“How about we dip your feet in?” Amelia suggested. “We can sit on the edge and your feet can go swimming.”

  Grace seemed to consider, then nodded. “Poow.”

  “Okay. We’ll be right back.” Amelia sent Liam and their hosts an apologetic glance, then got to her feet and carried Grace to the pool.

  “We’re sorry about that,” Laurie said. “We shouldn’t have let the kids swim when Grace couldn’t.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about it.” Liam glanced over to where Amelia was taking off Grace’s shoes, then getting her settled on the side of the pool. Grace’s face had smoothed into an expression of wide-eyed excitement. “She looks like a happy camper now.”

  “She’s really a sweetheart,” Laurie said. She pressed a hand to her chest. “It makes me nostalgic for the days when they’re so little. Our youngest is nine now, which is a great age, but not exactly a cuddly one. I hope you’re soaking up every minute with your little one.”

  “I am,” Liam said. This time, it was true. He’d spent the last week enjoying every second with Grace — and with Amelia.

  “Are you thinking of having more kids?” Stanley asked. “It’s nice to have them close in age, so they become playmates when they’re older.” As if on cue, the Jefferson children came running out of the house and tossed themselves onto the picnic tables. They were all red-faced from running and were grinning huge grins.

  “Stanley,” Laurie chastised. “You can’t ask that.”

  Liam chuckled. “Honestly, I thought I’d have my hands more than full with just one child, and I do, but I’ve started to wonder if more kids wouldn’t be so bad.”

  In fact, the thought of a child who was half him and half Amelia wasn’t half bad. Liam gave himself another mental shake. This was the second time today his thoughts had drifted too far from his usual priorities.

  “Can I play with your baby?” one of the Jefferson kids, an older girl Liam assumed was Briana, asked.

  “You can go introduce yourself,” Liam said. “But Grace is a little shy.”

  The girl nodded. “Okay. I’m good with kids.” She bounced to her feet and went to the pool, where she sat on Grace’s other side. As expected, Grace buried her head in Amelia’s side, but after a few moments she seemed to warm up to the older girl. A few minutes later, Grace was riding piggyback on Briana’s back as the two of them pranced around the yard. Amelia got up and returned to Liam with a shrug.

  “It looks like Grace made a friend,” Liam said.

  “She definitely did.” Amelia turned to Stanley. “Your daughter is really something special. Grace doesn’t always take kindly to strangers.”

  “If you ever need a babysitter, Briana’s been asking,” Laurie said. “She watched a TV show about teenage babysitters, and she thinks it’s just about the coolest thing ever.”

  “Well, she’s definitely a natural.” The adults all smiled at each other.

  “It looks like we’re ready to eat,” Stanley said. “Who wants a burger and who wants a hot dog?”

  The kids piped up with requests. Soon, they were all eating — and Liam had to admit that the food was delicious. He even found himself asking for a second burger.

  After lunch, Stanley suggested a walk around the property. It was a beautiful sunny day, and everyone agreed that a stroll would be nice. The kids ran ahead, laughing and playing tag, while Grace toddled after them, giggling, excited to be part of the fun. The adults hung back, chatting about this and that, until Laurie threaded her arm through Amelia’s and pulled her off to look at her vegetable garden. Amelia shrugged at Liam, checked on Grace, then let herself be pulled away.

  “I wanted a moment to talk to you. I hope that’s okay,” Stanley said. Liam’s heart began to beat faster. Stanley was either going to talk to him about his investment or call him out on his fake wife. The former was much more likely, but Liam couldn’t help feeling a hint of worry.

  “Of course.”

  “I just wanted to say, Liam, that you’ve surprised me. If I’m being honest, I was thinking about moving my investment to another company. The rumors about you, coupled with the fact that you seemed to have your eye only on the bottom line — it was worrying. But seeing you with your family changes all that. I hope that we can be not only business partners going forward, but also friends.”

  “I’d love that,” Liam said. He could hardly believe this was happening. The afternoon was going even better than he’d expected. “I have to insist that we have you over for dinner next time.”

  Stanley chuckled. “Be careful what you ask for. You’ve seen my kids.”

  “I have. And they’re wonderful.” Liam hesitated. “I have to ask. You’re so successful, but it’s also clear how much you care about your family. How do you make time for both?”

  “That’s a good question, and one I struggled with when I was your age. Like I told you, I used to spend much more time at the office than I do now. I didn’t see my wife or my kids as much as I wanted to. But Laurie sat me down, and she asked me what I could delegate. I could delegate so much of my work to competent people who would do a wonderful job, but I couldn’t delegate love or parenthood. That advice hit me hard and made me into the man I am today. I hope you can find that balance, too.”

  Delegation. Could it really be so simple? Maybe so. Over the last week, Liam had given several important tasks to people at his company, to free up his time to get to know Grace. Despite Ryan’s annoyance, the company hadn’t burned to the ground. Perhaps Liam just needed to trust others to support him in business, so that he could spend more time with his daughter — and with Amelia.

  Liam’s gaze drifted to Grace, who was giggling harder than ever as the older boy pretended to chase her in slow motion. His heart warmed at the sight of his daughter enjoying herself. Then his gaze drifted to Amelia, who was kneeling in the dirt beside Laurie, her hands full of tiny strawberries and her hair framing her face. Liam’s heart stirred at the sight of her. If he were brave enough, he could have a real future with Amelia — maybe. He’d seen the look in her eyes. He knew she might return his feelings.

  “Thank you, Stanley. That’s very helpful.”

  “Anytime.” Stanley clapped Liam on the shoulder. “I must say, you seem to be doing a good job. Your wife and daughter clearly love you.”

  Liam couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but he nodded.

  “I love them.”

  And it was true. Liam loved his daughter more than he’d thought was possible. And he cared about Amelia, too, as strange and terrifying as that was.

  The rest of the day flew by. Eventually, Grace began to get fussy with tiredness, and Amelia suggested that it might be time to head home. Liam and Amelia said their goodbyes and piled into the car, where Grace remained fussy in the backseat, and Amelia spent most of the drive twisted backwards in her seat, offering the child toys and snacks.

  When they arrived home, Liam rested a hand on Amelia’s shoulder.

  “I’ve got bedtime today.”

  “You do?”

  Liam nodded. “I do. How about you decide what we should have for second dinner while I get the little princess into bed?”

  Grace was full, having eaten a second hot dog for dinner just before they left, but Liam was hungry and knew Amelia probably was, too.

  “Okay. Good night, sweetheart.” Amelia leaned forward to kiss Grace’s cheek, then straightened up with a smile. “See you in a bit.”

  Liam went through Grace’s bedtime, alone for the second time, with much more ease than the first time. Soon, Grace was clean and tucked into bed, her eyes growing heavy as Liam read her a story. Soon after that, he returned to the living room, where Amelia was sitting on the couch, flipping through something on her phone.

  “Liam.” Her voice was warm. As he entered the room, she got to her feet and crossed to him. For a split second, Liam thought she was coming to kiss him, but then she lifted her hand for a high-five. Liam slapped his palm against hers with a smile. “We did it!”

  “We did. You were amazing, Amelia. Even I almost thought you were really my wife.”

  “I almost thought so too!” Amelia chuckled. “And Stanley seemed to buy it. I saw him pull you aside for a man-to-man chat.”

  “Yeah. He told me he wanted a stronger relationship and gave me some marriage advice.” Liam raised his eyebrows. “He’s always been so formal and distant until now.”

  “Well, you won him over. Great job!”

  “It was definitely you who won him over. And Grace.”

  “Grace did so well!” Amelia beamed. “I was so proud of her. She isn’t used to being around that many screaming kids, I think, but she seemed to take to the other kids easily.”

  “I was proud of her, too. And I was proud of you. It couldn’t have been easy to pretend to be married to me all day.”

  “Well…” Amelia blushed and looked down. “It wasn’t that hard. Like I said, it almost felt real, for a moment there…”

  “It almost felt real for me, too.” The atmosphere in the room changed in a split second, like a thunderstorm coming on. The air between them was suddenly charged, and Liam was very aware that Amelia was only a few steps away. She’d changed from her dress into a pair of pajama pants with black polka dots on them and an overlarge black T-shirt. It was the most relaxed he’d ever seen her. Seeing Amelia like this, in the way she must sleep, felt far more intimate than any of their other interactions.

  “Would it be so bad?” Amelia asked softly. “Being in a real family?” Her gaze was still directed down at her socks.

  “Maybe not.” Liam’s voice was deeper and more gravelly than usual. “Today felt… nice.”

  “Yeah?” At this, Amelia lifted her eyes to meet Liam’s gaze. Once again, the atmosphere in the room seemed to change. Liam felt a spark between them, so strong that he wouldn’t be surprised if a shock were to pass between them if they touched. Amelia’s eyes were such a beautiful brown. Her lips were so full and pink. Now, so close to her, Liam spotted a smattering of freckles across her soft cheeks.

  “Yeah.” Liam stepped closer, just a fraction of an inch. They’d been this close before, but one of them had always pulled away. This time, neither of them moved. Slowly, he lifted one hand and ran his thumb along the curve of Amelia’s cheek. “You’re beautiful.”

  She blushed, but didn’t look away.

  A wild mix of emotions rushed through Liam. He was no stranger to kissing beautiful women, but kissing Amelia would be different. Very different. It could endanger their whole relationship and the bond she had with Grace. Or it could mean everything.

  “Amelia,” Liam breathed.

  “Liam.” Her voice was higher than usual and slightly breathless. Those pink lips were ever so slightly parted.

  Slowly, giving Amelia plenty of time to pull away, Liam bent his head to hers. Instead of pulling away, though, Amelia tilted her head back and rose onto her toes, bringing her lips to meet Liam’s. The electricity between them crackled again as their lips brushed, sending an unprecedented wave of sensation rushing through Liam’s body. In that moment, he knew a kiss wasn’t going to be enough. Not nearly.

  Yet, using all the self-control he could muster, he brushed his lips against Amelia’s once more, then pulled back. Her cheeks were more flushed than ever and her brown eyes were wide.

  “If you don’t want this—” Liam began. He didn’t get a chance to finish, though, because Amelia wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer. Liam responded instinctively by putting his arms around her. Amelia’s curves were so soft against his chest, and her parted lips invited him in again.

  Liam captured her mouth in another kiss. This time, he poured all he couldn’t say into the kiss — the feelings he couldn’t find the words to express, the fears that he was losing his focus, the intense pull he felt towards her. She responded by parting her lips to deepen the kiss.

  Suddenly, Liam’s hands were under Amelia’s shirt, skimming across the smooth expanse of her back. Her skin was so soft, and touching her like this, kissing her until she moaned, had Liam wishing that this moment would never end.

  Then Amelia’s hands were at the hem of his shirt, tugging, until Liam lifted his arms and the shirt came off. Emboldened, he slipped his hands under the hem of her pajama shirt, and she willingly let it slide off.

  She was wearing nothing beneath.

  Some part of Liam’s mind that wasn’t overcome with attraction to the beautiful, half-naked woman in front of him remembered that they were in a house with a child. He grabbed Amelia around the waist and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling them closer, and Liam carried her down the hall to his bedroom.

  “This is the one room I haven’t made my mark on,” Amelia said breathlessly as Liam carried her in and set her on the bed. “It’s just like when I arrived — all gray walls and no personality.”

  “I get the feeling you’ll leave your mark here yet,” Liam said. He kissed her again, and they fell back onto the bed. Liam paused, balanced above her, and took a mental picture of her in his bed, her beautiful blond hair splayed around her, her brown eyes wide, her lips inviting.

  Then, for a long time, they were both far from rational thought.

  CHAPTER 17

  AMELIA

  Amelia woke in Liam’s bed.

  For a moment, upon first opening her eyes, she couldn’t believe she was here. She’d seen Liam’s room once before, when he’d given her a tour of the penthouse on her first day, but hadn’t been in since. Now, in the light of day, it looked just as soulless as ever — except for the trail of clothing on the floor. Amelia blushed as memories from last night rushed back. Sleeping with Liam had been everything she’d imagined and more.

  Yet… Liam wasn’t there. Amelia scanned the room as if he might be hiding in the wardrobe or under the bed, but he was definitely not there. She was alone.

  Her heart ached at the realization. She’d thought that, with everything they’d shared, this night might signal the beginning of something real. Something worth risking her heart on. But Liam wasn’t there. He must not feel the same way.

  Amelia slid out of bed. Her pajamas were on the floor — Liam must have brought her shirt with them when they’d come into the bedroom last night. She slipped them on, ran her hands through her hair, and prepared to make a run for her own room and the attached bathroom.

  But when she opened the door, she heard a familiar, beautiful sound coming from the kitchen. Grace was laughing her happiest giggle of joy. Behind the laughter, Amelia could make out Liam’s deep baritone and the sound of cutlery clinking.

  Instead of going back to her room, Amelia slipped down the hallway. She hesitated at the doorway into the kitchen when she caught sight of Liam and Grace. Grace was sitting on the counter, chewing on a strawberry, while Liam stood protectively near her, making faces.

  As quiet as Amelia thought she’d been, she must have made a noise, because Liam turned. His face broke into a smile.

  “Good morning, beautiful.”

  Beautiful. Amelia’s heart soared.

  “Good morning.”

  “I heard Grace waking up, and I thought I’d let you sleep a little. You seemed… tired.”

  Amelia blushed. “I was.”

  “Meel!” Grace waved excitedly, and Amelia crossed the kitchen to give the little girl a good-morning hug.

  “How did you sleep, sweetheart?”

  “Great!” Grace wiggled. “Daddy make breakfast.”

  “Daddy’s making breakfast?” Amelia repeated. “What’s he making?”

  “Cereal,” Liam admitted when Grace shrugged. “I found some fruit in the fridge that was already cut, but apart from that, cereal is the jewel in my culinary crown.”

  Amelia snorted. “I can’t imagine you having any kind of culinary crown.”

  “Hey!” Liam pretended to look offended. “I’m an excellent chef. Of a very limited number of things.”

  “Hey!” Grace repeated with a giggle. She probably didn’t understand the conversation, but her interjection made Amelia and Liam laugh.

  “Why don’t you go get dressed while I finish breakfast?” Liam suggested. “We’re all good here.”

  “Okay. I’ll be right back.”

  Amelia took a quick shower and got dressed. When she returned to the kitchen, Grace and Liam were sitting at the table, a bowl of sliced fruit, a carton of milk, and three cereal boxes in front of them. The table had been set with bowls and spoons.

  “Wow. It smells delicious,” Amelia joked as she slid into her seat. “I have to recognize your chef skills now.”

  “Thank you. I can offer you chocolate granola, multicolored mini donuts, or something with cinnamon.”

  “Chocolate granola, please.”

  Liam poured the cereal for Amelia, then milk for her and Grace. As he did, she caught his eye, and they shared a private smile.

  Maybe last night really had changed things.

  They shared a happy breakfast, talking and laughing and eating cereal, and Amelia felt like they were a real family. She’d felt more and more like that over the last few days, but this confirmed it. Despite herself, her imagination ran wild. Perhaps her and Liam’s marriage would become real. Perhaps she could stay as Liam’s wife and Grace’s adopted mother.

  Amelia caught sight of Liam as he took a bite of cereal. He was truly something. He was handsome, thoughtful, intelligent, funny, and a billionaire — he was basically the man every girl dreamed of. And he’d chosen her.

  It was unbelievable, but somehow it was true.

  “What shall we do today?” Amelia asked as they finished breakfast. “It’s Sunday, so we should have time. Right?”

  “Definitely. Grace, what would you like to do?”

  “Zoo!” Grace exclaimed. Amelia and Liam caught each other’s eyes and laughed.

  “We went to the zoo last week,” Liam reminded her. “Don’t you want to do something new?”