The offer surprised him. “I think the moment should be a little more spontaneous.”

“Okay.” She looked at her watch. “It’s four o’clock. I should let you get back to work. Did you want to have dinner later?”

He had to give her credit—she’d gone all in. “Unity, did you have a plan for today?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you driving back tonight? Are you staying? Did you just get in the car and drive over to see me?”

“I didn’t really think much of that through,” she admitted. “I told the guys I was going to be gone, packed a bag and came. I probably should have called, but this seemed more like an in-person conversation. Are you busy tonight?”

She sounded so earnest, he thought, being sucked in by the second. And vulnerable.

“I’m having dinner with friends,” he said. “You’ll come with me.”

“Are they expecting you to bring a date?”

“They’re not expecting me at all, but I’ll call them. I think something low-key will be good for both of us.” He wanted Freddy and Lela to meet Unity. Partly because he liked her but mostly to get their opinion.

The smile returned. “That sounds nice. What time would you like to meet?”

“So you can what? Drive around the city until it’s time to go?”

“I thought I’d find somewhere to stay.”

He was being tested—he got that now. And he knew in his gut that somehow his mother was involved. This was payback for all the trouble he’d gotten into as a kid.

“I have a guest room,” he told her. “The bedroom door has a lock, so you’ll be safe there.”

She moved toward him, stopping when she was inches away. “I don’t have to lock the door, Thaddeus. You’d never do anything to make me feel uncomfortable.”

He was sure she meant the words as a compliment but as she spoke he felt like she’d just cut off his balls.

He was about to suggest they should get her settled when she raised herself on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his. Her lips were soft and warm, with a slight hint of determination.

He stayed perfectly still, not wanting to assume anything. She rested one hand on his shoulder and pulled a bit, as if urging him to bend. He leaned toward her and put his hands on her waist. She tilted her head and moved her mouth against his, parting slightly in an age-old invitation.

Desire slammed into him, making him want to haul her against him and do a whole lot more than kiss. Instead he straightened and eased back enough to break contact. He braced himself for her to cry or bolt, but she only smiled.

“I believe you promised me a validation,” she said, pulling her parking ticket out of her bag. “I like that in a man.”

As easy as that? “You’re okay?”

“Yes.” She sighed. “I’m sorry I’ve made it so hard for you to trust me. I’m okay.”