It was a practical question, not a come-on. That was what got her. He wasn’t trying to entice her into his bed. After that heated kiss this morning, he’d backed off completely—and for some strange reason that only made her more interested in touching him, especially now that she’d been reassured that her children were safe and happy, and she didn’t have to worry about them.

“Carl’s been released from jail,” she said, still trying to talk herself out of what was going through her mind.

Tobias frowned. “What do you think I should do? Should I go have a talk with him? Or let it go?”

The muscles in his arms and chest moved appealingly under his smooth skin as he combed his fingers through his hair. Harper knew she shouldn’t be noticing such things, but she was suddenly very preoccupied with his body.

“I guess I don’t have any business getting involved,” he went on, oblivious to her thoughts. “But if someone doesn’t do something…” He shook his head, visibly frustrated by the fact there was no clear answer.

“It’s a tough call,” she said. “Maybe wait a bit? Feel your way through it? I would guess Carl’s contrite at the moment. So maybe everything will be all right for today.”

He walked over and peered out the window over the sink, where he’d been keeping vigil during the night. He must not have seen anything that concerned him, though, because when he faced her again, he seemed to be of a different mind. “Yeah. Let’s get out of here. I’ll figure it out later.”

He obviously expected her to go get ready, but she didn’t. She was thinking about that kiss on the couch. His lips had been so warm and soft, and they’d molded perfectly to hers. “My kids will be back in four, five days, tops,” she announced.

Confusion creased his forehead. “And that’s a problem?”

“Not a problem. I’ll be anxious to see them. It’s just…” She gathered her nerve. “Are you sure you want to leave?”

“You don’t want to go to the beach anymore?” he asked, cocking his head.

She drew a deep breath. “What I want is standing right here.”

His Adam’s apple moved as he straightened. “And you mentioned four or five days because…”

“Whatever happens, it all ends there.” Filled with nervous energy, she ran her palms up and down her thighs. “I can’t… I can’t bring home another guy to my girls. Not this soon.”

“I see. So you’re saying…”

What was she saying? She should take advantage of this opportunity, shouldn’t she? Who knew how many months or years it would be before…before someone like him came along again?

“I’m saying we might want to make better use of our time.”

His jaw dropped. “Are you propositioning me?”