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a stalker.”
    Troy laughed. “Why would you think that?”
    â€œGoogling my Match.com profile is a wee bit excessive, don’t you think?”
    He shrugged his broad shoulders. “I need to know what I’m up against. It was necessary to access everything I could on my competition.”
    Amina’s smile widened. “I’m not your competition. My father is. I hope you were as thorough researching him.”
    â€œI was,” Quentin said, his gaze still dancing with hers.
    A ripple of sexual tension suddenly vibrated through her body. She took a deep breath and held it for a quick moment before blowing the air past her thin lips. With her cell phone suddenly vibrating in her pocket, Amina bit down against her bottom lip, her confident expression shifting to a bevy of nerves.
    Troy found himself wondering what her lips might feel like against his. He imagined they’d be sweet and soft like sugared silk gliding across his mouth. Heat rained in a southern direction and he felt his muscles harden. He took a deep breath and held it, hoping to stall the rising sensations.
    â€œWell, I need to be going,” Amina suddenly said, fighting her own growing emotions. “It was good to see you again, Troy.”
    Troy nodded. “The pleasure was all mine.”
    Amina turned and headed for the exit, waving her good-byes toward the Elliott family. Troy called after her.
    She turned and eyed him curiously. “Yes?”
    â€œHow’s that dating site working for you?”
    Amina laughed, the warmth of it shooting a current of electricity up Troy’s spine. “It’s not,” she answered.
    Troy nodded. “Good, because I would really like to take you to dinner.”

5
    Amina’s brother was still ranting at her. He’d been ranting since she’d come through the front door, had ranted through dinner, and he was still raging. He’d gone through the alphabet, his discourse covering everything from her attitude to her zealous disregard for everything he valued. She rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time and blew a loud sigh.
    â€œThat’s enough, Basil,” their father finally said, blowing his own loud sigh.
    â€œBut, Father . . .”
    â€œEnough I said!” Nasser had raised his voice for the first time. His chocolate complexion furrowed with frown lines. As children they’d thought he looked like a black Patrick Stewart, the actor from Star Trek . His youthful appearance belied his age but he suddenly looked tired. His hair was snow white, a stark contrast to his skin tone and his eyes were bright. He lifted those eyes to Amina. “Daughter, the next time, just remember to check in with one of us so that we do not worry about you. I do understand that things happen. Perhaps we should get you one of those phone chargers for your car so that the next time your battery dies you can recharge it easily.”
    Amina nodded. “I’ll pick one up tomorrow. And, I apologize again, Father. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
    Nasser nodded. “I see that you scheduled an early morning meeting with the campaign staff tomorrow so I am going to turn in for the night. Good night, children,” he said as he kissed Amina’s cheek and then Rasheeda’s. He wrapped Basil in a warm embrace. “Rest well, Son,” he said as he exited the room.
    As the door closed behind him, Amina tossed her brother a look, her eyes narrowed, her jaw tight. The expression on her face dared him to say one more word. Rasheeda interceded.
    â€œI’m sorry that your phone died, Amina. If you want me to pick that charger up for you I will.”
    Amina tossed her sister a quick look. She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Thank you, Rasheeda. I really appreciate that.”
    Basil stomped toward the door. He turned abruptly, his anger still raging. “You don’t fool me, Amina,” he snapped. “I will not let your