She drops her arms and lowers her lashes. Hips swaying, she closes the short distance between us and pushes me back against the desk I’m leaning on. “Do you want a repeat?” she asks in a husky voice that has my dick standing at attention, begging, “Yes, please!”

I drop my forehead against hers, staring into her eyes, inhaling her scent. “More than anything. But as you pointed out, not the best time.”

I grab her hands, tugging her closer. “Tell me what happened.”

“Nothing.” She pulls one of her hands free and rubs her fingers over the hollow at the base of her neck. “I’m not sure.”

At least she dropped the sneeze excuse. That’s progress.

Understanding dawns on me. “Something to do with what we talked about yesterday?”

Her eyes harden and she steps back. “No.”

“Lilly, I need to know, so I can help you.”

“I’m fine,” she insists.

“Please let me help you.” I’m practically begging now. And I haven’t begged anyone for anything in a long damn time.

“I don’t know, okay? Yes, maybe talking about it after so long brought stuff up for me.”

“Okay, but what?”

Her hands curl into fists. “I don’t know.” She backs away and claws at her throat, struggling to breathe again.

“Lilly.” Jesus Christ, I didn’t mean to push her right into another attack. Not sure if she needs comfort or space, I stand there with my arms curled around her body, but not quite touching.

Finally, she rests her forehead against my chest and I gently rub her back. “I’m sorry,” she whispers.

“Why?”

“This isn’t me. I’ve already dealt with this. It’s done. I’m fine.”

I hug her tighter. Dealt with it is probably too optimistic. More like buried the pain so she could move forward and care for our son. I’m not a damn doctor, though, and I don’t have a fucking clue what to do for her. “Lilly, do you think you need to talk to someone?”

She plants her hands against my chest and pushes me back. “No. Talking about it is what brought this on.” She glares at me. “I’m fine.”

Maybe she’s right. She sure seemed to have her shit together before I forced the truth out of her. I hold up my hands in surrender. “All right. I just want to help you. That’s all.” I touch her face, grip her chin so she’ll look at me. “I love you.”

“I love you too. I don’t want that in your head every time we’re together, Z. Please.”

“Lilly, you’re the strongest woman I know. And I love you more than anything. Absolutely nothing will ever change that.”