He hadn’t even put up a fight. Just handed over his hard-earned money and taken her for a ride—obviously with little thought to the woman waiting for him at home.

Jo had had so much fun that she’d offered me a refund, saying how rare it was to find such an eager cheater.

“Keep it,” I’d demanded. “God knows I feel guilty enough.”

“You don’t feel guilty.” She’d laughed. “You don’t even know the meaning of the word.”

Our conversation had left me cold.

I watched my newest houseguest become acquainted with the space. I’d left most of the lights off, preferring the soft glow of the city to the harsh fluorescents of the kitchen.

Maybe it hid my guilt, making me appear to be the shining white knight she so desperately needed.

But then again, according to Jo, I didn’t feel anything close to the word.

Or did I?

“Breakfast?” Cara greeted me in the kitchen as the bright morning sun cascaded through the windows, nearly blinding me.

I nodded, catching my first glimpse of her. Dressed in an oversize T-shirt and a pair of shorts I’d loaned her the night before, she looked nearly as homeless as she probably felt.

Yet I’d never seen anyone so beautiful.

Her hair was loose and tousled, framing her high cheekbones and mesmerizing brown eyes that no longer held the tears she’d arrived with. She smiled, and although I could tell it was somewhat forced, it was something.

She’d make it here without him.

I’d make sure of it.

We’d gotten off to a bit of a rough start last night. My usual self-assured, levelheaded persona had seemed to take a vacation the minute she arrived, and I had suddenly found myself tripping over words and stumbling over what to do. Generally, I’d just lacked any kind of grace.

I’d offered her a drink and nearly dropped the entire glass on the floor. When it came to figuring out sleeping arrangements, the normal me wouldn’t have hesitated at the opportunity to invite her into my bed.

But this new adolescent version of me? I’d chickened out, offering her the guest room instead. I’d chastised myself the entire night as I lay in bed, knowing her body was mere feet from my own.

She’d come here, to me.

On her own.

And I’d done nothing but treated her like a buddy.

Good God, I really was turning into my brother.

“Did you get any sleep?” she asked.

I took a seat at the breakfast bar, watching her move about my kitchen like she owned it.