His heart pounded at her words.


    He could not contain his smile.


    “Do you miss me?”


    “Homete or sleeping at the office – you’re barely around.


    We’ve missed dinner together for ages.


    Remember thest time you asked what I wanted? Well, today, I’m craving your tomato and beef brisket.


    ”Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Her gentle, almost intive tone warmed his heart.


    Being needed by her was a feeling he relished.


    How he wished he could teleport home and wrap her in a hug right now.


    “Today…” Hendrix waited a moment, then looked at him in the front mirror.


    He appeared to be waiting for him to decide whether to go to the Walsh Manor or get Lindsey.


    Domenic shook his head, signaling Hendrix to drive on.


    He knew the priority.


    “My boss got this colossal project recently.


    It’s a grind, and I’m clocking overtime daily.


    ” Fearful of letting her down, Domenic continued, “Today’s a maybe.


    If I wrap up early, I’lle home and whip up that tomato and beef brisket for you!”


    Lindsey’s lips puckered at the other end.


    She wasn’t the clingy type.


    When she heard Domenic’s exnation, she yielded without grumbling.


    Meanwhile, guilt pricked at Domenic for not being there with her.


    “If you get hungry, don’t wait up.


    Late dinners can be a gut-wrencher, okay?”


    Lindsey’s heart fluttered as if touched by a feather.


    “Fine.


    Juste back early when you’re done…”


    Domenic agreed, and with a smile, he ended the call.


    Holding the phone, he stared out the window.


    If it weren’t for his grandfather’s vignt eye, he’d be with Lindsey every day, all the time.


    Now, he danced around his grandfather’s expectations, stealing moments to returnte at night.


    He needed something to dissuade his grandfather from pushing him toward marriage with Carole.


    As Domenic’s car pulled into Walsh Manor, Jordan seemed prepared for his early return.


    He upied the living room sofa.


    Carole, ever caring, fetched a nket from the bedroom.


    Kneeling beside Jordan, she said quietly, “Cover up.


    It’s rather cold.


    Are your legs still acting up?”


    Jordan shook his head, praising her thoughtfulness.


    Domenic walked into this familial tableau.


    “Why the early return today, Domenic?” Seeing hime in, Carole’s eyes lit up in an instant.


    With a swift motion, she got up to remove the coat from his arm.


    However, before she could, Domenic forcefully flung his coat onto the couch, making a loud noise.


    When Jordan heard the noise, he opened his eyes and looked at Domenic.


    “You seem to be consumed with anger.


    ”