“Don’t worry about it, Annika.” He cut her off as he pulled up in front of her building. “It’s a lost cause.” He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “I’m sorry. It’s just...me and my dad...basically, he doesn’t agree with how I live my life.”

His face was closed to her, and she knew when a conversation was over. “I get it.” She smiled. “Parents are...complicated.”

Daniel offered more questions than answers. Her parents’ imminent disapproval rang in her ears. Her attraction to Daniel aside, it didn’t really make any sense for her to get more involved with him with all these unanswered mysteries surrounding him. It was as if she was being given fair warning about trouble ahead.

They got out of the car, and he tossed back her keys and got his helmet from the back seat.

“Thanks for driving back,” she said as she started toward her building. He followed. “I thought you were going to see your ex.” She nodded toward his bike.

“Well, yeah. But I’m walking you to your door.”

Annika almost laughed, but he was totally serious. “Not necessary. I’ll be fine.”

He shrugged. “Whatever. Let’s go.”

Resigned, but in no hurry for her time with Daniel to end, she continued toward the building. She unlocked the door, and Daniel held it as he followed her in. When she turned to say goodbye, he grinned. “Your actual door.”

She shrugged and led the way up the steps to her third-floor apartment. Suddenly, Daniel was very chatty, sharing a humorous story about moving Emma into her first apartment, and his ba being firm about putting a small Ganesha in it.

Annika tapped the necklace she always wore, the one with a pendant of the elephant-headed deity. “Remover of obstacles. Can’t ever hurt.”

In front of her door, Daniel stood behind her while she fumbled with her keys. The fact that she could feel the heat from his body did not improve her ability to fit the key into the lock. She finally succeeded and opened the door, motioning for Daniel to follow.

“Might as well have chai before you go,” she said, turning into the kitchen to clear her head.

Daniel stood just inside the doorway, his hands in his pockets, an almost shy smile on his face. He fixed his eyes on hers, and she was forced to rest her hand on the counter to steady herself. “Tempting,” he said, pursing his mouth, suggesting the temptation was more than just the chai.

Annika held his gaze a beat too long before responding. “Of course, you have to go. Sheila.” The thought of him going to see his ex irritated her. She held her hands out. “Well, I’m safe and sound.” A jealous growl escaped her throat. “Thank you.”