He had every intention of doing exactly that. “I’m afraid that’s the problem. Sylvie and I had a moment back in college and I turned her down because she was a freshman and I was graduating. I wasn’t staying around. I didn’t have the right to go to bed with her. She deserved a real boyfriend. But I think she is under the impression that I didn’t want her.”

“Show her you do now. She deserves a real husband. Show her you can be one,” Remy said.

He wasn’t going to have the chance. Maybe after all this was over, he could show up on her doorstep again and it would be simple. He would ask her to have coffee with him and they could go slow.

“Mr. Darois, you have a visitor,” a familiar voice said. His housekeeper stood in the doorway. Mrs. Graham had been around since he was a kid, but after his father passed, she’d taken to calling him Mr. Darois. He knew it was a sign of respect, but it also reminded him that his father was gone and he was responsible for all of them.

“A visitor?” He glanced up at the clock on the wall. It wasn’t exactly late, but he wasn’t expecting anyone.

“It’s the mayor,” she replied.

He was on his feet in an instant. He’d gotten casual and taken off his jacket and tie. Should he put them back on? He hadn’t been joking. That suit was his best, his “I’d really like to seduce a lady with the power of good tailoring” suit.

“Rene, breathe.” Remy had an amused look on his face.

Why was Sylvie here? She’d been going on a date. Had it ended so poorly, she was suddenly willing to get married so she never had to go on a date again? If so, he would thank the man. Or beat on him. He wasn’t sure.

“Gentlemen, please feel free to play without me.” He mucked his cards. “I’ll let you know if I’m coming back.”

She could be here because she wanted to tell him off for putting her in this position.

Or she might have changed her mind.

“Get her to sign the prenup.” Quaid stood up. “Maybe I should come down there with you.”

He was not making the same mistake twice. “If he tries to come after me, shoot him, Armie.”

It was good to have the sheriff around.

Armie snorted. “Sure thing. But seriously, don’t mention anything legal you don’t have to. Talk to her. Tell her what you need.”

He needed her.

He walked out of the pool house and promised that if she was giving him another chance, he wouldn’t wreck it this time.

chapter three