He shook his head. “I’m not sure you do. Wait a week. By then I’ll be strong enough to go back and take care of things myself. With luck, we’ll have approval on the bank loan. Then we can move on to a whole new set of challenges.”

“We may not have a week. And you’ll still be in a lot of pain. The doctor said it would take three months, at least, for your spine to heal.”

“I know. I’ll just have to take that chance.” His strong fingers tightened around her hand. His gaze drilled into hers. “Don’t do it, Allison. If anything were to happen to you, I’d never forgive myself.”

“Thanks. I’ll try to remember that.” Acting on a sudden impulse, she bent and kissed him on the mouth. It was meant to be a quick goodbye peck, but, perhaps because they both wanted it, their lips lingered and warmed. His free hand caught the back of her upswept hair, pulling it loose as the kiss deepened. Something in the depths of Allison’s body went molten, pulsing and shimmering, wanting him.

But no, she mustn’t do this. Not now, with so much at stake. Summoning all that remained of her will, she pulled free and backed away from him.

“Stay, Allison.” His voice was rough with need.

“I can’t. I’ve got to do this. Forgive me.”

Before he could change her mind, she turned and hurried out of the room.

“At least promise you’ll tell me what the hell’s going on there,” he called after.

“I will.” Allison paused to answer. “I promise.”

Then, after grabbing her jacket and purse, she was out the door.

* * *

When Allison walked into the agency at one o’clock, she was greeted by Monica, who let her into Burke’s office. The blond receptionist was courteous, but not exactly warm, which was all right with Allison. She had no wish to become friends with the woman.

Monica left her and returned a few minutes later with coffee in a Styrofoam cup and a packet of creamer.

“Thanks,” Allison said. “Is Garrett around? I didn’t see him when I came in.”

“Oh.” Monica had been about to leave. Then she turned in the doorway. “Mr. Miles and Mr. Kaplan are at the theater, meeting with the designers and contractors. Mr. Miles asked me to get you started on the client contracts.”

“The client contracts? Oh, these?” Only then did Allison notice the large file box on the corner of the desk.

“For now you’re supposed to read through them. Get familiar with each one—the terms of agreement, the signing and expiration dates, and anything personal about the clients, like addresses and phone numbers. I’ve set up a file on the computer where you’ll enter the information. You know, like a database.”