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take your car to the nearest Mercedes dealer. There’s one in D.C.”
    She sighed. The insurance would now be going up, which meant that Charles would have something else to complain about. Hell, the man hardly paid child support, he wouldn’t like the fact the car insurance went up. But, she wasn’t going to think about Charles Shepard right now.
    “I feel bad for ruining your weekend,” she admitted. And she did. Doctors were as busy

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    as she often was, probably more so. People got hurt and needed medical assistance at all times of the day and night, and babies came when they wanted. This man probably liked his time off.
    Gavin shrugged. “It’s fine. Stop worrying.”
    His mother frowned from him to her. “You know, you’re more than welcome to stay.
    Your father and I have hardly seen you in a month. The kids could play and Taylor could rest.”
    Gavin smiled at his mom and Taylor swallowed. My God . The man could give a woman all kinds of fantasies with that wicked smile alone. Straight and quick, perfect white teeth, it completely transformed him from grumpy into … devastatingly charming. The corner of his eyes even crinkled. But charming handsome men were last on her to-do list. She’d tried that before and look where she was now. Dumped, relocated and begging for child support from the tight ass while he pampered the new Mrs. Shepard with all she wanted.
    Taylor shook off the brooding thoughts.
    “An entire month, Mom? And just think, there used to be days you’d wonder if the house would ever be quiet.”
    Mrs. Kinncaid smiled back. “Yes, every parent’s wish, only to realize years later that they’d love the noise again. That is why grandchildren are so wonderful. Don’t you think?”
    Gavin shook his head. “Don’t even think it.”
    “Do you like children, Taylor?” The woman waved a hand. “Dumb question. You help kids, have one of your own. Of course you do.”
    “Mom, we’re leaving. I told you there are things we need to do.”
    Taylor was having trouble following the conversation. Gavin picked up his coffee cup and quickly took a drink.
    She cleared her throat. “You’re right, Gavin, I need to call a tow service. Do you know of any? And then there is the issue of another vehicle.” She sighed.
    He turned and looked at her, the smile slipping slowly away. “Exactly.” Back to his mom,
    “See, we need to go. Especially before Dad or Bray get home, then we’ll never get out of here.”
    For some reason, Taylor got the impression he simply didn’t want her here.
    She speared the waffle with her fork and shoved it in her mouth, quickly taking another bite.
    “Where is Dad anyway?” Gavin asked.
    “The Club.”
    Of course the dad would be at the country club. Would a residing patriarch of this mansion be anywhere else?
    Taylor closed her eyes. Her head still ached and when she was tired and hurt, she got cranky. Mr. Kinncaid was probably as nice as Mrs. Kinncaid.
    “Taylor?” his voice didn’t frown, it caressed. Maybe if she didn’t open her eyes she wouldn’t have to see his frown.
    “Yes?” Sure enough, there was that frown.
    The vague thought that she’d like to see him smile at her the way he had at his mom floated stupidly through her tired brain.
    Sleep. She just needed some sleep.
    “Are you all right?”
    “Dandy.” She got another bite and decided she was no longer hungry. Looking over, she

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    saw Ryan had all but licked the syrup from his plate, scarfed the eggs, but left the fruit. Well, life could hardly be perfect. Fruit and vegetables were often asking a lot.
    She tried to ignore him, but her eyes kept drifting to Gavin. This morning he was dressed in a black polo and chinos. She sighed.
    Picking up her coffee, she tried to hide her yawn behind the cup, but halfway through pain pierced her cheek. She closed her eyes and waited for it to go away.
    “You okay?” he asked again, softly.
    She swallowed and nodded. “Yeah. If you’ll give me a few