“Well, that’s not why I offered. You and your brother are going through a tough thing. My grandmother had dementia, so I know how difficult it is. I’d like to think that while we were frying each other’s brain cells, we might’ve formed the start of what some people call friendship. That’s what I’m offering you—friendship and professional assistance. No strings, no ties, no obligations. If it would help.”

He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “It would help tremendously. Sharon came to us with management experience. The rest of the staff is made up of college kids, so it’s not like there’s someone else who could easily take her place.” Glancing at her, he said, “If you’re serious, I gratefully accept your offer, but only temporarily until we can get someone permanent. I don’t expect you to upend your life to help me.”

“I’m not upending anything, but I’m happy to help you in the interim.”

“I’ll need to run it past Paul. The hiring and firing are usually his department.”

“Of course, that’s fine. Let me give you my number, and you can call me if you want my help. If you don’t, no worries.” She recited her number, which he programmed into his phone.

“Isn’t that a New York area code?”

“I used to live there.”

“I’ll talk to Paul this morning and give you a call later.” He leaned across the console to kiss her. “Thank you.”

She cupped his cheek. “Try to get some sleep.”

“Not seeing that on the day’s agenda.” Because she was so gorgeous and sweet, he took one more kiss. “It means a lot to me that you waited and that you offered to help. Thank you.”

Her smile was lovely and potent. “That’s what friends are for.”

“I’ll call you later.”

“Okay.”

As he walked into the house to shower and change before going back to the clinic, Alex’s thoughts were full of Jenny. He couldn’t deny their amazing physical connection, which was unlike anything he’d ever had with another woman, but more significant all of a sudden was the emotional connection. She’d touched him deeply this morning, and he couldn’t wait to see her again.

***

Jenny drove home in a daze, stunned by the way Alex had looked at her when he told her it meant a lot to him that she’d waited for him and offered to help. She’d be a fool to deny that something powerful was happening between them. What started off as a purely physical thing had taken a turn toward something far more significant in the last twenty-four hours.