Funny how he envied her relationship with her father and she’d give anything to have a mother in her life.

“My father is a fantastic example. I’ve learned a lot from him.”

He squeezed her hand. “He may have been tough on you, but look how successful you are.”

Again, longing in his voice. Therefore, she didn’t argue. Her privileged upbringing wasn’t something to complain about. So, her father had never been there for her emotionally, but he’d provided everything else she’d needed. “You’re right.”

He glanced at the time on the dash. “Well, you have the place to yourself... Tank texted to say Diva can stay overnight with them. Kaia’s not allowed to get a dog, so any chance she has to keep Diva longer, she’s all over it.”

Cassie would be okay with that. Tank and his daughter were probably better at caring for Diva than Erika was anyway. And the dog’s reaction to seeing Kaia the day before assured Erika that Diva wouldn’t have any complaints.

“Take a hot bath to ease those aching muscles, have a glass of wine...” Reed continued, his voice going slightly hoarse as his gaze burned into hers.

A hot bath, a glass of wine...all sounded a million times better if he’d join her.

“Damn, I wish I could, but I can’t. It’s my night at the station. Marcus is sick, so I’m filling in for him,” he said.

She blinked. Had she accidentally voiced the thought? “Can’t what?”

“You just asked me to join you.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, I...uh...”

He cupped her face with both hands and every coherent thought vanished. “Believe me, I want to.”

She couldn’t breathe. Air. Where was air when you needed it?

His burning gaze had her body aching for him as his hands tucked her hair behind her ears. Such a simple, smooth gesture, yet it made her feel safe. Vulnerable yet completely in control of her desires. “Hey, how about dinner instead? Nothing fancy, just takeout at the station. You could keep me company.”

She should let the day end. Let him get to work. She’d had fun for the first time in forever and she’d felt things for a man she’d forgotten she could feel, but that was why she needed to put the brakes on. Despite liking him, despite wanting him, despite the temptation of spending more time with him, she couldn’t. She was only there for a break, then she was returning to reality and she didn’t want to make that harder. She’d barely thought about work all day and she would have expected to be feeling guilty or anxious.

She felt neither. Still, “I should probably call it a night...”

“I like you, Erika.”

Again. No air.

“I mean, when you first got here, man, were you annoying.”

She glared at him but couldn’t argue the point.

He grinned. “But I was still attracted to you...and the last few days, that attraction is growing. I know you’re only here for another week, but I’d really like to spend more time getting to know you again... Or, I guess for the first time.”