Nilay glanced up at him. “Oh, you mean Annika’s kids. At the school. Yeah—she said they had a great time. It was awesome you could set that up. She didn’t tell you herself?”

“She did. I mean, she sent me an email.” She’d cc’d him in her email to Lance.

“Email? Not even a text? That’s harsh. What’d you do to piss her off?”

“She didn’t tell you?”

“My sister’s love life is not something we discuss. Well, not usually. And whatever it is—it can’t be too bad.”

“I’m not part of her love life—what do you know about it anyway?”

“I know plenty. I listen and pay attention even when people think I’m not listening.” For the first time, Nilay’s voice went quiet. “Especially after the last guy.” He set his jaw and stared straight ahead for a moment. He turned to Daniel. “Not that you’re anything like he was, but I... Well, I have to look out for her.”

“Is that why you’re here?”

“No.” He grinned. “I’m here because this is going to be awesome. Checking you out is part of the bonus.”

“Well, no worries. Your sister and I are not a thing.”

Nilay shook his head in disbelief. “She may be mad right now, but she’ll get over it.”

Daniel shrugged.

“She told me to behave myself when I came out here with you and not be a pain,” Nilay continued, “and not bother you. She wouldn’t have made a point to call me about all that if she wasn’t thinking about forgiving you.”

Daniel’s traitorous heart did a flip. He didn’t really deserve that forgiveness, though clearly he was ready to accept it.

“You’ve got a stupid look on your face.”

Daniel knew he did. But try as he might, he couldn’t remove the grin. He might still have a chance. He parked the car and they both got out, heading for the front entrance this time, so Daniel could sign Nilay in.

“Make no mistake about it.” Nilay stopped and looked Daniel square in the eye, that seriousness back in his eyes for a moment. “You saw what happened in the bar. I’m not afraid of much. If you hurt her, I’ll have to hurt you. I don’t care that your muscles are twice the size of mine.” He glanced at Daniel’s biceps and swallowed hard, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. “Well, maybe I do—but it won’t stop me. Understood?”