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Gripping her hands, I pulled her out of the seat, shutting the door. She embraced me and snuggled into my chest. “You’re like a blanket. So warm. So perfect.” Then she sniffed at me. “And you smellsogood.”

Go on. Keep the sweet talk coming, baby.

I’d be a fool if I didn’t capitalize on this affection. Only a stupid man would let this opportunity slip by. I wrapped my arms around her, protecting her from the cold.

She peered up at me. “Are you sure you’re strong enough to carry me? I don’t want to hurt your back.”

“I’m strong enough for you, Tulip.”

She giggled. “I like that nickname.”

I crouched. “Hop on, baby.”

She climbed onto my back and wrapped her arms around my neck. Her warm breath tickled my ear and sniffed me again. “I love the way you smell.”

Grinning, I secured her legs around me and walked into the building, heading to the elevator. The security guard glanced at me, recognized who I was, and smiled.

I owned this building so I could do whatever I wanted, no matter how silly it seemed. But a piggyback ride was reserved only for her. I got to the elevator and waited. No one was in the hallway. Not that I cared if someone walked by.

She pinched my cheek. “You’re so adorable! I love piggyback rides.”

I laughed. “You’re so weird.” The elevator opened, and we got in.

Her floor arrived, and I made my way there.

“I’m gonna cling to you forever.” She tightened her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. “Thank you for being so nice.”

I paused a moment, allowing her words to settle in me.

When I walked again, I slowed my steps.

“This is the nicest dream I’ve had in years.”

She slid off my back, and I missed the connection. She dug into her purse for the key and opened the door. I kicked offmy shoesand hung up my coat. She wobbled, so I removed her coat and shoes and helped her to the couch.

“You should goto bed,” I said.

“No.” She grabbed my hand, dragging me down beside her. “I want to keep dreaming. I enjoy holding your hand.”

The admission made me smile. She was confessing so many things tonight.What would happen when she found out tomorrow? Would she even remember anything?

“So what did I do that made you ignore my texts?”

She sneered at me. “Are you back with your ex?”

“No. Why do you think that?”

“I saw you and her at Ormon’s. She was all over you. I didn’t like it.” She extracted her hand from my grip. “You lied to me. I thought you liked me.”

“Idolike you.” I snatched her hand back into mine. “Very much. Let this sink in: I’mnotseeing anyone. I was at the restaurant for business. Just networking.”

She scowled. “But Isaw you and her on the sidewalk earlier today too. Why are you always with her?”

“You’re the one who’s always on my mind.”

“I am?”

“Yes, Tulip. I can’t stop thinking about you.”