She stared into those cobalt-blue eyes. “I’m glad you are.”

“You’re finally admitting that.” He kissed her, taking his time. “Now eat.”

She listened to him take a call. He was talking to some banker in Australia. How was she going to make it through the day at the office without giving away the fact that she’d explored every inch of Easton Norcross’ body. In great detail. And wanted to do it again.

She gave an internal groan, and then drank her coffee like it was the elixir of life.

Easton had just finished his call when his phone rang again. He put it on speaker. “Vander.”

“Morning.” Vander’s deep voice. “Harlow there?”

“Yes.” She pressed her hands to the island, her pulse dancing.

“We found your father.”

She sucked in a breath. “Is he okay?”

“Yeah. I have him here at my office.”

She jumped off the stool. “We’ll be right there.”

“See you soon,” Vander said.

Harlow met Easton’s gaze. “He’s all right.” She smiled. “God, I was so worried.”

Easton brushed her hair back behind her ear. “Grab your bag and we’ll go.”

“Wait, what about work? You have meetings this morning—”

“I’ll call Gina to reschedule.”

Harlow’s belly twisted. “I’m causing you so much trouble. I—”

Easton pulled her close. “Do you ever worry about yourself? Or is it just everybody else?”

“Easton—”

He nipped her lips. “This time, I’m taking care of you. You just need to focus on you.”

Harlow knew he liked being in charge and taking care of things as much as she did.

But she was realizing that he needed someone to worry about him, too.

* * *

Before Easton had even finished parking the Aston at the Norcross Security office, Harlow was flying out of the car.

With a curse, he caught her at the stairs leading up to the main floor. He took her elbow.

“You shouldn’t run in those heels. You’ll break an ankle.”

She arched a brow. “You should see what I can do in these shoes.”

He smiled.

Harlow rolled her eyes. “Of course, you’re thinking naughty things.”

He stopped on the stairs and kissed her. “I think naughty things anytime you’re close, Harlow Maree. Nothing to do with your shoes.”

She gasped. “How do you know my middle name?”

“It’s on your employment file. And Vander investigated you, remember?”

She frowned. “Maybe I didn’t understand exactly how much Vander was reporting to you.”

Easton took her hand and started upward. “Your first boyfriend was Brandon Dalton in high school.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“He’s an unsuccessful real estate agent now. Divorced twice.”

She shot him a look.

“Vander is always very thorough. And what he uncovered is that you’re a rare woman, Harlow. One with no secrets.” Easton felt that old, familiar darkness rise. “I’d forgotten that people like you exist.”

Concern crossed her face. “Easton—”