“You never seem to be hungry these days.” Not even for me. The thought crossed her mind as she walked into the room, stopping close enough to look over his shoulder.

Swiveling the chair, he looked up at her. His gaze was sharp and hard, traveling from her upswept hair to her black pumps. “So you’re really going.”

“I told you I was, and I told you why.” Maybe she ought to tell him everything she’d seen and heard. But Allison knew where that would lead.

“Have you spoken with Garrett lately?” she asked.

“I left a message, but he hasn’t returned my call. There’s a new receptionist. I had to tell her who I was. Did something happen to Fran?”

“I don’t know. I can ask.”

“Never mind. I should finish the loan application today. Can you drive me to the bank in the morning?”

“I can deliver it if you want,” Allison said.

“No, the folks at the bank will have heard about the accident. I need to show up on my feet, to let them know I’m fit to do business.”

“Fine. I’ll be glad to drive you.” Allison was about to leave, but something in his expression caused her to hesitate. “Are you sure I can’t get you some lunch?” she asked.

“Don’t bother, I’m fine.” He caught her hand as she turned to go, drawing her back toward him. “You don’t have to do this, Allison,” he said. “Call Garrett. Tell him you changed your mind.”

“It’s a little late for that.”

But as she spoke, Allison wondered, what if it wasn’t? What if she were to give in, abandon the idea of going to work, and do what he wanted her to? Would that close the rift between them? Would he draw her onto his lap and bury his face between her breasts while she wrapped him in her arms, opening to his touch, as she’d yearned to do?

No, that would be taking the easy way. Burke was in danger of losing everything. She had to see this through.

“Listen to me,” he said, still gripping her hand. “I’m not a fool, Allison. I know Garrett’s doing everything he can to close the deal with Edgeway and get their people in place while I’m out of action. The new receptionist was just one of the clues. The fact that he hasn’t returned my calls is another. You might be able to handle Garrett. But he’s surrounding himself with some dangerous people. Letting you go to work there would be like watching you walk into a rattlesnake den.”

Letting you? She could have challenged him, but she’d be wise to choose her battles. “Don’t worry,” she said. “I know what I’m getting into.”