Silence reigned in the car for almost a full minute. Blake turned west, away from Cocharan House and toward Summer’s apartment building.

“I’ll just take a cab,” she said lightly.

“What you’ll take is a couple of aspirin, right before I draw the shades and tuck you into bed.”

God, that sounded like heaven. Ignoring the image, she set her chin. “Just because I depended on you—a little—while that woman was plying her needle, doesn’t mean I need a keeper.”

There was a way to convince her to do as he wanted. Blake considered it. Perhaps the direct way was the best way. “I don’t suppose you noticed how many stitches she put in your arm.”

“No.” Summer looked out the window.

“I did. I counted them as she sewed. Fifteen. You didn’t notice the size of the needle, either?”

“No.” Pressing a hand to her stomach she glared at him. “Dirty pool, Blake.”

“If it works…” Then he slipped a hand over hers. “A nap, Summer. I’ll stay with you if you like.”

How was she supposed to deal with him when he went from being kind, to filthy, to gentle? How was she supposed to deal with herself when all she really wanted was to curl up beside him where she knew it would be safe and warm? “I’ll rest.” All at once, she felt she needed to, badly, but it no longer had anything to do with her arm. If he continually stirred her emotions like this, the next few months were going to be impossible. “Alone,” she finished firmly. “You have enough to do back at the hotel.”

When he pulled up in front of her building, she put out a hand to stop him from turning off the engine. “No, you needn’t bother to come up. I’ll go to bed, I promise.” Because she could feel him tense with an objection, she smiled and squeezed his hand. I have to go up alone, she realized. If he came with her now, everything could change. “I’m going to take those aspirin, turn on the stereo and lie down. I’d feel better if you’d go by the kitchen and make certain everything’s all right there.”

He studied her face. Her skin was pale, her eyes weary. He wanted to stay with her, have her hold onto him for support again. Even as he sat beside her, he could feel the distance she was putting between them. No, he wouldn’t allow that—but for now, she needed rest more than she needed him.

“If that’s what you want. I’ll call you tonight.”

Leaning over, she kissed his cheek, then climbed from the car quickly. “Thanks for holding my hand.”

Chapter Ten

It was beginning to grate on her nerves. It wasn’t as though Summer didn’t enjoy attention. More than enjoying it, she’d come to expect it as a matter of course in her career. It wasn’t as if she didn’t enjoy being catered to. That was something she’d developed a taste for early on, growing up in households with servants. But as any good cook knows, sugar has to be dispensed with a careful hand.