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He chuckled as he moved to sit in the patio chair beside her. “I wasn’t sneaking. You were asleep. How long have you been out here?”

“What time is it now?”

“Almost midnight. Are you alright?”

She settled back in her chair, crossing her arms over her middle. She stared into the darkness, picturing the pretty lawn, sprawling shade trees and rose bushes which released a delightful scent on the night air.

“I’m fine. I was too keyed up to sleep. I came out here so I wouldn’t bother anyone. It’s so peaceful out here. I guess it lulled me to sleep.”

Zane leaned forward, propping his arms on his thighs. “It’s not safe for you to be out here like this. Especially when Sam thinks you’re inside fast asleep.”

She sat up straighter. “Is Seth out of jail? How does he even know I’m here?”

He reached out to cover her hand with his. “Relax. I didn’t say that to scare you. I want you to be careful.”

She stared down at their joined hands, the warmth from his palm radiating up her arm. “Is he out of jail?”

He withdrew his hand, and she bit back a protest. She enjoyed his touch too much to want him to stop, even though it probably wasn’t a good idea. She was a client of his. They were alone on his mother’s patio. Her niece and nephew were just inside. Nothing about this was a good idea, but a part of her wanted to indulge in the comfort he offered.

“He made bail.”

“Well, we knew it would probably happen. Do you think he’ll show back up at my place?”

“He would be stupid to do that, but we’ve upgraded your security. If you’re afraid to go home, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.”

She stood and moved to the edge of the patio. She was amazed at how tempting his offer was. She’d fallen in love with his childhood home and his mother. Maggie even put Mathias and Marlowe at ease, keeping them laughing and smiling while they helped her with dinner preparations. Their little family felt whole for the first time since Jennifer and Dean’s death.

“I can’t stay. That house is our home, and I can’t allow him to run us out. I just hate to leave Marlowe and Mathias there alone while I’m back at work tomorrow.”

She sensed rather than heard him move. When she felt the heat from his body, she realized all she had to do was turn in place and be close enough to fall into his arms. What she couldn’t figure out was why she suddenly wanted to.

“I don’t know if I like the idea of you going back to work.”

She did turn around at this, and though her breath caught at the impact of his proximity, she forced herself to focus more on the conversation than on how good he smelled, all woodsy and masculine.

“I have to go to work. I need this job.”

“And if he’s there?”

“Then I hope he doesn’t try to seek me out. He works on a different floor than I do, so there shouldn’t be any reason for our paths to cross. I’ll be careful.”

He ran the back of his index finger down her cheek, reaching to tuck her hair behind her ear. “I’ll have an investigator there with you. If he makes a move, someone will be there to intervene.”

“I’d rather the investigator watch my kids.”

His hand trailed down her arm, causing goose bumps to pop up on her skin. “We have more than one. I’ll make sure you and the kids both are protected.”

“You can’t watch out for us forever. Eventually, we have to go back to our life with just me and the kids.”

He dipped his head, his breath caressing her skin. “Nah. It’s not just you and the kids. You have friends now, Bridget. You can call on us. You don’t have to do it all on your own.”

“Why?” she whispered. “Why would you do any of this for us? For me?”

“It’s what friends do. Besides it’s what we do.”

“I don’t want to be some damsel in distress for you to rescue. If that’s all I am, then I’d rather do this alone. I couldn’t pay you, and I won’t be a charity case. But if what you said is true, then I can definitely use a friend.”

He held her hand loosely, and she could almost see a teasing smile curving his lips. “Do I treat you like a damsel in distress?”