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he before their marriage. Rebellious, he had refused to give it up just as he had never given up the idea that Elaine had gotten pregnant because the idea of being married to a pro quarterback had appealed to her.
    Less than two years after their marriage, Jared had given her a generous divorce settlement and walked out of her life, returning only to pick up his daughter for his regular visits specified in their separation agreement. He and Elaine had managed to destroy whatever fragile feelings they had had for each other, but one infinitely precious gift of their relationship remained. Alyssa. Leaving her was the only thing he regretted about his divorce; she was the only good thing he had to say about his marriage.
    Jared heaved a sigh, carrying the letter and a Bullwinkle tumbler half full of Irish whiskey out onto the front porch. He sat on the step and stared out at his striped lawn, feeling helpless.
    Sometimes he believed he’d stayed in the fast lane all these years just to spite Elaine. Or maybe itjust had taken him this long to grow up. Whatever the reason, he’d become disenchanted this past year. He was tired of city life, night life, and being the life of the party. He’d changed his priorities, matured. He was ready to settle down. He wanted a real home, a dog, a wife maybe. And his daughter. More than anything, he wanted his daughter.
    Would Simone Harcourt really be able to take her away from him?
    What could he do to prevent it?
    Twilight was gathering around Tory Hills. Jared swatted a mosquito on his arm and breathed deep the scent of newly mowed grass coming from the Ralstons’ lawn next door. In his own yard two squirrels chased each other up and down the birch trees. Across the street, Michael Dennison, Amy and Brian’s oldest son, was going after their shrubbery with a hedge trimmer. A silver car turned the corner at the end of the block. Genna.
    J.J.’s secret agent—Amy—had told him Genna was heading into Hartford today in search of a summer job. After nearly a week of searching, she’d struck out in Tory Hills and the nearby Hartford suburbs.
    He knew how she felt. He wasn’t doing so hot trying to win her over. Half the time she looked athim as though he were a piece of meat gone bad. Then he would manage to crack through her defensive line and make her laugh, only to have her pull away from him. He was reasonably certain she was attracted to him physically, but that didn’t cut much ice with a lady like Genna, especially since she seemed determined to keep her distance from him.
    Amy had hinted that Genna’s reluctance was the result of a soured relationship. If that was the case, he’d have to tread carefully. He needed to win her trust. If only he could think of a way to help her out that would keep her around so he could figure out how to gain some yards toward winning her heart.
    The evening breeze fluttered the letter in his hand.
    Suddenly inspiration hit him over the head like a baseball bat. If his plan worked, he would end up with custody of his daughter and Genna too. You’re a genius, Hennessy .
    Genna’s car came up the driveway and disappeared into her garage. Minutes later Genna came out looking like a wilted flower, her pink linen suit limp and wrinkled, a dejected frown on her face. Even her usually bouncy chestnut hair looked sadand droopy. Jared’s heart went out to her. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her and cheer her up.
    “Hey, Genna!” he yelled, standing up. He didn’t want to leave the porch for fear Alyssa would wake up and he wouldn’t be able to hear her. “Come on over!”
    Genna groaned. Why him? Why tonight? “Why me?” she muttered, limping across Jared’s lawn with her pink pumps dangling from one hand.
    “Where are your crutches?” he asked, concerned.
    “They didn’t go with my outfit,” she said wearily, leaning against a white pillar. She felt like a dishrag and was sure she looked like one too. She really wasn’t up to