Chapter 1

Tess shimmied into her silk navy dress, knowing it wasn’t quite as fancy or formal as some women would wear, but it would do. Her life rarely called for formal wear.

She checked the time and realized Nina would be arriving any minute. Trevor said he’d stop by to help as well. When her ex bailed on taking the kids for the weekend, her friends had stepped up.

The night was important to the hospital because it raised so much money, but for Tess, it was the only night of the year when she wasn’t taking care of anyone. She wasn’t a nurse or a mom. She was just a woman out for a good time. And with the kids home for the summer, she needed a real night off.

The doorbell chimed just as she slipped on her heels.

Opening her bedroom door, she heard the cacophony of her home. The boys fought over something in their room, and Zoe yelled from her position on the couch.

“Someone’s at the door!” Zoe called for the second time.

Walking past, she tapped her daughter’s head. “You could’ve answered it.”

“You always taught me not to open the door for strangers.”

Tess rolled her eyes. “Nina and Trevor aren’t strangers.”

“But they’re babysitters. As if I need one.”

She ignored Zoe and opened the door to see Nina standing on the porch with a huge smile.

“You look hot!” Nina told her.

“Eww,” Zoe called from the couch.

“You...