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He touched his forehead to hers. “Best meal I’ve ever had. Don’t tell my mother.”

She giggled. “If I meet her, I’ll keep your secret.”

His gaze turned serious. “I know you would. And I want you to meet her.”

“Well, that’s something, isn’t it?” Her stomach fluttered with excitement that this was really happening. He liked her. He wanted to be with her.

“Make me a promise.”

“What?” She felt a little dazed by this man and how, when he opened up, he didn’t hold back.

“If you feel like this thing with Rick is turning into something that even remotely makes you scared, you’ll call me or tell me right away. Not when he’s finally crossed a line, but before any of that happens,and you feel like it’s not just awkward but possibly dangerous.”

“Okay.”

“Have you told your whole family about him yet?”

“Just my mom, dad, and Hunt know.”

“Tell your brother and sisters. They’re at the bar the most with you. They’ll have your back when I’m not there.”

“I’ll be okay,” she assured him.

He hugged her close. “I’ve seen people turn on others with no provocation.”

She slid her hands up his back and held him tight. “I promise I will let you know if this escalates in any way or I simply can’t take it anymore and want him gone.” She heard how that sounded. “Not gone-gone. Just away from me.”

He stepped back and mock-glared at her. “Do you think I’m going to shoot him or something?”

She raised a brow and tested him. “If I asked you to, would you?”

“No.” The disgruntled and offended look he gave her told her he meant it.

“I wouldn’t ever want that, anyway.”

He brushed his hand down her hair again. “You’re too sweet and kind to do anything like that.”

“You should ask Jax what I’m capable of.”

There was that almost grin again. “I bet you can hold your own. I just don’t want you to have to do it.” He kissed her quickly. “We’re both stalling my leaving.”

“It’s worked so far. I’ve gotten a few more kisses, and you seem to like petting me.”

He brushed his fingers through her hair and actually smiled. “Your hair is so soft.”

“So is yours.” She went up on tiptoe, pressed her nose to his, looked him in the eyes, and ran her fingers through his longish light brown hair, the ends of which were brushing the collar of his thermal. “Say goodbye to me.”

“Never.” He kissed her again, soft and sweet, so tender it made her eyes tear up. “See you soon.” He touched her chin with the pad of his thumb, then released her all at once, like if he didn’t he’d just keep holding whatever was still in his hands. He grabbed his jacket and pulled it on, then headed for the door.

“See you soon, M.”

He turned before he stepped out the door, the cold air hitting the back of him. “Can I tell you a secret? Something you promise not to tell anyone or ask me more about it.”

“I promise not to tell or ask anything more about it. For now.”

“Mis the first letter of my real name.”

A smile so big it hurt her cheeks came over her. “Thank you for sharing that with me.” It felt like a gift, this small bit of trust.