Disappointment crowded Krista’s fine features, but she gave in. “All right,” she agreed, and turned her attention back to her father. “But you will come back tonight, won’t you?”

“You can count on it, pumpkin,” Kane said huskily.

“And you, Erin?” Krista asked, her sky-blue eyes searching Erin’s face.

Erin cast a quick glance at Kane and then smiled tenderly down at the child. “Sure, Krista. I’ll be back,” she promised.

As they stepped out of the room, Dr. Sampson gave Kane a quick report on Krista, assuring him that the little girl was responding well to treatment, and Erin felt a tide of relief wash over her. Kane, too, seemed visibly encouraged by the news. They walked out of the hospital together, and Erin wondered what their futures would be—together or apart. Kane was lost in his own thoughts but shook his head when Erin offered him a lift home.

“No, thanks,” he said, “I’ve got my own car.” Disappointment shattered Erin, but she tried not to show her feelings. “I have to stop off and talk to Mrs. Cavenaugh. I know she’s worried about Krista.”

“Will…will I see you later?” Erin blurted, unable to restrain herself.

“Do you want to?”

“Of course I do!” She shook her head in frustration. “I’ve missed you so badly.”

“Shhh,” he held her close to him for a moment, and she could hear the clamoring of his heart. “I’ll meet you back at your place in an hour,” he promised. “It’s important that I speak to Mrs. Cavenaugh—you understand that, don’t you?”

“Of course,” she whispered as he walked away from her.

The hour stretched out to two, and Erin found herself nervously pacing the floor of her apartment. Where could he be? Was he even coming at all? She had tried to fill the time by taking a hasty shower, unpacking and finally brewing a strong cup of tea. The minutes ticked slowly by. What was he doing?

When at last he arrived, she steeled herself for the rejection that she knew was coming. Too much had happened—too many bitter words had been lashed out—it was just too damned late.

She didn’t bother to get up when he opened the door and came into her antiques-filled loft.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” he apologized, but didn’t move to take off his jacket. “I’ve spent the last two hours driving in circles, wondering how on earth I can say the things that have to be said.”

“I know,” she whispered.

“I appreciate the fact that you came to the hospital.”

A wry smile curved her lips. “You don’t have to thank me. I had to come. Krista means a great deal to me.”

“Erin.” She let her eyes melt into his as he spoke her name. “I feel as if I owe you this incredibly large apology about the embezzling.”

“Oh, Kane, not tonight, not after everything that’s happened to Krista. It…doesn’t matter.”

“Damn it, Erin! The least you could do is let me explain. Then, if you want to throw me out of here, I’ll go.” Kane walked into the living room and sat on the small antique coffee table, positioning himself directly in front of Erin. She found it impossible to take her gaze from his. She was compelled to listen to him.