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Peter. “I thought maybe I’d come to the rescue. You were already mad last night; we can’t have you go two days in a row with outbursts.”
    He narrowed his eyes, trying to read her. What was going on in that head of hers? “Last night was only a minor slip.”
    Her head tilted to the side and she swallowed. “I seem to bring out the worst in you.”
    The conversation was filled with tension. Something had changed between them, but he didn’t know if it was for the better. On the surface, they were being nicer today than in their whole acquaintance, but there was a subtle awareness that hadn’t been there before. Or maybe they were too accustomed to spitting nails at each other and this awkwardness was all they could hope for.
    Blue eyes wide, she bit her bottom lip, sucking it between her white teeth. Illicit images of her down on her knees, looking up at him, filled his mind. He gritted his teeth, willing the wayward thoughts away. He said carefully, “I don’t know about that.”
    She sucked in a harsh little breath, then pointed toward the back door. “I should go in.”
    He studied her face but could read nothing. He nodded. “Sure. Thanks again.”
    â€œMy pleasure.”
    Neither moved.
    Their gazes held.
    Tension thickened the air.
    She cleared her throat. “Um . . . see ya.”
    He wanted to press. To ask her what she was thinking, but didn’t. Maybe later, after he had more time to think. “You will. See me later, that is.”
    â€œRight,” she said, turning to go into the house.
    When she hit the second step he called after her. “Gracie?”
    She froze and looked back over her shoulder.
    The sunlight hit her hair, casting her in its golden glow, making her absolutely breathtaking. “Would you do me a favor?”
    â€œWhat’s that?” She turned to face him.
    He smiled, hoping to put her at ease, and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Don’t make Declan fall in love with you. He’s young and I’m not sure he can take it.”
    Slowly, she nodded. “Sure.”
    Not quite the sassy retort he’d expected. He followed her up the steps.
    Her gaze roamed over his chest, and her breath hitched just the tiniest bit. “I’ve got to go play some Halo .”
    This was definitely awareness. “Gracie.”
    â€œWhat?”
    He smiled. “It’s Call of Duty .”
    She squared her shoulders. “Huh?”
    â€œThe game you’re ready to play, it’s called Call of Duty .”
    â€œOh, okay.” Then she turned and practically ran into the house.
    He could only stare after her as the door slammed shut, wondering what to do about this strange turn of events.

Chapter Five
    The engagement party was in full swing and Shane and Cecilia glowed with happiness. The rooftop restaurant they’d rented out had floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the lake and Navy Pier. As this was a party for Chicago’s power couple, the weather cooperated so guests could enjoy the expansive balcony and watch the weekend fireworks over the water. The venue and view was spectacular, and Gracie supposed it came with the territory when a corporate mogul marries the daughter of a senator.
    Everything was perfect. Gracie couldn’t be happier for them, but she also couldn’t wait for the night to be over. While the guests filed in at a seemingly endless pace, she stood at the table that held the cake she’d made, fussing with the flowers and placement of the candles, even though they were already flawless. Normally she was a social butterfly, but she couldn’t work up the energy tonight, and adjusting the decorations gave her something to do with her restless hands.
    All day she’d been off-balance. Cecilia had asked her what was wrong. So had Maddie. Mitch. Shane. Evan. Even Maddie’s childhood friends, Penelope and Sophie, had asked. The only