She made herself concentrate on the pizza and why he was here. Not to get lucky. To protect her. He was stuck here. She needed to get a grip.

“What are you thinking about?”

She jumped. “Nothing.”

He grabbed a second slice. “You always this quiet?”

A slight smile tugged her lips. “I better be. I live alone, remember.”

He took a large gulp of beer and Yael watched the way the strong muscles in his throat worked. He put the bottle behind him on the counter. “Have you always lived alone or…”

She concentrated on catching a string of melted cheese. She hated talking about herself. People always pushed for a little bit more and a little bit more after that until they had everything and she had nothing but a need to run and hide. “I’ve had roommates in the past but I didn’t particularly enjoy the experience. And, yes, I’ve always been quiet.” She grimaced. “Unless I’ve had too much to drink and then, apparently, I don’t shut up.”

His eyes shone with amusement. “That would be something to see.”

Except she never had too much to drink nowadays. Not since she’d been young and foolish and had given away her secrets to a boy she’d mistakenly thought would keep them. She gave Shane a smile she hoped didn’t reveal her bitterness. “No, it isn’t. Really.”

“According to my sister I started talking early and never shut up. I think that was written in every report card I ever received. But by the time I joined the Army I finally learned the value of keeping my mouth closed. Scotty always says—” He cut himself off, clearly suffering from raw and terrible grief every time he forgot his friend was gone.

It was devasting to watch.

She needed to stop feeling sorry for herself and her own pathetic hurts. People were dying. She slipped off the stool and went to him. Touched his arm.

“I’m so sorry about your friend.” She withdrew her hand and snuggled deeper into the hoodie. “I know I said it before, but I mean it. I know finding this killer is personal to you. I know why. I promise I’ll do everything I can to track him down.”

“I keep forgetting Scotty is dead,” Shane admitted. “I find myself about to text him or think of a joke to share.” He turned sideways. “Sometimes I want to tell him how much I enjoy working with you and how smart you are.” His voice got deeper. “How beautiful you are.”

Her mouth opened in surprise and she looked away.

“And how you don’t like anyone noticing the latter.” He stood in front of her and her nerves fluttered.

He dipped his head and kissed her. She stood there, desperate to kiss him back like she had yesterday, but…

He pulled away, his eyes dark and intense. “What’s wrong?”