“I don’t know about the universe, but Max Roper sure does. She’s on the board of her deceased husband’s mall management company, and after she married Max, they moved to wine country and Max runs the West Coast operations of my company. A couple of times a year, they have to come here for board meetings. We’re lucky this is one of those weeks.”
They pulled into the wide drive, and Dan entered the code on the keypad. The iron gate opened slowly, inviting them into lush grounds. As the driveway curved, the stunning expanse of a contemporary Spanish-style villa came into view.
Quinn choked. “Holy crap.”
Before Dan had even stopped the car, the front leadedglass doors opened and Max stepped out, looking almost comical with a two-year-old in his arms.
“The size of a bear, maybe,” Maggie said. “But not the disposition. Not the way he’s looking at that child.”
“Fatherhood has mellowed him, it’s true. But he’d still kill you for looking sideways at his principal. Believe me, I’ve known the guy since he gave me a black eye in kindergarten.”
Seconds later Cori stepped into the morning sunshine, her long dark hair pulled up in a youthful ponytail, her wide smile genuine as she darted to greet Dan with a hug the minute he climbed out of the car.
“A woman, a kid, and a dog,” he whispered as she gave him a kiss. “I owe you for this.”
Before she could answer, Goose bolted out of the back seat and jumped on her.
“He’s harmless,” Dan assured her, going for the collar as Maggie came around the front, commanding Goose to sit. Over the barking, Dan made the introductions as Quinn unfolded himself from the backseat.
“Hi,” he said, a little unsure of himself. “Sorry Goose jumped like that. He’s really a good dog.”
“It’s all right,” Cori said, reaching out a hand. “I’m Cori Roper.”
He shook it and then looked at Max. “Hey. Cute kid.”
Normally that’s all it would take to turn the big guy into a ball of mush. A compliment to Peyton usually resulted in Max’s goofiest smile and a five-minute dissertation on his son’s latest accomplishment.
But Max merely stared at Quinn. After an awkward beat, he reached out his hand. “Max Roper. And this is Peyton.”
“Hey, little dude.” Quinn reached up and stuck a playful finger in the baby’s face, and instantly had it grabbed and giggled over.
Max’s gaze slipped to Dan, and a lifetime of nonverbal communication screamed the obvious.
He knew.
Maggie stepped forward. “I really can’t thank you enough for letting Quinn stay here,” she said to Cori. “I hope it’s not an imposition.”
“Not at all. Max abhors these weeks in Miami, and he’s happy for the company while I’m out.” Cori reached out and slipped an arm around Dan. “And this one is a fixture in our family.”
Dan smiled down at her, surveying her face for a clue.
Did she know, too? He got nothing but her guileless smile. “Thanks, Cor,” he said, giving her a squeeze.
Goose was already bolting as Quinn struggled to hold him.
“Why don’t we take him to the back,” Cori suggested. “The yard’s completely fenced in, and the dock is gated off. Would you like to come and look around, Maggie?”
She guided them around the side of the house, leaving Dan and Max to get the bags. Dan popped the front well, practically feeling Max close behind him.
Peyton cooed and Dan lifted the bags out, not turning to respond to the child as he normally would. Instead, he waited for the ax to fall.
Is he yours? Have you told her? Do you realize what this—
“Does Lucy know?”
Dan froze while lifting his duffel bag. Didn’t see that coming.
“That I’m here, and you’re protecting Quinn? Yes. In fact, she’s going to call in a few minutes with some reports I asked for.”
“But does she know you have a son?”
He turned and met the challenge in Max’s dark eyes, an expression he’d seen a million times. “What’s much more important is that Quinn doesn’t know yet, so don’t say anything. Do you think Cori can see it?”
“Doubtful. She didn’t know you at that age. I did. How about Maggie?”
“I told her. It’s been kind of rough on her. She thought I was dead, you know.”
Max nodded, tugging Peyton a little closer. “What’re you going to do?”
“I told you last night. Find the cash, turn it over, and get the Jimenez family off Maggie’s and Quinn’s backs.”
Max’s thick brows furrowed. “That’s not what I mean.”