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I was stunned. “That’s very thoughtful, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Jen–“

“Tyler, you didn’t answer me. Why did you come over last night?”

“I told you, I wanted to finish the conversation you started yesterday. If it makes you feel any better, my date was a disaster.” He gave an exaggerated shudder.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Really? What was so bad?”

He summarized the evening, imitating some of the more amusing highlights which made me chuckle, even though he was talking about another woman. Obviously wouldn’t be seeing her again, pleasing me immensely. But I still needed to know one more thing. “I’ll ask you one more time. Why did you come here afterward?”

“Jen, I only went on that date because you told me I couldn’t have you. But the entire time I was out, all I could think of was how I wished it was you with me. If you can’t give me more than friendship, I’ll have to respect your wishes, but I wanted to make sure I hadn’t lost that part of you.”

I couldn’t stop the tear that ran down my cheek. “Oh, Tyler. I’m so sorry I’ve been so confusing to understand. You do, you do have my friendship.”

He pulled me onto his lap and hugged me tight. “I should warn you of something, though, Jen.”

“What’s that?”

He pulled back and looked down at me. “Friends don’t let friends sleep in hot places.”

I couldn’t help it; I began to howl with laughter. I never knew what was going to come out of his mouth. “Are you saying you can’t handle the heat, Doc?”

“Only if I’m the one creating it,” he growled back at me.

The gleam in his eye helped me to know exactly what he meant by that. I felt my face turn red.Mission accomplished, Doc. How come no one else has this effect on me?I wondered.

“So pack your bag and come home with me, kitten. I promise to keep it cool,” he said.

I thought for a minute. His beautiful and cooler house did sound much better than my small, hot apartment. But I decided to set my own terms.

“I’ll come on one condition, Doc.”

“What’s that, beautiful?” He looked amused.

“You play the piano for me.”

He drew back, as if in shock. I stayed silent, sitting motionless in his lap. He stared at the floor for several minutes, swallowing hard several times. I could see the vein in his neck throbbing, and I knew he was struggling with his answer. Finally, he looked up at me. “Okay, Jen. For you. I’ll do it for you.”