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that chance?”
    Cal stared back at the small house, at the weed-filled lawn and the crooked screen door. “You don’t think much of me, do you?”
    â€œActually I think a lot of you. However, I’m not sure you’re prepared to deal with this reality.”
    He wanted to tell her she was wrong, but he knew better. Everything Sabrina said was the truth. He had thought Anastasia would be different. At least cleaner. But that wasn’t her fault. Was he willing to be responsible?
    â€œShe’s my child,” he said. “If I’d known about her, I would have taken care of her when she was born. I’m still willing to make sure she’s all right. I don’t expect it to be perfect.”
    â€œOr even easy.”
    He glanced at the sullen child in the car. “It’s not going to be easy. I’ve already figured that part out.”
    He walked around to open Sabrina’s door, then returned to the driver’s side and stepped into the car.
    â€œDid Sabrina tell you I live in Houston?” he asked as he fastened his seat belt.
    Anastasia didn’t acknowledge he’d spoken. He checked in the rearview mirror. Her gaze remained fixed straight ahead.
    â€œWe’ll be flying there. Have you ever been on a plane?”
    She shrugged faintly. “No, but it’s no big deal. Even dorks can fly.”
    He swallowed the flash of irritation and the sharp retort that followed. “I know this is hard,” he said, gentling his voice. “I just found out about you yesterday, so we’re both kind of in shock. I want—” He paused, not sure what he did want. “I want you to be happy with me. It will take some time for us to get to know each other, but that won’t be so bad.”
    She didn’t respond.
    He glanced at Sabrina, who gave him an encouraging smile. “I’m sorry about your adoptive parents,” he told his daughter.
    She raised her head and glared at him. Even in the reflection of the rearview mirror, he felt the intensity in her gaze.
    â€œThey’re not my adoptive parents,” she said loudly. “They’re my real parents. Get it? Real. As in the only parents I’ve ever had and the only ones I want. I don’t want you.You’re not my father, you’re some, some sperm donor. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to go to Houston. I don’t want to talk to you or anyone, so just leave me alone.”
    Cal turned in his seat in time to see her fold in on herself. She wrapped her arms around her chest and rocked back and forth. Sobs caught in her throat like hiccups.
    He was furious at what she’d said, surprisingly hurt by her assessment of his value in her life, uncomfortable and confused by her tears. So far, parenting was a bitch.
    Sabrina reached out and touched Anastasia’s head. The girl jerked back. “Leave me alone,” she muttered.
    His assistant shrugged. “You’re not going to take her back to that woman, so let’s just drive to the airport. We can figure this all out later.”
    Cal started the engine. They drove in silence. Eventually Anastasia’s tears slowed. She curled up on the seat, and by the time they’d traveled about ten miles down the interstate, she was asleep.
    He looked at Sabrina. “Thank you,” he said.
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œFor just being with me. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
    She smiled. “That’s why you pay me the big bucks, boss.”
    He knew she was more than an employee. Their relationship had always been largely undefined. Sometimes strictly business, sometimes more like friends. He didn’t care what people called it as long as she stayed right where she was.

Chapter 5
    T he flight to Houston was going to take about three hours, and they’d already been in the air for nearly two. Cal leaned back in his seat and tried to relax, but he couldn’t. Again and