Chapter 32

Before anyone could speak, Serena darted to Dominick, her small fingers gripping his hand. She tugged him toward the couch. "Sir, please sit!"

Dominick felt the warm hand in his. He chuckled softly and let her lead him, his heart unexpectedly full.

Paisley, trying to be polite but eager to end the visit, interjected, "Rena, they're leaving soon." She didn't want to seem harsh, but the awkwardness was wearing thin.

Serena, oblivious, looked up at Paisley with wide, innocent eyes. "But Mom, you said we should treat guests properly. They've been standing ages! That's not right." She thought, He seemed scary yesterday, but Mom said he's a guest, so I have to be nice.

Dominick smirked, enjoying Paisley's predicament.

Serena, her tone stiffening, addressed Grayson. "Grayson, come sit." It wasn't an invitation, more a polite command. Grayson shuffled onto the couch, looking disgruntled.

Paisley started to mention their departure, but Serena was already gone, fetching drinks.

Moments later, she returned with juice. "Sir, my mom made this. It's really good!" Her haste caused her to stumble.

Dominick and Paisley gasped. Dominick reacted first, his long legs carrying him swiftly to Serena. He caught her just as she fell, the juice splashing across his suit jacket.

Tears welled in Serena's eyes. Dominick, still holding her, gently took the empty cup. "It's okay, it's okay."

Paisley, slightly shaken but more concerned about Serena's scraped hand, took her from Dominick. She settled Serena on the couch, then turned to the juice-soaked Dominick. "Let me clean that. Take your jacket off." She pointed to the bathroom. "Wash up in there."

Dominick, surveying his fruit-splattered jacket, nodded reluctantly. He removed his jacket and went to the bathroom.

The small bathroom smelled fresh and clean. Dominick glanced around, then froze. Three toothbrushes sat on the sink: a child's frog toothbrush, presumably Paisley's, and a third…