She got in bed and picked up the book that had been keeping her company during her nights alone, but couldn’t seem to concentrate on what she was reading.

Evan emerged from the bathroom in a cloud of steam. Once it cleared, she saw that he was completely naked and heading for the bed.

She licked her lips in anticipation.

“Aaah,” he said as he settled in next to her. “Feels good to be in a real bed. That sofa in the office isn’t very comfortable.”

She rested her hand on his chest. “I’m proud of what you’ve done with the studio, Evan. It’s going to be an awesome success. I know it.”

He covered her hand with his own. “I sure hope so.”

“Why do you look so worried?”

“I’ve got a lot riding on that place. A lot.”

“You’re worried about protecting Ned’s investment, but you know he gave you that money free and clear—”

“That’s not the part I’m most concerned about.”

“Then what?”

“I can’t tell you. It’ll make you mad.”

She tugged lightly on a tuft of chest hair. “Now you have to tell me.”

“Only if you swear not to get mad.”

“Something tells me that’s something I shouldn’t do before I hear your big secret.”

“You have to swear you won’t get mad if you want to hear it.”

“Fine. I swear. Now tell me.”

“I promised your dad I wouldn’t propose to you until the studio was making real money.” He looked over at her. “And I really want to propose to you.”

Grace went cold all over with shock. “You… He… You did what? When did this happen?

“A while ago.”

“Oh my God! I can’t believe him! This is outrageous! You don’t have to honor that promise, Evan. I absolve you.”

“I do have to honor it, Grace, and you can’t absolve me. I gave him my word.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because it seemed to matter a lot to him that you not marry a freeloading loser.”

Grace had never been more furious in her life. “I’m going to kill him. I’m going to kill them both.”

“No, you’re not. He has a good point, and if you were my kid, I’d probably feel the same way about my smart, studious daughter shackling herself to a musician who’s had more bad luck than good.”

“This is why you’ve been working like a madman over there?”

“Not the only reason, but the most important one. I’m determined to show him—”