But that sound... Was that panting? That didn’t feel very dreamy. She tried to hang on to the dream, but the sound of heavy breathing wouldn’t stop. She finally gave up and opened her eyes. And stared right into the face of a giant brindled grizzly bear, just inches from her face. She flinched backward with a cry, which made the warm body beneath her—wait, there was actually a warm body beneath her—move and mutter something. Whatever had been holding her relaxed, which started her sliding toward the giant bear, which was now whining worriedly. She grabbed for purchase to stop sliding, and the muttering under her turned to a yell of pain. But something caught her waist to prevent her fall.

Where was she and whose body was under hers?

She started to panic, pulling away as the dog—okay, it was a dog, not a bear—jumped backward. Wait...was that Duke? Which meant...

“Zayne? What the...”

“Whoa, easy, girl. I’m trying to hang on to you.”

“Yeah? Well, you’d better let go of me right the hell now.”

“Okay...” He loosened his grip, and she began to slide again. She swore, and Zayne sat up in one smooth motion, catching her and bringing her upright with him.

“Jesus. Do you always wake up this salty?”

“What the hell is happening right now? Am I in your house? Were we just sleeping together?”

She looked around the dark room. The only light came through the door from the kitchen, but she could see the living room was cozy and neat, with a large fireplace and lots of leather furniture. A man’s home, for sure, but comfortable.

Zayne scrubbed his hand down his face. “What time is it? Two? Ugh...go back to sleep.”

“I will not.” She stood, doing her best not to stumble over Duke, who was watching with a great deal of interest.

“Be careful...” Zayne’s voice sharpened, and he reached out to hold the hem of her blouse. “Oh, you’re standing on your own. Good.” He smiled up at her. “You weren’t doing too well at that when I got home and found you passed out at the desk.”

She remembered sitting at his desk, thinking she’d just close her eyes for a minute as the data loaded. That was at seven. That was hours ago. She covered her burning cheeks with her hands. Fragments came back. Being carried? She heard herself saying she could drive, and Zayne’s responding laughter. He gave her water at some point. She took a deep breath. At least they were both still fully dressed.

“I am so sorry. I have to go home...”

“It’s two in the morning. Lie back down and get some sleep. I’ll move back to the chair.” He stood, stretching with a loud groan. “Do you want more water to drink? Something to eat? When was the last time you ate?”