“I know.” Mac began to massage her feet. Talking to her was almost as much fun as kissing her, and it seemed that he couldn’t be near her and not want to touch her. “You have the softest skin.”

She tried to remove her feet from his lap, but he didn’t let go. “I can’t do this, Mac. I don’t take these kinds of risks. They don’t work out well for me.”

“Will you give me a chance? That’s all I’m asking for.”

“I have to consider Thomas.”

“I know you’re a package deal.”

“I can’t think with you sucking up all the space around here.”

He flashed her a smug smile.

“I knew that would go straight to your head,” she muttered.

“I have to take the compliments where I can get them. You’re rather stingy that way.” He watched her stifle a yawn. “Let’s get you into bed.” After helping her to the chair across the room, he unfolded her bed and turned down the covers. “Do you want me to sleep on the porch?”

Maddie thought about that. “It’s already all over town that you’re answering my door in a towel and buying me lobster, so I guess the damage is done.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to cause you any more trouble than I already have.”

“Yes, you do.”

He couldn’t help but smile at her sauciness as he tucked her in.

“Use the sofa cushions to make a bed on the floor.” She directed him to a closet in the hallway for a pillow, and after checking on Thomas one last time, Mac settled into his sleeping bag on the floor. A balmy harbor breeze rippled through the window sheers, and the full moon cast a glow upon the room.

“How’s the pain?”

“Okay.”

“Want some more pain pills?”

“No, thanks.”

“What time do I have to be at work tomorrow?”

“Nine thirty.”

“Maybe you should tell me what I’m going to do once I get there—if you’re not too tired.”

“The first thing you have to do is report to housekeeping in the basement and punch in.”

Mac listened to her talk about crazy Sundays and how to stock the cart with towels, clean sheets, toiletries, toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Lulled by her soft voice, he had to force himself to pay attention.

“Are you listening to me?”

“Absolutely. No DNA. Check.”

“I said more than that.”

“But DNA is the deal-breaker with Ethel.”

“She freaks out if she finds any sign of the previous guest—and I mean any sign.”

Mac chuckled. “Does she go through the rooms with a black light after you clean?”

“You’re better off leaving nothing to chance.”

“How much DNA are we talking about?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

“Ewww, gross.”

“Precisely.”

“I’m feeling another anxiety attack coming on.”

Her sharp intake of breath made him regret the joke. “Really?”

“I’m fine, but I appreciate your concern.”