“That’s horrible.” Mia was a thousand notches quieter than when she doled out her quips.

“Vanessa went back to college in Cali, and that was the last time I heard from her. A few months later, California Child Protective Services showed up on my doorstep, newborn and diaper bag in tow. Vanessa died mysteriously. She apparently listed me as the father. And in her will, she left a key to a safety deposit box.”

Mia didn’t say a word. He wasn’t even sure she was breathing.

“You tell me how many college girls write out a will. None. She knew those fuckers tracked her. She knew if anything happened to her that baby would be safe with me. I found a note in the safety deposit box explaining everything to me. So that’s who I love. My mom and my daughter.”

Static played on the radio. He didn’t make a move to change the dial, concentrating on the road. It was the first time he told the story to a stranger. Right now, she was anything but. Anxiety gave way to relief. Somehow, he was content in his decision to enlighten Mia.

She slid both her warm hands over his nearest forearm. His skin tingled and the rush carried into his chest.

“Colby, I was way off base. I’m sorry.”

“There’s no way you’d know. Anyway, Clara’s single-digits months old. She’s my world. And I’m lucky to have my mom and trustworthy peeps around. That trust now extends to you. It’s better you know anyway.”

“Why’s that?”

He’d have to clue her in to his op plan eventually. What a plan…if it could be called that.

“’Cause I’m bringing you to my place until we figure out what the hell is going on. It’d be a shade past awkward if I roll up, and all of the sudden, you have to hang with my family.”

“We’re going to your home?” Her fingers clenched, her nails biting into him.

He ignored her reaction and smiled in the dark. “It’s the safest place I know. I have to stash us off the grid. I’ve never brought anyone there before, other than family and the team, so this is an adventure for both of us.”

If Mia had guessed what type of person Colby was, she would’ve been wrong. If she guessed what would transpire after deciding to get that disk in Kentucky and go for a cross-country ride with him, she’d have been wrong on that account also. No, actually, she’d have been dead.

They barreled down the highway, on the way to his home. To his family. She shook off a shudder. No one would describe her as family oriented. Family conjured up the worst memories, and even in her therapy practice, she held her nose when discussing it. What kind of psychologist did that make her? Not one worthy of the distinctions she somehow pulled off.

Then again, her family wasn’t on the agenda. He wasn’t trying to enmesh her into his, nor was he taking her home. He was keeping her safe. Keeping her alive. Right about now, that was worthy of a champagne toast and kiss on the lips. Or cheeks. Cheeks would be safer around him.