Sera Monroe could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. The look Elliot Monroe just gave her—there was something behind it. It made her squirm, like she couldn't quite sit still.

But Elliot? He just smiled, soft and easy, his eyes crinkling a little at the corners. It was rare to see that kind of smile on him.

Instead of putting her at ease, it made her even more on edge.

Then, out of nowhere, he reached up to gently brush a stray strand of hair off her forehead and ...