Was the killer someone who’d been at the dance with Martin and Darby? Someone she worked with? Would the answers be lurking in the images from the dance last night? He itched to start looking through them but needed to get Darby settled first.

He’d ordered background checks on Martin and the other grad students at UAF’s Geophysical Institute. He wanted to question the housemate who was on his way home from the Arctic. Presumably Detective Torgerson was looking at other people who’d attended the dance. Would she share information with him? He doubted she would until he pushed for more details.

He unzipped his luggage but left it on top of the chest of drawers. He didn’t unpack. It was a habit, so he was ready for a hasty exit if necessary. He took his toiletries bag through to the bathroom and then he was all out of excuses to avoid the living room.

Darby was still on the phone. She’d thrown aside the blanket she’d huddled under earlier and the room was now warm enough that he stripped out of his new fleece hoodie.

When he looked up, he caught Darby watching him and she quickly glanced away, a blush staining her pale cheeks.

“I have to go now, Haley. No, you don’t need to come up here but thank you for the offer. I will. I promise. Love you. Tell Quentin the same.” She hung up looking a little desolate.

It pulled on his heartstrings in a way he was unprepared for.

Eban walked over and sat on the couch beside her. Lifted his arm in the offer of a hug. He felt ridiculously privileged when she launched herself at him, snuggling close as he draped his arm over her shoulders.

“They okay?” he asked.

Darby shivered and he squeezed her harder. “They were on the verge of flying up here in the company jet even though Quentin can’t get time off.”

Eban grinned to disguise his unease. “Because he took all those vacation days at Christmas and left me working my ass off.”

Darby smiled up at him and her eyes were dancing. “I did invite you too.”

“Someone had to hold the fort.” And no way had he wanted his over-protective boss witnessing his interactions with Darby when his feelings were less than platonic. Haley seemed to suspect his feelings, but he hadn’t wished to put her in an awkward position either. He avoided talking to or about Darby in their presence.

Now he was here alone with her after months of wanting exactly this and it was far from a chore. He tried to ignore the press of Darby’s breast against his chest, but her closeness was beginning to make him sweat.

Not the time to turn this friendship into anything more.

She snuggled deeper. “Anyway, I told them you were here. Keeping me safe. Which made them relax a little.” Her smile held a touch of sadness. “I also promised to visit them if things become unbearable.”