From those interactions, Annika learned that Mitch spoke at home and for his speech therapist, but Annika had yet to hear his voice. Even with the special education department and the school counselor in communication with the parents, they were having a hard time figuring out what was happening. In a moment of frustration, she had spoken to Daniel about it. Mitch was her student, and she was moved to find a way to help him.

“Not yet, and the other kids are picking up on it. They interact with him less and less.” She informed him over her shoulder as she continued back to the kitchen and removed her coat.

“What about the parents?”

Annika hadn’t shared with Daniel what Mitch’s father had said to her, and she didn’t feel the need to do so now.

“The mom tells me what goes on at home. We’re working together on trying to figure out what’s going on.” She dropped her backpack and surveyed the kitchen. New cabinets, a fine stainless-steel countertop below them and gorgeous shelves made up the new and improved kitchen. It looked done. Her heart sank a bit. “Wow!” She forced some excitement into her voice as she called out to the front. “You finished.”

“Well, just about.” His voice was almost in her ear.

She started. She hadn’t heard him come up behind her. Despite the heat coming off his body, she was suddenly frozen and at a loss for words.

“I just need to get a few knobs, and we’re all set back here.” Daniel walked past her, a grin playing at his mouth.

His subtle earthy scent did nothing to slow her heartbeat. This was not good. She couldn’t possibly have feelings for him. It was a physical reaction. He was undoubtedly hot, that was all it was. Because there was no way her parents would go for a guy who was a nurse practitioner. Not when Sajan was a surgeon. Not when the last guy she chose on her own had been such an asshole.

“Then I guess you won’t be coming back.” She tried to keep the sadness from her voice as she looked up at him. She failed.

He stepped close enough that his body—that very fine body—blocked out her view of everything else, and his scent surrounded her. She could get lost here. He smiled down at her, his eyes never leaving hers. “Well, I’m addicted to Mrs. P.’s cooking. And I do need somewhere to stare at my bourbon.”