Daniel turned from his silent—okay, brooding— study of the scenery passing by the car window to look at Emma .

She had been quiet since they had left the party ten minutes earlier. No, she had been distant since returning from the restroom.

And Michelle had followed a couple minutes behind her, wearing a sly grin. Personal experience had taught him his ex could be a malicious bitch. Had she said something to Emma? Had Michelle hurt her? A wave of protectiveness had surged inside him, and he had just managed to check the impulse to drag Emma onto his lap and demand answers.

To ease the tension that had...