I bit back a moan. I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and sink into the sensation. To forget all about one of the worst days in the history of days. To ignore the fact that the man bringing me comfort had once belonged to my sister, and that if she were still here, he likely wouldn’t be rubbing my feet right now, he’d be rubbing hers.

The thought was like a bucket of ice water dumped right over my head. I quickly tugged my legs back, tucking my knees to my chest as if that would protect me from all of the emotions thrumming through me.

Ford let his hands drop. “Why’d you do that?”

I refused to look away. Couldn’t even if I tried because those blue eyes of his seemed to hold me captive. “I can’t touch you like that.”

“Pretty sure I was the one touching you.”

“Don’t.” The word cracked out like a whip.

Ford’s gaze bored into mine. His eyes seeking, searching for something in the depths of my face. “What if I want more?”

My heart hammered in my chest, a freight train against my ribs. “You don’t.”

He arched a brow. “Shouldn’t I be the one who gets to decide what I want?”

“We’ve been through the wringer today. Your emotions are just on overload. And even if you did want more, even if I did…I can’t go there with you, Ford. For a million reasons.”

He didn’t say a word, but there was a pull to his stare, one that had me leaning forward instead of away. He slipped his hand under the fall of my hair. “Trouble—”

Before he could say anything else, the door swung open. Caelyn came to a screeching halt as she took in the two of us. “Whoops, I’m so sorry. Are we interrupting?”

I straightened in my seat, pushing to my feet. “Nope. Ford was just leaving. Thanks again for dinner.” I said it all without once making eye contact with the man in question.

“Promise me you’ll call if you see or hear anything suspicious.”

“I will.” I wouldn’t. I’d get my bat, and I’d call Sheriff Raines, or “Sheriff Hotstuff” as Caelyn liked to call him.

Ford muttered a curse, knowing I was lying through my teeth. “I’ll be downstairs until close.”

Kenna let out a low whistle as soon as the door closed behind Ford. “That was…”

“Hot as hell?” Caelyn suggested.

“Don’t,” I warned and quickly gathered up Ford’s and my trash, throwing it in the garbage bags along with the remnants of my ruined apartment.

“Bells, we don’t have to talk about it, but something is going on between the two of you.”