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I rest my flattened palm against my chest. Nolan Sinclair’s kindness knows no bounds, and it’s in that moment I realise my heart is in serious trouble. I could easily fall in love with this man.

All the kind things he’s done for my son and me since that night at The Meridian weren’t out of guilt or obligation. It wasn’t because he felt he owed me something. It’s simply who he is.

When he slides into the driver’s seat, I turn to face him. “You’re a beautiful human being, Nolan. I hope you know that.”

“If I can make someone’s day a little easier, Dais, why wouldn’t I?” he says as he pushes the ignition to start the car. “I have more money than I’ll ever be able to spend in this lifetime, and I can’t take it with me when I go.”

“Do you give like this all the time?”

“When it’s needed. It’s no big deal.”

To him it’s nothing, but to others who have nothing, it’s a huge deal. “Did Amanda ever come along with you on these jobs?” I ask, because I can’t understand how she could risk throwing away a future with him if she saw what I did today.

“Nah. She didn’t even know I did this.”

I frown. “Didn’t you two live together?”

“Yeah, but she used to sleep until lunchtime and spend three hours in the bathroom getting ready after she got up. I was usually back home by then.”

My attention remains on him as he flicks on the indicator and pulls into traffic. I get the feeling this man is completely unaware of the impression he leaves on everyone around him. He doesn’t do these things for praise or recognition; he simply sees a need and fills it. Somehow, that makes him even more remarkable.

Chapter 17

Nolan

I drop the towel draped around my waist, grab boxer briefs from the drawer, and slide into them. My tracksuit pants are next, but when I reach for a clean T-shirt, a grin tugs at my lips as I reconsider.

I head downstairs and follow my nose into the kitchen. Daisy is cooking dinner, and it smells divine. I’m starved and for more than just food. “Something smells good,” I say as I approach her.

She glances over her shoulder with a smile, but when her eyes flicker to my bare chest, they narrow. “Did you forget something?” she asks.

“No. Why?”

“You’re not wearing a shirt.”

I close the distance between us. When I reach her, I lean forward and inhale. I swear whatever shampoo this woman uses is my kryptonite.

“Did you just sniff me?” she asks.

“I wasn’t sure if it was the steaks I could smell or your brain frying.”

“Ha-ha, very funny,” she says, playfully elbowing me in the ribs. “Are you seriously going to walk around shirtless for the foreseeable future?”

“Now that I know my cut physique does it for you, darlin’, abso-fucking-lutely.”

“Ugh. I wish I never confessed that to you now.”

“Well, it works both ways, Dais,” I say, gripping her slender hips and pressing a soft kiss to the side of her head. “You know I’m quite fond of your stripper tits, so feel free to walk around shirtless any time you want.”

I chuckle when she hums, clearly unimpressed by my suggestion. Personally, I think it’s a great idea. I’m going to wear this woman down eventually, or die trying.

We brought the rest of her and Jonah’s belongings here this afternoon, so they’re officially moved in. I wasn’t exactly surprised when she asked me to put everything in the spare room. I expected it. Daisy needs time, and I’m more than willing to give her that. Because this woman is my endgame. The moment she decides she’s all in, there’s no going back.

I’m not looking for something temporary.

I’m playing for keeps.

I stand in the doorway of my brother’s bedroom as I watch him tie his black bowtie in the mirror. “I never thought you’d be the one getting married before me,” I say.