Kay turned back to the refrigerator and fiddled with the containers she’d just placed in there. Even though she didn’t want to leave the other woman alone with Eli, it didn’t mean she didn’t empathize with her. She knew exactly what it felt like to want a man, all the while knowing he was way out of your league.

Although she didn’t really understand why the other woman was acting threatened by her being here. His assistant was slim and pretty with the kind of body that Kaylee could only wish for. If that wasn’t good enough for Eli, then her own chances with him were officially less than zero.

“I’ll be going back home soon, yes. I’m not sure when though. Either way, I won’t be accessible by phone or e-mail for a while. Just tell everyone I’m on vacation.”

“Vacation?” The incredulity in her voice was hard to miss. “But you never go on vacation. Not really. You were checking e-mails on Christmas.” There was a long silence before she said, “I guess you really are going home.”

Kay didn’t turn around until she heard the front door close quietly. Eli still stood at the counter, his shirtsleeves pushed up to reveal his thick forearms. His eyes rose to hers. “Sorry about that.”

“When did you guys break up?”

A small smile tugged at the edges of his lips. “Was it that obvious? I should have known you’d catch on. Smart girl.”

Kay ignored the sharp thrill of pleasure his words brought. She shouldn’t care so much that Eli thought she was smart. “I have some experience with being rejected.”

Eli stood up straight, his jaw tight. “I hope you’re not comparing me to the asshole you were dating last summer?”

“No. You’re nothing like Craig. I’m just saying that even when the guy is trying to let you down easy, it still hurts to want something you can’t have.”

Eli came over and planted a hand on the counter next to her, blocking her in. Kay took a deep breath and then immediately regretted it. He was so close and he smelled so good. Now she would have his scent on her brain for the rest of the night.

“Kay, about the other night—”

She held up a hand to stop him. “I think we’ve already said all we need to say. You’re not interested in settling down. I get it.”

He opened his mouth to protest, then seemed to think better of it. “Like I said, it’s just not possible.”

“I think we have different ideas about what that word means. You say not possible, but I say not interested. And that’s okay.”

Eli regarded her with a tense look before he finally gave a sharp nod. “I set up the playpen in the third bedroom already. My mom sent along some sheets and baby blankets in case you need those.”

“Thank you. I’ve just been putting her in warm pajamas. Then I don’t stay up all night terrified that she’ll get tangled up in a lot of bedding.”

Eli followed behind her as she carried Hope down the hall.

“I’m going to rock her for a while. It’ll probably take her a little longer to fall asleep since we’re in a new place.”

“Okay. Don’t forget, the motion detectors will be on tonight, so you’ll need to disable it to walk around during the night.”

“I doubt I’ll be walking around. I didn’t realize until just now how tired I am.”

“Goodnight, Kay.”

He stood in the hallway watching her until she closed the door.

ELI TURNED OVER for the hundredth time and punched the pillow on the empty side of the bed. This was the only one of his residences where clients weren’t allowed. What the hell had he been thinking to bring her here?

Oh right. He hadn’t been thinking. That was it. He’d been running on pure, unbridled instinct.

It had been late by the time they’d arrived, so he hadn’t expected Kay to ask to see his room. Now he had to field her questions about everything. She’d want to know why there were no decorations anywhere. Why he didn’t have any personal items in the house.

Why he kept his bedroom door locked?

“Damn. I might as well get up at this rate.” He shoved the heavy comforter back and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Shadows fell across the bedspread. He’d opened the curtains before going to bed to allow the silvery light of the moon to illuminate the room.

A black robe hung over the end of the bed, so he stuck his arms through the sleeves and belted it at the waist. She’d said she wouldn’t be roaming the house, but he’d wear it just in case. He’d held himself in check when she’d caught him half-naked at her apartment. It wouldn’t be so easy for him to do that in his own space with an inviting king-size bed only a few feet away.

The hallway was quiet and dark, the only sound the pad of his feet as he walked. He punched in the security code and waited until the lights flashed green before he entered the living room. It was colder out here, the wood floor under his feet like a block of ice. He crossed the room quickly and entered the kitchen. Carly had brought a wide range of items, so he could always make himself a sandwich or at the very least have a glass of milk. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out several items.

When he looked up, Kay stood at the entrance to the kitchen. He took a step forward and then stopped. She wore a long T-shirt and nothing else. As his body tightened at the sight of her legs, he was suddenly immensely happy he’d worn the thick robe.

“Sorry, did I wake you?”