Her mouth watered. The light coming from the cabin door lit him from behind and his face remained in shadow. His hands went to the buckle of his belt, and she turned to watch Roscoe sniffing the edge of the porch. Her face warmed and she waited until Angus slid into the hot tub. Water splashed her way and she lifted herself to keep it from her face. Then it dissipated.

He sank down with a groan of pure relief. “Everybody should have a Jacuzzi.”

She breathed in deeply and let her body relax. Then she reached for her hair and secured it on top of her head by tying a loose knot. Leaning her head back on the edge, she sighed. “This feels so much better.”

“I’m sorry I brought you into this mess,” Angus said, shifting his weight and rolling water over her. “I really am.”

“It’s not your fault.” She kept her eyes closed. “Although it’s not fair that you get to drink and I don’t.”

“You have a concussion and I probably don’t.” He sighed. “Also, it is my fault that you are in danger. I’m the target, and that makes everyone else around me a target. A man tried to kidnap you.” His voice lowered and a thread of anger resonated in the dark tone.

She shivered. “I’m aware of that fact.” She opened her eyes to stare at him through the night, unable to keep herself from diving into his head a little. “You aren’t responsible for everybody around you. Did you ever get counseling after losing your sister?”

His head jerked. “Knock it off, Nari. I don’t want a shrink.”

That was a no. “I’m not trying to counsel you. Friends talk, too.”

“Is that what we are? Friends?” Was that sarcasm? Yep, definitely.

She rolled back her shoulders to let the heated water soothe them, her injured body way too aware of his naked, muscled tightness so close to her. “I don’t know what we are, but friends is a good start, don’t you think?”

“Sure. Friends is the ending, too.” He watched her, his face shrouded by the night. “I am leaving. The second we catch this guy, whoever he is, I’m leaving.”

“Back to your solitude and booze, huh?” When he didn’t answer, she stretched out her legs, careful to avoid touching him, even though her fingers ached to run over that impressive chest again. “Don’t worry, Force. I’m a smart enough woman to know that when a guy tells you he’s not a keeper, you should believe him. I believe you.”

For the first time his gaze flickered. “I’m sorry.”