Chapter 33

Dominick surveyed the bathroom, finding no men's toiletries. The living room offered no clues either, save for an extra toothbrush and the oversized slipper he wore. Paisley quietly polished his suit jacket. Grayson and Serena sat on the couch, an uneasy silence between them. Grayson, calmer now, glanced around, his curiosity apparent. Their eyes met, then quickly averted. Serena pouted, ignoring him.

The scene was almost too peaceful to interrupt. Dominick paused, holding his breath. Paisley looked up, meeting his gaze. She frowned.

"It's a quick fix," she said, rising with the jacket. "It needs a professional soon. Don't wait too long."

His face hardened. He saw her eagerness to be rid of him. He casually took the jacket. "No worries, it's just a jacket."

Paisley rolled her eyes. Just a jacket, she thought.

"The bathroom light's out," Dominick said. "Want me to fix it?"

Paisley blinked. "It needs a bulb. I'll do it."

"Let me," Dominick offered, tossing the jacket aside and rolling up his sleeves, revealing powerful arms.

She hesitated, then shrugged. Why not? "Can you?"

He raised an eyebrow at her doubt. "Got a new bulb?"

"Yes," she replied, handing him the bulb and fetching a stepladder from the balcony.

"Give it here," he said, effortlessly lifting the heavy ladder with one hand. To Grayson, he called over his shoulder, "Sonny, keep an eye on Serena."

Grayson, about to protest, saw the warning in his father's eyes. He huffed, slumping back onto the couch.

Dominick expertly set up the ladder, reaching the ceiling with ease. He unscrewed the lampshade, replaced the bulb, and was done in moments.

Paisley stared, surprised. To make the job easier, he unbuttoned his shirt, tilting his head back. His jawline was sharp, his Adam's apple… striking. His shirt clung to his chest and arms, highlighting his physique. His hands were large, his veins prominent. He looked incredibly attractive. Paisley couldn't deny it.