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of winding up in jail. Only two percent will go on to college—”
    “That’s enough.” He swirled her around.
    “Maybe you could sway the board. If you wanted to stop by and see what we do—” If only she could get one person on her side. “And now apparently the city has its eye on our building for a new parking garage. Are you aware these kids—”
    “Are you aware that you’re standing an entire state away from me?” He drew her closer, pulling her tight against the hard planes of his chest. “I’d heard some talk about it. You can find another location.”
    She was losing. She could feel it. “But that’s our home. It’s become a safe place. The girls have their own bedrooms. And watch your hands.”
    His brown eyes held hers. “You are the most uptight woman I have ever met.”
    “You’re the most arrogant man I’ve ever—”
    “Not to mention, you’re delusional—like I’d try to cop a feel with you on a dance floor in front of hundreds of people.”
    “Well, sport, according to the People article, the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders are done with you, so maybe you’re reduced to lowly nonprofit workers such as myself.”
    His smile was a slow, small lift of the lips. “Maybe in your wildest dreams where—”
    “I would do anything for those girls, Alex.” She bravely met his Hollywood eyes. “Absolutely anything.”
    “Anything?” She heard the laughter in his voice.
    “I’m desperate.”
    His eyebrow raised as he studied her, weighing her words. “Interesting.”
    “This is life or death for those young ladies.”
    Behind them, someone cleared his throat. “May I cut in?”
    And Lucy’s world shifted one more time.
    Because she knew that voice. Still heard it in her dreams.
    Turning around, Lucy stared at the man who had once held her future. And had handed it right back to her. “Matt?” The words barely formed on her lips. “What are you doing here?”
    “Hello, Lucy.” He gave a brief nod to Alex, then turned those green eyes on her. “I came here for you.”

Chapter Four
    T he disco ball could’ve dropped on Lucy and she wouldn’t have even noticed.
    “May I?” Matt asked. He moved toward her, a vision in a tux. No. She could be strong. She could be indifferent. Oh, he was wearing her favorite cologne.
    “She’s all yours.” Alex’s eyes sliced back to Lucy. “I’ll just be talking to the mayor over there. Lucy, I trust you’ll have a pleasant evening.”
    The message was not lost on her. If you hunt down another board member, I will come after you .
    Her whole body numb, Lucy let herself be folded into Matt’s loose embrace.
    “How have you been?” His breath fanned over her ear.
    Alone. Sad. Overwhelmed . “Fine. And you?”
    “Would you believe me if I said I’ve missed you?”
    She lifted her head and stared into those eyes that she knew so well. “Why are you here?”
    “I took a job with Sinclair Hotels as a senior accountant. I started this week.”
    Just like that. He was back. Easy to leave and just as easy to return.
    “I want to see you, Lucy.” He pulled her closer as they navigated between two couples. My team and I have to leave in an hour for a business trip, but I’ll be back next week.”
    “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” She had built all her dreams on this one man, convinced he was the one.
    “I know I screwed up. I ended things horribly.”
    “You took two bites of spaghetti and said we were through.” She’d had more meaningful breakups with hairdressers.
    He pressed his forehead to hers. “I was wrong, but I’m finally right where I want to be. I’ve thought about you every day for two years. That job in Dallas was nothing without you there. That’s why I’m back.” He ran his hand over a curl at her temple. “ You’re why I’m back.”
    So this was what it was like to have a man look at you like that . She wanted to believe every beautiful word, wanted to believe that intensity in his eyes was just