absolutely,” TJ answered. “What kind do you like?”

“Hawaiian,” she said. “And...” She bit her bottom lip.

“What else?” he asked. “Do you want a soda?”

“Can I have extra cheese?”

“Extra cheese it is.” Out of the corner of his eye, TJ saw Eli lift the milkshake to his lips.

Heidi’s blue eyes lit up with simple joy.

“This is really good,” Eli said.

“Fantastic,” TJ said to Eli. He hadn’t felt this good about a gift in years.

“I can get you a milkshake, too,” he said to Heidi.

Instead of answering, she looked to Sage with amazement.

“Chocolate or vanilla?” Sage asked her. “Or maybe strawberry or caramel?”

“Caramel,” Heidi said, sounding breathless.

“What about you?” TJ asked Sage, not about to mess this up a second time. “Pizza and milkshakes all around?”

Sage gave him a grin, and he swore he could feel her joy seep into his very pores.

“You bet,” she said. “Surprise me.”

“I’m on it.” He gave them all a mock salute and walked out of the hospital room feeling ridiculously like a superhero.

* * *

After the pizza and milkshakes, Sage read aloud until both Eli and Heidi were sleeping. Then she said good-night to the nurse before she and TJ walked to the lobby. She was tired, but she was also relieved. Eli was showing definite signs of improvement. He’d finished his entire milkshake and even had a couple bites of pizza.

“I’ll be back tomorrow morning,” TJ said as they approached the bank of glass doors.

“I know you will.”

They were going to have to work this out somehow. But for now, the best she could do was one day at a time.

“Where’s your car?” he asked, stopping as she turned left on the sidewalk.

The parking lot was to the right.

“I’m taking the bus.”

He closed the gap between them. “Why would you do that?”

She didn’t want to tell him. But she didn’t want to make a big deal about it either.

She kept her tone blasé, matter-of-fact. “I don’t have a car.”

He blinked. “Who doesn’t have a car?”

“Me.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t.”

“How do you get to work?”

She could hear the diesel engine and the air brakes of a bus coming up the hill. She pointed to it.

“That’s crazy,” he said.

She didn’t like it much, but she’d sold her car a month ago when they’d started doing tests on Eli. Their meager insurance policy didn’t begin to cover all the costs.

“You need a car,” he said with authority.

“I had a car.”

“Did you crash it?”

“No, I didn’t crash it. I sold it.”

“Why would you—” He stopped, and his brows rose. “The medical bills.”

“Yes, the medical bills.”

There was no point in pretending. She was a single mother with a low-paying job and a sick child. Of all the things she had going for her in life, money wasn’t one of them.

“As of this second,” TJ said, “there are no medical bills. You have no medical bills.”

“You can’t—”

“I can, and I am. How much have you paid so far?”

“None of your business.”

“You want me to guess?”

“No, I don’t want you to guess.” It was her pride arguing with him. There was no practical purpose for insisting on footing the bill herself. From everything she knew, he had money to burn.

“I’ll drive you home.”

“I have a bus pass.”

“It’s nearly eleven. You’re not getting on the bus.”

She folded her arms over her chest. “I’m a functioning adult, TJ. I don’t need you or anyone else to take care of me. I’ve been on this bus dozens of times at night. And I don’t need your permission to do it again.”

“I’m offering you a simple favor.”

“You’re...” She paused. She was exhausted, and it was twenty minutes until the Number Seven bus arrived. She had to transfer at the downtown station, which would mean an additional fifteen-minute wait before she boarded the final bus. She was being a fool to turn him down.

She closed her eyes for a second. “Okay. Thank you. That will be quicker.”

“Are you always this stubborn?”

She gave him a glare.

“I mean good. My car is this way.” He pointed to the south lot.

“I’m used to being self-reliant,” she said, although she didn’t owe him an explanation.

“Your life has changed,” he said.

“So has yours.”

He used his remote to unlock the doors to a low-slung red sports car.

“Drastically,” she added, contrasting it to the fifteen-year-old minivan she’d recently sold.

He opened the passenger door and stood waiting for her to get in. “We’re in this together, Sage.”

She didn’t like his phrasing. “We have a common interest.”

“We have a child together.”

She didn’t have another response, so she got into the car.

The seats were smooth leather, cool and comfortable, cradling her body, filling the car with a subtle earthy scent. The navigation screen and dashboard made her think of a space shuttle. The seat belt came out smoothly, clipping effortlessly together.

TJ swung into the driver’s seat.

“Where to?” he asked, pressing the start button.

“North on Fairton Road.”

“You live downtown?”

“It’s close to work.”

Her rented basement suite was in an older part of the city. Gentrification was taking place near the water, but it hadn’t yet made it to Fir Street. That kept rent low, for which she was grateful. But the nearby development was also pushing trouble closer and closer to her block.

TJ paid the parking charges and exited the lot.

It was a short drive to the highway, and there their speed increased.

The ride was smooth, and the sports car hugged the road. It was like floating on a cushion of air. It was so much better than the bus. She leaned her head back against the soft headrest and watched the strobe of streetlights above.

Too soon, they came to her exit.

She directed him to her neighborhood and pointed out the right house.

He pulled to the curb, setting the brake and shutting off the engine. He stared through the windshield. “Who are those guys?”

As she unbuckled her seat belt, Sage took in a group of teens and young adults in front of the corner market. There were six of them, scruffy-looking, all male. A couple of them were smoking, another couple were showing an interest in TJ’s car.

“They look worse than they are.” Sage had never been bothered by anyone.

“Are there a lot of drugs around here?”

“How would I know?”

He gave her a frown.

“No more and no less than in other parts of the city. I don’t pay that much attention.”

She was used to the neighborhood. She saw it every day. Sure, sometimes litter collected in the gutters. And the lawns weren’t exactly fine-trimmed. Some of them were barely lawns. But the MacAfees next door were a lovely retired couple, and Sage’s landlord, Hank Taylor, owned the bakery two blocks down. He was a hardworking, fiftysomething man who looked out for her and Eli.

TJ opened his door and got out, staring levelly at the group of boys.

Sage followed and got out her side.

“Ignore them,” she told TJ.

“They’re trying to decide if they can intimidate me.”

“If you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.”

“I don’t want them to bother my car.”

“Don’t be paranoid.” She started across the sidewalk for the worn stepping stones that led to the basement entrance.

“How long have you lived here?” he asked, falling into step.

“Since Eli was two.”

“Has it always been like this?” His tone was clearly critical.

“You mean low-rent?”

“This is a little more than low-rent.”

She inserted her key into the doorknob and turned it open.

“No dead bolt?” he asked.

“It’s not exactly a high crime district.”

“Could have fooled me.”

Insulted and annoyed, she stepped into the doorway and turned. “Thanks for the ride, TJ.”

He looked confused. “You don’t want to talk?”

“About?”

“About our situation.” His gaze took in the room behind her.

It was clean. Maybe a little cluttered, since she’d spent so much time at the hospital the past two weeks. There were dishes in the drainer and a basket of clean laundry on the sofa. She’d been to the Laundromat but hadn’t had time to put everything away.

She realized he had to be used to far more opulent surroundings, but she wasn’t going to apologize. She had a limited budget. Eli had a safe, clean place to live. His school was basic, but the teachers were dedicated. And the park down the street was part of a city beautification project and was a perfectly nice place for him to play.

“I’m tired,” she said to TJ. “Can we talk tomorrow?”

He glanced at his watch. “I really don’t want to leave you here alone.”

“It’s my home. You’re being both ridiculous and insulting.”

She’d been aware of the neighborhood slipping in recent years. But it was still a perfectly fine place to live.

“There are thugs on the front sidewalk.”

“Those are kids.”

“Those kids have been shaving for more than a few years. They could be armed.”

She’d had enough. “Good night, TJ. Go back to your five-star hotel. Eat some twenty-dollar almonds from the minibar or something.”

“Come with me,” he said.

In exasperation, she dropped her purse on the bookshelf. “I’m sleeping in my own bed tonight. Just like I did last night and just like I’ll be doing tomorrow night.”

He opened his mouth.

“Stop,” she ordered. She pointed out the door. “Go. I’ll meet you at the hospital tomorrow.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“No, you won’t. I already regret letting you drive me home.”

“No, you don’t.”

He was right. She didn’t. If he hadn’t driven her home, she’d still be standing at the downtown station.

“Why are you fighting me on this?” he asked.

It was a fair question. She wasn’t exactly sure. “I think mostly because you’re overbearing.”

“I’m logical and reasonable.”

His answer surprised a laugh out of her. “Is that how you see yourself?”

“I’m staying at the Bayside Hotel.”

“Are you bragging?”

He gave an exaggerated sigh. “I’m pointing out my geographic location. It’s downtown. It’s not even out of my way to pick you up tomorrow.” Before she could respond, he continued. “Logic and reason.”

“And a little bit overbearing.”

“Only a little bit. Eight?”

She didn’t want to give in. It felt too much like giving up. “TJ...”

“Eight it is.” He gave her shoulder an unexpected squeeze. “Lock the door behind me.”

And then he was gone. And her shoulder tingled from his touch. And she wanted to be annoyed with him. But her heart wasn’t in it.

* * *

Eli seemed to rally in the morning but then faded in the afternoon. The nurses assured them it was normal. TJ made himself scarce for a while to give Sage time alone with Eli, returning to his hotel to touch base with his executive assistant.

While he followed up with the most pressing phone calls, he couldn’t get Sage and Eli’s apartment off his mind. He understood that it was hard being a single mother. His own mother had struggled to raise him and his two brothers. There was no shame in financial hardship, especially when a woman was juggling both work and parenting.

But Sage didn’t need to struggle anymore. She didn’t need to worry about money anymore.

He wanted them out of that neighborhood. What was more, he wanted Eli in Whiskey Bay. He might not be feeling quite as hard-nosed about it after the past few days with Sage. But he was still determined to be part of Eli’s day-to-day life from here on in.

He didn’t know how he’d pull it off, but he knew it would go a lot smoother if he could convince Sage instead of fighting her. As quickly as the thought formed, it also crystallized. If he wanted to win over Sage, he had to show her the possibilities. To show her the possibilities, he had to show her Whiskey Bay.

Back in the hospital, Eli was still feeling low. He barely touched his dinner. And by six he was sound asleep.

“Tomorrow will be better,” TJ said to Sage as she kissed Eli’s forehead.

“He feels warm.” She drew back and cupped her hand on his head.

“The nurse just took his temperature.”

“We should ask her to recheck it.”

TJ put a hand on Sage’s slim shoulder. “They will. They’ll monitor it all night.”

“What if he gets a fever?”

“You’re borrowing trouble.” TJ hated to see her stressing herself out. It wasn’t going to change the outcome. “We should get something to eat.”

“I’d rather stay here.”

“There’s nothing you can do while he sleeps.”

Sage took Eli’s hand. “I know.”

“There are absolutely no warning signs.” TJ wanted to take Sage’s hand. “It’s simply going to be a long road to recovery.”

“I’m telling myself the same thing.”

He moved so he was looking at her. “The best thing, the very best thing you can do for Eli is stay strong and healthy yourself.”

She gave a ghost of a smile. “Stop being right.”

“I can’t help it.”

Her smile went wider.

He was encouraged. “Let’s go get a nice dinner. You’ve got the nurses’ station on speed dial.”

She arched a brow. “Are you mocking me?”

“No, I’m trying to cheer you up. He’s doing great. You can afford to think positively.”

She lifted Eli’s hand and gave it a light kiss. “I don’t want to jinx it.”

“You can’t jinx it. There is no jinx it. Your IQ is in the stratosphere. You know worrying yourself sick will have absolutely no beneficial effect on Eli’s health.”

She looked like she wanted to argue.

“You got straight As in science.”

She’d gotten straight As in everything.

“It’s true that I’m not superstitious,” she said. Her shoulders relaxed.

“I have a very nice restaurant in mind.” He had no intention of telling her the details, at least not until he had to.

“Okay. You’re right. Dinner would be nice.”

“Can you say that again?” he teased.

“Dinner would be nice.” She smirked at him.

“I do like being right.”

“You have an ego, TJ.” She rose from the edge of the bed and gathered her purse.

It was clear she was mocking him, but she could be right.

He definitely liked to accomplish things. It felt good to succeed. And he liked to be the best he could.

When he discovered he was falling behind in something, he took immediate steps to catch up. Take last year. He’d discovered he was getting out of shape, that both Matt and Caleb could outrun him.

He’d hit the gym, started rowing and biking. He could now beat both of them in a five-mile run. He hadn’t thought about why it mattered to him. But ego would definitely explain it.

“Seafood okay with you?” he asked as they made their way toward the parking lot.

“Anything’s okay with me. But I can’t let you keep paying.”

He almost laughed at that. “I’ve got a lot of paying to make up for.”

“With Eli, sure. But not with me. You don’t owe me anything.”

“Other than nine years of child support?”

“I’m not asking for that.” Her tone was genuinely horrified. “I’d never ask for that. None of this has anything to do with money.”

“I know it doesn’t.” How could he not know that?

The fact that he’d found out about Eli at all was a bizarre coincidence. His anger still simmered when he thought about her secrecy. But now wasn’t the time to rehash her past decisions. The last thing he wanted to do was fight.

“I won’t take your money,” she said.

“It’s dinner, Sage. I’m buying you dinner. People do that with their friends every day.”

“We’re not friends.”

“Well, I hope we’re going to be friends. Things are going to be a whole lot easier if we’re friendly.”

She didn’t seem to have a response for that, and they’d arrived at his car.

“Are you afraid of flying?” he asked as they got inside.

“No,” she said. “I mean, it’s not something I do. We’re hardly in a position to take sun vacations. But I’m not afraid of it.” Her tone turned suspicious. “Why? Why are you asking? Are you looking for genetic flaws?”

“Genetic... No.”

“I doubt irrational fears are inherited, anyway.”

“I’m not looking for genetic flaws. You have no genetic flaws.” He pulled onto the street.

“I have red hair and freckles.”

“The freckles have faded.” He’d always thought they were cute. “And your hair’s not red, it’s auburn. It’s a beautiful shade of auburn. Do you know how much women pay to get that color hair? And you’re absolutely brilliant. What is your IQ, anyway?”

“I’m not telling you my IQ.”

“That high, huh?”

“No, it’s not that high. It’s not anywhere near...” She blew out what sounded like a tired sigh.

He let it lie as they zipped through the light traffic.

Twelve blocks later he flipped on his signal and pulled up to the Brandywine Hotel.

“Are we eating here?” she asked, glancing around at the brick-lined drive and the lighted gardens.

“Not exactly.”

He exited the car and came around to her door.

“We’re walking?” she asked as she stepped out.

The valet arrived, and TJ handed him the keys, giving the uniformed man his name.

“Not exactly,” TJ answered Sage, gesturing to the revolving glass door.

“I don’t understand.”

“There’s a helipad on the top of the hotel.”

“A what?” She looked straight up the outside of the building. “There’s a restaurant up there?”

“No.” He let her go first through the door. “That’s not a euphemism. I mean a helipad, a place where helicopters can land and take off.”

“Why?” She looked perplexed.

“You said you weren’t afraid to fly.”

“You said we were going for dinner.”

“We are.”

She gave him a look that questioned his intellect. “In a helicopter? Are you showing off?”

“No. I’m being practical.” He touched the elevator button.

“This, I have got to hear.”

“We’re going to the Crab Shack. It’s a great little seafood restaurant.”

“By helicopter?”

“It’s faster.”

“Faster than what?”

“Than a car.”

The door closed behind him. He inserted a key card and pressed the button for the rooftop.

She watched his motions. “Do you have a room here?”

He glanced at the card before putting it back in his pocket. “No. I made arrangements earlier to access the helipad.”

“You planned this?”

“Yes, I planned this. Helicopters don’t just swoop in for me on a moment’s notice.”

She was silent as the floors pinged by.

“Is this place fancy?” she asked.

“You look fine. You look better than fine.”

“Is it fancy?”

“Not really. It’s pretty down-to-earth.”

“Is it on an island? Do we have to cross the strait?”

As the door slid open, TJ turned his head from her and mumbled, “It’s in Whiskey Bay.”

“What did you say?”

He gave up the subterfuge. “I said it’s in Whiskey Bay.”

She stopped dead, her eyes going round as she stared at him. “What are you doing, TJ?”

“You might as well see the community.”

“Are you kidnapping me?”

“Of course not.”

Her gaze slid to the helicopter. “And if I don’t want to get onboard?”

“Then you’ll miss the ride of your life, a great seafood dinner and a chance to see where I live.”

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