or the sculpted form of his broad chest.

Imani turned away then blinked a few times to get her bearings before plastering on a smile. “Nice to meet you, too.” She was grateful her voice hadn’t betrayed her.

Maddon took his seat. His eyes twinkled with laughter. “Does he look like a serial killer to you, Imani?”

He was being a smart ass, so she thought she’d give it right back to him. “I didn’t know serial killers had a look.”

Garrett pierced her with the eyes that were a unique blend of brown, green, and gray. And, for a moment, it seemed as if an electrical current went through her entire body. She was sure steam was coming out of her ears. Was this for real? Imani wasn’t sure if anyone else in the room could feel it and wondered if he did too. She could only pray that she wasn’t blushing. Please let this man be missing a couple of teeth, webbed hands, or something because his presence is messing with my mind. Imani had never had this strong of a reaction when meeting an attractive man—ever.

He smiled. Perfectly straight, white teeth greeted her. His smile was dazzling.

“I can assure you; I’m not a serial killer.”

She was doomed . . . doomed! If Imani had to imagine how hypnotic the Pied Piper was when he played his instrument, she would imagine it was something like Garrett’s voice.

Damn. Double damn. Imani could tell this man was trouble. Unfortunately, while she was about to go up in flames, he hadn’t seemed to have been affected by her at all.

She attempted to shake it off and recover her wits. “Good to know you’re not since you’re sleeping in my bed.” Imani wanted to die. Mixing the words bed and this man in front of her parents after what she’d been thinking, weren’t quite the best word choices.

Curiously, Garrett glanced at Maddon. Confusion was written all over his face. “I thought you said the room belonged to the little girl in the picture on the wall?”

“It does.” He pointed to Imani. “That’s the brat on the wall.”

Aaliyah tapped on her water glass. The chimes rang out. “Hey! Pregnant lady here. I’m starving. Can we say grace and continue this meet and greet after I eat? We’re hungry.”

Felicia Jones placed her elbows on the table and grinned proudly. “If my grandbaby is hungry then let’s say grace and eat.”

Aaliyah smirked. “It’s all about him, or her, already isn’t it?”

Without looking at her youngest, Felicia removed her napkin from off the table and snapped it before settling it on her lap. “Yep. You better believe it.”

Whatever reprieve Garrett had been given by the distraction of the beauty that sat next to him disappeared at the mention of Aaliyah’s baby. The familiar ache in his chest returned.

Thoughts of Shannon being pregnant with Garrett Jr. flashed through his mind. She always had him running out for some weird craving. It didn’t matter. Whatever she wanted he made sure she had regardless if it was day or night. Every damn time. Of course, Garrett could have sent someone from his staff to do it, but that was his child. He wanted to give his son everything. No. He wouldn’t allow himself to get sucked back into the abyss of despair. He had plans to make. Instead, Garrett took a deep calming breath.

Michael Jones extended his arms out palms up to pray over the food. Imani and Aaliyah both placed their hands in his. Everyone held hands. However, Garrett felt awkward and out of place. He wasn’t even sure if he believed in God. Considering this wasn’t his home, he would be respectful of their tradition. After all, they were doing him a favor just by being so welcoming to a perfect stranger.

Imani wasn’t sure why, but she noticed how tense Garrett had become. She attempted to smile warmly to soothe him, then leaned over and nervously whispered teasingly into his ear. “This is where you bow your head and place your hand in mine.”

His eyes locked with hers.

After a moment, Garrett did just that. While he may have been somewhat uncomfortable, he was surprised at how comforted he was by the warmth of Imani’s touch.

Chapter 6

Imani was so full she could burst from both the food and the conversation. Her father missed his calling as a comedian. He had everyone laughing so hard tears were forming at the corners of her eyes. Aaliyah had to get up to use the bathroom several times to keep from wetting herself.

Felicia stood up laughing at something silly Imani’s father had just said. “I’m going to get a fresh pot of coffee.” She checked Garrett’s plate just like a mother hen would do. “Did you get enough to eat? Would you like more of something?”

For a brief moment, he’d been so engaged in the conversation that he’d forgotten about all of his problems . . . almost. He’d even done something he hadn’t in a very long time . . . laughed. It wasn’t forced but genuinely from-the-belly laughter. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to grow up in this family.

Garrett hadn’t eaten this kind of comfort food in years. He rubbed his stomach. “I’m stuffed. Everything was incredible. Thank you.”

Michael’s booming voice continued to ring out. “Maddon, are you going to go play football this afternoon at the SanDusky?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I might take this Sunday off. I figured, you, me, and Garrett might catch the football game instead.”

Aaliyah laughed. “Garrett, you don’t even realize it,

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