“I’d like to know more about this undercover agent who posed as my daughter’s date. The ubiquitous Tall, Dark, and Smoldering.'Nick put on his best meet-the-parent smile. 'I generally prefer to go by Nick.”

“First Pallas and now you,” the gray-haired man said, shaking his head at Nick. “It’s like I’m running a goddamn dating service around here.”

“So here’s the question,” Melinda led in. “Who’s Tall, Dark and Smoldering?”

“You've met Nick?""Yep, we've met, all right. He was kind enough to inform me that I have absolutely no say in whether you two date.""Well, you don't.""You know, you all could at least pretend that my opinion makes a difference.”

“Don't take this next undercover assignment. Stay with me instead."Nick's eyes pierced hers, refusing to let her off that easily. "Tell me why.""Because... I love you." She exhaled. No take-backs. The words were out there forever.And it felt great.”

“At least you're learning a thing or two about wine. Good to hear you're making such an effort to improve yourself.""Does the U.S. attorney know how much you like spending your Saturday nights eavesdropping on private conversations?" Nick asked."The U.S. attorney knows exactly how I like spending my Saturday nights.”

“I told you not to take off work for this."“And miss your big finale? No way.I’m all atwitter to see how things turn out.”“That’s cute, Jordo.” Then he frowned as Nick McCall was suddenly there, in their lives, andKyle was therefore being a little…cautious beforewelcoming him into the family.“Be nice, Kyle,” Jordan warned.“What?” he asked innocently. “When have I evernot been nice to Tall, Dark, and You Can’t BeSerious About This Guy?”“I like him. Get used to it.”