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impulsively, “For what it’s worth, I had a wonderful time tonight. But I can’t go out with you again. I hope you understand.”
    He gave her a long, brooding look. Then—to her surprise—his mouth curved in a slow, lazy smile. As if he knew a secret she didn’t.
    â€œI meant what I told you earlier,” he murmured.
    Lena frowned, puzzled. “About what?”
    He leaned over and kissed her, a soft, tender kiss that left her aching for more. Drawing back, he winked at her. “I’ll let you think about it.”
    Frustrated, she glared at him. “I don’t know what—”
    But he’d already climbed out of the car.
    It was only as Lena watched him walk away that she remembered what he’d said to her on the ride to the party. The more I want something, the more relentlessly I pursue it.
    Closing her eyes, she leaned back against the seat and exhaled a deep, shaky breath.
    God help her if Roderick Brand ever decided to pursue her.
    God help both of them.

Chapter Four
    â€œT here she is! There’s my precious baby girl!”
    The sight of Cleveland Morrison’s broad, toothy grin did wonders for Lena’s mood the next afternoon. Her smile widened as she crossed the flagstone terrace to reach the table where he sat with a book on his lap, a magnifying glass resting over an open page.
    â€œPoppa.” She bent, planting an affectionate kiss on his upturned cheek. The rasp of his beard tickled her lips, making her smile. “Nurse Jacobs must be on vacation.”
    â€œHow’d you know?” her grandfather asked in surprise.
    â€œBecause you need a shave, and she’s the only one you let anywhere near you with a razor.”
    Grinning sheepishly, Cleveland rubbed his bristly chin with his good hand. “Not my fault she’s the only one who knows what she’s doing.”
    â€œUh-huh.” Lena chuckled, joining him at the table.
    Everyone knew that her grandfather had a crush on Margaret Jacobs, one of his caregivers at the assisted-living facility he’d called home for the past three years. The woman had become a permanent fixture at his side while he underwent therapy for a massive stroke that had left him paralyzed on one side of his body. She’d been a godsend to Lena, who’d agonized over the decision to place her grandfather in a nursing home. She’d found fault with every establishment she’d visited until a coworker recommended Lakeview Manor, one of Chicago’s most expensive assisted-living residences. It boasted an elegant facility that overlooked a pretty lake and had a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center, beautifully landscaped grounds and caring, professional staff who catered to the residents’ every need. Moonlighting as a high-end escort was the only way Lena could afford such a place, but it was more than worth it. Her grandfather deserved nothing but the best.
    â€œWhen does Nurse Jacobs get back from vacation?” she asked him.
    â€œTomorrow.”
    â€œGood.” Lena grinned playfully. “You go another day without a shave, Poppa, and folks might start mistaking you for Wolfman Jack.”
    That earned her one of Cleveland’s hearty, barrel-chested laughs. When she was a little girl, she’d loved climbing into his lap and pressing her ear to his sturdy chest just to feel the deep vibration of his laughter. After his stroke, she’d feared she would never hear—or feel—that wonderful sound again.
    Setting aside his book and magnifying glass,Cleveland nodded at the covered cake dish Lena had placed on the table. “What you got there?”
    â€œOh, just a little something I whipped up for you this morning.” With exaggerated casualness she removed the lid.
    Her grandfather’s face lit up like fireworks launched into a night sky. “German chocolate cake! My favorite!”
    Lena grinned. “I know.”
    On cue, a staff member