“On my way.” But he walked to the juke and popped in a few quarters. After punching some buttons, he turned back to them. “You two are a real case. Take it from someone who knows you both have weaknesses, and cut to the chase.” With a shake of his head, he dimmed the lights and walked out.

“What the hell was that?” Zack demanded.

“Don’t ask me. Weaknesses? I don’t have any weaknesses.”

Zack grinned at her. “Me either.” He came around the bar. “But it’s nice music.”

“Real nice,” she agreed, going willingly into his arms to sway there.

“Things have been a little hectic.”

“Hmm… Just a little.”

“I’d like to talk to you about what I asked you a while back. About moving in.”

She shut her eyes. She’d already decided the answer was no. As hard as it was to resist a half a loaf, she would hold out for the whole one. “This may not be the time to go into it.”

“I can’t think of a better one. The thing is, Rachel, I don’t want you to move in.”

“You—” She stiffened, then shoved away, nearly toppling him over. “Well, that’s just fine.”

“What I want—”

“Stuff what you want,” she tossed back at him. “Isn’t that just typical? After I clean up the mess for you, you brush me off.”

“I’m not—”

“Shut up, Muldoon. I’ll have my say.”

“Who could stop you?” he muttered.

Her heels slapped the floor as she tried to walk off her anger. “You’re out of order, Buster. You’re the one who kept pushing your way in, pushing your way in.” She demonstrated by making shoving motions with her hands. “Just wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“You didn’t say no,” he reminded her.

“That’s irrelevant.” Facing him, she fisted her hands on her hips. “So, you don’t want me to move in. Fine. My answer was an unqualified no anyway.”

“Great.” He stepped closer so that he had to lean over to shout in her face. “Because I’m not settling for you packing up a few things and coming by to play house. I want you to marry me.”

“And if you think— Oh, God.” She swayed back, forward, then pressed a hand to his chest for balance. “I have to sit down.”

“So sit.” He nipped her around the waist and plopped her down on the bar. “And just listen. I know we said no long-term commitments. You didn’t want them, and neither did I. But we’re turning the page here, Rachel, and there’s a whole new set of rules.”

“Zack, I—”