In the spotlight’s glare, a bombshell drops…

He’s Hollywood’s hottest heartthrob…and her son’s secret father.

A PR stunt backfires when it reveals actor Dane Stewart’s a dad. As a sperm donor, he’s never met single mom Iris Turner, but they’re now connected through their child. And the press is about to pounce. Having Iris act as his girlfriend is pure damage control…except their chemistry is hotter than any love scene. But is a future together just a Cinderella fantasy?

YAHRAH ST. JOHN is the author of thirty-one books and one deliciously sinful anthology. When she’s not at home crafting one of her spicy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, she is gourmet cooking or travelling the globe seeking out her next adventure. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America. Visit www.yahrahstjohn.com for more information.

Also by Yahrah St. John

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His Marriage Demand

Cappuccino Kisses

Taming Her Tycoon

Miami After Hours

Taming Her Billionaire

His San Diego Sweetheart

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Red Carpet Redemption

Yahrah St. John

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09288-3

RED CARPET REDEMPTION

© 2019 Yahrah Yisrael

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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To my husband and best friend,

Freddie Blackman,

for helping keep me grounded.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Dedication

Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Epilogue

About the Publisher

Prologue

“We have to clean up your image, Dane,” his publicist, Whitney Hicks, informed him while they sat in his trailer in Mexico, going over Dane’s public appearances for late July. It was blazing hot and he’d come in to get out of the heat.

“It’s not my fault,” Dane Stewart responded, leaning back on the sofa and propping his legs on the sofa arm. “I had no idea Lia Montgomery was taken. I pride myself on having one relationship at a time and being a one-woman man.”

“Who according to tabloids can’t stay with one woman.”

Dane shrugged his broad shoulders. “Can I help it if a woman can’t manage to hold my attention?”

“You’re going to have to learn,” Jason Underwood replied. Jason had been his manager and agent for years. He was tall, lean and always in a suit. “Negative publicity could damage your image as America’s Sexiest Man Alive.”

“I beg to differ. I think it shows what a hot commodity I am,” Dane said with a smirk. He was thirty years old and in his prime.

“Thanks to your shenanigans, the studio wants you to do some damage control. They don’t want this kind of publicity attached to what essentially is your best acting work. You could get a best actor nomination for your latest film. Think of how this would catapult you into the stratosphere.”

It had taken Dane years of callbacks and tending bar to be in the position he was in now. He didn’t have to act in the big budget action flicks or romantic comedies anymore. Instead, his success in Hollywood had finally allowed him to choose a passion project like the film he’d just wrapped. Dane was proud of the work he’d done and didn’t appreciate the press making him out to be some Neanderthal who couldn’t keep it in his pants.

“Although I think this is all a load of hogwash,” Dane responded, “I agree now isn’t the most convenient time for this to blow up. I want my work to define me, not what I do behind closed doors.”

“Good. Then you’ll agree to the publicity I have scheduled?” Whitney inquired.

Dane trained his eyes on her. “Depends on what it is.”

“You’ll like this one.” Whitney reached for the remote to turn on the television and start a recording.

Dane watched as a local newscaster talked about a young boy, six-year-old Jayden Turner, who was in need of a bone marrow transplant. The camera panned to the cute boy with a mop of curly hair and dark brown eyes. The doctor talked about Jayden’s acute lymphocytic leukemia in which the bone marrow made too many white blood cells. He went on to say the best form of treatment was a bone marrow transplant. Then the camera zoomed in on Jayden’s mother, Iris Turner, a tall, slender woman with a beautiful smile.

Iris pleaded with the public to register to have their bone marrow screened. Dane immediately sat upright and listened to her impassioned plea. He admired her quiet strength. There was a tranquility to her he was drawn to, even though she wasn’t a dazzling beauty like many of the models and actresses he usually dated.

“Let me guess. You want me to be screened?” Dane asked over the hum of the television.

Whitney beamed. “Great minds think alike.” She walked toward him and he scooted aside, making room for her. “This is exactly the kind of positive press you need.”

“I won’t make a mockery of what that mother is going through,” Dane stated vehemently.

“And we’re not asking you to,” Jason chimed in. “Just a photo op after the screening. Your involvement will be a huge help raising awareness for Jayden’s cause.”

Dane inhaled deeply, staring at the screen. The mother was staring back at him and he could see how desperate she was for a chance to save her son’s life. “I’ll do it.”

Whitney grinned. “I’m glad that didn’t take too much convincing. Now here are my other ideas.”

Dane listened as Whitney rattled off several other appearances, including late-night television, a morning talk show and a stop at the local food bank, but all he could see was the haunting eyes of Iris Turner. Dane hoped his presence at the hospital wouldn’t disrupt her and Jayden’s life.

One

Iris Turner was praying for a miracle. She didn’t know when or in what form it would come, but she knew God wouldn’t be so cruel as to take away the precious gift He’d given her six years ago. Her son, Jayden.

“Do you think it will help?” her mother, Carolyn, asked as Iris sat at her parents’ kitchen table, wringing her hands. It had been several days since the news story about Jayden had aired, and there was still no bone marrow match.

“I don’t know. I hope so.” Iris glanced down the hall to where her father and Jayden were playing in the living room. To the outside world, he looked like a normal kid; now all of Los Angeles knew how sick he was.

“It will.” Her mother reached across the short distance to squeeze her hand.

Her family had thought Iris had lost her mind when she’d decided to become a single mom. Her mother had discouraged Iris, telling her Mr. Right would come along one day, but Iris had known it wasn’t true. She was damaged goods and no man would want to sleep with her—let alone make a baby—if he saw her body in the dark.

Eight years ago, when she was twenty, she’d gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd, dating a musician who liked to drink and have fun. One night, he’d had a little too much fun and wrapped his car around a tree with Iris in it. She’d suffered severe burns to her arms and thighs. Iris had lost count of the reconstructive surgeries she’d had since then to help with the disfigurement. Her arms had been transformed almost back to their original state, but after many painful procedures, Iris had finally given up and accepted she wouldn’t be completely healed.

She’d attempted dating, but once the evenings had become intimate, men had shuddered, making a speedy departure. Some were more direct; one outright told her she was a monster. Iris hadn’t dated since.

“Let’s not dwell on it.” Her mother went over to the stove and removed the kettle she’d turned on earlier. “How about a cup of tea?”

“Sounds great, Mom.” Iris offered a smile. Her mother was not only her best friend but an excellent cook and homemaker. She’d always been there when Iris needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to accompany her to the endless medical treatments. Iris had wanted to be just like her, and part of that was having a child of her own to love and being the best mom she could be like her mother.

Six years ago, she’d decided the only way she’d become a mother was through artificial insemination. And it had worked! She’d become pregnant on the first try. Nine months later, she’d given birth to a beautiful baby boy. Recently, she’d learned her precious boy had a rare leukemia that couldn’t be treated with chemotherapy alone. The doctor had suggested that a bone marrow transplant could be Jayden’s best chance.

Iris accepted the cup of tea her mother handed her and took a tentative sip. Chamomile always had a way of making her feel calm, and she was summoning all her inner strength for the fight ahead.

Her cell phone rang and she answered after several rings. “Hello?”

Iris listened intently to the caller on the other end before hanging up the line. “You will not believe it, Mom. It was the hospital. Their phones are being flooded with callers who want to know how they can help Jayden and if there’s a GoFundMe page.”

“I told you it was going to work out, Iris. You just have to believe.”

Iris was beginning to think her mother was right. Maybe there was a miracle waiting around the corner for Jayden.

“So what’s this I hear about you dating another man’s girl?” his sister, Fallon, asked Dane over the phone that day.

“Not you too,” Dane said, padding into his kitchen in his bare feet. He removed a beer from the fridge, unscrewed the cap and took a generous pull.

“I’ve never known you to do anything so underhanded.”

“Then you have to know I didn’t think she was seeing someone.”

Dane loved being single and the freedom it gave him. He’d always done uncomplicated sex but now this disaster with Lia Montgomery had blown up in his face.

“All right, so what now?”

“Damage control,” Dane said, drinking his beer. “I’ll put in some appearances, be contrite and do some charity stops. Actually, I’m kind of excited about the one tomorrow.”

“Oh really? What’s it about?”

“There’s this young boy who needs a bone marrow donor and I’m going to have myself tested.”

“Dane! That’s wonderful and very selfless.”

Dane shrugged as he walked to his patio door and slid it open. The balmy ocean air wafted into the room, filling his senses. He loved his Venice Beach house, which he kept in addition to his mansion in the Hollywood Hills. It had cost him a mint, but the view of the Pacific out his back door was worth every penny.

“Yeah, well. I’m being tested. There’s no guarantee.”

“It’s the thought behind it.”

Dane wished he could take credit, but it was Whitney’s doing. “So,” he said, changing the subject, “when are you, Gage and that good-looking nephew of mine coming down for a visit? You haven’t been here in ages.” Fallon had recently married Gage Campbell, a wealthy financier who’d help save the family business and she’d given birth to a son, Dylan.

“I’m sorry, Dane. Getting Stewart Technologies back on its feet took a great deal of time. With Gage’s influx of cash, I’ve been able to get new research in the works to put us back on the map but that’s taken a while. I promise we’ll come soon.”

Dane never understood Fallon’s devotion to their father’s company and her sense of responsibility for its survival considering their parents had run it into the ground with frivolous spending. He’d offered some financial resources over a year ago when it appeared the company was on the brink of failure, but she’d turned down his offer, determined to save the company on her own.

“Good. ’Cause I miss you, sis.”

“Back at you.”

From his patio, Dane stared out over the darkened horizon and thought about his family. Ever since he’d been able to read, their father, Henry Stewart, had talked to Dane about taking over the company, but it hadn’t been his dream, and when he was old enough he’d run as fast as he could. Fallon had taken up the mantle and Dane was glad because, quite frankly, he’d never lived up to his father’s expectations. The rumors of Dane’s scandalous behavior had only added fuel to the fire.

But what did he care? Dane didn’t need anyone. Or at least that’s what he told himself. As long as he had a winning smile and there were beautiful women around, he would never be alone for long.

The next morning, Dane arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was immediately engulfed by a large, noisy crowd of fans, mostly women. Some were holding banners with his picture; others screamed how much they loved him and wanted to have his babies. Dane reminded himself this was all part of the price of fame.

After climbing out of the low-slung seat of his Ferrari, several bodyguards surrounded him as photographers flashed cameras and journalists shot questions at him. Dane waved and signed a couple of autographs as he strode into the hospital entrance.

Whitney came toward him. Her bouncing blond hair hung in luxurious curls down her back and she was wearing her customary dark pantsuit. Dane appreciated her professionalism.

“Come with me.” She led him down a long corridor to an elevator that within seconds had them disembarking onto the pediatrics floor.

Whitney moved ahead of him, and they soon stopped in front of two glass double doors leading to a room with brightly colored walls. “It’s a play area for children in the hospital. I thought it would be a good place to start, but Ms. Turner isn’t here yet.”

Dane glanced into the room and his heart clenched. There were several young children in the room. Two were in wheelchairs and the other three were at low tables coloring. He vowed at that moment to give a donation to the hospital; it was the least he could do.

He heard the chime of the elevator and the hairs on his neck stood up. Dane knew Jayden Turner and his mom had arrived. He turned around in time to watch Iris Turner walk toward him. She was a lot taller than she appeared on television and every bit as slender in a pencil skirt and ruffled blouse. She was much prettier in person.

There was a youthful glow to her unblemished caramel skin, big brown eyes and dark brown hair, which fell in soft waves past her shoulders. His body tightened, reacting to her beauty, and Dane tamped the feeling down. He didn’t mess around with single moms—that was borrowing trouble he didn’t need. But he couldn’t deny he was drawn to her.

“Dane, I’d like you to meet—” Whitney began, but he interrupted her.

“You must be Iris Turner. Pleasure to meet you.”

“You, as well.” She offered a hesitant smile. “Thank you so much for doing this. To have someone of your stature…” Her voice trailed off as Dane’s focus shifted to her son. “I’m sorry.” She blushed. “This is Jayden. Jayden, say hello to Mr. Stewart. He’s here to see if he can help you.”

“Help me?” The little boy looked up, and Dane froze.

With his tight black curls, dark brown eyes and bushy eyebrows, Jayden bore a striking resemblance to Dane when he’d been young. Dane shook it off. He must be projecting because he felt sorry for him. He kneeled down. “I’m here to see if I’m a match to help you get better.”

“Why would you do that?” Jayden asked.

The innocent question caused all the adults in the room to laugh. “Because it’s the right thing to do.” Dane responded.

“Do you mind if we get a few photographs?” Whitney inquired from behind them. Dane had been so engrossed with meeting Iris and her son, he hadn’t noticed that a photographer had entered the room and was snapping away.

Iris glanced at Whitney and then back again at Dane.

“Only if it’s okay with you,” Dane said. He sensed fear in her eyes, and he didn’t want to take advantage.

Iris nodded. “Yes, of course.”

“You mind if I pick you up?” Dane asked Jayden.

Jayden immediately held out his arms and Dane eased him into his embrace and stood.

The photographer asked Iris and Dane to move closer together into the frame. “Yes, like that. Smile, please. Heck, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you guys looked like a family.”

Iris quickly glanced up at Dane, but he merely laughed.

Within minutes, the photographs were taken and the nurse led Dane away for the cheek swab test that would register him as a bone marrow donor. Due to Jayden’s aggressive leukemia, they would have the results back within a week. The entire process was over with quickly, and Dane realized Iris and Jayden hadn’t needed to be there. It was merely a photo op to show America Dane wasn’t some lothario who couldn’t be trusted, but for him it was more. It was a chance to shed light on the issue of bone marrow transplants.

When he was done, Whitney was waiting for him in the corridor. “That’s it for today. For the next couple of days, you’ll have a full calendar of appearances and events, which will hopefully bring up your approval ratings.”

“Am I being rated?” Dane inquired.

“Well, no, but we do informal polls on your image,” Whitney replied. “It’s my job to ensure you have the right kind of press.”

“I appreciate it. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Dane headed for the playroom. He could still make out Iris’s form through the glass doors. He was curious to know her story.

“Where are you going?” Whitney inquired.

Dane didn’t answer. “If the PR stunt is over, you can leave. I’ll see you on the plane tomorrow.” He spun away and went inside the playroom. He found Iris huddled over the blocks with Jayden. As he approached, he noticed a wariness come over her and it made Dane nervous. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

“The testing didn’t take long, so—I was wondering if you wanted to grab a cup of coffee and maybe a cocoa for the little man.” Dane looked at Jayden, who was oblivious to them, too caught up with building a large tower with the blocks.

“Just us?”

Dane grinned. “You mean, you don’t want my entire entourage?” He glanced behind him to find the bodyguards were guarding the door. “Yes, just us.”

She nodded. “Okay, sure.”

Dane lent his hand and helped Iris up from the small chair. He was surprised when an electric shock surged through him at merely touching her. He was aghast at having a reaction when Iris was here with her sick child, and quickly stuck his hands in pockets.

Iris swallowed and tried not to show how hurt she was by Dane recoiling from her. When he’d touched her, she’d felt the zing low in her pelvis, awakening sensations she had almost forgotten. Her heart had fluttered, making her breath catch in her throat, but it was clear Dane was disgusted. Since he had no idea about her injuries, his reaction had to be because he found her lackluster. In comparison to his latest dalliance that she’d read about online, Lia Montgomery, Iris was sure she was. She’d perked up when he’d asked her to coffee, but now she understood it for what it was: pity.

It didn’t stop her from staring at Dane from underneath her lashes. He was startlingly good-looking. With his hair cut short, his face was a marvel up close, all creamy tapioca skin, strong clean jawline, dark brown eyes, bushy ebony brows and tempting mouth. Dane was movie-star handsome and downright sexy without even trying. Take what he was wearing today, for example. The leather jacket, T-shirt and faded jeans were what any joe on the street would wear, but a woman could forget herself completely in his smile and would be thankful she had.

Impossible images flashed in her head of Dane without any clothes on. Each one was more inappropriate and more unlikely than the last. She blinked to clear her thoughts.

They made it to the cafeteria with the two bodyguards flanking them. After the two men had surveyed the place, she, Jayden and Dane were allowed to make their way to a four-seater table.

Iris was surprised when Dane pulled out her chair and scooted it underneath her before sitting across from her. When Jayden began to get fidgety in his chair, she reached inside her purse and fished out her iPhone. She handed it to him and watched with amusement as he found his favorite video game.

“Regular coffee okay?” Dane asked. “Or are you one of these LA women who drinks a soy latte with no foam or something?”

His low, rich voice washed over her like a caress and her body melted. “Nothing fancy for me,” Iris said. “With Jayden’s illness, I’ve gotten quite used to regular ole coffee from the hospital cafeteria.”

“Two regular coffees coming up,” Dane said, rising again to his feet. “And what about you, Jayden?”

“He’ll have milk.”

Jayden glanced up at Dane. “You promised cocoa.”

A broad smile spread across Dane’s sensuous lips. “So you do listen when you want to,” Iris teased, ruffling his curls affectionately. She looked at Dane. “A cocoa it is.”

“One cocoa and two coffees coming up.” Dane sauntered away and Iris couldn’t help but watch him. The man had swagger. Lots of it. And a great behind to boot. She couldn’t believe someone as famous as he had the time to spare for her. Iris was nobody’s fool. She understood part of today’s exercise had been to garner good press for Dane. But if seeing a famous A-list actor like Dane registering to become a donor could help Jayden, she would take a hundred pictures with him.

Dane returned several minutes later carrying two steaming cups of coffee and a cocoa with whipped cream on top for Jayden. “How did you manage that?” Iris wondered aloud.

“I have my ways,” Dane said with a smirk, his dark eyes gleaming.

Jayden immediately began drinking his cocoa and got a white mustache. “Go wipe your face, Jayden,” Iris said, laughing as she watched him get up to find napkins.

“So tell me, Iris—is it all right if I call you Iris?”

“Yes.”

“Where’s Jayden’s father?”

Iris frowned. “That’s a very impertinent question to ask.”

“I’m sorry. I wondered where he was in all this and why he wasn’t here supporting you both. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

“No, I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I suppose I’m overly sensitive. It’s just me and Jayden. Though my parents have been wonderfully supportive since he was diagnosed.”

“How long ago was it?”

“About three months,” Iris replied. “Jayden wasn’t gaining any weight and was weak and lethargic, so I took him to the doctor. They ran a battery of tests that were initially inconclusive, but I knew something was wrong.”

“A mother’s intuition?”

“Something like that. I refused to give up so they kept digging and eventually Jayden was diagnosed with a form of acute lymphocytic leukemia.”

“Had to be hard hearing the news. I mean, he’s so young.”

“Yes, it was very difficult, especially when I learned how hard it would be to find a donor. And then here you are.”

“Don’t make a saint of me just yet,” Dane responded. “I’m only registering.”

Jayden returned with the napkin and Iris used it to wipe his face, catching the spots he’d missed. “But you’re doing something and that means so much to me,” she said, meaning every word as she glanced up at Dane. Whether he was a match or not, or had just come to the hospital to boost his image, he was here, and it could mean the difference between life and death for her son.

“What else can I do to help Jayden?” Dane glanced down at her son with genuine concern. “I feel like getting tested seems so small in the grand scheme of things.”

“It isn’t. I wish more people like you would register. I think there’s a stigma attached to bone marrow donations because people have seen it on TV and heard it can be painful. But they’ve made advances and there’s more than one way to donate now.”

“I’ll certainly make sure to talk about registering when I make the rounds on the morning and late night shows.”

Iris’s eyes grew large. “You would do that?” She gulped a large amount of coffee in an effort to steady herself and not think about why Dane Stewart would help her, a nobody.

“Of course. Anything to help this little guy.” He glanced down at Jayden. “He should have his whole life ahead of him and if there’s anything I can do to prolong it, I will. Matter of fact…” He reached inside his leather jacket and produced a business card, handing it to Iris.

Her eyes filled with tears and instinctively she reached for Dane’s hand on the table to squeeze it. “Thank you.”

This time he didn’t pull away. Instead, he let her hold his hand a moment longer than was necessary. Iris’s heart bounced like a ball in her chest as she relived the excitement from his touch earlier. Her tummy fluttered and she could feel her breasts becoming taut as awareness flooded her entire being. She bit down on her lip, but when she glanced up at Dane, raw primal lust was etched across his face.

Dane took in the glorious brown eyes staring back at him. Sensation galloped in his chest from the shocking contact and enveloped him like wildfire. He’d felt it earlier too and it made him want to touch her shiny dark brown hair. Their gazes clashed and mingled and something unspoken fizzled in the air between them. Something Dane couldn’t define. Was it lust?

He was taken by surprise because there was an answering hunger in her quiet gaze. Dane reminded himself he was repairing his public image, and to even consider messing around with Iris at a time like this would be low. Yet he couldn’t stop himself feeling this pull toward her and the boy. He wanted to be there for her, comfort her, protect her.

With his self-discipline vanishing, Dane abruptly rose to his feet. “I have to go.”

Iris did the same, and he noticed how she nearly matched him in height. “Of—of course. I’m sorry to have kept you.” She blushed alluringly as if she shouldn’t have been caught looking at him.

“You didn’t, but I have an early morning tomorrow.”

“Thank you again for registering.”

Dane crouched down to say goodbye to Jayden, who’d already finished his cocoa. “I hope you get better, Jayden. I’m rooting for you.”

Jayden glanced up. “Thanks, Mr. Stewart.”

The young boy’s smile in spite of all he’d been through broke Dane’s heart, and he quickly made for the exit without looking back at Iris. He couldn’t. Instead, he pulled out his cell phone, made a call and snapped out instructions.

The bodyguards followed him to the lobby and out through the main entrance, where his car had magically appeared, along with Whitney, who was now by his side barely keeping pace with him.

“What was that about?” she asked.

“What?” Dane was disconcerted. He was still thinking about the beautiful woman he’d left upstairs whom he’d given his private number to. It was something he never did, but Dane felt like he could trust her.

“Iris Turner. You asked her to coffee.”

Startled, Dane glared at her. “I’m not sure what you’re implying, Whitney. I was merely being nice. I would think you’d appreciate the positive press instead of twenty-questioning me.” He didn’t wait for a response as he hopped in his sports car.

Adrenaline, sleek and sure, pounded through him as he revved the engine. Had the truth been written on his face? Could Whitney sense his interest in Iris? Her hand was so delicate, yet strong. He could still feel her touch as if she’d branded him, which was ridiculous. She was going through a lot and for some reason Dane wanted to help her. And if it was in his power to assist, he would.

There was nothing more to it than that.

Two

One week later

“You’re a match,” Dr. Lee said.

It was early on a Monday morning, and she and Dane were seated in the conference room at Cedars-Sinai. Dane had flown in last night from New York after the premiere of his latest film. It was a departure from his usual body of work and would finally elevate him from heartthrob to serious actor. Early reviews were positive and Dane had left on cloud nine.

He hadn’t expected this news.

“Really?” Dane asked, stunned. He’d registered and done the test when he’d been trying to repair his bad boy image. It had worked. The press began to focus on Jayden’s illness and the media lost interest in his supposed affair with Lia. He’d been so busy doing damage control, he hadn’t contacted Iris. It was just as well because he couldn’t act on his attraction to the single mother.

This was an unexpected wrinkle in his plans. “How is that possible? I thought chances were rare I would be a match.” He stared in disbelief.

“It’s difficult to match the needed tissue type between donors and patients, so this is quite a surprise. Seventy percent of all bone marrow donations do come from people unrelated to the recipient, so only 30 percent come from matches with family members able to donate. And when I compared your genetic markers to Jayden’s, there was no doubt—you’re related.”

Dane sat back in his chair. “Pardon me?”

“If I was a betting man…” Dr. Lee began, then paused for several beats. “I would say that you’re Jayden’s father.”

“No,” Dane shook his head and jumped to his feet. “That can’t be. I never met Iris before last month. You’ve got this all wrong, Dr. Lee. There’s no way Jayden could be my kid. You need to run your tests again.” His mind raced to recall a moment he could have met Iris. A drunken encounter he could have forgotten maybe? But no—that wasn’t possible.

Dr. Lee sighed. “Well, that’s why I wanted to bring you in. Quietly, of course.” He looked out the glass partition at Dane’s two bodyguards waiting outside. “I wanted your permission to run a DNA paternity test.”

Dane stopped pacing. “A DNA test?”

“Yes, it will give us irrefutable evidence and set the record straight.”

“That depends. Do I have your word you’ll treat this with absolute discretion? I can’t have this leaking to the press.”

“Understood. And you absolutely have my word I’ll keep this confidential. But in the meantime, I need to know if you’re willing to donate your bone marrow to Jayden. Whether you’re his father or not, you’re a match. I’d like to take a sample of your blood and confirm the human leukocyte antigen match. Once I confirm, you’d meet with a counselor to talk about the procedures, benefits and risks of the donation process. And then you can decide whether you’re comfortable with donating.”

Dane wiped his hands across his face. This was surreal, but he was sure of one thing. “Of course I’ll help. That was never the question. Jayden is a very sick little boy and from what I’ve heard he doesn’t have much time. But I need to know if he’s my son.”

Dr. Lee rose from his seat. “Excellent, Mr. Stewart. Ms. Turner will be so relieved but probably shocked once she hears of the connection.”

“She can’t know,” Dane replied.

Dr. Lee frowned. “What do you mean? I need her permission to run a DNA test.”

“I understand that, but,” Dane pronounced, “under no circumstances am I going to rip that family to shreds and have the press crawling through their lives if this is merely a case of mistaken identity. This has to be kept under wraps until we can run a test.”

“I understand you’re apprehension about the DNA test, but it’s more of a formality for legal purposes. I’m certain the additional blood test you’re required to undergo will further confirm you’re Jayden’s father,” Dr. Lee replied.

“I don’t know. Let me figure this out. What I need from you is discretion. Promise me, Dr. Lee, you will keep this between us until we know more.”

“All right. I’ll keep your genetic connection to myself, but I’d like to give her some hope and at least tell her you’re a match. Let’s reconfirm the match.”

Dane nodded his acquiescence. “I’m here, so let’s do this.”

Two hours later, Dane slid into the back seat of the SUV waiting for him outside a secluded section of the hospital. For once he was grateful to be alone with his thoughts, so he could absorb the bombshell Dr. Lee had dropped on him. Dane had reacted on autopilot throughout the testing, not caring one bit about being poked and prodded. Now that he was done, he was finally free to feel, well, dumbstruck.

Jayden Turner could be his son!

But how? He’d never met Iris until that day a month ago. And since then he’d pushed all thoughts of the slender beauty out of his mind. Until now. One thing was certain: if they’d ever met, Dane was sure he’d remember her.

Then it came to him.

Eight years ago, he’d arrived in Los Angeles to make a fresh start. Considering he’d snubbed working for his father, Dane had been determined to live on his own without any help from his family. However, he’d quickly learned how expensive it was to live in the city and after toiling at two, sometimes three jobs he’d barely made ends meet. A year in, he’d had a particularly rough patch, when he’d blown off work to go on some auditions. Dane knew he’d be discovered. He hadn’t been. Instead, he’d found himself without a job. Desperate to pay the rent, he’d taken the advice of several other starving artists and gone to donate at a sperm clinic. They’d happily accepted him since he fit certain criteria and he’d signed a contract for a few months. He’d never thought it would come to anything, but he had been selected once. And apparently once was all it took.

It was highly possible Iris had used his donation. Jayden could very well be his.

Dane felt like he couldn’t breathe. He didn’t need Jason or Whitney to tell him the fallout over this decision could be massive. They’d finally gained momentum for the movie and now…now he had a son? And a son who was fighting for his life, no less. Dane didn’t even know how to comprehend the barrage of emotions hitting him. Iris had been handling Jayden’s illness all alone for months. Heck, she’d been a mother and father to Jayden. If Dane was truly the father, how would she react to his sudden appearance in their lives?

It was all too much to contemplate. He was so lost in thought that he was stunned when the SUV came to a stop in front of his Hollywood Hills home and his bodyguard Doug opened the door for him. He was already home.

“Thanks, Doug.” He nodded at the three-hundred-pound former college linebacker as he strode inside. He was hoping for some time alone, but instead found his assistant, Morgan, along with Whitney and Jason, lounging around on the couch in the living area.

Morgan was a twenty-four-year-old film school dropout who’d been working for him for over a year. They’d met on the set of one of his films, and she’d begged him to give her a job, any job. At first, Dane had been reluctant. Five feet six with long, silky black hair and hazel eyes, Morgan could have been trouble. But Morgan had never looked at him as anything other than a big brother and typically dressed in gender-neutral clothing. She was a godsend and kept his life on track.

“There you are,” Jason said from his perch. “We were starting to think we were going to have come get you. How’d it go?”

“I need the room,” Dane said, directing a look at Morgan and Whitney, who took the hint and made a speedy exit. He headed for the bar and quickly produced two glasses and a bottle of aged brandy. He poured generously and pushed a glass toward Jason, who’d come to join him at the bar. Even though Jason was his business manager and agent, Dane considered him a friend. For years, Dane had been able to rely on Jason’s advice and he prayed he wouldn’t fail him now.

“What’s going on?” Jason asked, sitting across from Dane who’d remained standing behind the bar. “What did the hospital say?”

Dane stared at the brandy in his hand for a moment and then took a large gulp. It burned on the way down.

“Easy now, Dane. Whatever it is, spit it out and we’ll deal with it.” Jason reached for his brandy and sipped.

“Jayden Turner could be my kid.”

Jason spluttered as brown liquid spilled from his lips. “What did you say?”

“He could be mine. Jayden could be my son.”

“That’s impossible.” Jason quickly snatched a napkin from the countertop and wiped up around him. “If there’s one thing I know about you, Dane, it’s that you practice safe sex. Whatever this Iris is saying about you is a lie. I don’t know if she sensed your interest in her or what, but it’s fabricated. Don’t worry. We’ll fix this.”

“You don’t get it, Jason. There’s nothing to fix,” Dane responded. “I donated sperm seven years ago and Jayden is probably the result.”

“You did what!”

Dane rolled his eyes. “Don’t look at me like that. I was low on cash and rent was coming due. It was a high-end clinic with a very selective process. I was only selected one time.”

“One time that could be Jayden?” Jason inquired.

“Ding-ding-ding! You’re finally getting it. And I have no idea what to do.”

“We need to confirm it,” Jason stated, “so we can get ahead of the story before the truth gets out. Spin it.”

“Jason, if he’s mine, there’s no spinning. I will claim him,” Dane responded. “I’ll do what’s right. And if he’s not, I’ll still donate.”

“This is big, Dane. Are you sure you’re ready for the heat this could bring? Not just for your career, but personally? To my knowledge, you’ve never wanted to be a father.”

Jason was right. Dane didn’t see himself like his brother and sister, settling down and having a family. He’d always been the odd bird and that had been fine with him. His career had always been his central focus, but now he could unwittingly have a ready-made family waiting in the wings.

Iris was on cloud nine.

Earlier today, Dr. Lee had called and informed her there was a match for Jayden. For months, she’d thought it was a pipe dream. She’d gone on television and begged people to register to donate, but she’d never actually thought anything would come of it.

“Are you sure?” she’d asked him, and she’d given her an unequivocal, resounding yes. But nothing could have prepared her for her next words when she’d asked who the match was. It was none other than Dane Stewart, the man who haunted her dreams day and night.

Since their meeting, Iris had found herself searching out his movies and watching them, either on television or Netflix. She’d become obsessed with seeing him on screen, with his sexy good looks and killer abs. Maybe it was to remind herself how strictly off-limits a man like Dane was. And she’d done a good job. She’d convinced herself she’d imagined the connection between them in the cafeteria because Dane had better options than a harried single mother.

Iris had just put Jayden to bed, and was finally ready to retire for the evening. But as she went into her bedroom, she decided there was one more thing she needed to do. Reaching for her purse, she pulled out the business card Dane had given her. Iris had never thought she’d have the opportunity to use it, but she felt compelled to thank him. Dr. Lee had told her donating was much easier these days and that they could do a peripheral blood stem cell donation, but it was still a procedure that might have some recovery time. Dane was a working actor, so it meant a lot that he was willing to make the personal sacrifice for Jayden’s benefit.

Without thinking, she grabbed her iPhone and dialed his digits. He’s not going to pick up, she told herself, he’s not going to pick up. But he did.

“Hello,” a deep masculine voice said from the other end of the phone.

“Dane?”

“Yeah?”

“Hi, um, it’s…it’s Iris Turner. Jayden’s mother,” she began. “I hope it’s okay I called. You gave me your cell at the hospital—”

“Iris,” he interrupted her, “relax. It’s fine. You’re not bothering me. I was hoping you’d call.”

“Really?”

“I assume you heard the good news. I’m a match for Jayden.”

“Yes.” She breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t upset she’d phoned. “Dane, I’m so thankful you’re willing to donate.”

“Of course I’ll donate. Jayden has his whole life ahead of him. I want the best for him.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I’ll clear my schedule whenever I’m needed.”

“Thank you. Will you let me know when the procedure is? I’d like to come if that’s all right with you.”

“Absolutely. It’s going to be okay, Iris. Jayden will pull through this. We’ll see to that,” Dane said.

“You make it sound like we’re in this together.”

“We are. I now have a vested interest in Jayden’s recovery.”

“Is that all?” The moment the words were out of her mouth, Iris wanted to take them back, but she couldn’t. They lingered, floating on the air.

There was silence for several beats, and Iris was wondering if she’d overstepped when Dane said, “No, it’s not all, Iris. I’ve thought of you often since our meeting.”

“You have?” Nervous excitement raced through her veins. Had her initial intuition been right? Dane was interested in her?

Dane chuckled. “Don’t sound so surprised. You’re a beautiful woman, Iris. I’m sure you know that.”

“It’s been a while. We single moms don’t get very many compliments, especially not from America’s Sexiest Man Alive.”

“Aw, don’t believe the hype, Iris. I’m a man like everyone else.”

“Yeah, but you always have a beautiful woman on your arm.”

“Those are hookups,” Dane admitted. “I don’t date. Not really. Because I don’t know if they’re after my money or if they really want me, you know?”

“That’s terrible, Dane. How do you live with it?”

“Not very well. I’m the actor everyone wants in their movie, but sometimes the whole machine of my reputation and brand swallows up the real me. Yet when I talk to you, all the chatter melts away and I feel like myself.”

“I’m glad, but what about your family? Aren’t they there for you?”

“No, not really. They have their lives and I have mine, but I do check in with them from time to time.”

“I don’t know what I would do without my family,” Iris replied. “They keep me grounded.”

“Then you’re lucky indeed,” Dane said. “Hold on a minute, Iris. What’s that?” Iris heard voices and realized he was talking to someone in the room with him, but couldn’t make out the conversation. When he returned, he said, “I have to go, Iris, but I’m glad I have your number now. I’ll save it in my phone. I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“All right. And Dane?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. You’re a lifesaver.”

Dane sucked in a deep breath as he ended the call with Iris. Morgan had called him on the intercom and he’d used it as an excuse to get off the phone. Leaning back in the executive chair in his study, Dane stared at the ceiling. He hadn’t anticipated hearing her sweet voice again so soon, but he supposed he shouldn’t be surprised. Iris wanted to thank him for agreeing to donate his stem cells. What she didn’t know was that Jayden could be Dane’s son too.

All that was left was the additional blood work and a DNA paternity test, but Dane didn’t need that. He’d felt an instant connection to Jayden from the start.

But it was six years too late, in his opinion. He had a son who needed bone marrow. And his would save Jayden. Fate, the cosmos or something was sending him a message. He hadn’t figured out what it was yet.

All he knew was that if he was going to be a father, he didn’t want to be like Henry Stewart. But was he being premature? Would he even be able to carve out a parenthood agreement with Iris? It was entirely possible she would fight him on any visitation arrangement, given that he was just a sperm donor.

But perhaps the even bigger question was…how would this affect his career?

Three

Fallon, it’s Dane. I really need to see you. I’m flying into Austin tomorrow. In the throes of a full-blown panic attack, he’d called her in the wee hours.

Now, as Dane boarded the private jet he’d anonymously booked to fly him to his hometown that morning, he thought back on recent events. He knew the voice mail he’d left for his older sister was cryptic, but he needed to talk to someone who knew him. Who understood him. Who would listen without judging. Iris was right. He needed his family. Fallon had always been his sounding board, so here he was, on his way to Austin.

The flight was smooth. After renting a nondescript SUV, Dane drove through the city toward Fallon and his brother-in-law Gage Campbell’s home, which wasn’t far from Stewart Manor. No matter what, he couldn’t keep his mind from spinning.

Deep in his gut, Dane knew he should tell Iris the likelihood that they shared a son, but quite honestly, he was afraid of her reaction. What if she refused to let him see Jayden? She might think he’d set all this in motion as a way to get closer to his son when that was far from the truth. He’d had no idea of Jayden’s existence until a two weeks ago, but that might not stop her from thinking the worst. He was already a scoundrel for the feelings he had for her.

When she’d called him last night, they’d shared such an easy rapport. Dane hadn’t been able to talk to someone like he was just a normal guy in ages. Maybe it was the novelty factor. Iris wasn’t the kind of woman he usually dealt with. She wasn’t trying to flatter him or cozy up to him because she wanted a role in his next film. She just wanted to talk to him and it made Dane feel like everyone else, which had been sorely lacking in his world. Was that her appeal?

When he arrived at the Campbell residence, he punched in the security code and the black wrought-iron gates opened. There was a long driveway leading up to a château-style mansion with a well-manicured lawn and tall topiaries. Immediately upon exiting the vehicle, the front door opened and his sister came running out and into his arms.

“It’s so good to see you, Dane,” Fallon said softly.

He was in his usual casual attire of faded jeans, T-shirt and worn leather jacket. The jacket had seen better days, but it was the one item of clothing he’d bought with what he’d earned from his first paid acting gig and he’d kept it ever since. “You too, sis.” He squeezed her back. Eventually, he pulled away and gave her the once-over.

Fallon was still an absolute stunner in her cape top and slender trousers. She wore her honey-blond hair in its natural curly state rather than straight the way she usually did for her job as CEO of Stewart Technologies.

“You’re looking good, girl. How’s Dylan?”

Fallon beamed, which caused her hazel eyes to sparkle. “He’s doing fantastic. C’mon inside and see for yourself.” She slid her arm through Dane’s and walked him inside.

“I’m surprised you’re home. I would have thought you’d be out conquering the tech world instead of playing happy homemaker.”

Once in the foyer, Fallon came to a halt. “First off, I will never be a homemaker,” she responded. “I have a great staff here to help. Plus, I doubt Gage would let me. He and Dylan demand all my attention.”

Dane laughed. “So married life is going well? I know you and Gage got off to a rocky start.”

His sister hadn’t married Gage for love. It had been a marriage of convenience to help save Stewart Technologies. Dane and their older brother, Ayden, had offered to pitch in monetarily, but Fallon hadn’t accepted. She’d chosen to marry Gage in exchange for his funding instead.

Dane had worried about the union, but he supposed he shouldn’t have. He and Fallon had grown up with Gage while Ayden had lived apart with his mother who raised him. Ever since her teens, Fallon had had a huge crush on Gage and had never really gotten over him. It turned out the feeling had been mutual, so what had started as a temporary arrangement ended up becoming a real marriage.

“That’s all in our rearview,” Fallon replied. “I hope one day you can find what Gage and I have, not to mention Ayden and Maya.”

“How is that older brother of ours?” Dane inquired.

“He’s right here,” Ayden bellowed from several feet away.

Dane spun around and was surprised to see his older brother, casually dressed in jeans and a pullover sweater, holding Dylan. “What are you doing here?” The question came out harsher than he’d intended.

“Well, since you barely ever come home, I had to get in where I can fit in,” Ayden replied, bouncing the eleven-month-old baby in his arms. “I’d like to get to know you better, Dane, but you don’t make that easy.”

Dane shrugged. “I’m sorry. Life’s been…challenging.”

“Care to fill us in?” Fallon asked, folding her arms across her chest.

“Sis, that’s exactly why I’m here.”

A half hour later, Dane had had brought Ayden and Fallon up to speed on the details, including his hard times that had led to his donation to a sperm bank. He confessed his sample had been used once and Jayden Turner was most likely the result. Fallon was so bowled over, she called the nanny to come get Dylan so they could discuss the matter in private without interruption.

“Wow!” Ayden scrubbed his jaw and leaned back in his chair. “Are you certain he’s yours?”

Dane nodded. “When I registered to become a bone marrow donor, I took some tests. When the results came in, Dr. Lee was surprised Jayden and I shared genetic markers. She asked me to come in privately to talk about it. Initially, when she suggested I could be Jayden’s father, I thought she’d lost her mind, but upon reflection I recalled the sperm donation. So it makes sense that Dr. Lee’s hypothesis is true.”

“Have you taken a DNA test? Are you ready to be a father and all that it implies?”

“Hell no!” he said, jumping to his feet. “I’m not ready for any of it. But I’ll know more soon after the additional blood test results come through.”

“The press is going to have a field day with this.” Ayden had just spoken Dane’s worst thoughts aloud.

“I know. I can handle them ripping me to shreds. I’m used to it. But Jayden and Iris? They don’t deserve what’s in store. Jason and I have been figuring out a way to protect them.”

“You told your agent before you told us?”

Dane heard the censure in Fallon’s question. “I did. And I’m sorry, but I’m here now. Don’t I get credit for that? Do you have any idea of the media storm that’s about to rain down on me?”

Fallon stood and walked over to him, grabbing his hand. “I do. And you know Ayden—” she glanced at their big brother “—and I will be here for you. We can’t wait to meet Jayden and his mother.”

“Iris.”

“You’re on a first-name basis with her?” Ayden inquired.

“Yeah, we’ve talked a couple of times and I met her when I registered to become a donor. She is an amazing woman. Beautiful, strong and a dedicated mother.”

Ayden’s brow rose. “Is that right?”

Dane hated that his brother could tell he wasn’t being completely forthright. “What’s it to you?”

“Nothing, Dane.” Ayden shrugged. “But I suspect there’s more to you and Iris than you’re telling us.”

Fallon’s gaze clashed with Dane’s. “Are you two involved? Because if you are, it will only compound the problem. Being attached to you carries a huge spotlight.”

“Well, thanks a lot, Fallon. And for your information, we are not involved,” he responded.

“Not yet,” Ayden offered. “But if you can’t be honest with your family, who can you be honest with? You came here because you needed to unload. Do that. I know I’m not as close as you and Fallon, so if you need me to leave, I will.”

Dane glared at him. Ayden was right, but that didn’t make it easier to hear. “All right, I’m sort of interested in Iris. I gave her my private number and we spoke the other night, but I haven’t acted on my attraction to her.”

“But you want to?” Fallon deduced.

“Yeah, but I know it’s not good for either one of us. I’m keeping my distance, but when she learned I was a match for Jayden, she offered to come to my procedure for emotional support.”

“And you agreed?” Ayden asked.

Dane nodded. Why were his siblings ganging up on him? “Is that so horrible?”

“Of course not, but you could have called either of us,” Fallon glanced in Ayden’s direction. “We’d hop a flight and be there in a heartbeat. The truth of the matter is, you didn’t want us. You want Iris to be there.”

Fallon had hit the nail on the head. “You may be right,” Dane finally admitted. “But I can’t let her do that without telling her the truth.”

“But you’re afraid of how she may react?” Fallon asked.

“Can you blame me?” Dane asked. “This whole situation is bizarre. I want to do what’s right and help save my son…”

“But you also want his mother,” Ayden surmised. “I’m not sure it will be quite so easy to have your cake and eat it too, Dane. Iris is going to be extremely conflicted. On the one hand, you’re saving her son’s life, but on the other, you bring an entire media firestorm.”

“Which is why I’ve been trying to figure out how to insulate her and Jayden from the fallout.”

“Is that really possible, Dane?” Fallon said. “I mean, you might be expecting too much.”

“I’d expect to hear that from the pessimist over here—” Dane motioned to Ayden “—but not you. You’re supposed to be the optimistic one.”

“I am, but I’m also a realist,” Fallon responded. “I’ve had to be.”

Dane knew what Fallon meant because they’d always understood each other so well. She’d been levelheaded about business, a pragmatist who’d saved Stewart Technologies. But she also blamed herself for letting their father’s mismanagement and their mother’s spending habits wreak havoc on the family company. “It wasn’t your fault, Fallon.”

Ayden peered back and forth between the two of them. “What wasn’t her fault?”

“She thinks she let Father ruin the company.”

“You didn’t let him do anything,” Ayden responded hotly. Dane smiled because it didn’t take much for his brother to pick up the torch. There wasn’t any love lost between Ayden and their father. “Henry is responsible for his actions. And Nora too.”

“I know you are not a fan of our parents.” She glanced at Dane and then at Ayden. “And justifiably so considering how our father treated you, so let’s agree to disagree on this, okay? Dane…” She turned to him. “You need to tell Iris. If you wait too long, she’ll resent you for keeping this from her. Tell her. And tell her soon.”

He stayed with his siblings for the remainder of the afternoon. He didn’t intend to stay long. Dr. Lee was rushing the blood test and Dane wanted to be back in LA in case he learned Jayden was indeed his. Fallon suggested visiting their parents, but Dane was in no mood for Henry to gripe about him throwing his life away to be an actor. Instead, he met up with his old friend Jared Robinson for a beer. Jared came from a wealthy family and was a rabble-rouser like Dane had been back in the day. They reminisced about old times when chasing women was their number one hobby, but those days might soon be behind him.

The next morning, Dane hadn’t forgotten Fallon’s advice to tell Iris and he intended to tell her Dr. Lee’s suspicion when he landed. His plans, however, didn’t fall into place like he wished. When he’d arrived home, Morgan filled him in on his new schedule and he’d been annoyed. Instead of time to meet with Iris, Dane found himself the following day at a photo shoot in downtown Los Angeles warehouse.

“Don’t be mad,” Whitney said as a stylist trimmed Dane’s perpetual five o’clock shadow early that afternoon. “We have to take advantage of every opportunity to plug your movie. You want a blockbuster, right?”

Dane stared at her crystal-blue eyes in the mirror. “I wouldn’t make it a habit of going against my wishes, especially when I give you a directive to clear my schedule.”

“Of course. I’ll get with Morgan and make sure your schedule is clear for the next couple of days.”

“Thank you.”

Dane was desperate to talk to Iris about Jayden. His son. The words still sounded foreign. Probably because he hadn’t gone through the normal process like most people where you had nine months to prepare for becoming a parent. Dane was being thrown in the deep end of the ocean without a life jacket. On the jet ride home last night, he’d downloaded several books on parenthood and was reading them voraciously. He understood he had a lot of catching up to do.

Jayden might even be angry at him for not being there and Dane would have to accept that, even though it would hurt. When he’d signed up to be a sperm donor, he hadn’t thought about the consequences. If he could go back, Dane was certain he’d make a different choice, but he couldn’t regret he had a son. Someone with his genes. His DNA coursing through his veins. He would do anything to help him, even putting aside promotion of his new movie, which had been his baby from the moment he’d signed on to play the role. Because Jayden’s health now took precedence over everything else.

When the photographer signaled he was ready, Dane walked over to the set. He was in the same attire he usually wore, except this time the jeans and T-shirt were supplied by the stylists. He went through the motions, striking the requisite poses.

When Dane finished an hour later, Morgan was waiting for him with her tablet in hand. “I have the car to take you to the beach house.”

Dane smiled. Morgan was a saint. She knew exactly what Dane needed after a long day trip to Austin. “Thanks, Morgan. I’ll check in with you later.” He waved at the photographer, thanked the stylists and left.

Within minutes, he slid inside the Bentley waiting for him outside in the alley. Thankfully, security had surrounded the warehouse, preventing the press from getting in. Several paparazzi shouted his name as he did, but Dane was weary and quickly closed the door. Within seconds the vehicle took off blessedly toward home.

They arrived at his Venice Beach house nearly an hour later because of traffic. After punching in the code, Dane closed the door and sagged against it. He was dog-tired. Plopping down, he drifted asleep. It was nearly 5:00 p.m. when the ringing of his cell phone woke him up. “Hello?” he said without looking at the caller ID.

“I’m sorry. You sound like you were taking a nap. I must have woken you up. I’ll call back later.”

Instantly, Dane bolted upright. “Iris?”

“Yes.”

“Is everything okay? How’s Jayden?” Dane was surprised how quick he was to think about the boy.

“I’m fine. He’s fine. It’s just… I—”

“You what?” He could tell she was hesitating.

“I made a rather large pan of baked ziti and… I don’t know, it’s silly, but I thought you might like to join us for dinner if you weren’t too busy.”

Dane felt the broad grin spreading across his face. “It’s not silly at all. I can’t remember the last time I was invited for a home-cooked meal. I would love to come, but it’ll take a minute to talk to my security detail so they can help me lose the paparazzi. I’ll take my bike, but I’ll be there within the hour.”

She let out what sounded like a sigh of relief. Did she think he would turn her down? “Okay, great. We’ll see you then. I’ll text you my address.”

Dane stared down at his phone. He was actually going to get to spend time with his son. This was beyond great, but it was also an excellent segue for him to talk to Iris. He hoped he could find the words.

Four

Iris smoothed down the one-piece V-necked jumpsuit she’d changed into. It was casual enough to wear around the house on a Wednesday evening, but was nice enough to entertain in. She didn’t want Dane to think she was trying too hard.

She’d been surprised when he’d accepted her invitation to dinner. Since their talk, she hadn’t been able to forget him. Despite his fame and obvious good looks, he was approachable and she’d found the connection between them wasn’t one-sided. Dane could have said no, he was too busy, but instead, he was coming to her humble abode.

The roar of the motorcycle engine brought Iris over to the window in time to catch Dane swinging one muscled leg over the bike and onto the sidewalk. Iris’s heart thumped loudly in her chest. Dane Stewart was about to walk over the threshold of her house. It was almost too much to process. Almost. Instead, she took a deep fortifying breath and opened the door. Dane stood on the other side, looking hot and holding up flowers and a bottle of wine.

“Can I come in?”

“Of course.” She motioned him inside and blatantly stared at him. “It’s kind of surreal having you in my living room.”

“I couldn’t turn down a home-cooked meal from a beautiful woman.”

“Dane…” She blushed. He was a charmer.

“You’re nervous,” Dane observed, taking off his leather jacket and throwing it over the arm of her sofa. “Don’t be. I wanted to come.” He handed her the flowers, an assortment of peonies. “I brought these for you.” He placed the bottle of wine on the cocktail table.

“Thank you.” And she was nervous. It had been years since she’d been on a date, much less had a man in her home. It was nice to feel young and carefree and revel in the fact she was with a gorgeous man like Dane. “I’ll put these in water.”

She made for the kitchen and once there, leaned against the sink trying to regain her composure. “Get it together, Iris.” She placed the flowers in a vase and brought them into the dining room. On her way, she grabbed two wineglasses from her cupboard and the corkscrew from the drawer.

She found Dane standing by the fireplace, looking intently at the pictures on the mantel. There were various photos of Jayden and a family portrait of the Turner clan. There were none of Iris before her accident; she couldn’t bear to see how she used to look because she would never look like that again.

“Would you like to open the wine?” Iris inquired and noticed he jumped as if she’d caught him doing something he shouldn’t.

“Uh, yeah, I can do that.” Dane accepted the corkscrew and set about opening the bottle. “Where is the little fella? I was hoping to spend some time with him.” Dane sat on the sofa while Iris chose the adjacent love seat.

“For now, it’s just me,” Iris responded. “I hope that’s okay? Jayden’s at tae kwon do. I wanted him to have an activity that develops good character. They teach self-esteem, courage, courtesy, self-respect, focus and discipline. If you knew what it was like wrangling a six-year-old, you’d understand. Anyway, he should be here soon. My neighbor’s son also takes tae kwon do, so we rotate picking them up from class each week. It allows me to get dinner started so Jayden isn’t eating too late.”

“That’s great. I’m glad you have a support system. I’d hate to think of you doing this all alone.” When he released the cork, he poured them each a glass and handed her one.

“Thank you, but I’m not alone. My parents, my sister, Shelly, my neighbor—they’re all part of the village it takes to raise Jayden. Cheers.” She tapped her wineglass against his.

The front door of the bungalow sprang open and Jayden bounced excitedly into the room.

“Mommy, you should have seen me tonight!” Jayden rushed over to her, not even noticing Dane on the sofa. He was still wearing the standard white dobok uniform consisting of a top, elastic-waistband pants and a belt. “I did a better ax kick than TJ.”

Iris smiled broadly. “That’s great, Jayden. Say hello to Mr. Dane. You remember him, right?”

Jayden spun around and hazarded a glance at Dane. “Yeah. You’re the man who is going to be my donor.” And without her asking, Jayden threw his arms around Dane’s neck. “Thank you.”

Tears sprang to Iris’s eyes as Dane held Jayden in his arms. He seemed as overcome as she was by Jayden’s spontaneous affection. “You—you’re welcome, Jayden.” Dane patted his back and just that quickly, Jayden was moving on.

“I’m hungry. What’s for dinner?”

Iris rose to her feet and picked up his book bag, which he’d left in the middle of the floor. “Your favorite—baked ziti and garlic bread. Go wash up. Dinner will be ready shortly.” Jayden scampered out of the room, leaving the two of them alone again.

“Sorry about that. Jayden can be a bit extra if you’re not used to him.”

“Extra?” Dane appeared distracted, then shook his head. “No, he’s fine. Is he always that affectionate?”

“I guess. Why?”

“No reason. He’s a really special little boy.”

Iris grinned. “I think so. C’mon, grab your wine.”

Dane followed Iris down a small corridor into a farmhouse-style kitchen with a table big enough for four, but with place settings for three. He sat down in one of the chairs and watched Iris. She busied herself taking garlic toast from the freezer and putting it in the oven.

Dane couldn’t recall when he’d witnessed anything so domestic except when Gage’s mother, Grace, had lived at Stewart Manor and worked as their cook. She hadn’t minded him and Fallon being underfoot. Lord knows his mother, Nora, wouldn’t be caught dead cooking; that would require putting in effort. The only thing Nora was good at was keeping herself well preserved with Botox and frequent trips to the gym and salon.

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