She was recalling spicy aftershave and strong arms, a muscular chest pressed hard against her breasts, a square chin resting on top of her short, wavy dark hair. It had been a moment out of time when she felt safe and warm and...cared for. She caught her breath as those sensations she’d felt washed over her even in memory. She moved restlessly in the bed. She had to get her feelings under control before she went back to work. It wouldn’t do to have Banks notice how she felt about him. She had to be careful. He thought of her as a kid. He even called her that. He was a kind man, but his kindness had been impartial. She had to try to remember that.

She was dozing when the front door unlocked and Tad burst in just ahead of tall, handsome, blond Cal Hollister.

“I’ve got soup and parfait,” he called. “Putting them into dishes as we speak.”

“Thanks,” she called hoarsely.

“Gosh, I’m sorry you’re sick, sis,” Tad said, patting her hand on the coverlet. “I was afraid you wouldn’t even make it to work. Can I get you anything?”

“No, thanks, honey. I’m good.” She gave him a wan smile. Her chest was still giving her fits.

“Cal and I had supper already, but we brought yours home. Can I go play my video game?”

“Sure.”

“Okay. Thanks!”

“Do you have homework?” she called after him.

“Just math. I’ll do it before I go to bed. Honest.”

“You’d better,” she chided.

Cal came walking in with a bowl of soup and a packaged Greek parfait. “Can you sit up?”

“Yes.” She propped herself up, keeping the covers up to her collarbone. “This was so sweet of you. Thanks a million. I’ll pay you back...”

“I’ll paste you one,” he threatened. “Well, I won’t hit you. I’m an officer of the court and a gentleman, so I never strike a woman. But you won’t pay me back. Period.”

“You were the nicest boss I ever had,” she said as she started to ladle the delicious chicken soup into her mouth.

“I was the only boss you’d ever had until you deserted me to work for the Texas Rangers,” he said, chuckling as he pulled out a chair and dropped down into it. “God, I’m tired,” he mused. “Police commissioner called a meeting and we sat around the table for the better part of two hours listening to a boring speech about something.”

“About something?” she teased.

“Well, I wasn’t really listening,” he said. “I didn’t sleep last night. I was trying not to drift off. It might have been a career-ending move.”

“You should see one of those sleep specialists.”

“Oh, that would help,” he said sarcastically. He ran a hand through his short, straight, blond hair. “The memories get to me sometimes.”