“Don’t thank me. And don’t use the G word.”

“God?”

He grimaced.

She cocked her head and did the sign of the cross, which had him baring his teeth.

“Oh.” She laughed. “So funny. Do you often pretend to be a vampire? I thought those were usually clean shaven and wearing ruffled shirts.”

Did she really think to compare him to that pathetic version? “I am not a vampire.”

“You’re right. Not pale enough,” she mused aloud. “And everyone knows Satanists wear suits and work in office buildings.” She grinned impishly.

It was cute even as it made him wonder. “Do you ever take anything seriously?”

For a second her mien sobered. “Rarely, because when I do, I get sad.” Her lips turned down.

He didn’t like it one bit. “Don’t you dare cry.”

“I won’t. I learned crying doesn’t fix anything. Neither does a bad attitude.”

“A bad attitude keeps annoying folk away,” he grumbled.

“Are you sure? Because I’m still here.” She winked and laughed.

Despite himself, he almost smiled. “Listen, I’m serious about having to go.”

“Don’t apologize. You’ve already done so much, and you are surely a busy man.”

“You’re not upset?” he questioned. Most women tended to cling. And the more they clung, the more he wanted to give them a shove. Only he didn’t push women, so instead, he glowered and didn’t let them get close in the first place. Merry, though, appeared to ignore all his cues.

“Upset?” Her lips tilted. “Never. After all, this isn’t goodbye but until the next time!”

Being a dick, he usually would have indicated there would be no next time. Only he found himself oddly hesitating. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” He could have kicked himself for asking. Now that he’d opened that door, she’d make some excuse about why he had to stay and, when he said no, would either resort to tears or guilt him into remaining.

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.” She actually began moving him for the door.

He should have been fine with it, but something didn’t feel right. He felt oddly…responsible? It made no sense. He’d done what he’d come to do. He owed her nothing more. Still, he dug into his pocket and handed her a piece of plastic. “Here’s my credit card. Use it to order whatever you need.”

“So generous, but I couldn’t.” She tucked her hands behind her back.

“Don’t be too proud.”

“Not pride, merely aware I could never repay you for your kindness already.”

Damn her for being so irritatingly polite. He growled. “Never said you had to.”

She stared at him. Intent. Studying. Before saying, “Why?” Just one word yet it hit him like a fist to the gut.