Oh, so that’s why I couldn’t reach Michael. And why the police car is out there. “Well, if you’re just patrolling the area, why are you taking a shower in his house?”

“I believe the official term for what I’m doing is ‘house sitting.’”

“You’re staying here?” Eden was surprised to hear a trace of panic in her voice.

“Yeah, why? Are you? I thought you got a condo over there in prime-real-estate Santa Monica.”

“I did. I mean, I do. But there’s a problem. It’s not ready... .” Eden’s voice trailed off as her exhausted mind tried to process her predicament. When the contractor had begun the kitchen makeover, mold had been found under the sink and behind the refrigerator that had come with the house. Further inspection confirmed it had spread underneath the hardwood flooring and under the baseboards. The job that was supposed to take three days would now take two weeks to finish. Eden had planned to save her money by staying with her brother. But now ... “I can’t stay here,” she finally said, sighing, the thought of getting back into her car and looking for a hotel tiring her out more than she already was. Once again, she reached for her luggage.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You can sleep in Mike’s bed-room.”

“Don’t try to tell me what to do!” Eden snapped, feeling ten again.

“Eden, it looks like you drove here. That means you’re probably exhausted, which is why you passed out.”

“No, I passed out because I saw the shadow of the Incredible Hulk pointing a gun at my chest.”

“Sorry about that, baby, but I thought you were a burglar. There’s been a rash of them in the area, which is why I’m here at Mike’s house. I’m sleeping in the guest room. You can either sleep in your brother’s room or on the futon in the weight room. C’mon, now. You know you want to stay and soak up the charm of the knight.”

“You are so full of yourself.”

Jansen chuckled. “I’m just messing with you, girl. But on the real tip though ... you know you can’t resist me.”

“I’m going to take a shower.” Eden grabbed her purse and began pulling her luggage toward the staircase.

Jansen raced to her side, quickly picking up the gun Eden eyed with disdain. “Don’t worry, it won’t bite you. Here, let me get that.”

Eden batted away his hand. “I can get it myself.”

“Oh, it’s like that? See, I’m trying to be a gentleman, and you’re acting all independent and whatnot. But I understand, baby girl. Things happen when I get too close to a woman, and even in that raggedy T-shirt and jeans, I can see that Mike’s little sis is definitely all grown up!”