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“There’s some water too and a juice box. I didn’t know which you’d prefer.”

I was certain my mouth had dropped open at some point. “Thank you. I wasn’t thinking.”

“No problem.”

I grabbed the juice box and some crackers. I’d be damned if they weren’t Gabriel’s favorite. I made my little man happy while remaining silent.

When I turned back around, I was still shaking my head.

“What?” Alejandro asked.

“You’ll have crumbs embedded in your fine Corinthian leather seats in less than five minutes.”

He laughed. “I’ll deal with it.”

“You’re not quite who I thought you were.”

“Who did you think I was, some asshole guy who beats his wife?” He kept his voice low and with the music on, I doubted Gabriel could hear our conversation. Besides, the happy boy had returned to jabbering to himself.

“That’s just it. I had and still have no idea. But if you lay a finger on him, I’ll cut it off to start with and go from there.”

He removed his sunglasses altogether, tossing them onto the dash. “I might be nothing like the man you want, but I am and will never be that man. Period.” He turned slightly away from me, concentrating on driving.

I’d been rightfully put in my place. Accusing him of something when I had no clue about him was terrible. However, there was something about him that was as if he was too good to be true.

In my experience, that usually meant trouble.

He entered Great Neck only a few moments later, slowing down and obeying the speed limit. The city was beautiful, a mixture of expensive homes from all periods of time. Some would call the area quaint. The mixture of shops and culture was entirely different than in New York City and since it had been a long time since I’d been here, I’d forgotten how charming it could be.

As he drove through the heart of the small downtown, I was stuck by how relaxed everyone seemed to be. That was a departure from the hustling and bustling I’d grown to hate. A slower pace was one reason I’d moved to White Plains, but this was even more… relaxed.

I took a deep breath and suddenly felt Alejandro’s heated gaze as I had before.

“I found a house I think you’ll like. Now, I admit that I put a down payment down so I’ll be out of a tidy sum of money if you don’t like it, but it was worth the chance.”

Oh, I wanted to be angry with him. Another choice taken. Another man acting as if he knew better about me and for me. But I held my tongue. “Okay.”

“I mean it. If you don’t like it, money doesn’t mean anything to me. Not with regard to what might make you happy. You’re right. I don’t know you. I do know the house is well worth the price. And the view. Wait until you see the view.”

He was more excited than I imagined he would be. “Then I’m eager to see it.”

“Good because we’re only a few blocks away.”

I don’t know what I was expecting when he pulled down a beautiful winding cobblestone driveway, but the mid-century modern design floored me. With the incredible windows and the modern architecture, it was exactly like something I would have chosen for myself.

Leaning forward, I thought my fingernails had created indents in the dashboard.

I noticed the SUV rolled in behind us, but at least gave us some space.

“What do you think? It’s on the water.” He pulled the car right in front, sliding the gear into place, but waiting until I gave the okay.

“I admit it. I am floored. I’m never floored any longer. This is beautiful. How did you find it?”

“I have my sources. A gentleman never discloses them.”

It felt good to laugh. “Then I guess I’ll need to take your word for it. Gabe. Are your ready for that adventure?”

“Yes, Mommy!” He clapped his little hands as I unfastened my seatbelt. There were plants everywhere, a fountain in the front, but as soon as I stepped onto the stone pavement, I knew the water was right behind the house. I could feel it.

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