He stepped close enough that no one could overhear them. His face was all hard, angular planes. A handsome face, one that was only gaining character as he aged. “You hanging in?”

“Sure.”

His welcome smile faded. “Truth, Red.” His eyes were filled with concern, and there was a seriousness to his mouth that made her feel like throwing herself in his arms and having him pull her in tight and keep her safe.

A direct contrast to the reminder she’d just given herself about him being only a stress relief. She reminded herself that she was ill-equipped to deal with anything deeper. “I’m good. How are your shins?”

“Bruised.” His eyes were warm and soft on hers. “Did you sleep okay after I left?”

“Sure. There was no one to steal the blankets.”

“You know damn well who steals the blankets, and it isn’t me.” He rubbed a thumb over the dark smudges beneath her eyes. “What time are you leaving?”

“Change of plans. I’m going to stay until everything is settled again. The insurance stuff.”

“As opposed to other stuff.”

“Like?”

His gaze held her for a tenuous beat, then he shook his head. “Let’s start with what I came here to do before we head down a road you’re not ready for.” He gestured to his clipboard. “Ready?”

Her heart clutched. No. No, she wasn’t ready. “How about that weather, huh?” She fanned her face. “It’s sure a hot one.”

His eyes filled with regret. “We have to do this.”

“I know.” It was his job, but the thought of reliving it made sweat pool at the base of her spine. “Sure you wouldn’t rather talk about my rug burns?”

The muscle in his jaw worked for a moment as he wrestled with his professionalism. It was fascinating to watch. “Maybe we can save that for a later conversation,” he finally said.

“I’d really rather talk about—”

“Red. I’m sorry.”

So calm. She wondered how many of the twelve years that she’d been gone it had taken him to master his control like that.

If only he could teach her to do it.

“Let’s sit,” he suggested.

She let him lead her to the small love seat by the refrigerator across the room from where Camille was pouring tea for Kenny.