Sizzling desire and office politics don't mix ... do they?
Forensic specialist Stevie Daniels will be day-shift supervisor. She's earned that promotion. But first, her boss has tasked her with digging up dirt on Vin Vasher, the rebellious night-shif...
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Glendale, Arizona, five years later...
Outside the Gila River Arena's luxury suites, Stevie tapped a foot while peering down the concourse. The last time she had seen Vicky and her husband Anthony was in the spring, when her friend had been eight months pregnant. Today would be the first time she'd see six-month-old Jasmine in person. Pictures and videos were great, but nothing compared to being with someone in the flesh.
Her insides vibrated as if she were sitting on a paint-can mixer. Stevie checked her watch again. The addition of children had a way of messing up a punctual person. She wanted so badly to tell Vicky her good news first, before her brothers showed up with their families and all hell broke loose.
Behind a number of Sedona-red Coyotes' jerseys, she spotted the tall, dark-haired figures of Vicky and Anthony. She rose up on her toes and waved. "Vicky! Over here."
The Italian beauty and her drop-dead gorgeous hubby smiled and waved back. "Ciao, Stevie!"
After hugs and kisses, Stevie tickled Jasmine's tummy. "Oh my gosh. She's so beautiful." A mixture of happiness and sadness wove around her heart. If she hadn't miscarried a year ago, she and Vince would have a baby girl too—Vanessa. Her throat tightened, as she forced herself to pull back from sinking into the pit of bereavement. "Her hair...it's so thick. Can I hold her?"
"Si."
Stevie opened her arms for the gurgling bundle. "Look how big you are already. And so heavy."
"She has healthy appetite like her papà. Always wants to breastfeed. Anthony gets jealous." Vicky nudged her husband.
"And you. Figures, not one pound of baby weight still hanging on. So not fair."
"Buono genes, no?"
"Come on, let's go show Vince." Stevie bounced Jasmine in her arms as they all walked into the suite. "Babe, Vicky and Tony are here."
Vince stepped back into the suite from the stadium seating area. He lifted his best buddy, four-and-a-half-year-old Trevor, off his shoulders and placed him next to Grandma Bonnie. Then gave Travis, their two-year-old toddler, a head rub as he sat on Grandma's Lois's lap. "Victoria, Tony, congratulations. And happy holidays." After handshakes, hugs, and kisses, he placed a finger by Jasmine's hand for her to squeeze. "I forgot how small they start off. She's beautiful, just like her mother."
"Vincenzo, you are too kind."
"In honor of your daughter"—Vince pointed to the center island—"we brought you a daylily from our garden. Be sure to plant it where it will get afternoon shade."
"Grazie mille."
Stevie handed Jasmine to Anthony, then placed an arm around Vince's waist. "Not just any daylily, but one Vince propagated himself. That's not all. We have great news. We're moving back in the new year!"
