She shrugged. “I said I wouldn’t stop. But my performance tonight might bolster some support. This evening’s donations were substantial. My skill at eliciting funds for the museum might balance my disagreement with Cusack over Zoe.”

“I’m sorry your boss is a jerk, but I’m proud of you.”

“He’s not a jerk. He’s a politician. OK, maybe he is a jerk. Regardless, I really don’t want to lose my job, but I won’t let fear for my career make me stop looking for Zoe. Her family deserves better.” Louisa shivered.

Conor wrapped one arm around her. “Then it’s a good thing she has you.”

Her head fell onto his shoulder. “I’m tired.”

“Should I leave?”

“Would you mind staying? I sleep better when you’re here.” Her voice was sleepy and soft.

“I’d love to stay.” He sat up and turned to make eye contact. “Do you want me to take the couch?”

“No. I like sleeping with you.” She blushed. “I actually mean sleeping.”

“I know what you mean; I don’t expect anything. In fact, I prefer to wait. To me, there’s nothing casual about sex.”

He stood and held out a hand. She took it and let him help her to her feet. Wrapping an arm around her, he took some of her weight as she hobbled to the bedroom. Her knees must have stiffened as she sat. “But I’m warning you now. I get hot. I’ll probably end up taking off my shirt.”

Her body shook in a silent laugh. “I’ll try to control myself.”

Kirra beat them to the bed, curling up in the exact center of the duvet.

Conor stretched out on the bed and picked up the remote. “If you get too warm, feel free to take yours off. I won’t be offended.”

“That’s kind of you to offer.” She chuckled, easing onto the mattress.

“Yeah, I’m considerate that way.” He picked up the remote. “Mind if I put on the TV for a while? I’m not used to sleeping this early.”

“It won’t bother me. I often sleep with the TV on for company. I find the Weather Channel the most conducive to sleep.”

“I do that too.” Conor settled on a hockey game and adjusted the volume to low.

“Do you think she’s alive?”

He glanced at her profile, delicate in the flickering light from the TV. “I don’t know.”

“The police are convinced she’s dead.”

He reached across the bed and took her hand. He intertwined their fingers. “I know.”

“It’s not right. People can’t just disappear.” Her voice caught. The light played across her eyes, shining with moisture. She brushed a fingertip across her cheek.

“It’s not your responsibility. It’s up to the police to find out what happened to Zoe. There’s only so much we can do.”