Dodge placed his finger on my chin and turned me to face him. His eyes met mine and I wanted to let out a moan. “What makes you think I needed a dog, Sierra?”

Smiling, I said, “Oh, Dodge. Don’t get all sweet and lovey on me. I only suggested it because I thought it would make your life a living hell.”

Dodge fought to hold his smile back, but I saw it in his eyes. “Thanks for that.”

Shrugging my shoulders, I said, “That’s what friends are for. Right?”

The light from Dodge’s eyes faded some. “Right.”

Shit. This was going to be a long drive.

SIERRA HELD PRINCESS ALMOST THE entire trip down to the coast. We only stopped once for Princess to go potty. There was something so flippin’ sexy about Sierra holding my dog in her lap and loving on her. I’d never admit it to Sierra, but I loved that damn dog. She kept me company and gave me someone to talk to.

Looking away, I fought to keep the crazy emotions down. I knew I was falling more and more for Sierra, but when she mentioned things like us being friends, I didn’t know how to read her. One minute she looked at me like she wanted to kiss me, the next it was as if she wanted to knock the hell out of me.

Sierra seemed to be really nervous and I had no idea why. Kind of like I had no idea why my father invited Sierra along on a family only vacation, but I wasn’t going to argue with him. When Sierra was around, the happier I felt. Sierra’s leg was bouncing up and down as she looked out the window. Reaching down, I took a hold of her hand. “Sierra, is everything okay? You don’t seem like yourself.”

Sierra’s eyes caught mine as she sucked in a breath. Good lord she had the most beautiful blue eyes. I could swim in them for the rest of my life.

“Um . . . I just . . . I guess I’m nervous about the hearing and all. I’m ready for this to all just be over so I can move on with my life. What if he wins, Dodge? What if they push it back again?”

Damn. The last thing I wanted was for her to be nervous. “Don’t be nervous. I promise you, Robert is not going to win this and they have exhausted all extensions. The judge assured us the hearing will go on as planned. It’s going to be in our favor.”

Sierra glanced down and asked, “How do you know that, Dodge?”

Placing my finger on Sierra’s chin, I lifted her eyes to mine. “Because I’m not about to let him hurt you anymore, and I’m your lawyer now. Didn’t you know you had the best lawyer in Austin?”

Giving me a weak grin, Sierra said, “No, I thought you were just known as the best lemon drop maker in Austin.”

Grinning, I moved my hand to the side of her face and gently brushed her tear away. “Please don’t cry, short stack. I can’t take you crying. You’re probably one of the strongest women I know next to my mother. Please don’t worry.”

Giving me a slight smile, Sierra asked, “How is your mother feeling?”

Smiling, I said, “The chemo has taken its toll on her, but she is doing amazing. This whole weekend is about celebrating her win over cancer.”

My heart dropped to my stomach with the way Sierra was looking at me.

Chewing on her lower lip, Sierra whispered, “I’m honored to be able to meet her.”

Swallowing hard, my body ignited at the idea of introducing Sierra to my mother as something more than just a friend. Or a client. No, Sierra was so much more than that. So. Much. More.

Giving Sierra a smile, I was barely able to find the words to speak. “She’s going to fall in love with you.”

Turning, I looked out the window as the ferry docked.

Ten minutes later, we were pulling into my parents’ beach house driveway.

“Awe, Grams is here.”

“Oh shit,” Sierra whispered as her body slumped over.

Making my way to my mother, I gave her a kiss on the cheek and then moved on to my Grams. They both looked beautiful.

“Mom, you have some color back,” I said as I gave her a once-over.

“This sea air agrees with me,” she said as she glanced over to my father.

Em walked up to me and hugged me. “Introduce us, Aaron.”

Turning, I saw Sierra holding Princess. Smiling, I motioned for Sierra to walk over. Was that . . . fear . . . in Sierra’s eyes? Huh. Interesting.

Em immediately pulled Sierra into her arms before I could even introduce her. “Sierra! It’s so nice to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Em, Aaron’s sister.”

Widening her eyes in surprise, Sierra asked, “You have?”