Theo stepped forward and smiled. Sarafina’s mouth snapped shut. “It’s my fault. Sarafina and I have been seeing each other for a while, and when I saw how much she was grieving the loss of her foster mother, I insisted she drop everything and come away with me.” He paused. “I didn’t even let her pack a bag, which is why she’s wearing my clothes.” He stepped to Sarafina and took her into his arms, pulling her up against his side. “Isn’t that right, sweetie?”

Sarafina stiffened. “Uh.” He rubbed his hand along the chilly skin of her upper arm. “Uh,” she said again.

“Wow, Sarafina. Dating for a while? You never told me. What about Alex? You guys just broke up like two weeks ago!” Maria gasped and grinned mischievously. “Were you cheating on him?”

“Did I say a while?” Theo asked. “Actually, we just met. It just feels like I’ve known her a long time.” He pressed a kiss to her temple and Sarafina’s eyes widened. “Isn’t that right, snookums?”

“Maria . . .” said Sarafina with a shaky smile. She pulled away from Theo and led Maria toward the door. “I’m really tired. Thank you so much for your concern. You are the best of friends. Once I get myself in order, take a shower, and call Daniel, you’ll be the first person I contact, and I’ll tell you everything.”

Maria grabbed her purse off a small bright red and blue painted table by the front door. “Okay, you promise to call me? We can go out for mojitos or something.”

“Absolutely.”

Maria hugged her again. “I’m just so relieved you’re all right. Never do that again!”

“I promise. I just . . . just got carried away.” She cast a furtive glance over her shoulder at Theo. “We’re kind of, uh, into each other right now.”

Maria leaned forward and whispered something in Sarafina’s ear, glancing at Theo. Sarafina giggled nervously. Then Maria disappeared out the door.

Sarafina turned. “Thanks. I had no idea what to say.”

“What did she whisper to you?”

She smiled, her eyes sparkling. “No wonder, he’s gorgeous.”

Theo cleared his throat and looked away.

Sarafina laughed. “You’re bad with people, but especially women, it seems. A pity, since . . . well, it’s a pity.”

“It’s a pity since what?” His voice came out a gravelly, low growl and he narrowed his eyes at her.

“Uh, because most women probably think you’re pretty hot. Most women would agree with Maria.”

“Most women? That include you?”

She tipped her head to the side. “Are you . . . flirting with me, Mr. Winters?”

He grunted and turned away from her. “I’ll do the warding now.” While he pulled the proper charms from his stores and cemented them around her windows and doors, Sarafina went into her bedroom and changed out of his clothes.