Another dip into the ice cream. Another quick taste. A moment to pull up her courage and… “What else could it be?”

“What else, indeed?”

Her breath whispered out. She took another lick on the spoon.

His attention remained on her. Oh, damn, but he was sexy. Those loose jeans, those abs, the way his tousled hair slid over his forehead…the stubble on his jaw.

Sexy. Trouble.

Bad news.

“This was such a mistake.” She put down her spoon. “Maybe…can you just refer me to one of your agents in the morning? I know you don’t do field work yourself. I can talk with him—or her, definitely, preferably her—and get my, ah, situation handled.” She’d stay through the night at Eric’s place, but she’d head out at first light.

Piper slid off the stool and pushed away from the bar—

Eric’s fingers curled around her wrist. “I screw up with you all the time, don’t I? It’s an old habit, but one I intend to try like hell to break.”

“This was a—”

His hold tightened. “It wasn’t a mistake. You need help, and I am going to help you. There are no strings attached to what I am doing. My team will secure your place. We’ll figure out who is messing with you, and you will be safe, Piper. Count on it.” He’d put down his spoon before he’d grabbed her. His hand was big and powerful, but he wasn’t hurting her or anything. He’d always been careful when they touched. The guy was strong, but always completely in control.

That was Eric.

He blew out a long breath. “I need to ask you something. I think it would be good, just to clear the air. So that I can know where I stand.”

“Okay.” She didn’t like this.

His thumb stroked along her inner wrist, and her traitorous pulse jumped.

Stay cool. Stay focused. “What’s the question?”

“Do you want me, Piper? Are you attracted to me at all?”

***

It was easy enough to get inside Piper’s house. He’d been in there several times already. Once, he’d even gone inside when she’d been sleeping. She’d been in the bed, tangled in the covers, wearing a pair of jogging shorts and a blue t-shirt. She’d been beautiful. He’d watched her. Thought about touching her.

But hadn’t. That time, he’d left her sleeping. Left her to her dreams. Maybe she’d even dreamed of him.

Now, he slipped into her bedroom. The cops had been there. She’d called them, let them search her place, but he knew that they wouldn’t turn up anything. There was nothing to find.